The Things Parents Don't Talk About

We'll talk about sleep schedules for hours. Nap transitions, bedtime battles, early wake-ups: no topic is off limits at school pickup.

But say the word "poop" and suddenly everyone's very interested in their phone.

Here's the thing. Every parent I know has, at some point, worried about their kid's bathroom habits. Too often, not often enough, tummy aches, tears on the toilet. We just don't say it out loud.

Let's fix that.

You're not the only one

Irregularity is one of the most common tummy complaints in kids. It's not rare, and it's definitely not something to be embarrassed about.

Kids' digestion can get thrown off by all kinds of everyday things:

• Picky eating. Beige-food phases rarely come with much fibre.
• Not enough water. Especially when they're too busy playing to drink.
• Holding it. New school bathrooms, busy days, or just not wanting to stop what they're doing.
• Routine changes. Back-to-school, travel, holidays. Little bodies notice.

When it's hard to go, kids can feel cranky, uncomfortable, and even anxious about the bathroom. That's why it's worth talking about, early and openly.

Small things that make a big difference

You don't need a complicated plan. A few simple habits go a long way:

1. Make it a normal conversation. Use real words, keep it light, and let kids know everyone poops. Shame makes kids hold it in.
2. Build in bathroom time. A relaxed few minutes after breakfast or dinner, when bodies are naturally ready to go.
3. Keep water close. A water bottle in the backpack and at the table makes sipping automatic.
4. Add fibre where you can. Fruit, veggies, whole grains, beans. Small swaps add up. (Wondering how much fibre kids need? Here's a quick guide.)
5. Get them moving. Running, jumping, and playing outside help keep things moving inside too.

And if something feels off, like ongoing pain, blood, or big changes that don't settle, check in with your doctor. Asking is always the right call.

Why I built a company around poop

Of all the things I thought I'd build a business around, poop was definitely not on the list.

But as a mom of three, I lived this. I tried to sneak fibre into everything, and most of it got pushed to the side of the plate. I wanted something my kids would actually ask for.

That's how Smoovees started. Each sachet has 4 g of fibre, including 3.5 g from psyllium, with real freeze-dried fruit. Mix it into ¾ cup of water, give it 8 minutes to thicken, and it's ready. It comes in Mango Raspberry and Mixed Berry, and kids just think it's a treat. (Plenty of parents drink it too.)

It's one easy way to support regularity and happy tummies, without a battle at the table.

Let's keep talking

Regularity is a real, common concern. It's also a totally normal thing to talk about, and to solve.

So the next time you're swapping sleep stories at pickup, go ahead and bring up poop. You might be surprised how many parents say, "Oh my gosh, us too."

Know a parent who needs to hear this? Share it with them. It might be the conversation they've been waiting for someone else to start. And if you're the bathroom-door-waiting type, you'll like this one too.

xo Rikki
Founder, Smoovees