Friends daughter aged 4 is having problems pooing or should you say holding on to it because she says it hurts it comes and goes all day sometimes and her bottom is sore from holding on.?

There could be any number of things happening here. If it hurts coming out, this may be due to hard stool. Assuming that is what the problem is, then a mild laxative from the drug store should do the trick. Ask the pharmacist what the best brand is for children.

Of course there may be something more serious happening. If the problem has not cleared up after a couple of days, see the family doctor.