My 8-year-old knows when he needs to "go" but often won't go to the bathroom unless I send him. Any ideas why?

Answer 1

Boys that age tend to get very involved in the activity of the moment, and they "forget" to take care of the every day things - like bathroom breaks. If he needs reminding, keep reminding him - he will grow out of it eventually. If there are recurring issues with accidents, he may not be able to adequately "feel" he needs to go until it is nearing an emergency, and that would signify a potential health issue and would warrant a visit to the doctor. Good luck!

Answer 2

My ten year old does this too but only when he is playing video games he just doesn't want to cut into his time playing to do unimportant things like empty his bladder. It may be kind of mean but just yesterday I reminded him to go before he started playing and he said he didn't have to but he had a accident any way so now he can't play the game for three days maybe he'll remember next time.

Answer 3

Mine still waits until the last minute sometimes too. She's 7. Years ago, we watched a Bear in The Big Blue House video about going potty, and Bear talked about "listening to your body". For some reason that really worked with her. All I have to do when she says "but I don't have to go" is tell her to listen to her body.

I think they just get so engulfed in what they're doing, they don't think about it. And they don't want to stop the fun for a potty break. I'm hoping they'll outgrow it. :)

Answer 4

Kids tend to get very busy, and using the restroom isn't important when you're playing. It's great that you're there to remind him. This helps to prevent many accidents. There's not really much you can do. Eventually they will learn that it takes so much more time to go inside and change their clothes than it does just to run in and use the restroom. He'll grow up a little more and not have as many problems with this.

Answer 5

my 6 year old is the same way, she waits til the very last second and then runs to the bathroom. or we are in the car with no where to stop and has to go. you just have to remember to tell them to go all the time. kids dont want to take time out from playing to go to the bathroom

Answer 6

My daughter use to do this and she even use to do the quick release and run back out until she got a Urinary infection from holding to long and not emptying completely.

She no longer waits and she will finish.

It is not a good thing to let him wait. So If you have to just tell him so he doesn't end up with an infection.

Answer 7

My son was like this too! He didn't want to take the time away from whatever he was doing! However, you have to get him in the habit, so he's okay at school, doesn't get uncomfortable, and doesn't get physical problems from it. Explain these to him in terms he can understand. By the way, my son is now 15, and still thinks he's a camel!

Answer 8

He either lacks confidence or is lazy... But then again what do I know.

EDIT: Good Lord, when I was that age, I knew when I needed to go. Whats wrong with these kids.... this is crazy! I would smack my kid if he would pee in his pants because he did not want to stop playing video games. I understand they are just kids, but if he can not make those kinds of decisions then you need to have a SERIOUS talk with him.

Answer 9

most probably he is too bussy. I dont know is it a right think to do but maybe you can show him on an anotomy book what is intestine and bladder and how they work when he feels like going it is a messeage from his body and if he doesnot go in right time he may have health problems? but ı am not sure is it right to do ?

Answer 10

Kids always think they are going to miss something if they stop what they are doing