We recently received this question:
“My son has been potty trained for over a year. For the last month he has a least once a day that he starts to pee before making it to the rest room. Sometimes it happens when I ask him if he needs to go potty. He is not completely wet like he has had an accident, put it is enough that it is causing chaffing on his legs and it smells. I don’t know if he has a bladder problem or if he is being lazy.”
This one is kind of tough to answer without seeing the child in action. From what is described, it almost sounds like he is having an early physical response to the cues to go to the bathroom (either the cues his body is sending, or when Mom asks).
Since he has been trained for a year, and you’re not sure the cause, a quick call to the pediatrician never hurts.
Once you feel settled that it isn’t a physical issue, or have addressed any underlying physical concerns, know that regression is very common in kids. You may need to do some detective work to find out what’s going on. Our articles “Toileting Regression – What’s Up With That?” and “Sometimes Regression is a Part of Moving Forward” may be helpful. Above all, remain calm, supportive, and consistent. Good luck!