Toilet Problems & Children

When Problems Exist, Remain Calm

• When there is a toilet problem with a child, and the issue is frustrating to you as a parent because the bed-wetting or underwear soiling seems to be out of control; the best thing that you can do for your child is to remain calm. Before you scold, step back and look at the situation, especially if your child is above the age of five or six. The first thing you should do is check the family history of both parents, and see how childhood toilet issues run in the family. Next, your child will need to be examined by a physician to see if there is an underlying physiological problems to deal with. Never put your child down because he is having uncontrollable toilet issues.

  The best solution for bed-wetting is to stop all liquid intake before going to bed. Make sure your child uses the bathroom before going to sleep. It will also be a good idea to wake your child during the night so that he can go.

Stress Can Cause Bathroom Problems

• If your child is above the age of five and still having toilet difficulties, show patience and restraint. You don't want to blame the issue on pure laziness without seeking out the cause or reason behind the soiling. Your child could have a deep-rooted emotional problem that is expressing itself through the child's inability to use the bathroom when she should. She could be having difficulties coping with a family, friend or school issue. Even young children can feel stressed and overwhelmed. Get your child to start expressing her feelings to you. You must show your concern to what she is experiencing. Be sympathetic and understanding toward the difficulties that the child is facing. Suggest ways for her to cope with the things that are bothering her. Whatever the reason may be, you do not want to make your child feel inadequate because she can't control her soiling problems. It is enough that she can't change the uncomfortable events that could be happening in her daily lives, but you can help her cope with the emotional stresses.

The Need for a Diet Change

• If you find that your child is having problems with his bowel movements, or having traces of feces in his underclothes after the age of four; one of the problems can be due to constipation. At inappropriate moments, liquid feces could be seeping through, causing the child to stain his clothing. When constipation is the problem, more fiber may be needed in your child's diet. You can find fiber in foods such as spinach, navy beans, peas, prunes, broccoli, strawberries, carrots and potatoes with skins. You will need to get your child to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals, and stay away from the fast-food outlets.

  Another reason for dirty undies in older children could be because impatient adults do not potty train sufficiently when their child is a toddler. This, too, can lead to toilet issues as the child gets older. When a child has not been taught how to clean himself efficiently, it could cause embarrassing problems later on in his life. There are many flushable personal wipes now available that make cleansing after using the toilet easier for children.

Solving The Emotional Problems

• By the time a child reaches the age of five, she should be able to recognize when she has to go to the bathroom. However, if this development is slow in occurring it could create extra problems for the child, including low self-esteem, and not being on the same developmental level as their peers, which will bring feelings of social inadequacy. Wetting or soiling herself can sometimes be a coping mechanism. Teach your child how to solve her problems in a positive manner. Teach her how to make appropriate decisions and how not to let disappointing mistakes get her down.

Helping Your Child Cope

• When wetting is the issue, the best thing to do is watch your child's liquid intake, especially at night. Set a time pattern for them to use the bathroom throughout the day. Reward your child when an accident does not occur. He will most likely grow out of the stage of bed-wetting, once he gets control of his bladder. However, when that fails, there are medication or behavioral treatments that can be prescribed. Consult a doctor.