Make those bladders happy, because happy bladders make potty training easier - and who doesn't want that?

Let's be real - if you're reading this, you might have a little one who treats water like it's their enemy, as a toileting expert I hear all the time "My child just won't drink very much."

As a parent, watching your child refuse drink after drink can be incredibly frustrating, so it's important to look at ways to help especially if you're thinking about starting potty training.

This blog is here to help you build happy, healthy bladders with your children.

Before embarking on the potty training journey, there is an important aspect of children's development that often goes undiscussed, "bladder health".

Just like any other muscle in our bodies, the bladder needs regular exercise to function properly, think of the bladder as a muscle that needs a regular workout. When children don't drink enough fluids, they may experience more accidents during potty training because their bladder hasn't developed the strength and control it needs.

An unhappy bladder will misbehave.

Regular fluid intake helps build a happy bladder and then your child will achieve better bladder awareness (they feel a wee coming) and better control, (will be able to hold wee longer) making the potty training process smoother.

But as I said getting children to drink enough can be very challenging.

So let's make hydration FUN

Getting children excited about drinking water doesn't have to be a struggle.

Here are some creative approaches that turn hydration into an adventure.

Colourful Ice Cube Adventures -This makes water more exciting than any sugary drink.

Transform ordinary drinks into exciting experiences by letting your child create their own colourful ice cubes.

By using food colouring, children can choose their special colour for their breakfast drink, watch the colours swirl as the ice melts, they will get excited about what colour they'll pick for their next drink. You can even give them a special name, they can be the " Ice cube drink scientist".

This is one idea in my "Fun ways to increase fluids bundle.", you can grab it here for free.

Being a role model for good hydration habits is crucial for children's success.

Children are always watching what we do, they like to imitate and copy us, so if they see us drinking water every day, they’ll want to do it too.

You can even ask them to remind you to drink your water. Children love feeling like they’re in charge, and it makes them proud to help out. That’s why I included a fun water-tracking chart for both parents and children in my free bundle above. You can celebrate reaching water goals together, making it a fun game instead of a boring chore.

The Truth About Tiny Bladders

Here's something that might make you feel better- if your little one is only drinking about 200ml a day (that's roughly a small juice box), you can't expect them to suddenly start drinking the recommended 900ml (6 drinks of 150ml) overnight, that would be like asking someone who's never jogged before to run a marathon.

Just like any other muscle, the bladder needs time to build its strength. If we increase too quickly a potty training child can have lots of accidents and this leads to a big sense of failure.

So baby steps are better. Think of building bladder strength like training for a sports day - you've got to start small and build up gradually.

Here's a magic Jug trick ,that's a game-changer I share with my families.

Get yourself a 1-litre jug, fill it with water (or very diluted squash if that's your child's preference), and pop it in the fridge, then make sure every drink you offer comes from this jug. By the end of the day, you'll know exactly how much your little one has had - no more guessing games. You can then work and build from there.

Sneaky Hydration Hacks- Foods higher in water content.

For those days when drinking feels like a battle, this is your backup plan. Include foods that are high in water content.

Did you know butternut squash is 95% water? and Spinach is 93%.

Blend it into a pasta sauce, or spinach and basil pesto and boom - hydration in disguise. This creative approach helps children get the fluids they need without even realizing it.

My bundle includes a handy PDF that lists the water content in different foods. It’s a fun and easy way to learn which snacks and meals help keep your child hydrated. You’ll be surprised at how much water is hiding in some of your child's favourite foods. Pizza has between 40-49% !!! .Just be careful of the tomato base on the pizza as this can irritate bladders. The PDF is a great tool to reduce your frustration if little one is refusing drinks.

A little reminder you are not failing if your child is not drinking lots. Small wins are a step in the right direction.

More Ways to Keep Bladders Happy.

Here are some other super-important habits that can make a big difference.

Sweet Dreams for Happy Streams

Getting enough sleep isn't just about avoiding cranky mornings - it actually helps our bodies better control our bladders. When we're well-rested, all our muscles (including that important bladder) work better together. (If you need support with sleep check out my resources here, a few tweaks can make a big difference with sleep.)

The Poo-fect Schedule

Here's something many parents don't realize- regular pooing is crucial for bladder health. When we're backed up, it puts extra pressure on the bladder. Aim for a daily poo to keep everything running smoothly.

Wiggle, Jump, and Play.

Get those bodies moving. Outside play isn't just fun - all that jumping, running, and climbing helps strengthen the muscles that control the bladder. Think of it as playground potty training.

The Sit and Empty Challenge

Here's a tricky one, many children hop up from the toilet before their bladders are completely empty. With attention spans shorter than a goldfish's, who can blame them? But complete emptying is super important for bladder health.

Need help keeping your little one seated long enough? Check out my blog on "5 ways to increase your child's attention span to help with toileting" because sometimes we all need a little entertainment to stay put.

Don't forget to grab your free resource, my little hydration helper fluids bundle and turn the drinking battles into a fun adventure.

Building bladder health is like putting together a puzzle - every piece matters. Whether it's taking those extra sips of water, having a good night's sleep, or doing the "sit and empty" dance, each small step brings you closer to potty training success.

You've got this, and littlelifesteps has your back.