A Houston parent is expressing her frustration over the way her children’s school manages bathroom breaks. Jessica Lee, a mother of two elementary school students, recently discovered that her kids must “earn” passes to use the restroom. Although she has previously provided medical documentation to exempt her children from this policy, she found two passes tucked away in her sixth grader’s binder this week. In an interview with a local news station, she stated that she is “exasperated” by the notion of her children having to earn access to a basic need, which she views as a natural part of life.
Is It Appropriate to Require Children to “Earn” Bathroom Breaks?
Is it really appropriate to require young children to “earn” permission for such a basic necessity? The school district defends its policy by claiming that these restroom and drink of water coupons serve as motivation for students to optimize their instructional time. They believe it fosters skills in time management and encourages kids to plan their daily routines effectively.
While time management is undoubtedly important, it’s concerning to think about elementary-aged children facing restrictions on when they can use the bathroom. Transitioning from home to a full school day can be challenging enough without the added pressure of needing to “hold it” until a scheduled break. Even adults often struggle to go on demand during set times; why should we expect children to manage this any differently?
Health Implications of Restricting Bathroom Access
This policy could potentially be more effectively implemented by addressing those who may misuse bathroom privileges, rather than imposing strict limitations that affect all students. Forcing children to wait can lead to health issues like urinary tract infections. As highlighted by a report from USA Today, pediatric urology expert Dr. Mark Simmons notes that he has treated many otherwise healthy children suffering from urinary problems due to infrequent bathroom visits.
Scheduled bathroom breaks are essential in elementary schools, but it’s important not to penalize students before any misuse occurs. Treating bathroom access as a reward diminishes its inherent necessity.
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Conclusion
In summary, enforcing a system where elementary school students must “earn” bathroom breaks is not only unnecessary but can also have harmful consequences for their health and well-being. It’s crucial to create an environment where children feel comfortable addressing their needs without additional stressors.