It’s Monday morning. Your child complains of a tummy ache before school - again. You feel that familiar knot of worry: are you missing something important, or is this just part of childhood? Turns out, you’re asking the right questions.
We came across some research recently that made us sit up and pay attention. Not because it told us anything shocking, but because it finally put numbers on something so many of us have been experiencing quietly.
1 in 5 children are dealing with ongoing tummy troubles. In your child’s class of 30, that’s about 6 children whose parents are probably having the same worried conversations you’ve been having.
The “Am I Imagining This?” Moment
You know that feeling when you’re not sure if you’re overreacting? When you wonder if you should book another GP appointment or if you’re being “one of those anxious parents?
The research, done by Irish company PrecisionBiotics, looked at what’s actually happening in Irish families. What they found was both reassuring and eye-opening. The most common issues affecting children:
● Constipation (24% of children with gut problems)
● Diarrhoea (21%)
● Bloating (20%)
But here’s what really caught our attention - it’s not just about the physical symptoms. These tummy troubles are affecting everything:
● Children missing school regularly
● Kids avoiding sports or social activities
● Disrupted sleep for the whole family
● Parents taking time off work
● General worry and stress all around
The Family Pattern Nobody Talks About
Here’s something that made us pause: if you struggle with gut issues like IBS, there’s a 1 in 6 chance your child might too. Suddenly all those conversations in the MummyPages office made sense. How many of us were seeing echoes of our own childhood (or adult) struggles in our children?
Broadcaster Maia Dunphy shared her experience: ”IBS was difficult for me as a teenager until I got medical help. Taking Alflorex as an adult has made a huge difference, and I’m very mindful of supporting my son so he doesn’t go through the same struggles. Gut issues can really affect your daily life, but help is out there, and it’s important for parents to know they’re not alone.”
The School Connection We All Recognise
The research identified triggers that will sound familiar to any parent:
● School worries and stress (Sunday night tummy aches, anyone?)
● Friendship drama (why do gut issues always flare up during social problems?)
● Changes in routine (hello, back-to-school season)
● Family tensions (children’s tummies are like emotional barometers)
● Bullying or social difficulties
Many children in the study experienced symptoms multiple times a month, with some describing genuine pain - not just mild discomfort.
What the Expert Says
Paediatric dietitian Bahee Van de Bor breaks down what this actually means for families: “Gut issues can disrupt a child’s quality of life. Accidents, tummy aches, and disrupted sleep can affect school attendance, learning, body confidence, and even their willingness to participate in sports. Some children also develop a fear of food if they are unsure what is triggering their symptoms.”
That last bit really hit home. How many parents have watched their child become anxious around mealtimes, not knowing what might set off another episode?
The “What Do I Do Now?” Guide
If you’re reading this thinking “this is my child”, here’s what the expert recommends:
Step 1: Start Simple
“Keep a simple symptom diary for at least two weeks. Record stool patterns, stool type, and symptoms such as pain or bloating, and note whether worries, routines or certain foods might be involved.”
Step 2: Don’t Overthink the Food Bit
“Supporting digestive health does not mean making big or restrictive changes. Encouraging regular mealtimes, balanced eating with fibre-rich foods, and giving children enough time for toilet breaks can all help. Avoid cutting out foods without consulting a doctor or a paediatric gut health dietitian, as this can lead to nutritional gaps in the diet.”
Step 3: Consider Extra Support
“For busy families waiting for an assessment, probiotics can be a safe first step. Choose a strain documented in paediatric clinical trials to ease tummy pain, soften hard stools, reduce gas and bloating, and manage loose stools. They can help children feel more confident and comfortable.”
The Healthcare Reality
Here’s a statistic that explains why getting help sometimes feels like an uphill battle: gut problems in children account for up to 50% of paediatric gastroenterology consultations. The system is stretched, waiting lists are long, and many families are left managing symptoms while waiting for appointments.
The Bigger Picture
This research matters because it’s finally giving us language for what so many Irish families have been experiencing. It’s not “just a phase” if it’s happening regularly. It’s not “all in their head” if it’s affecting their daily life. The study found that both the physical and emotional symptoms of childhood gut problems often persist into adulthood. Early support and understanding can make a real difference.
What Happens Next?
PrecisionBiotics has launched something called the Alflorex Children campaign in response to these findings. Their product contains a probiotic strain that’s been specifically studied in children and shown to help reduce symptom severity and impact on daily life.
But beyond any specific product, what this research really does is start a conversation. It validates what so many parents have been wondering about and provides a framework for getting help.
You’re Not Alone (And You’re Not Imagining It)
If your child’s tummy troubles have been worrying you, the research shows you’re absolutely right to pay attention. Trust those parental instincts. Whether it’s keeping a symptom diary, chatting with your GP, asking your pharmacist about gut-friendly options, or simply acknowledging that this is affecting your family - you’re not overreacting. In a typical Irish classroom, 6 children out of 30 are dealing with what your child is dealing with. Six sets of parents are having the same worried conversations you’re having. The difference is, now we have research that says it’s worth taking seriously and practical steps we can take to help.
Brought to you by
Alflorex Children is available in Irish pharmacies, health stores and online here. Always chat with your GP or pharmacist before starting any new supplement. Have you tried probiotics for your children? Share your experiences below - other parents would love to hear what worked (or didn’t work) for your family.
