My Almost 7 Year Old Son Is Still Having Day Time Accidents

At this age, it seems that it would more than likely be a physical issue (assuming there are no traumatic events going on) take him to the pediatric urologist that was recommended by someone else and get him checked out by more than your regular doctor and if it is a physical problem then switch regular doctors too, because you really want someone more proactive than jsut "positive reinforcement guy". You need to find out the cause before this traumatizes the young guy. Also, they now have some depends style things for kids... but I would say that is a last resort and only if it is a physical issue, because that could be traumatic for him too.

does your son have any other issues going on? AD(H)D, Sensory issues (has to have things "just so" won't wear clothes with tags, doesn't like certain textures etc) If so it may be time to have him evaluated by a child psychologist (school psych would be free!) having day time accidents could be a symptom of something else going on.

Otherwise, try to help him remember to go, see if you can predict when he has an accident, watch him playing/watching tv and if you see the warning signs (pee pee dance, fiddling with himself, fidgeting in general) ask him to go to the bathroom.

The night time wetting isn't as bothersome because he's still pretty young for that...some kids are able to wake or hold it from early on others (myself included!) take longer.

I would try and convince your son to go more during the day, even if he doesn't "have the urge" to go in and try, but I would also get a second opinion, just to make sure that he doesn't have an overactive bladder or a really tiny bladder. A friend of mine has both and at 21 still sometimes has problems making it to the toilet ... it isn't anyone's fault, it's just biology.

Hi J.~
I have to agree, this could be a sign that there is something else going on. If you are diligent about helping him remember during the day and he is still having accidents, I think it's time to get second (and third, fourth, etc) opinions. He is reaching the age where this could be traumatic for him and if there is another problem, the sooner you help him, the better. Good luck to you (and him)...keep us posted!
~L.

I can imagine your frustration. Let me start by saying it is possible there is something medically wrong. He may need to work on his muscles or something along those lines. However, I think you will find that boys especially get so wrapped in what they are doing they are simply to lazy to go. My son is now 8 and to this day I will watch him pinch to finish a level in a video game. I make him go. It could aslo be that he wants attention but personally I think sometimes just are what they are. Also watch his sugar,salt and caffiene intake. I know that makes a difference. A family member recently had a bed wetter and it turned out that it was pickle juice. The kid loves pickles. Well his mom didn't realize the salt that was in there. So he was retaining water. Just a thought. Stay consistent with your son. Tell him to go to the bathroom. As I am sure he is forgetting while he is doing his own thing.Also for the night time wetting stop liquids except small amounts of water after a certain time. I have heard that helps as well. I hope I helped a little.

Hi J.,

My daughter, who is now 10 and starting fifth grade, had daytime accidents WELL into second grade. She was going through some emotional turmoil because her dad was in and out of her life when it was convenient for him, and then he went away for good (literally). But, I also believe that she did get caught up in what she was doing at the time and "forgot" or waited too long, or whatever.

I did have a talk with her teacher in first AND second grade, and asked that they (discreetly) remind her to use the bathroom before recess and lunch, and before she got on the bus to come home. I also kept an extra change of clothes in her locker, so that if she DID have an accident, she could try to slip away quietly to use the bathroom to change.

I don't see any benefit to punishment OR positive reinforcement. If the child has a disconnection there, then they need to be reminded to go to the bathroom. Soon it will become a habit to do it BEFORE they "need" to, and the only problem you'll have then is him not remembering to flush, which is OUR new battle. :)

Good Luck!!!

T.

I don't by any means want to freak you out, but if you are truly concerned with the amount of wetting your son is doing - please ask your pediatrition to test him for Type 1 Diabetes. I, too wet my bed consistently until I was 8, the time at which I was diagnosed with Juvinile Diabetes / Type 1. If you can look back over the past few years and recall his thirst increasing or his desire for juice, and sweet or high carb foods, or if he naps a lot and then has energy and his moods vary out of nowhere - these are good signs he might be diabetic. I am only suggesting this as a posibility because upon my diagnosis, my mother realized that I had been displaying early warning signs for about three years and I could have been diagnosed earlier and saved a lot of struggle. Then again, he may just be dealing with something in his little head that he can't communicate and loving him all you can and supporting him could resolve it in time.

If you have any questions about Juvenile Diabetes, please feel free to ask - I've lived with it for 23 years and have a been a mentor at Denver's Children's Hospital.

I had and have the same issue with my now 9 year old. Have him go to the bathroom after every meal. If this doesn't help then see his pediatrician. There may be medical issue. Good Luck....I know your frustration!!!

J.~have you taken your son to a pediatric urologist? He could have something wrong with the muscles of his bladder. There is a could doctor at Hall Rd. and Garfield-Tri County Urologist. They have several offices in the tri-county area. Dr. McIntosh is really great. He is the one that my 2 year old son sees. Try giving them a call and see what they say. ###-###-####. good luck!