My 2 1/2 Year Old Holds Her Urine for 12 plus Hours at a Time

She could have a bladder control issue. A urologist who specializes in children should be able to sort it out. I would explain to your child that if she doesn't start using the potty on command (peeing on command should be easy)with in 3 weeks that you will take her to a doctor to see if there is a problem.

My 3rd child had no nerves to his bladder and only peed when his bladder overflowed. We just thought he was being difficult until we brought him to the urologist. (it also unveiled other nerve problems) If the issue is not taken care of in a timely manor it cause kidney damage.

Don't be afraid to check it out. Holding for 12 hours and then soaking herself is not a normal bladder behavior. And the worst that could happen is that they will 1- find out what is really wrong and treat it or 2- send you home with no fears.

My 3 1/2 year old does the same thing & has been doing it for about 6-9 months. I took her to the doctor & although we tried unsuccessfully to get a urine sample, the doctor said that as long as there are no other symptoms (pain, fever, etc), then she should be ok. She told me to get a lot of fluids in her, (even popsicle help). I used to worry like crazy, but she's been fine. I have always rewarded potty time with stickers on a chart that goes on the fridge. I make a huge deal whenever she uses the potty (jump up & down & dance around). Things are getting better, but it's been slow. I suggest talking to your doctor first to make sure everything is ok, & then try not to worry so much. And don't push, I learned that that only makes things worse. Good luck!

I just got my daughter to be done with potty training. She hated to pee in the potty, she would always poop but not pee. I had the most luck with putting a couple drops of food coloring into the water and then when she pees it changes color. red- orange, blue- green. My daughter as recently decided pink is her fav color so red food coloring got her intrested enough to go. Also we checked out the Once upon a Potty book from the library. The 2 together got her intrested enough to try the potty and now she goes all the time and we can praise her. She even is running to the bathroom and going with out us. Good luck!

If she is really trying and can't go then you should talk to your doctor but if she is just holding it so that she can control something then you need to tell her that she needs to go or she will get sick, that is not a lie it is very very true my niece used to hold it all the time with out going to the potty, she spent a week in the hospital and has done permanent damage to her bladder she is only 5 now. If she holds it all night then set her on the potty and wait until she goes. also make sure something positive always happens after she goes buy a special hand soap with a favorite character of hers and only let her use after she goes, use a different wash for before meal washing and what not. If she is holding it on her own then you might look into what is going on in her life, if she feels like she can't control other things then she will control what she can which happens to be the potty situation. good luck