Hmm. I'm going to offer a somewhat stronger opinion about the toileting incident.
This was my child a few years ago. I:
1. Had a sympathetic no-nonsense talk with him and told him that if he needed to pee so badly that he was in danger of wetting his pants, he should just go and then deal with the consequences afterward. He could just call out on the way out the door or off the playground if need be. Better to face an annoyed teacher sit in urine-soaked wet trousers all day.
In a matter like this, I don't give a rat's a@@ about teacher's convenience. Barring children from relieving themselves is child abuse as far as I'm concerned. Bladders don't work on schedule, and most kids who don't feel a need during scheduled breaks just won't go. Anyone who's spent time with little kids should know that (well, if they pay attention, anyway).
2. Wrote a very firm letter to the principal asking if the school had a policy of forcing children to wet their pants. A few words about health risks (both to the child's distended bladder, her pee-soaked skin and the other children) go a long way here. Point out that the school may face liability. What if an unvaccinated child defecates polio virus onto the floor and passes it around? Keep the letter firm and avoid emotions. Hammer away at health risks and the school's
liability.
More fodder for the letter: why didn't the school notify you so that you could bring dry clothing? Is it their policy to allow children to sit in urine-soaked clothing all day? I don't believe for a minute that the teacher didn't see that someone had wet her pants. Either she ignored the problem or was ignorant of what was going on in her class.
Also could your DD have contracted the UTI from being in urine-soaked clothing all day? A letter from a pediatrician could also help inspire policy reform here.
A seven-year-old child is too young to be expected to stand up to an authority figure like a teacher in a situation like this. Teachers are big and scary and girls, especially, can be inclined to do what they're told.
As for the likelihood of persuading this teacher to give your child more appropriate work, my reaction is: if she won't even let a kid pee, what are the chances that she's got enough of what it takes to even recognize your daughter's needs, let alone fulfill them? Puh-lease.
I agree about moving your DD to another classroom. You don't need to tie the move to what's happened; just give her a generic reason.
Also,
try listening to this .
It's a soothing song by Chris Sills.
Kerry, I've been there, and I know how awful it is. Good luck.
Val
