How Constipation Can Affect Behavioral Problems

Constipation affects nearly 30% of young kids, making it one of the most common digestive concerns in early childhood (1). And if your little one has been having more tantrums than usual, trouble focusing, or seems extra emotional, it might be time to consider what’s going on in their gut.

Our digestive system plays a big role in how we feel, physically and emotionally. That means your kiddo’s mood, attention span, and even sleep could be tied to their poop habits. In this post, we’ll cover how constipation impacts behavior, what signs to look for, and what you can do to help your kiddo feel (and act) their best.

How Constipation Affects Mood and Behavior

Constipation can affect behavior in two main ways. The first is through the gut-brain axis - a communication pathway between the digestive system and central nervous system that allows mental health to affect physical health and vice versa. 

For example, most of the body’s serotonin (our “mood regulating” chemical) is produced in the gut (2). That means poor gut health can lead to increased irritability, anxiety, or emotional outbursts.

The second reason is more straightforward: constipation doesn’t feel good. If your little one is bloated, uncomfortable, or dealing with painful poops, it’s going to affect their irritability and patience.

But the tricky part is that many kids don’t know how to verbalize this uncomfortability or even realize that’s what’s bothering them. Instead, you may notice mood swings, meltdowns, or trouble staying focused.

Signs That Constipation Might Be the Issue

Here are some physical and behavioral signs that constipation might be contributing to behavioral issues

• Long trips to the bathroom

• Complaints of belly aches

• Skid marks in underwear

• Fear of using the toilet

• Bedwetting
  

Combined with one or more of the following:

• More tantrums or meltdowns than usual

• Difficulty focusing or sitting still

• Increased anxiety or clinginess

• Resistance to meals or snacks

The Withholding Cycle

A common reason constipation becomes a long-term issue is due to something called withholding. This is when a kid holds in their poop on purpose or without realizing it. It usually starts after a painful or scary bathroom experience, like a hard poop or being startled by a loud toilet.

Once they start avoiding pooping, it creates a cycle. The longer poop stays in the body, the harder and bigger it gets. That makes going to the bathroom even more painful, which reinforces the fear and even more behavioral issues.

What Parents Can Do

If you suspect constipation is part of your kiddo’s behavior challenges, here are some practical steps to regulate their digestion and emotions:

1. Stick to a Routine

Regular wake times, meals, snacks, and bedtimes can help support both digestion and emotional regulation. Predictable routines make it easier for the body to develop consistent poop patterns, and they also help kids feel more secure and less overwhelmed.

2. Track Poop and Behavior

Keeping a simple log of poops and mood changes for a week or two can establish their baseline, see if certain digestive patterns lead to mood changes, and how effective lifestyle changes are. 

It also acts as a communication tool for your little one during a tantrum or mood swing and gives you clear information to share with your pediatrician.

3. Offer Prebiotic Fiber

Probeiotic fiber acts as fuel to good gut bacteria in our digestive ecosystem. It’s great for chronic constipation because it softens poop and produces Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) that help strengthen the lining of the gut and promote long term regular digestion.

Prebiotic fiber is found in foods like bananas, oats, asparagus, garlic, leeks, and more or you can use a prebiotic supplement like Growing Up Prebiotics. It’s a tasteless and textureless powder that mixes seamlessly into food or drinks that can soften stools and optimize digestion. 

4. Use Natural Stool Softeners

Rather than relying on laxatives that can cause diarrhea and don’t treat the root cause of constipation, opt for foods that naturally soften stool for a gentler effect. These fruits are high in sorbitol, a natural stool-softening sugar alcohol:

• Prunes

• Pears

• Apples

• Peaches

• Plums

• Cherries

Summary

Constipation doesn’t just affect your little one’s digestion, but it can take a real toll on their mood, focus, and behavior. The good news is there are simple changes you can make with food, routines, and support to help them feel better and act more like themselves.