How do you Doo? Part 3: Get Set – position matters
WEANING: Often times during weaning the texture of baby’s stool will change . The colon and rectum must adapt to this change and expel the firmer, sometimes drier stools efficiently. Many toddlers will undergo transient constipation with FIRM DRY stools and INFREQUENT passage of stools (less than once every 3 days) during this adjustment phase.
WITHHOLDING STOOL: Subsequently a few children, boys more than girls, may develop a tear “FISSURE” because of the hard dry stool. This will cause blood on the tissue or on the stool, and PAIN on the passage of stools and consciously or unconsciously avoiding stooling thereafter.
POTTY TRAINING: After potty training, most children are keen to sit on the toilet like a “big kid”! Many children do just fine on the toilet, but there is a large number of children who struggle to pass stool in that position… feet a dangling.
Dangling vs Potty Squats 
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WE ARE OBSESSED WITH SQUATTING
SQUATTING IS GOOD!
Squatting is the bending of the hip and knee joints simultaneously
It results in a straightening of the rectum and enhances natural relaxation of the anal sphincters.
The Perfect Squat!
Numerous articles have been published about the importance of the squatting position for ease of passing stools. We at Caribbean Tots to Teens do NOT support any particular brand commercial product, but we do like this video explanation of the benefits of squatting seen here.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYcv6odWfTM?rel=0&w=640&h=360]It is important to note that you do NOT need a commercial device, toddlers can be held in the squatting position with their backs towards the adults chest and a steadying hold just below the bended knees. They may also squat naturally when using a potty placed on the floor. Older children (up to about 20 kilograms) can stand on the toilet seat … be sure its sturdy… and squat down OR pull up a drink crate / stepping stool to allow little feet to rest comfortably with the hip and knees bent while sitting.
Does your little one need to be set in position to pass stool? Have you tried and of these techniques? Do you use a technique we haven’t mentioned here? Share with our readers, contact us! We want to know.
How do you Doo? is a series written by Dr Carolyn Jackson that addresses common infant and child stooling issues.
Learn MoreArt Therapy and Autism
Here we share a video from RealLookAutism which demonstrates the use of Art Therapy as a tool in improving social interaction, vocabulary building, decision making skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Not every child is a “fit” for Art Therapy, but this young fellow certainly is engaged in the process. Does you child gravitate towards any art form? DO you think it is important to offer children a variety of experiences in Art? [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc2J6WZvfUY?rel=0&w=853&h=480] Learn MoreHIV and Caribbean Children
The problem is clear.
The questions we ask today are: WHO should be solving this problem and HOW will we cure this pervasive multi-faceted surge on our future? Are our parents, grand-parents, families, teachers, guidance counsellors, paediatricians, obstetricians, psychologists, pastors, or government officials equipped to see the problem for what is really is? Can any or all of these persons make a real difference?
We are a region in jeopardy. Where should we turn?
Thanks Rhonda Blackman for this Barbadian perspective.
Learn MoreIS AUTISM REALLY A PUZZLE? THE POWER OF A CAMERA
I thought my experience with this little boy (whose name I was unable to get) was very profound as it never involved “words” but the true understanding of non-verbal communication and the strength of understanding its power when dealing with someone diagnosed with Autism.
On April 2, 2013, JASA (Jamaica Autism Support Association) put on a presentation at UWI addressing the prevalence of Autism and research that had been done in Jamaica. There was a little boy there who notable made a lot of sounds which for some may have been highly distracting. I discovered later that he had Autism. I happened to have my camera with me taking pictures of the speakers. I saw him through the corner of my eye, etching his way over to me with smiling eyes but would return to where his mother sat. He repeated this action a couple of times. Finally he came over pointing to my camera lens. His ‘words’ sounded like babble but I understood it clearly. He was talking in the best way he could to me about the camera and wanting to play with it. This moment organically evolved as I naturally encouraged him to stand in front of me, placing the camera cord on his shoulders while we explored the camera allowing him to take pictures. He returned to his mom and funny enough he started making the loud sounds again. She immediately sent him back to where I was sitting, which I found amusing. He came over and we explored the camera some more with me telling him how to use the camera. My words may have been too complex but he stayed with me holding and using the camera. Eventually he returned to his mother but was noticeably quieter in his interaction with her.
Later on, I moved to the front of the room to take more pictures of Kathy Chang, Dr. Samms-Vaughan & Dr. Garbutt. We all could hear this little voice shouting (his words were not specific) and running up to where I sat. He came up to me still shouting and touched the camera. It was as if he was saying, “Lesli I want to see the camera”. I allowed him to explore it and took his hand and we walked to the banner entitled “April is Autism Awareness Month” and had him takes pictures with the camera. We returned to the presentation and he was extremely calm compared to before. This little boy was probably no more than three years old and had never met me before but somehow connected and “communicated” with me through the camera. While this may not have been an art therapy session, it was clearly an indication of the power and awareness needed to understand the different ways in which a person diagnosed with Autism may communicate. In this case the camera served as a powerful tool.
Lesli-Ann Belnavis, Art Therapist, Caribbean Tots to Teens
Learn MoreJAMAICA: Free public forum dedicated to children and their well-being.
Knowledge is power! Come, learn, share.
Learn MoreExclusion versus Empowerment
Taking a serious look at teenage pregnancy in Jamaica. What is the crime? Who are the victims?
Learn MoreParents and Teachers Prayer for Students sitting Examinations
Prayer of Parents & Teachers with Students sitting Examinations
KIDS FOR EARTH HOUR | IWIYW I will if you will
How are Caribbean kids raising awareness this EARTH HOUR 2013. Please share your story with us.
Panagiotis is the youngest I Will If You Will participant to date, and he plans on giving up chocolate (and he really really loves chocolate) if 50 people green their balconies. We think he is definitely IWIYW hero material! Balcony ‘gardens’ not only beautify urban cities, but also help absorb CO2. And if you have the space, try growing your own little sustainable garden!
KIDS FOR EARTH HOUR | Earth Hour.
earthhour.org/blog/kids-earth-hour
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M904CXTC31A?rel=0&w=853&h=480] Learn More