Toileting issues can be a difficult challenge to address. A child who is still learning how to communicate effectively may have trouble expressing fear or confusion. Often, they experience shame in knowing that they have done something wrong to displease their parent or teacher, but they don’t know what to do differently. Parents too may become frustrated, especially if their child is nearing the age where they have to start attending school, for which following proper bathroom procedures is required.
Knowing how to address your child’s toileting difficulties and when to obtain a professional evaluation from a Denver physician can help your child overcome this challenging situation and ease the burden on you both.
Common Potty Training Problems
If you’re frustrated because you’re having potty training problems with your child, don’t worry, you’re not alone. All children progress differently in the development of certain skills and potty training is no exception. The transition from diapers to proper toilet use is almost never perfect. It’s full of both moments of progress and temporary setbacks.
Some common issues that children may experience throughout toilet training include fear of flushing, wetting the bed, not recognizing the need to urinate, and resisting issuing the toilet or public bathrooms. Fortunately, with a little bit of patience and positive reinforcement, many of these issues will go away on their own with time.
When to Talk to a Doctor
According to the AAFP, most children master toileting skills by the time they are three to four years old. If your child is past this age or they’re experiencing frequent pain or discomfort when using the bathroom, it may be a good idea to talk to their primary care doctor.
If your primary care doctor believes that your child could benefit from additional help, they may refer you to another clinic in Denver for a professional evaluation. Potential emotional concerns, problematic behaviors, and self-care skills can all be identified and addressed through an evaluation.
Taking the time to get an evaluation could save you and your child a lot of trouble and worry. Once you’ve identified the root of the problem, you can work with your child’s doctor or therapist on ways to fix the issues you’re experiencing at home.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in receiving more information on testing and evaluation, our Denver team would be happy to help. Call today to speak to a professional about your concerns or schedule an appointment.