The growth of a primary school-aged child is usually steady and sometimes slow. For some, however, the growth spurt of puberty may already start in the final years of primary school.
Significant changes in the early years of primary school include the loss of baby teeth and the disappearance of roundness in a child’s body. For many children, motor skills take big leaps during these years.
In the later years of primary school, many children also begin to show signs of puberty. For girls, breast development begins, and periods may start. For boys, the size of the testicles may begin to grow. Pubic hair growth often begins between the ages of 10 and 13.
Notes and tips for parents
- The increased mobility skills of a child of primary school age can also result in increased confidence, and sometimes a lack of self-preservation instincts. Instructed physical activity can help the child learn body control in a healthy way.
- The rise in a child’s physical abilities may also cause increased confidence, and sometimes a lack of self-preservation instincts. A guided physical activity or hobby can help the child learn body control in a healthy way.
- The child’s fine motor skills are developing, but especially in the early years of primary school, they may need help with things such as holding a pencil or tying their shoe laces.
- Even a young schoolchild’s sweat may start to smell, and their hair can get greasy. Help your child to learn to focus more on personal hygiene as they reach school age.
- The onset of puberty can increase clumsiness and undermine concentration. Be patient and remember that the biggest changes are still yet to come. Encourage the child to take part in enjoyable activities, and let them spend time with friends for peer support.
Normally, children learn to control their bladder by age 4–6. However, bedwetting is more common among school-aged children than is often thought: around one in ten six-year-olds and 3% of 12-year-olds have bedwetting accidents.
Major life changes, such as starting school, can trigger temporary bedwetting. The problem can also be long-term.
If the situation is recurring, or if your child is bothered by individual incidents, openly discuss the matter with them. Together, read tips on how to deal with the accidents and contact the health care services if the situation does not improve despite home treatment.
If the child’s bedwetting involves other symptoms, such as constant thirst and drinking fluids, weight loss or fatigue, book a health care appointment as soon as possible.
Tips for treating bedwetting
- First, take care of any stomach issues. Fibre, vegetables and adequate hydration are important for the functioning of the stomach. Eating prunes and, if necessary, taking a medicine to relieve constipation can help.
- The child needs to pee regularly and at least 5 times a day. They should also poop daily, after dinner at the latest.
- As a parent, make sure that the child drinks a limited amount of water in the evening and goes to the toilet before bed. However, remind them to drink enough water during the day.
- Serve supper and the last glass of water about 2 hours before bedtime.
- Leave the light on in the toilet all night to make a nighttime trip to the toilet feel easier.
- If necessary, the child can wear a night nappy. However, the nappy will not contribute to learning to stay dry.
- Praise the child when they have a night without an accident.
- If your child has pee accidents during the day as well, they can go to the toilet at regular intervals, e.g. every 2 hours, and wait a moment for their bladder to empty properly.
If the situation continues, keep a monitoring diary: for a week, write down the times at which the child pees, poops and has an accident, and bring these notes to your health care appointment.
