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Trials of the Toilet Trained
When Accidents Arise Later
By Tamar Weiss
One thing to realize, explains Dr. Folds, is that early childhood teachers are facilitators of learning for children, and the outcome should be a learning outcome of what to do if the incident occurs again. In the event of a child soiling himself, he may need washing, and in addition to the teacher, "an aide or assistant should be present for this type of incident ... so one acts as a witness," says Dr. Folds. "We want to be sure no impropriety occurs or is constructed."
One of a parent's primary concerns, when exploring the reasons behind frequent accidents, should be the physical and emotional health of the child. First and foremost, says Dr. Pieper, rule out any physical complications. After four months of Villard's son soiling himself, she and her husband began watching his food intake. They noticed that their son had trouble controlling his bowels when he ate certain foods. Since limiting those foods, the accidents have stopped. "He is more proud of it than we are," she says.
Another reason for accidents may be a stressed or anxious child. Sometimes children use this medium of controlling or lack of control over body functions as a means of communication. This is a circumstance where "all other communication has broken down," says Dr. Pieper. She suggests parents try to reestablish a willingness to hear the child's anger or complaints on a vocal level.
Once potty trained, children have a new sense of power, that being control over their bodies to a certain degree. "A child can now have an active impact on his/her actions," says Dr. Folds. It is key to take particular notice of circumstances surrounding the accidents, tune in, and respond appropriately.
The goal here is to have happy, healthy children, says Dr. Folds.