A mother from Houston has voiced her frustration regarding the bathroom break policies at her children’s elementary school. Jessica Thompson revealed that her kids must “earn” passes to use the restroom. Despite previously obtaining medical exemptions for her children, she recently discovered two of these passes in her sixth grader’s binder. She expressed her discontent to ABC 13, stating that she is “exasperated” by the notion of children needing to earn the right to relieve themselves, which she considers a basic human need.
Is it Justifiable?
Is it justifiable to require elementary school children to “earn” permission to use the restroom? The school district provided an explanation for this policy, suggesting that it serves as a motivational tool created by teachers to encourage students to maximize their instructional time. They believe this policy helps children develop better time management skills and teaches them to plan their daily activities effectively.
Health Concerns
While time management is undeniably important, the idea of restricting a child’s access to the bathroom raises significant concerns. Young children are already adjusting to being away from home for extended periods, and asking them to wait until scheduled breaks to use the restroom can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy. Even as adults, we often struggle to go on command during set intervals, so why should we expect children to do the same?
This policy appears to unfairly penalize all students rather than addressing the behavior of those who may misuse bathroom privileges. Forcing children to hold their bladder can lead to various health issues, including urinary tract infections. According to a report by USA Today, Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatric urologist, has observed many healthy children develop complications due to infrequent bathroom trips, leading to incontinence and even kidney damage.
Finding a Balance
It’s understandable that schools need to implement some structure around bathroom breaks to maintain order; however, it’s crucial not to punish students before they have proven any misuse of the system. Making children “earn” bathroom breaks as if they are rewards is simply unreasonable. For further reading on related topics, you may find this article on home insemination kits helpful, as it provides insights on family planning.
Conclusion
In summary, the practice of requiring elementary students to “earn” bathroom breaks raises significant concerns about their health and well-being. It’s essential to find a balance that allows children to use the restroom freely while maintaining order in the classroom. For more information about home insemination, check out this excellent resource on fertility insurance.