Parenting with IBS can be tricky. As a lifelong IBS sufferer, I have some tips to share on how to parent with IBS. Many IBS symptoms can hold you back (emotionally and physically). I know it myself. These simple living with IBS tips might help you with enjoy an active and fun life with your family…
Parenting with IBS
Don’t hide your IBS. My teens have known for a long time that I have IBS. It’s never been a taboo subject. And by knowing about it…they “get” it. Sometimes I don’t feel well. It is a huge help knowing they understand (I even have a child who takes it upon herself to point out “Mom the washroom is over there” when we go places).
My son is younger. And doesn’t yet understand. For him…I use the following strategies to live our family life with my IBS…
Plan eating. IBS symptoms usually trigger within 90 minutes of eating. So I plan safe foods for myself which are less likely to trigger my symptoms when I’m meal planning.
Plan your activities with IBS in mind. I always know the route and washroom location of any where we go. OK, it’s not a spontaneous life (but IBS has enough spontaneity for me).
Bring a back-up when you have something big. Getting tickets for a live performance for me and the kids worried me because I’d think “What if my IBS acts up?” Solution: buy an extra ticket and bring an adult friend. That way, A) I have a back up adult in case I need to run to the washroom B) we have a friend to share with whom we can share the experience. Also works if you go to an amusement park or the beach.
When IBS hits. And it’s usually sudden. It’s OK to say you aren’t feeling well. To change plans. To stay home. I know I’ve had to “Sorry kids but…” more than once. There are still things you can do…your partner can drive them to the birthday party rather than you. Have everyone put on their pjs and enjoy a movie afternoon in the living room. Rain check the activity.
IBgard
If you are one of the 5 million Canadians experience symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), I’d like to introduce you to nonprescription IBgard, a natural health product that provides clinically proven relief from the following symptoms associated with IBS:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Abdominal bloating and distension
- Urgency of Bowel Movement
Click here on where to buy IBgard
Disclosure: this post is brought to you by IBgard. The opinions, tips, and experiences are my own.
IBS affects more people than we really think. These are great tips!
I have a friend that suffers with this. It is so important to keep them in mind when planning things.
I cannot imagine being a parent and dealing with IBS at the same time. Parenting is already hard enough!
IBS can hit any time, but unfortunately it mostly take place all of a sudden and when one want to go out for an appointment. The timing is always off! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have a friend that suffers from IBS. I will have to share this with her and see if she has heard of IBgard.
These are great tips for parenting when you suffer from IBS. I am glad to hear there are products like IBgard to help.
Great tips! I can’t imaging having to deal with kids and IBS, thankfully there are great products available.
Such helpful advice for parents who struggle with IBS while caring for small children. It’s hard enough caring for infants and toddlers, so it’s always good to have a little help to get you thru the day.
It must be hard to parent with IBS because you always have so many depending on you that you can’t take care of yourself.
IBS is horrible, i have it myself and i don’t wish it on anyone.
You are one tough momma to deal with IBS and still be a loving and caring mom to kids. Glad to know IBGard is there for quick relief.
I don’t suffer from IBS but it’s nice that there is a product to help. A lot of planning has to go into an outing.
Thanks for these tips and helping those that suffer from IBS be able to enjoy the time with family
Bringing a backup friend to an event is a great idea as it will give you peace of mind to enjoy the show