As adults, we know exactly how profound the negative impact of stress on our bodies. But did you know that it can adversely degrade our children’s health, too? Stress can cause a variety of health problems for kids, such as losing their bladder function. As a result, kids experience day and nighttime urinary problems.
Stress-Induced Bladder Dysfunction
According to the research of Nathan Tykocki of Michigan State University, stress, such as social and physical stress, can cause different types of urinary bladder problems such as Stress-Induced Bladder Dysfunction (SIBD). This would depend on how long the child gets exposed to stress.
During their experiment, they learned that if they expose mice to an hour of social stress with an aggressive mouse, the mice would tend to urinate more frequently. But, when the mice experience a significantly longer period of physical stress, the opposite would happen. The mice would develop an underactive bladder, causing them to urinate less.
This study goes to show that when treating daytime or nighttime wetting in young kids, we need to look at the medical issue more holistically. Aside from potty training, parents also need to assess if their children are experiencing stress and any other medical issues in order to help the children learn how to control their bladder.
Causes of Stress Experienced By Kids
Stress is an inevitable part of life. And so, as parents and guardians, we should always make our children feel safe and supported especially during tough times. There are different sources of stress for kids that parents should be aware of. Some examples of these stressors are the following:
- Starting a new school
- Having difficulties in the classroom
- Getting used to a new neighborhood
- Adjusting to a new baby
- Not receiving enough attention
- Exposure to violence and conflicts
- Loss or death of a family member
- Separation from a significant person in the child’s life (e.g. divorce of parents, loss of a nanny)
Mental Help also advises parents that bullying in school or in the neighborhood can also create extreme social stress on young children. Therefore, parents should always monitor their kids especially when they are out playing, to help control the situation.
How To Support Kids Going Through Stress
If stress is causing your little one to lose control and wet himself, always remember that there are different ways to show support to the child.
To check if your child is experiencing stress, always encourage your kid to share their emotions with you. Do they like their playmates? Are their daycare teachers friendly? Do other kids share their toys with your child, or are they snooty? These are just some of the questions you might need to ask.
At the same time, there are different ways you can try to encourage potty training. First, always encourage and remind your little one to visit the bathroom when they feel the urge to pee. You may need to go with them to the bathroom every hour or two, to help build the habit. And before sleeping, make sure that they get to visit the bathroom.
Help them build the practice of drinking enough water, too. Make sure that they are drinking enough water especially after they eat. Avoid making them wear a diaper if they are not comfortable wearing it. And lastly, don’t forget to praise the child for being dry!
Signs Of Serious Bladder Control Problems
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) released the following practical guidelines on how to spot serious bladder control problems.
Daytime Wetting
- Urinating at least 8 times a day
- Infrequent urination (peeing less than 4 times a day)
- Incomplete urination (not being able to empty their bladder during a bathroom visit)
- Squatting and squirming to avoid urine from leaking
Bedwetting
- Wetting the bed at least 3 times a week
- Frequent bedwetting that lasts more than 3 months
When To See A Doctor
Similarly, the NIDDK also shared some advice as to when parents should consult a health professional about accidental wetting. Here are some signs that your child is already experiencing a serious medical problem, such as bladder infection:
- Painful urination
- Dark and foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the back and the lower belly
- Fever
- The child dribbles urine
The NIDDK also stresses that all children develop differently. But, if your child is taking too long to control their urinating habits, and if they still can’t control their bladder by age 4, it might be best to consult a physician. Your child’s doctor may prescribe additional tests to check any underlying conditions, as well as some medicines the child may need to temporarily take.
Sources: Nathan Tykocki of Michigan State University, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Mental Help