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Expert Q&A

 

By John Dorsey, M.D.
Pediatrician

My 9-year-old daughter often will come to tears before she will announce her need to use the bathroom. Is this common?

While this may be more common in a 2-year-old, it's way outside of the range for a 9-year-old to hold elimination to a point of tears. If she has been checked out physically to make sure there are no reasons for this behavior, I suggest a visit with a child psychologist. Her behavior might be the result of an association she has developed between going to the bathroom and something negative. A psychologist should be able to draw out the emotions and feelings on going to the bathroom and help you and her together beat this behavior."

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