reason children may withhold bowel movements
1 Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry and difficult and painful to pass. 2  Children often develop constipation as a result of stool withholding.3  A child with constipation should see a doctor if symptoms last for more than two weeks. Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements occur less frequently than usual or stools tend to be hard, dry and difficult and painful to pass. 2  Children often develop constipation as a result of stool withholding.