Starting school is a milestone in every child's life, filled with excitement and new experiences. However, if your child is not yet toilet-trained, this transition can also be a source of stress for both you and your child. At Pee Paediatric Services (PeePS), we support children aged 5-17 years with their bladder and bowel issues and fully understand the importance of early intervention.
The importance of toilet training before school
Research has highlighted a growing concern: 1 in 4 children start school without being fully toilet-trained. This issue is not just a minor inconvenience; it means that teachers spend an average of 2.5 hours a day managing toileting accidents. The early-years charity, Kindred2, conducted a poll of 1,000 primary school staff, revealing that half of them believe school readiness has worsened over the past 18 months, with schools increasingly taking on roles traditionally managed by parents.
Interestingly, a parallel survey of 1,000 parents of reception-age children found that 91% believed their child was school-ready, indicating a significant disconnect between parental perceptions and teachers' experiences. Moreover, only half of the parents felt solely responsible for toilet training and one in five thought it unnecessary before starting school.
This gap highlights the need for clear guidance and support for parents to ensure their children are prepared for school, especially when it comes to being toilet-trained.
Understanding toilet training challenges
Toilet training can be a daunting task for many parents. If your child isn't reliably clean and dry during the daytime, don't panic. There are numerous reasons why children might struggle with toilet training, and support is available.
Early intervention: PeePS offers tailored support for children aged 5-17, helping them become 'the boss of their bladder’. Starting with conservative measures like fluid intake and toileting routines, we aim to increase parents' knowledge and support children in managing their bladder symptoms.
Children with additional needs: If your child has additional needs, they may require more time and effort to become toilet-trained. At PeePS, we provide specialised information and support to tailor the toilet training process to your child's unique capabilities.
Tips for maintaining a healthy bladder and bowel
Ensuring your child's bladder and bowel are healthy is crucial for successful toilet training. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Fluid intake: Make sure your child drinks a minimum of 6-8 drinks every day. Contrary to some beliefs, limiting fluids to prevent accidents does not work. The bladder needs to be properly filled and emptied to function correctly.
Hydration habits: Let your child choose a water bottle for school and encourage them to use it. Communicate with their teacher to understand the school's policy on refilling bottles and drinking during class.
Positive reinforcement: Praise your child when they come home with an empty water bottle or mention they refilled it during the school day.
Bladder health resources: If your child struggles with staying dry during the day, we provide a useful factsheet on daytime bladder problems and also a ‘Wee Checker’ to monitor their urine colour and hydration levels.
Identifying and managing constipation
Constipation is a common issue that can affect up to one-third of children. It can also lead to bladder problems due to the close relationship between the bladder and bowels. Here are some steps to identify and manage constipation:
Symptoms of constipation: Look for symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements, hard stools or discomfort during bowel movements. Our ‘Poo Checker’ can help you identify your child's poo type and understand what it means.
Treatment: If your child shows signs of constipation, we will provide a handy factsheet on constipation management.
Preparing for toilet accidents at school
For some children, becoming fully toilet-trained before starting school may not be feasible. Toileting accidents are common, especially during the early months of school as children adapt to a new environment. Here are some tips to manage this transition:
Spare clothing: Pack a bag with spare clothes, pants and wipes for your child to take to school.
Communicate with teachers: Inform your child's teacher about their toileting needs and any medical conditions like constipation. This ensures the teacher is prepared and can offer appropriate support.
Making the school transition less stressful
Starting school can be a stressful time, but with the right preparation and support, you can help your child transition smoothly. Here are some tips:
Stay calm: Relax and don't panic! Easier said than done, maybe, but we’re available if your child is unable to stay dry during the day or night and are 5 years or over. We offer a free 15-minute parent discovery call, in which we can discuss your child’s issue more thoroughly.
Healthcare plan. Check the school's medical needs or uniform policy if your child will be wearing protective underwear.
Toilet practice: Practice using different toilets with your child to help them get used to various types of flushes and hand dryers.
Suitable clothing: Choose easy-to-remove clothing for your child, such as elasticated waistbands, to make toileting easier.
Routine: Establish a positive toilet routine by ensuring your child drinks plenty of fluids and uses the toilet 20-30 minutes after meals.
Managing night-time wetting
If your child is still wet at night, don’t worry. Night-time wetting in children is normal and only considered an issue that requires treatment from the age of five upwards. Here are some steps to help manage night-time wetting:
Healthy habits: Focus on maintaining a healthy bladder and bowel. Ensure your child drinks enough fluids during the day and has their last drink an hour before bedtime, followed by a final wee before sleep.
Protection: Use a waterproof mattress cover to protect against accidents.
Starting school is a significant step for any child, and ensuring they are toilet-trained can make this transition smoother and less stressful.
For more information, explore our resources on daytime wetting, constipation and overactive bladder.
Remember: you are not alone, and with the right support, your child can successfully navigate this new chapter in their life.
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