10/05/2026
We need to talk about school bathroom rules.
Over the couple days, we've been hearing from parents whose children have limited bathroom passes, designated bathroom times, consequences for leaving class to use the bathroom, and even lost rewards or recess consequences.
And for children with a history of constipation or stool withholding, this isn't a small issue. Because one of the most important things we teach children who withhold is:
When your body gives you the signal to p**p, respond to it.
Don't squeeze.
Don't wait until later.
Don't ignore the urge.
Listen to your body.
So what happens when the environment around a child teaches the opposite?
When going to the bathroom costs something?
When they have to decide whether the urge is “bad enough” to use one of their passes?
When they're worried about losing a reward, missing recess, getting in trouble, or being singled out?
For a child who already has a history of withholding, “just wait” isn't always harmless.
We absolutely understand why schools have bathroom procedures.
Teachers are managing classrooms. Some students wander, avoid work, meet friends, v**e, or misuse bathroom privileges. Those are real problems.
But solving one problem shouldn't create another.
There has to be a way to manage bathroom misuse while still teaching children that legitimate signals from their bodies deserve a response.
Because the message we want children learning is simple:
When your body tells you it's time to go, you should be able to go.
Parents, we're listening.
Has a school bathroom policy ever caused your child to hold their p**p or p*e, avoid drinking, have accidents, become constipated, or become anxious about asking to use the bathroom?
Tell us below or send us a private message to 854-246-7667.
Please don't publicly identify your child, teacher, or school.
