When back-to-school season comes around, families get real busy, real fast. There’s new routines to sort out. School supplies to buy.
But for many parents or guardians, the biggest back-to-school worry is their child’s experience. Will they be okay at school? Will they feel comfortable in their classroom, and will they connect with friends and teachers?
If your child manages incontinence or bedwetting, that worry may be even bigger. But it’s also a worry that’s very manageable. With the right preparation and support, a new school year can be a confident one for your child, even as they navigate incontinence challenges.
Will Incontinence Impact My Child’s School Day?
Incontinence can affect a child’s experience at school, but not in the way that many parents may fear.
Incontinence can affect more than just the body. It can impact a child’s confidence, their friendships, how well they focus, and their anxiety about having an accident during the school day. This is especially true for students who have autism or ADHD.
But none of this is set in stone. When a child’s school day is set up on the front end with care and support, a child managing incontinence can feel just as capable and included as everyone else around them!
How Do You Prepare A Child Before The First Day of School?
You’d be surprised at how far a simple and calm conversation can go!
Before you get to day one, make sure to let your child know that you understand their anxieties, and that they aren’t the only kids who have similar challenges during the school day.
Needing extra help is completely normal for all different types of children, and asking for support for incontinence is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Make a plan for what your child will do when they feel wet, such as telling their teacher or going to the nurse. If your child wants one, you can work together to develop a private “signal” that they can use with their teacher to let them know they need to use the bathroom.
The same signal could be used at home as well, especially for nighttime bedwetting.
Knowing exactly what to do when different things happen can take the fear out of the situation and help your child feel empowered over their body and circumstances when accidents happen.
For more ways to help support a child with additional needs, check out our guide to raising children on the autism spectrum. It’s full of great insights and tips for families navigating different seasons of life.
What Should You Talk to the Teacher and School Nurse About?
Before the school year begins, schedule a time to meet with your child’s teacher as well as any other administrators who could help support them. Share with them what specific needs your child may have, as well as what helps them in different situations.
It’s also a good idea to discuss simple accommodations that can help your child throughout the day:
- Bathroom access when your child needs it, without having to announce themselves in front of the entire classroom.
- A routine for regular, scheduled bathroom breaks that helps children get into a routine and avoid accidents.
- A seat near the door nearest the restroom for easy and quiet exits.
- A private place, such as the nurse’s office, should they need to change outfits due to an accident.
A 504 education plan can put many of these supportive accommodations into writing, so your child’s help doesn’t depend on any one teacher or admin remembering all the details.
Remember, the goal is to help your child feel supported rather than singled out. Any step you can take toward that goal will help them feel more comfortable throughout the day, and help others support them when necessary.
What Goes in a School Change Kit?
If your child has incontinence at school, a key help is to make sure they have a school change kit.
Having a set of clothes and items to help clean themselves up after an accident can take much of the shame and embarrassment out, and turn it into a quick, low-stress moment.
Here’s what to pack in a school change kit before the first day of school:
- Spare pull-ups,diapers or catheters in the right size for your child
- Wipes
- A full change of clothes (appropriate for the season)
- A sealable bag that can hold wet clothes
Keep the change kit in your child’s backpack or space at school, or keep it with the school nurse to keep it discreet. Even knowing that a spare set of clothes is available can help your child feel comfortable throughout the full school day.
Will My Child Outgrow Their Incontinence?
Many children will outgrow incontinence over time, and some reach it on their own timeline, which may look different from that of other kids their age.
For children with autism or ADHD, their timeline may look different from others, but they are just as capable of being successful and overcoming challenges as any other kid!
A different timeline isn’t a stalled one, and having the right support helps your child stay comfortable and confident throughout the school year.
Start the School Year Strong with Support from UroStat
A child’s confidence at school starts with feeling well prepared for the days ahead. Having the right supplies on hand is part of that foundation.
UroStat helps families access comfortable, well-fitting supplies, often at little to no cost through insurance or Medicaid with a qualifying diagnosis (including ADHD or autism).
Learn more and check your eligibility online today, and contact UroStat at 888-845-8698 to get the support you and your child need for a successful school year!