Thriving Families

Thriving Families Thriving Families- Pre & postnatal visits, for mum & bub. Baby & toddler sleep consultation. Children's toilet training & continence assessments for NDIS.

Parenting programs such as circle of security or bringing up great kids.

🚽 What are the signs and symptoms of constipation in children?Constipation in kids can look very different from one chil...
07/12/2025

🚽 What are the signs and symptoms of constipation in children?

Constipation in kids can look very different from one child to another and it’s often missed for a long time.

Here are some common signs to watch for:
💩 Infrequent pooing or skipping days
😖 Straining or Withholding (trying not to poo) when pooing
💨 Foul-smelling wind or poo
🌬️ Excessive gas or bloating
⚖️ Irregular poo consistency (huge poos or small pellets - or anything in-between)
🚫 Soiling/overflow in underwear or after doing a poo - looks like not wiping properly
🤢 Poor appetite, tiredness, or irritability
😔 Complaints of tummy pain or a “sore belly”

Unfortunately, constipation is sometimes underestimated, even by healthcare professionals. This can leave families struggling, feeling unheard, and unsure where to turn next.
I’ve worked with thousands of children with this condition and I know how stressful it can be. Please don’t give up or just live with it. Constipation is treatable, and your child can feel better with the right plan in place.
If you’d like help to get your child’s bowels back on track, you can book an appointment with Amanda at Thriving Families (connect-sleep-grow)💕

🌿 “It’s Not Their Fault”💭 Did you know that soiling (poo accidents) in children is very common and rarely intentional? ...
23/11/2025

🌿 “It’s Not Their Fault”
💭 Did you know that soiling (poo accidents) in children is very common and rarely intentional? In fact, would go so far to say it's NEVER intentional.
When kids experience constipation, poo can build up and leak out without them realising. It’s not defiance, it’s their body saying “I need help.”
Punishment or frustration can make things worse because children often feel ashamed and scared. I also feel that parents are doing the best they can and it feels like nothing is working so they also feel scared.
BUT with the right plan, consistent guidance, bowel management, and emotional support kids can regain control and confidence.
If your child is struggling, you’re not alone and I can help you understand what’s going on and how to move forward.

Visit Thriving Families – Connect · Sleep · Grow to make an appointment and get things sorted properly.

💩 “The Hidden Struggle”Constipation and faecal incontinence are more common than most people realise.Many children quiet...
23/11/2025

💩 “The Hidden Struggle”
Constipation and faecal incontinence are more common than most people realise.
Many children quietly struggle with soiling, tummy aches, and “accidents” — and parents are left confused or even blamed.
This isn’t a behaviour issue.
It’s a medical and emotional one. And it can deeply affect a child’s self-esteem and family relationships.
💚 The good news? With assessment, treatment, and the right support, things do get better.
I am a Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Peadiatric Continence Nurse
Specialist. Let’s work together to take the shame away and get your child feeling confident again.
Book an appointment with me on my website at Thriving Families Toowoomba

Encouraging Toileting for Children with a Disability – Why Waiting Isn’t Always the Best OptionIf your child has a disab...
20/11/2025

Encouraging Toileting for Children with a Disability – Why Waiting Isn’t Always the Best Option
If your child has a disability or developmental delay, you might have been told: “Just wait until they’re ready.” That guidance most likely came from a caring place, but the latest evidence suggests that waiting too long to support toileting skills can actually make things harder for you and your child.
Here’s what the research is showing:
Children with developmental disabilities (including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and other challenges) are more likely to have ongoing toileting issues than typically developing children.

Delaying the process of toileting or leaving it “to when they’re ready” may lead to longer-term incontinence, fewer opportunities for independence, and greater stress for the family. (Continence health Australia)

While children with additional needs may need more support, they can still learn toileting skills, and early, proactive efforts (tailored to their needs) have benefits for their health, self-care, participation in community settings, and social inclusion.

“Waiting for readiness signs” may be tricky because children with sensory, communication or physical issues may not show the clear cues that are typical for other children (e.g., telling you they’re wet, recognising the urge).
sfcp.cedwvu.org

What this means for you as a parent
Start by working with your child’s unique profile, their physical, communication, sensory and cognitive strengths and challenges.
Rather than “waiting” passively, you can begin small steps of toileting support, routines and practice.
If things aren’t straightforward: that’s totally okay. This is exactly where specialist help (like from a paediatric continence nurse, specialised continence OT or physio) is worth it.
The goal isn’t perfection overnight, it’s building confidence, reducing accidents, supporting dignity, and giving your child more independence.

In short: If your child has a disability or developmental delay, you don’t need to put toileting on hold. Starting earlier (with the right support) often means better outcomes, more independence, and less stress for everyone.
If you’d like help mapping out the “how”, with a plan that works for your child and your family, I’d love to support you through that.
💧 Amanda at Thriving Families (Connect · Sleep · Grow) has 30 years of child development and specialised continence education to help find the solution for your family

☀️Nappies are clever… maybe too clever! Disposable nappies keep children so dry and comfortable that they often don’t ev...
18/11/2025

☀️Nappies are clever… maybe too clever!
Disposable nappies keep children so dry and comfortable that they often don’t even realise when they’re wet.
That means parents waiting for “readiness signs” might be waiting a long time because those signals just aren’t as obvious anymore, unlike when we use to use cloth nappies and kids could "feel" the wet.
That’s why summer is the perfect time to see if your child is ready to start toilet training.
Let them have some nappy-free playtime, stay hydrated, and simply give it a go!
You might be surprised at what your little one can do when given the chance

Give it a go — you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
If it doesn’t quite click just yet, that’s okay, .as a Paediatric Continence Nurse, I can help you troubleshoot, find the right approach, and get your child’s confidence (and yours!) back on track. your not on your own - but give it a go first.

💛 Thriving Families – Connect · Sleep · Grow

💧 Don’t wait too long to start toilet training — especially for children with a disability.Many parents are told to “wai...
16/11/2025

💧 Don’t wait too long to start toilet training — especially for children with a disability.
Many parents are told to “wait until they’re ready,” but research shows that delaying toilet training for children with developmental delays or disabilities can make things harder later on — increasing constipation, anxiety, and long-term toileting challenges.
Even if your child needs extra support, starting early (with the right plan and patience) helps build confidence, independence, and comfort with the toilet routine.
Small steps add up — and you don’t have to do it alone.
As a Paediatric Continence Nurse, I can help you find the right approach for your child. 💛
Thriving Families – Connect · Sleep · Grow

💩 “The Hidden Struggle”Constipation and faecal incontinence are more common than most people realise.Many children quiet...
13/11/2025

💩 “The Hidden Struggle”
Constipation and faecal incontinence are more common than most people realise.
Many children quietly struggle with soiling, tummy aches, and “accidents” and parents are left confused or even blamed.
This isn’t a behaviour issue.
It’s a medical and emotional one. And it can deeply affect a child’s self-esteem and family relationships.
💚 The good news? With assessment, treatment, and the right support, things do get better.
I am a registered nurse, midwife and paediatric continence nurse specialist. Let’s work together to take the shame away and get your child feeling confident again.

💚 Contact me at Thriving Families Toowoomba - connect sleep grow.

Okay - so I have NO financial affiliations with either of these companies. BUT I LOVE a bargain. So I just thought I wou...
11/11/2025

Okay - so I have NO financial affiliations with either of these companies. BUT I LOVE a bargain. So I just thought I would let everyone know that there are two big sales happening now for anyone wanting to toilet train their child this summer.

First "StayDry" is having a 30% off all bed linen needed for night training as well as toilet training underwear. Now - personally - I am not a big fan of Toilet training underwear, but if it makes you feel a little more willing to try to toilet train - then you go for it.

Second "Conni" is having a sneaky 1/2 price sale of reusable incontinence swim wear. This is really good quality and lasts well - perfect for summer holidays, swimming lessons and playing in the pool.

As I said - not financial affiliation - just thought I would let my beautiful families know, incase anyone was looking to buy this stuff, it's a great time to buy.

In case your wondering where to find these things - just google search the names - you should be able to find it easy enough.

Happy bargain shopping
take care
Amanda

Summer and Nappies are hot, sticky, and expensive! Let’s be honest nappies in summer are no fun for anyone. They’re hot...
11/11/2025

Summer and Nappies are hot, sticky, and expensive!
Let’s be honest nappies in summer are no fun for anyone. They’re hot, uncomfortable, and can make kids more eager to ditch them to feel cooler in underwear!
The summer around your child’s 2nd birthday is the perfect time to start trying some gentle toilet training strategies:
🌿 Enjoy a bit of nappy-free playtime
💧 Offer plenty of drinks to keep fluids up and practice feeling that weeing sensation
🌞 Spend more time outside for easy clean-ups and learning opportunities
Give it a go — you might be surprised how ready your little one is!
If you’re finding it tricky or just want some guidance, I offer Peadiatric continence consultations to help families who are finding this process more tricky, their children have learning delays or challenges or if the entire process is just not happening how you expected it to happen
💧 Thriving Families Toowoomba– Connect · Sleep · Grow

🎒 “Getting Ready for Big School”Starting school is such an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a little overwhelmin...
09/11/2025

🎒 “Getting Ready for Big School”
Starting school is such an exciting milestone, but it can also feel a little overwhelming for both parents and children!

Between new routines, uniforms, and lunchboxes, it’s easy to forget about one big skill toileting independence.�

Over the next few months try to decrease your reminders to use the toilet - so your child can recognise when they need to go. Practice independently wiping their bottom, and wash their hands.�These little skills make a big difference in confidence.

💛�If you’re not sure your child is quite ready, I can help with gentle, practical steps to build toileting independence before school starts.

If your unsure on how to help them practice these skills, or independent toileting is not happening, its not too late to reach out for some help now - so we can practice over the holidays.

I’m a Registered Nurse and Paediatric Continence Nurse Specialist.
If you’d like an appointment for some practical strategies to move things forward, you can contact me through my website: www.thrivingfamilies.net.au

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Toowoomba, QLD

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Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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+61402727472

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Welcome to a non-judgemental, supportive parenting space. I know that parenting doesn't come with a handbook and there is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet. Parenting is hard at times! It’s a challenging journey that is often done in isolation. I recognise that families sometimes need support to navigate the tough times. Thriving families offers a holistic support service for parents that allows them to thrive not just survive!

I am a highly experienced Registered Nurse, Midwife, Child Health Nurse and Peadiatric Continence Nurse. I can offer you evidenced based information covering topic from newborn to school preparation, sleep, fussy eating, toilet training and other more complex toileting issues.

Everyone needs a bit of help at time, I am excited to join you on your parenting journey!