I got a note from the teacher yesterday just letting me know that my 5 year old DD goes to the bathroom often (teacher wants to make sure she didnt have a bladder infection or something). I was actually wondering if this was going to be an issue. She had this problem when she started preschool last year. I brought her to the doctor a few times, and after getting her all checked out to make sure there wasn't a physical problem, the Dr. basically told me that this is really common for girls this age, and to bear with her and she will outgrow it. I am pretty sure DD is afraid she will wet her pants, so she constantly checks in with herself to see if she has to go, and if she even feels like she does a little bit, she will go. She doesn't do this at home or when she is with us, so I know she can hold it for long periods of time. She has never had an issue with actually wetting her pants, it only happened once at daycare over a year ago (during nap).
Has your child had this issue? Any advice?
PS she goes to all day kindergarten, 9:30-4, M-F. she will be 6 years old next week.
Just send a note right back.
"Dear teacher, thank you for letting me know. In a previous doctor visit, he shared his knowledge that this does happen with some little girls and she will grow out of it. It is better for her to use the restroom than to have an accident in class.
Thank you for your concern and understanding."
Like Momwithcamera posted -- Tell the teacher exactly what you told us here: What the doctor said. Also add that it happened just like this at the start of preschool, so you have a precedent for this being your daughter's reaction to this type of change. And be sure to thank the teacher for her concern! The teacher was thinking of your little girl's health and was right to let you know (in case there might be an infection). Keep up a good relationship by remembering to acknowledge the teacher's good intentions and let her know you appreciate her good communication.
And the dr. is right -- this is typical for many young girls, especially those who are at all nervous about being clean and not getting wet in a new social situation. She will outgrow it just as she did in preschool.
Naturally if she seems to continue to go a lot, or starts doiing it at home, have her checked for a UTI.
Since she doesn't do it at home or anywhere else I assume she just likes to go potty to get out of the classroom for a few minutes.
I would ask the teacher if she notices a pattern, like does she suddenly need to go when it's time to sit still and work on something? When I worked in first grade I noticed that quite often with certain kids. When it was time to do something they clearly didn't want to do they would suddenly need to use the bathroom. I can't tell you how many minutes were lost on these kids (especially during reading/writing centers) but what could we do? If a kid says they need to go, you gotta let them, parents would have a fit if you didn't!
Well, I hv a 5 year old girl who just started Kind. too. She told me she has to hold her pee a lot bc the teacher doesn't like them to go to much. She has to go a lot too so I kind of feel bad for her. I wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure she will outgrow it soon. Don't really hv advice but just encouragement that your daughter sounds like mine :)
