My 9year old son still holds his bowell movements. he has done this since he was a toddler. is there any suggestions?

Miralax (polyethylene glycol): This is a common probably and is often due to large, hard, or painful bowel movements causing pain...Therefore a reluctance to pass them. Often i suggest a daily dose of MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) to help soften things up. If this doesn't work, a further work-up often needs to be performed.

Behaviour modificati: At 9 years of age , it is more a behavior issue. He may need some stool softener and drink lot of water, high fiber diet for soft stool so he does not feel pain during bowel movement. Scheduling and encouraging daily bms is a healthy life style, .

Toilet retraining: It is important to give him quiet toilet sitting time 2 times a day to attempt to have a bowel movement. He should not have any games or toys in the bathroom during this time and he should try to gently push to have a bowel movement. Occasionally some children may need a gentle stool laxative to assist with this retraining period. With time and positive reinforcement he should improve.

Time for consult: I would have him seen by his PCP and evaluated for chronic constipation/stool retention. If your PCP is unfamiliar with the issue, contact a pediatric Gastroenterologist or developmental pediatrician.The various problems that lead up to this symptom are complex, and often take months and years to resolve with proper help.