Here are two reasons why your gradeschooler may be constipated. Plus, strategies that spell relief.

Constipation Cause: Fussy Eating

Some children in this age range live on white bread and pasta alone, which can back things up. Heard about studies finding that milk allergies can cause constipation? Our experts are doubtful. "I think what happens is kids drink a lot of milk and there isn't much fiber in milk," says Dr. Heyman. "And if you drink mostly milk and eat lots of bread and pasta, then you're not getting enough fiber and can become constipated."

How to Treat: Encourage Healthy Living

Serve some top fiber-filled choices. Beans, for example, make for a tasty Chili base, and a ½ cup contains 7g of fiber. Or mix a tasty trail mix of dried fruit (3 g of fiber per 1/3 cup) and almonds (nearly 4 g of fiber per ounce, which equals 23 almonds). Note: Almonds, like all nuts, can be a choking hazard for kids younger than age 4. 

In addition, you should avoid giving kids soda because it's a nutrient-poor drink that can fill kids up, displacing other healthier foods. But it's also a source of caffeine, and caffeine can cause dehydration and therefore interfere with regularity. "Water's the best choice because it keeps you hydrated and doesn't give you the extra calories that juice or soda do," says Marilyn. K. Tanner Blasiar, a pediatric dietitian and spokesperson for the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association. Last, exercise also helps promote regular bowel movements, says Tanner. 

Constipation Cause: School-Bathroom Fears

"Some kids don't want to use toilets in schools because they're dirty, or don't have doors on the stalls," says Dr. Heyman. Your child's teacher may even have a strict bathroom policy that the kids can only go during class if it's an emergency. At the same time, your child may be too shy to ask for a bathroom pass in front of the class.

How to Treat: Talk it Out

Sit down and talk with your child to see if there's something you can do to help him through this. For example, you can talk to him about wiping the toilet seat with paper before sitting down. Also, encourage him to go to the bathroom in the morning before school or at night after a meal, if possible. "With constipated kids, we often tell them to sit on the toilet for five minutes after breakfast or dinner to get into a habit," says Dr. Heyman.