 [ Symptoms ] what are some kid safe natural stool softeners to help with constipation for my 7 year old  my son is 7 years old and we have been battling with constipation for about a year he gets so backed up that it then becomes painful to release once his stool softener starts to work id like to find a natural regularly implemented strategydiet in order to prevent this from happening it is very uncomfortable for him and am worried it may lead to digestion issues down the road [ Disease ] most helpful answer you are very wise to treat your son is constipation with an overall strategy rather than simply treating each episode as it occurs a few suggestions make sure your son is drinking enough plain or flavored water every day you might be surprised what a difference this one change makes try a bowel training routine do not wait for your son to tell you he needs to have a bowel movement it is not uncommon for children his age to retain stool by refusing to go to the bathroom even when they feel the urge they do this for various reasons such as not wanting to interrupt a pleasurable activity in order to take a potty break so be sure to suggest a bathroom break during your daily activities and even verbalize when you yourself are taking a bathroom break in order to set this example of normal behavior do not be afraid to speak to his school teacher about the constipation issue to enlist her or his help to make sure your son takes bathroom breaks during the school day do not treat going to the bathroom as a punishment rather react with approval when he does take the time to go do not rush your son in the bathroom make sure he always knows he has plenty of time to go some people require more time to complete a bowel movement than others make sure your son is diet contains plenty of fiber rich foods such as apples carrots celery and other fruits and vegetables make sure your son gets plenty of exercise of course sweating can lead to dehydration and constipation so keep him hydrated while he runs and plays if all else fails you may add a clear non gritty fiber supplement such as benefiber to your son is milk or other beverage i hope you have discussed this issue with your pediatrician as well this problem should be documented in your son is medical record and of course your doctor will have excellent advice for dealing with this issue best of luck to you my clinical favorite is miralax or generic equivalents this is safe for long term use but consider having him evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist since there can be some underlying reasons for his chronic constipation and perhaps a better solution