Constipation in children is generally idiopathic, with a prevalence of up to 30%. It can cause chronic pain and can be debilitating to the child. This will have significant implications on the quality of life for both the child and his/her family. This condition often remains underrecognized as families may delay presentation, be looking for more serious pathologies or may feel embarrassed to receive a negative response from the health professionals. A detailed history taken with the help of the parents, along with a review of the Bristol stool form scale will help to establish a clinical diagnosis of constipation in the child. Any children with red flag symptoms should be immediately referred to the specialist services. Dietary interventions alone are not sufficient, and laxative therapy is recommended as the first line in its management. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with a favourable outcome. This article aims to give an overview of the pharmacological management, along with a discussion about the importance of recognizing cow's milk protein allergy as a cause for chronic constipation. Some non-medical interventions which may help to achieve success in managing childhood constipation are also included.