If you’ve ever watched your child cross their legs, dance around, or refuse to go to the bathroom—even when they clearly need to—you’re not alone. This is a common behavior known as urinary withholding, and while it might seem like a phase, it can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.
At Aloha Integrative Therapy, we help families navigate this challenge with understanding, compassion, and support. Here’s what withholding behavior may look like in your child, why it happens, and how pediatric pelvic floor therapy can help.
What Is Withholding Behavior?
Withholding happens when a child deliberately avoids urinating, even though their bladder is full. Children may try to “hold it” for hours, ignore the urge, or resist going to the bathroom altogether.
These symptoms are more common than many realize—and they’re treatable with the right approach to your child’s unique pelvic health care needs.
Common signs include:
- Squirming, leg crossing, squatting or doing a “pee dance”
- Frequent accidents or leaking
- Complaints of stomach aches or pressure
- Avoidance of bathroom routines
- Constipation or infrequent bowel movements (often linked)
Why Do Kids Withhold?
Children may withhold pee or poop for many reasons, including:
- Fear of the toilet (loud flush, public restrooms, falling in)
- Negative past experience (painful UTI or constipation)
- Avoidance (too busy playing, anxiety in school settings)
- Sensory sensitivities (discomfort with the environment, sounds, smells, visual stimuli)
While it’s common in toddlers during potty learning/training, withholding that continues beyond age 4–5 may need therapeutic support.
Why Withholding Can Be Harmful
Holding pee too long can lead to:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Bladder dysfunction
- Daytime or nighttime accidents
- Constipation (which can worsen urinary issues)
- Painful urination or bowel movements
Early intervention can prevent these complications and support healthy habits through childhood.
How Pediatric Pelvic Health OT Can Help
At Aloha Integrative Therapy, we use gentle, play-based strategies to help children:
- Understand what’s happening in their body
- Learn proper bathroom habits and routines
- Build bladder and bowel awareness
- Reduce anxiety or fear around toileting
- Improve pelvic floor function through guided movement and posture work
We also support parents with tools and guidance to support progress at home.
Every Child Deserves to Feel Comfortable & Confident
Toileting challenges can be frustrating, but your child is not doing this on purpose. With compassion, patience, and the right support, they can learn to feel safe and build independence for toileting skills.
If your child is struggling with withholding behavior, reach out to us today. We’re here to help your family move forward with confidence.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, you’re not alone.
At Aloha Integrative Therapy, we use holistic and integrative compassionate, child-centered care to support pediatric pelvic health in a safe and encouraging environment.