Poos. Wees. Bed-wetting. When we have control, we are continent. But if we don’t, there can be awful health, social, family and self identity repercussions.

All families have different ideas about how to toilet train, when kids should be continent, and what to do if there are ‘accidents’.

A few quick facts:

• The average age of toilet training for wee is just over 3 years. It’s closer to 3.5 years for poo
• Children do not wet or soil on purpose
• Soiling is almost always related to constipation, even if poo ‘accidents’ seem wet
• A good-sized poo should come out at least 5 times per week (more frequent for the first year of life)
• Wetting in the daytime after 5 years should be assessed by your GP or continence clinician
• It’s not good to hold wees in for too long or to go too often. Adults and kids should aim for 5 -7 wees a day
• Bed-wetting is common until a child’s 7th birthday, especially if there is any family history of bed-wetting
• Pain is not normal during weeing or pooing; it indicates a problem that should be assessed.

If your child is experiencing wet or pooey underwear, not meeting the above frequency guidelines or has constipation or urinary tract infection, see your GP and ask for a bowel and bladder assessment. You may also want to book an appointment with us (we offer Telehealth appointments if required).

The extra washing, bad smells and social embarrassment is real. However, never punish a child for wee or poo ‘accidents’, and try not to get cross. We know it’s really hard. Try taking a deep breath, counting to 10 and put on your best understanding but matter-of-fact voice. Enact a clean-up plan and get some help today.

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