Potty training is one of the common challenges faced during childhood, indicating issues with the excretory system. Many parents get anxious about these incidents of urinary leaks. Factors such as your child’s age, and physiological, and emotional conditions are crucial. Therefore, it’s important to be patient as a Barent and avoid getting angry with your child. You should try to identify the underlying reasons.
Why is my child having accidents? Is it normal for my child to have accidents at their age? What can I do as a Barent? If these questions are on your mind, let’s explore the answers together.
Is It Normal to Have Accidents?
While this might be normal for a 2-year-old, it may not be for a 12-year-old. Therefore, age is a significant factor. Children between 2 and 4 years old begin to develop the ability to hold their urine. Their urinary storage functions improve during this period. With the toilet training you provide, they become more inclined to learn bladder control. As they grow older, these abilities strengthen, and accidents become less frequent.
If your child has an underlying urinary issue or another illness, accidents may be expected. Thus, urinary leaks in children can stem from physiological reasons. If your child is going through a stressful period or experiencing emotional distress, this too can be considered normal. Therefore, before panicking about your child’s accidents, evaluate the conditions they are in. Not every instance of urinary leakage is a major issue. However, if you believe the situation is not normal, seeking support is advisable.
Why Do Children Have Accidents?
Physiological Reasons
Up to 95% of accidents stem from this cause. Your child’s bladder capacity might not have fully developed yet, so they may not sense when their bladder is full.
They might not be able to prevent leaks when they wake up from deep sleep. Thus, accidents occur. Children with conditions like diabetes or kidney problems may also experience urinary leaks. Additionally, genetics play a significant role.
If Barents experienced this issue in their childhood, it might occur in their own children too. Rarely, gender can also be a factor. According to studies, boys experience urinary leakage more frequently than girls.
Psychological Reasons
Our emotions are intertwined with our bodies. Problems can manifest in various ways in the body. Your child may experience these issues due to events they’ve been through. Problems within the household, your negative behaviours towards them, or lack of attention can all contribute. Perhaps your child is trying to get your attention in this way, or it could be due to recent negative experiences.
Events like death, mourning, anxiety, shock, or stress can leave a negative impact on children. Therefore, instead of getting angry with your child, try to understand them. Hold their hand through difficult times.
Observe Your Child’s Day
How much fluid does your child consume in a day? Are they experiencing constipation? Perhaps such simple, unnoticed factors are causing your child to have accidents or urinary issues.
Are they going to the toilet enough? When they go, do they fully empty their bladder? Asking these questions and monitoring your child is beneficial. Because at this stage, the toilet training you provide is important.
How Can Urinary Accidents in Children be Prevented?
Since various factors can cause urinary leaks, providing a specific solution wouldn’t be appropriate. The approach you take will vary from child to child. If you don’t think your child is experiencing leakage due to physical or psychological reasons, you can do the following:
- Reduce your child’s caffeine intake.
- Keep your child away from salty and fatty foods.
- Reduce the consumption of processed foods (these can negatively affect the digestive and excretory systems).
- Take your child to the toilet at regular intervals.
- Ensure the toilet they use is suitable for them (if it’s not at their height, you can provide support for their feet. Your child can comfortably urinate in this way.)
- Avoid giving them fluids before bedtime.
- Establish a habit of going to the toilet before bedtime.
However, these methods may not provide a 100% solution for every child, and your child may need additional support. In this case, progressing with the guidance of an expert would be healthier.
How Can I Tell if My Child is Holding Their Urine?
Holding urine for a specific period can lead to accidents. Therefore, every Barent should pay attention to how their child behaves when they need to go to the toilet. Generally, swaying, crossing their legs, and pressing their buttocks with their hands or heels are observed. In such cases, you can understand that your child is delaying urination. You can immediately take them to the toilet to help them.
How Should I Behave as a Barent?
This situation can be as difficult for you as it is for your child. Your negative attitude may embarrass and distress them further. Therefore, you should pay attention to how you behave. Remember that this issue is temporary. When the right conditions are provided, your child will start to move away from urinary leaks. Avoid blaming them. Try to be patient and understanding. If they don’t have a desire to seek attention, remember that your child isn’t intentionally causing this situation. Make an effort to understand the reasons behind the problem and provide the necessary support as a Barent.
During childhood, every child can experience different problems due to various reasons. Urinary leakage is one of the most common issues. Therefore, rather than postponing the solution to this problem, you should try to identify its source. By showing your child a positive and constructive attitude, you can help them overcome their problem more easily. If you’re struggling to resolve the issue, be sure to seek expert support.
Having accidents is temporary, but the Barenting you show your child leaves a lasting impression. Therefore, just like in positive events, you should maintain a loving approach even in negative events with your child.
