{"id":"e21f3bf4218340b2a0f9d46108797069","slug":"5yearold-keep-having-daytime-accidents-school-but-stays","question":"Why does my 5-year-old keep having daytime accidents at school but stays dry at home?","answer":"The gap between staying dry at home and having accidents at school often comes down to a combination of factors, and sleep is actually one of them. Research suggests that children who sleep less than around 8½ hours nightly are more likely to experience daytime wetting problems at school age, so it's worth checking whether your 5-year-old is getting enough rest — sleep issues including frequent night waking can interfere with bladder control during the day.\n\nBeyond sleep, the school environment itself matters. Many children struggle with using school bathrooms because of real obstacles: bathrooms may feel uncomfortable or dirty, some schools have strict policies about bathroom access, or your child may feel self-conscious about asking. These barriers can lead to accidents or reluctance to use the toilet at school, even if bladder control is solid at home where the bathroom feels safe and familiar.\n\nThe combination of adequate sleep plus removing barriers to bathroom access at school often makes a meaningful difference. If accidents persist despite good sleep and bathroom comfort, it's worth mentioning it to your child's teacher or pediatrician to rule out other factors.","sources":"[{\"pmid\":\"38831062\",\"title\":\"Sleep duration, sleep problems and developmental trajectories of urinary incontinence: a prospective cohort study.\",\"journal\":\"European child & adolescent psychiatry\",\"year\":\"2024\",\"url\":\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38831062/\",\"score\":0.77}]","thread_json":null,"topic":"potty-training-regression","view_count":0,"created_at":"2026-10-22T23:00:47.178Z"}