01/22/2026
Bladder leaks aren’t laziness — they’re part of learning interoception.
Interoception is how we notice internal body cues and connect them to action.
For the bathroom, that means learning what “I need to pee” actually feels like inside the body.
Some kids don’t feel “full” or “heavy.”
It might feel like a tickle. Or pressure. Or nothing at all.
That’s why modeling matters.
Try narrating your own body cues out loud:
“My bladder feels heavy — that means it’s time to go.”
Or, “That doesn’t feel like a tickle for me, but it might for you.”
Other supports that help build awareness:
• Timed potty reminders (a watch or timer removes the guesswork)
• “Just in case” bathroom trips
• Predictable flushing (Post-it over auto-flush sensors)
• Letting kids step out while you flush if needed
Kids aren’t being defiant.
They’re learning the language of their body — and that takes time.
Not Naughty. Just sensory.
If potty struggles feel ongoing, our team offers free screens at Prairie Grit.