Risks of Kids Making a Habit of Peeing
What you should know about peeing habits in children
Parents often remind their children to go to the toilet before they leave the house or take long car trips: “Just do a quick wee now so we don’t have to worry during our trip!” These phrases, while seemingly harmless, can have a lasting effect on the bladder health of our children if they are ingrained in daily life. It may seem harmless, but if it becomes a habit in our household, it can have a lasting impact on the bladder health of our children.
This blog will examine the long-term and short-term effects of this behaviour on your child’s bladder. We will also discuss what parents can do to help their children develop healthy bladder habits. When to worry about toilet training and why it is important to understand the development stages of bladder control. You’ll know by the end of this post why certain habits can harm your child’s health and how you can guide them to a more natural way of managing bathroom needs.
Understanding Bladder Control in Children
You must understand the basics of bladder control for children before diving into solutions and risks. Bladder control is a gradual process. Children usually show some control between the ages of 2 and 3 years. There is no one age when a child will reach full bladder control. Each child develops at his or her own pace.
Most children can control their bladders during the day by age 5. The development of nighttime bladder control takes longer. Bedwetting in children younger than 5 is common. While many children will grow out of this naturally, others may experience nighttime accidents until they reach adulthood. Bedwetting is not a serious problem until around age 7.
According to studies, approximately 16% of children aged five experience bedwetting. This percentage continues to decrease as the child grows older. By the age of 7, this number has dropped to about 10%. Only about 1-2% of teens wet their beds at night by the time they reach age 15. Daytime control usually begins by age 5. However, some children still experience accidents, whether due to stress, medical conditions or the natural learning process.
What happens to a child’s bladder as they grow?
As a child grows older, their bladders change. The bladder of an adult can typically hold between 400 and 600 millilitres or about a pint. Children’s bladders are smaller and grow larger as they get older. The following formula is a good way to estimate the size of a child’s bladder.
(Children’s age plus 2) x 30ml
For example, the bladder capacity of a child aged 10 is about 360 milliliters (12 + 2 = 12 and 12 x 30-ml = 360ml). This formula is useful for determining how much liquid your child can comfortably handle before they need to go to the bathroom. As your child grows, their bladder capacity will increase, allowing you to wait longer between bathroom visits. It is important to encourage your child to listen and only urinate when it’s necessary rather than at a set time.
The bladder can also stretch and expand to accommodate a larger volume of urine. It takes practice, however, to make it work. Children must learn how to tell when they have to use the toilet and to be able to wait until the right time.
Just in Case Habits: The Problem
We all want to prevent accidents as parents, especially when we are in public or on long trips. It’s tempting to say to our children, “Go to a bathroom now just in case you don’t see one later”, but this can have long-term consequences for their bladder health.
Children’s bodies are unable to respond properly to bladder signals when they are repeatedly told to use the bathroom. The bladder sends signals to the brain when it is ready to release urine and full. If children go to the toilet repeatedly, even when they don’t feel the urge or their bladder isn’t full, their bladders may become overactive.
Children with an overactive bladder may feel the urge to use the toilet more often than is necessary. This can lead to accidents, leaks, or even urgency. The bladder gets used to contracting more often than it should, even when there is no need. This habit can confuse and lead to spasms or even premature urination. This habit can cause the bladder to become unable to store more urine, which will reduce its capacity over time and make it harder for the child.
This constant “just to be sure” attitude can also cause weakened bladder muscles. The muscles that control bladder function may be affected if children empty their bladders too early. This can lead to bladder control issues in the long term. Parents should avoid a schedule that encourages children to visit the toilet frequently, regardless of whether they need to.
Encourage healthy bladder habits.
It may be tempting to tell your child, “Go now, just to be safe,” but it is better to encourage them to develop healthy bladder habits. Here are some ways to encourage your child to only use the bathroom when it is necessary.
- Help them to recognize the urge Encourage your child to listen to his or her body signals. Help them distinguish between a tiny twinge and the need to use the toilet. You should let them wait until they have a strong urge to go to the bathroom. This will help train their bladder to hold more urine and build their confidence.
- Establishing a bathroom routine While it is important to not over-prompt or force your child into using the bathroom, it can be helpful to set up a regular schedule. Encourage your child to go to the bathroom at least every two to three hours during the day to maintain good bladder health. This balanced routine ensures that the bladder empties regularly, helping to prevent accidents.
- Don’t make it stressful. If your child refuses to go to the toilet when asked, do not create stress. Make bathroom habits the source of conflict or anxiety. This can make your child feel pressured or embarrassed. Create a nonchalant, calm atmosphere when it comes to using the restroom so that it does not become a source of anxiety.
- Use positive reinforcers. Instead of punishing or scolding your child when they wet themselves, praise them for using the bathroom properly. Positive reinforcement can help your child gain confidence in their ability to control their bladder.
- Create a comfortable environment. It is important for your child to feel comfortable in the bathroom, whether it’s at home or in public. Try to reduce the stress of your child’s experience by introducing them to different environments. Comfort will help reduce anxiety and improve the chances of toilet training success.
What to do When Accidents Occur
It is normal to have accidents when learning bladder control. It’s important to be patient and understanding if your child wets himself during the day. What you can do:
- Be calm and supportive. Don’t scold or chastise your child if they wet themselves. Reassure them that accidents are normal and part of life. Your child may feel humiliated if you punish or shame them. This can worsen the situation.
- Create an everyday bathroom schedule Encourage your child’s use of the bathroom. A regular schedule will help to prevent accidents and ensure your child’s bladder is empty before it gets too full.
- Look for external triggers. Accidents can be caused by stress, illness or a change in routine. Try to identify patterns and adjust your child’s support accordingly.
- Drink plenty of water for a healthy bladder function. Be sure that your child drinks enough water during the day. Limit caffeinated beverages, which can irritate their bladder.
- Wear the right clothes: Bring an extra set to school in case your child has an accident. It will make them more confident and comfortable throughout the day.
- Consult your doctor if necessary. If accidents occur frequently or if your child is showing signs of discomfort while urinating, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional. A doctor can rule out medical conditions and give you advice on how to proceed.
Addressing Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Not all children acquire bladder control in the same way. Some children may feel the urge to go to the bathroom frequently or urgently due to a condition known as Overactive Bladder (OAB). The overactive bladder may also lead to accidents or leakage. This condition is more prevalent in girls. It can be caused by stress, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or other medical conditions.
Consult a doctor if your child has frequent accidents or struggles to control his bladder. OAB can be treated with bladder retraining, medication, or behavioural therapy. Specialists, such as pediatric urologists or pelvic floor physiotherapists, can guide you in managing an overactive bladder. They can also offer advice on helping your child gain control.
Conclusion
Understanding and encouraging your child’s bladder will help them to develop healthy habits they can carry with them into adulthood. It will also give you the confidence and comfort that will last a lifetime in handling their bathroom needs. You can help your child build a positive relationship with their bladder by encouraging natural toileting practices, avoiding a “just-incase” mentality and being patient if accidents occur. Remember that each child develops bladder control at their rate. Therefore, accidents are normal and shouldn’t be a concern.
Consult your doctor if you experience persistent problems with bladder control. This could be due to frequent accidents or difficulty in holding urine. Professionals can offer advice tailored to the needs of your child and help eliminate any underlying medical conditions. You can also seek advice from pediatric experts, such as urologists and pelvic floor physiotherapists. They will be able to provide you with more information on how to retrain your child’s bladder.
If you give your child the encouragement and support they need, they will be able to manage their bladders with comfort and confidence. Create a supportive, non-pressuring atmosphere for your child. This will encourage healthy habits and reduce stress when it comes to bathroom time. Positive reinforcement, gentle reminders and open communication are all ways to build their confidence when it comes to using the toilet correctly. You are helping your child to not only navigate the toilet training process but also to maintain a healthy bladder function in adulthood.
