Thriving Families

25/04/2026

06/02/2026

The start of the school year brings new routines, new classrooms, new friends and new teacher expectations.
It can also bring stress for children and young people, and for the adults supporting them.
For some children, this shows up as toileting accidents after doing “just fine” last year.
That can feel frustrating, or even overwhelming for both kids and families. But it’s important to know this is very common during these transitions.
Change ask a lot of young nervous systems, brain and bodies.
What can look like regression, refusal, or “not caring” is often a child asking a very simple question:
❤️ Am I safe here?
Small, steady supports make a real difference:
• Predictable routines
• Calm mornings - not rushed
• Reassurance, not pressure
• Strong, trusting relationships
When children feel safe, their bodies usually follow ❤️
If toileting accidents are happening as the year starts, it’s a signal to slow things down and support not a sign of failure.
You’re not doing anything wrong.
Your child isn’t being difficult or lazy
Their nervous system is just finding its feet again.
❤️If things do not improve - you can always reach out for support with your GP or myself as a Peadiatric Continence Nurse I see these things all the time and usually with a little support, can by fixed quickly and easily.

16/01/2026

A 20-year study shows early intervention cuts juvenile crime 50% with 13% ROI. Prevention beats punishment - here's the economic proof.

07/12/2025

🚽 What are the signs and symptoms of constipation in children?

Constipation in kids can look very different from one child to another and it’s often missed for a long time.

Here are some common signs to watch for:
💩 Infrequent pooing or skipping days
😖 Straining or Withholding (trying not to poo) when pooing
💨 Foul-smelling wind or poo
🌬️ Excessive gas or bloating
⚖️ Irregular poo consistency (huge poos or small pellets - or anything in-between)
🚫 Soiling/overflow in underwear or after doing a poo - looks like not wiping properly
🤢 Poor appetite, tiredness, or irritability
😔 Complaints of tummy pain or a “sore belly”

Unfortunately, constipation is sometimes underestimated, even by healthcare professionals. This can leave families struggling, feeling unheard, and unsure where to turn next.
I’ve worked with thousands of children with this condition and I know how stressful it can be. Please don’t give up or just live with it. Constipation is treatable, and your child can feel better with the right plan in place.
If you’d like help to get your child’s bowels back on track, you can book an appointment with Amanda at Thriving Families (connect-sleep-grow)💕

23/11/2025

🌿 “It’s Not Their Fault”
💭 Did you know that soiling (poo accidents) in children is very common and rarely intentional? In fact, would go so far to say it's NEVER intentional.
When kids experience constipation, poo can build up and leak out without them realising. It’s not defiance, it’s their body saying “I need help.”
Punishment or frustration can make things worse because children often feel ashamed and scared. I also feel that parents are doing the best they can and it feels like nothing is working so they also feel scared.
BUT with the right plan, consistent guidance, bowel management, and emotional support kids can regain control and confidence.
If your child is struggling, you’re not alone and I can help you understand what’s going on and how to move forward.

Visit Thriving Families – Connect · Sleep · Grow to make an appointment and get things sorted properly.

23/11/2025

💩 “The Hidden Struggle”
Constipation and faecal incontinence are more common than most people realise.
Many children quietly struggle with soiling, tummy aches, and “accidents” — and parents are left confused or even blamed.
This isn’t a behaviour issue.
It’s a medical and emotional one. And it can deeply affect a child’s self-esteem and family relationships.
💚 The good news? With assessment, treatment, and the right support, things do get better.
I am a Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Peadiatric Continence Nurse
Specialist. Let’s work together to take the shame away and get your child feeling confident again.
Book an appointment with me on my website at Thriving Families Toowoomba

20/11/2025

Encouraging Toileting for Children with a Disability – Why Waiting Isn’t Always the Best Option
If your child has a disability or developmental delay, you might have been told: “Just wait until they’re ready.” That guidance most likely came from a caring place, but the latest evidence suggests that waiting too long to support toileting skills can actually make things harder for you and your child.
Here’s what the research is showing:
Children with developmental disabilities (including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and other challenges) are more likely to have ongoing toileting issues than typically developing children.

Delaying the process of toileting or leaving it “to when they’re ready” may lead to longer-term incontinence, fewer opportunities for independence, and greater stress for the family. (Continence health Australia)

While children with additional needs may need more support, they can still learn toileting skills, and early, proactive efforts (tailored to their needs) have benefits for their health, self-care, participation in community settings, and social inclusion.

“Waiting for readiness signs” may be tricky because children with sensory, communication or physical issues may not show the clear cues that are typical for other children (e.g., telling you they’re wet, recognising the urge).
sfcp.cedwvu.org

What this means for you as a parent
Start by working with your child’s unique profile, their physical, communication, sensory and cognitive strengths and challenges.
Rather than “waiting” passively, you can begin small steps of toileting support, routines and practice.
If things aren’t straightforward: that’s totally okay. This is exactly where specialist help (like from a paediatric continence nurse, specialised continence OT or physio) is worth it.
The goal isn’t perfection overnight, it’s building confidence, reducing accidents, supporting dignity, and giving your child more independence.

In short: If your child has a disability or developmental delay, you don’t need to put toileting on hold. Starting earlier (with the right support) often means better outcomes, more independence, and less stress for everyone.
If you’d like help mapping out the “how”, with a plan that works for your child and your family, I’d love to support you through that.
💧 Amanda at Thriving Families (Connect · Sleep · Grow) has 30 years of child development and specialised continence education to help find the solution for your family

18/11/2025

☀️Nappies are clever… maybe too clever!
Disposable nappies keep children so dry and comfortable that they often don’t even realise when they’re wet.
That means parents waiting for “readiness signs” might be waiting a long time because those signals just aren’t as obvious anymore, unlike when we use to use cloth nappies and kids could "feel" the wet.
That’s why summer is the perfect time to see if your child is ready to start toilet training.
Let them have some nappy-free playtime, stay hydrated, and simply give it a go!
You might be surprised at what your little one can do when given the chance

Give it a go — you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
If it doesn’t quite click just yet, that’s okay, .as a Paediatric Continence Nurse, I can help you troubleshoot, find the right approach, and get your child’s confidence (and yours!) back on track. your not on your own - but give it a go first.

💛 Thriving Families – Connect · Sleep · Grow

16/11/2025

💧 Don’t wait too long to start toilet training — especially for children with a disability.
Many parents are told to “wait until they’re ready,” but research shows that delaying toilet training for children with developmental delays or disabilities can make things harder later on — increasing constipation, anxiety, and long-term toileting challenges.
Even if your child needs extra support, starting early (with the right plan and patience) helps build confidence, independence, and comfort with the toilet routine.
Small steps add up — and you don’t have to do it alone.
As a Paediatric Continence Nurse, I can help you find the right approach for your child. 💛
Thriving Families – Connect · Sleep · Grow