Many concerned parents seek medical advice for issues such as bedwetting and daytime pee accidents. The answer is often ‘let’s wait and see’. ‘They will outgrow it’. ‘They are still young’. This can be frustrating to hear as a parent when no clear solution is given.
I would agree that when a child is 3-4 years of age, some might not have developed full overnight control of their bladder yet therefore careful watch and wait could be reasonable. But when your child is 7-10 years old, or even in their teen years, what do you do then?
I would say that 100% of the kiddos I have treated have expressed frustration, embarrassment and sadness over their bladder issues. I have had a 9 year old only wear black clothing at school to hide the stains. I have had a 12 year old have to bring a change of clothes to school everyday so she could change. I have had kids missing out on parties and sleepovers because they have to wear pull-ups at night.
Bladder issues are a serious matter for children and parents alike and solutions should be offered rather than the wait and see approach.
Dr. Steve Hodges is an Associate Professor of Pediatric Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is an expert in enuresis, encopresis, and toilet training. The following article addresses his views on incontinence after the age of 4. Click here.
If your child is experiencing bowel and bladder issues, please bring it up with your primary care physician or your local pelvic floor physiotherapist. Your child deserves timely access to care!
