Toilet retraining and encouraging fluid intake

[Turqui]

Has anyone any tips on how to encourage fluid intake and 'poo checks' in a 7 year old? He doesn't really ever feel thirsty and he is understandably resistant to sitting on the toilet when he doesn't feel the urge. He does withhold and still sometimes either squats or partially squats or holds himself up from the toilet with his hands. He also has quite high counterwill in that if he isn't intrinsically motivated to do something it's very hard to encourage it. Reward charts have only had short term effects for that reason. Any advise appreciated! Waitlist for the pschychologist on his team is 9 months long...

[ERIC-Charity Partner]

Hi Turqui , we would recommend implementing 'Toilet Time', at set times of the day. Try to avoid asking him if he wants to go, instead say 'it's toilet time' .

A relaxed sit on the toilet, on waking and 20-30 minutes after eating (both these instances are when the bowel is most active), focus on relaxing rather than whether he does a wee or poo. Make sure there are toys, books and games next to the toilet (maybe some new ones which are just for the bathroom?).

Consider making the bathroom a more inviting environment; often the sensory aspect of a bathroom can make children reluctant to spend time in there; smells, reflections (from mirrors and tiles), the sounds of flushes, creaking pipes, and often they are colder than other rooms in the house. eric.org.uk/sensory-needs-a...

You could also consider using a vibrating watch for reminders to drink and go to Toilet time, shop.eric.org.uk/collection...

We've added our Wee checker here for you eric.org.uk/wee-checker/

Fun straws, bottles or cups can make a difference; try a 'drinking competition' and again rather than asking if he needs a drink, encourage a drink when he gets up and at certain times throughout the day.

best wishes

ERIC

[ERIC-Charity Partner]

Turqui there's also lots of information on witholding here: eric.org.uk/childrens-bowel...