How Do You Wear Diapers To School
School-going children and adults wear diapers to school for different reasons. For instance, five-year-olds wear diapers to school because they are not fully potty trained. Preteens, teenagers and adults are put in diapers at school because they suffer from incontinence or other medical conditions resulting in loose bladder.
Wearing diapers at school is very scary, especially for older kids who had stopped wearing diapers. The fear of other kids realizing that they are in diapers is terrifying. If your kid has to start wearing diapers to school, ensure to report to the school. This way, teachers will give them a little more privileges and even remind them when to change.
Why wear diapers at school?
Children at different ages and even school going adults wear diapers to school for different reasons, as discussed below:
Children who are not potty trained
The main reason why children below five years go to school in diapers is that they do not know how to use the toilet on their own yet.
It is expected that all kids are potty trained before joining school, but there are exceptions. Here are reasons why some preschool kids are not yet potty-trained:
- Disabilities or delayed development- children with physical disabilities and delayed milestones take longer to potty train hence the need for diapers at school. If your kids fall in this category, ensure to enroll them in an appropriate school where they will be well taken care of.
- Resistance- you will be shocked at the number of kids who know how to use the toilet, but they refuse. Some fear the flushing sound, or they are afraid of using public toilets.
- Physical complications- some school-going kids have to wear diapers because their bladder is small or suffer from poor muscle control. Such conditions delay potty training.
- Emotional issues- children going through an emotionally difficult time like stress, anxiety or significant life changes take longer to potty train or relapse.
- Lack of potty training- some parents do potty train their kids because they are too busy or believe that the kid will outgrow diapers on their own.
While it is expected that all children at the school going age should be fully potty trained, there are exceptions, and therefore, some children will have to start school in diapers.
Incontinence
Incontinence is a medical condition that causes involuntary urination and defecation. The condition is common in senior citizens, but also affects preteens, teenagers and youth. Incontinence can be cured and controlled, but the patients must wear diapers during the treatment process. If patients of whatever age happen to be students, they must start wearing diapers to school.
Diapers by choice
There is a group of teens and adults who want to stay in diapers without an underlying condition. People who wear diapers by choice associate them with comfort, security or they do not want to use public toilets.
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When should kids in preschool stop wearing diapers
As already stated, children are different, and there are different reasons for delayed potty training. Therefore, the right age to stop wearing diapers differs with the child and the factors around them.
However, if your kid is growing older and they are not disabled or do not have delayed milestones, you might have to take extra measures to stop them from wearing diapers. Follow the tips below:
Keep the diapers away
Some kids are still wearing diapers because they are accessible to them. Therefore, talk to your child and tell them that you are clearing the current diaper stock and not replacing them. Take them through the clearance journey until the last piece. This prepares them psychologically that there are no more diapers and might help with potty training.
Address the fears around the toilet or potty training
Some kids resist potty training because of a particular fear. Observe your child and listen to them to find out why they are afraid of the toilet. Reassure them and ask what you can do to make them feel better. You might have to accompany them to the toilet for the first few attempts. Also, reward successful toilet uses.
Do not plead or beg
Begging your child to use the toilet gives them the power to make it even harder for you. Instead of pleading, create a game out of it. Because kids love games, they will do it willingly because it does not feel like a chore.
Create a routine
Kids thrive in routines, and it might be all you need for successful potty training. Create and stick to a bedtime and toilet time routine for success. What’s more, please do not compare your child to others and always praise them after successful toilet use. Before you know it, they will be doing it on their own.
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How to cope with being put in diapers at school
Wearing diapers at an older age is embarrassing and shameful, and it is even worse if you are going to school. The fear of the reactions and comments from other students if they happen to find out is very stressful. Below are some tips on how to cope with diapers at school.
Wear the right diapers
The right diaper for you depends on the level of absorbency you need. Incontinence is a condition that cuts across all ages, and this creates a demand for diapers. Therefore, there are many diaper brands to choose from.
The variety gives you a choice, but choosing the best from many can be a daunting task. At the start, it is advisable to try different brands until you settle for one that works for you. Once you settle on the brand, make sure to purchase the right-sized diapers.
The best diaper for you should be well-fitting, comfortable and well absorbed.
Try the diapers in your school clothes
Part of ensuring that you have the right diapers is ensuring that they fit well with your school clothes. If you are dressed in uniforms, make sure to fit in them while in diapers. Also, if you are shopping for new clothes, fit them while in diapers for the perfect fit. If you want to hide the diapers, you might have to start wearing a size larger. Tight clothes will show your diapers, and your secret will be out.
Talk to the school
It is essential to inform the necessary people in school that you are now wearing diapers. If you are a parent, report to the school nurse about your child’s condition so that they can be given special privileges.
Be discrete
If you do not want other students to know that you are on diapers, employ discreet practices around how you carry extra diapers, when you change the diapers and disposal methods.
Put the extra diapering supplies in a pouch that fits in your backpack so that no one has to wonder why you are carrying two bags. You might have to buy a bigger bag if the one you had is small.
The best time to change diapers is when all the other students are in class. This is part of why the administration should be aware of your condition so that you are allowed time to the washrooms during class time. What’s more, wrap the diaper in a plastic bag before throwing it in the bin. This way, no one will see it.
Lastly, consider wearing disposable diapers than cloth diapers in school. Disposable diapers are waste and throw, unlike cloth diapers which you should carry home for washing.
Know when to change your diapers
Parents should teach their diaper-wearing preteens and teens how to wear diapers and when to change them. This prevents diaper accidents or sagging diapers that will start showing on clothes. What’s more, filled-up diapers start to smell. With that said, change your diapers as soon as possible to avoid embarrassing yourself.
Grow a tough skin
As you keep your condition discreet, it is essential to develop a thick skin to handle bullies if that time comes. It is easier said than done, but once you understand that you are sick and do not have any control over it, you will tell off the bullies.
This gives you the freedom to interact and participate in school activities because you are not keeping secrets. Also, always carry an extra pair of clothes just in case of an accident that requires a change of clothes.’
Read also How to cope with being put in diapers for bedwetting
FAQ on put in diapers at school
Can you wear a diaper at school?
Yes, you can wear diapers to school irrespective of your age. If you were not wearing diapers before, your parents must inform the school nurse or administration of the new development if you need help.
How can I hide my diapers at school?
To hide your diapers at school, change your wardrobe a size larger. Also, carry your extra diapers in a small pouch that perfectly fits your books bag.
Can a school nurse change a diaper?
It is not in the job description of the school nurse to change diapers. Therefore, consult with the school for the available options. Some will ask you to hire someone you will help with that, while others, especially preschools, have already hired an aide to help with diaper changes.
