Helping children with daytime urinary incontinence

Something that any teacher or summer camp counselor can easily implement with the help of parents.

Daytime urinary incontinence is very common in preschool children and can continue into kindergarten and elementary school. In fact, urinary incontinence is typically observed at least once a week in 3% of 6-year-old girls. Not only are accidents embarrassing for children, but they also pose a challenge for teachers and those around them. If you are a teacher, instructor, or parent and encounter this problem during the day with children, here are some tips for dealing with the situation effectively:

• Be available to the children and let them know you're there to help them in case of a minor accident. It's important to downplay the situation if an accident occurs.
• If the parents of a child affected by this issue have not contacted you, we advise you to do so and discuss it with them.
• Some parents already have a strategy in place and it is important to be able to discuss it in order to apply it in turn.
• Ask the child's parents to provide extra outfits, which will make your job easier and boost the child's morale in case of minor accidents.
• Always remember to take toilet breaks and make sure to check that the child has emptied their bladder completely.

We can give you this idea:

By using a reminder watch that will alert the child at specific times when it's time to go to the toilet. This is called setting up a bladder schedule. Don't hesitate to recommend solutions such as timed bladder watches and/or absorbent underwear specially designed for children.

Improving the quality of "pee breaks"

A calm and confident child will have less trouble emptying their bladder in the toilet. And if the child is prone to accidents during the day, you'll need to be even more careful during this time. We offer some tips to make your job easier and help the child feel more peaceful during these toileting sessions:

• Encourage girls to remove at least one leg of their trousers (or tights), and to bend forward with their elbows on their knees to relax their legs.
• Encourage the boys to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and their knees slightly bent.
• Help younger children by using a small step stool to reach the correct height if the toilet is not adapted to their size.
• Remind him to relax, rather than push.
• Turn the tap so the child can hear the sound of running water.
• Reading stories or talking about things unrelated to the toilet.
• Allow enough time for the child to empty their bladder completely (it may take a few minutes).
• If your child is unable to urinate, reassure them that they can always try again later.
• If you're trying to keep track of bathroom visits on a schedule, arrange for the alarm clocks to vibrate according to her already established schedule. Going to the bathroom at the same time every day is a great way to overcome incontinence and boost her self-esteem.

Overcoming Toilet Phobia

Sometimes, daytime accidents are the result of a child's fear of the toilet. This toilet phobia can make the child uncomfortable using the toilet in unfamiliar places. Perhaps your child uses the toilet well at home, but outside (daycare, school, summer camp, public places) you encounter these accidents related to their fear of going. Once your doctor/pediatrician has ruled out any medical causes, we recommend that you record their urination schedule in as much detail as possible on a calendar, including:

• times, dates when the child goes to the toilet or of the accident.
• the place where the child peed.
• Try to keep track of your food and drink habits.
• Is there a stressful event?

If your child is uncomfortable with the toilet, here are some tips to help you overcome their fear:

• If your child is attending a new school or daycare, arrange a visit to the restrooms together. Be positive and highlight good things about the room.
• When you and your child are outdoors, try visiting restrooms in several different places (for example, the shopping center, movie theater, etc.). Gradual exposure will eventually normalize restrooms for the child.
• If it's at home, suggest that he/she decorate the toilet with pictures and stickers.
• Talk to your child about their fear. There might be a simple misunderstanding that you can clear up for them.