My preschooler won't pee at school!
Getting them to practice using different washrooms outside the home
Q: My four-year-old is toilet trained, but will not use the washroom at kindergarten. He barely holds it until he gets home, or has an accident. What’s going on and what should I do?
A: To encourage your son to use the toilet at school, ask him to tell you what bothers him. If you listen to his concerns, you can work with his teacher to find a suitable solution.
Perhaps he’s put off by the smell. Teach him to hold his nose and breathe through his mouth. If he fears the crack in the door that people can peer through, show him how to take off his fleece and hang it on the latch so the crack is covered. Some kids who are toilet-shy prefer to go at recess when everyone else is outside. If the toilet is too loud, you could help him anticipate the noise and cover his ears.
Practice in other unfamiliar washrooms, like at restaurants or other people’s homes. If he still won’t use the toilet, that’s fine, but it means wearing absorbent training pants rather than underwear. Switch him back without any shame or embarrassment. He’ll muster up some courage, try his own solutions and be back in underwear in no time!
Is it OK for my daughter to pee standing up?
Are you overscheduling your child?
What should toddlers call their private parts?
Party of Five's Scott Wolf is expecting baby #2
Lisa says: I'm a soccer mom
Seasonal preparation checklist
Common miscarriage questions
Tween and teen issues
What do you think?
Louise (not verified) says ....
We have the same problem at our school but another mom has told me that her girls hold themselves because the washroom is dirty. My four year still refuses to use the washroom anywhere - any suggestions? It is just stubbornness on his part but now it is ridiculous because his two year brother is potty trained.
TxnMom1 says ....
I ran into this same problem with my 4 year old boy. After constant questions and investigating, we found out the older boys in the school had made some remarks to him. We talked it over with his teacher and informed her about what our son told us and asked her to send the younger ones in alone or simply watch to see who was going in with the younger boys. I haven't had anymore accidents with my son, and thus far he has not come home complaining about the older boys.