Don't Really Need Advice, Just Wanted to Vent...

This could lead to some real problems. his Mom should take him to a pediatrician and let the pediatrician discuss the child's diet and possible supplements. Suggest she make an apt before he develops a real problem, constipation can lead to painful bowel movements which lead to a child not wanting to have a BM which leads to encopresis which could lead to an enlarged intestine and should be prevented. My son has problems which no matter how much fiber I added to his diet didnt help.

You need to talk to the director about this. If the child is in daycare from sun up to sun down, how can the mother be totally responsible for the child's constipation? The bulk of his meals are probably eaten at the daycare center. You really can't say that they mom ignores your notes about his constipation. She may be trying things that just aren't working. Try not to assume that they don't care or are doing nothing. My sister went through this with my niece and it took a long time to figure out what would keep her from being constipated. My niece is now a teenager and, to this day, dairy makes her extremely constipated.

Apples will make him more constipated. He needs more water and different fruits. Peaches, pears, sweet potatoes and such will help him poop.

If he is old enough .... apples! With skin. It's the best thing. Sometimes the "pellet poop" can be a result of too much fiber. Is he drinking plenty of water? That's something you can influence.

You need to have a dialogue with the mother. Learn more about what she is or isn't doing and brainstorm with her, rather than sending notes home. If you adjust your approach, you may be able to find more success.... for the good of the kid.

I'm trying to understand what's material about mom being single?

I'm sorry that the little guy is having problems but it could be an overabundance of fiber with too little water that is backing him up too. It could also be a sign of something more severe that requires meidcal treatment and the increased fiber may only be aggrevating the situation.

Instead of self-diagnosing/treating, I would suggest that you or the Director approach his mom with your concern for his health... "I'm concerned because Jr. has frequent, hard stools and he appears to be very uncomfortable. Have you considered discussing this with his pedi?"

You didn't say how old this boy is or I missed it. You also do not say if they provide his food or if you do. You are obviously adding food or providing it. Since he's with you such long days you are just as much in control of this as mom is.

As someone that deals with constant and chronic constipation, I know that you can have what you are describing as a result of massive amounts of fiber. This is one of those things you just have to put up with. You may or may not be helping at all with the extra fiber.

Eating more fruit and fiber are good, but must be accompanies by drinking plenty of water. Fiber without good hydration can actually make the problem worse.

The frequent pooping of small amounts sounds like encopresis, which can become a very persistent problem. It often starts out as constipation, but then a blockage builds up in the colon, and fresh poop sqeezes past a little at a time. There is often localized numbing of the colon, and kids may not even realize they have soiled their pants. It cam be accompanied by cramps and stomach aches.

I'd google the term encopresis, and if the symptoms seem to fit, print out some information for the child's parents. Meanwhile, keep pushing the fiber and liquids when he's with you. You may get additional ideas that would be within your reach when you read about encopresis. Since he spends so much time with you, you may be able to help turn this problem around.

maybe you could have the day care manager try to talk to her?? this is a difficult situation. have you tried going it another approach like talking about all the diapers and how it must be so expensive for her to go through so many or send a note saying that there will be new snacks, fibery ones, and are these okay? i'm not sure, i know my suggestions are probably pretty lame. i feel so bad for the lil guy!

Suggest using magnesium to his mom and/or grandma.

I agree with the prunes as a snack suggestion, but I would also offer prune juice every other day. If you are adding fiber to his diet without results, you may be unintentionally adding to his problem. I don't believe that you should add anything medicinal (enemas, fiber powder, etc.) without a doctor's advice. Many children have this problem. It can usually be treated by adding prunes, raisins, prune juice to the diet and limiting cheese, bananas and other constipating foods. Also physical activity and exercise will assist in moving things along. If the dietary and activity changes do not alleviate his symptoms, his pediatrician should be consulted. Prolonged constipation can lead to serious health issues if left unchecked.

I think prunes would become his new favorite snack.

So are you able to write a report about your observations??? It sounds like the parent is completely not caring about her child's medical problem. I would document each incidence so that you can arm yourself with info for talking with Child services. Maybe they can get someone to go and educate the mom and show her that ignoring this problem is really causing her child pain. Bless your heart for trying to help him!!!

M