Potty Challenges

[MomE373]

My 5 1/2 year old daughter is having trouble with pottying.  She's been trained since she was 3 1/2 but she gets too busy to go or waits too long and will just pee in her pants.  Other than this she's a very bright, happy and social child.  We are getting frustrated, though, because it's not an issue of her not being trained or not understanding.  She knows she's supposed to go in the potty but just doesn't.  We've had her checked for UTIs, and she's been X-rayed as well.  There seems to be no medical cause for this whatsoever.  We don't like to punish her for this, but really don't know what else to do right now.  As added information, she seems to have to go to the bathroom frequently and is not able to stay dry at night.  We still have her wear pullups at night for this reason.  Any help or advice would really be appreciated.  

Thank you!  MomE373

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The enuresis overnight does not invite concern. A percentage (approx. 5%, even at a later age) display this condition, and particularly at her age you do not have to be concerned. During the day, it's OK to establish an incentive system to encourage her to use the potty. Any incentive system will consist of both positive and negative aspects. Let's say you establish a daily reward (modest) for remaining dry. She will receive the reward if she is dry; she will not receive it if she is enuretic. Now, is this punishment? It could be viewed that way, but it's OK.