Childmindee

[MissBax]

I childmind a 8yo girl. She always refuses drinks (even when the weather is like this). I look after her for 5 hours after school 3 times a week and she only has one wee in this time, before bed. I've noticed when I go into the bathroom after she's had a wee that there is a very pungent smell of urine, even after she's flushed.
Would it be unreasonable to mention this to her mum? Obviously she looks after her all the rest of the week so must have noticed it? I don't want to come across as condescending or like I'm telling her how to parent, but I think it can't be good for her DD.

Yes, I think you should mention it. Say that you've noticed this and you're a bit concerned about it. Then leave it with the mother and don't mention it again.

Her wee will smell strong if she's not drinking. What drinks do you offer? I'm thinking if your healthy eating policy means only milk or water is offered she may be used to juice at home?

I would mention it on the basis that you are struggling to get her to drink and you are worried she may end up dehydrated.

It may be that you do have to offer different drinks than you usually do unfortunately.

I would say something.

I'm concerned that DD doesn't seem to drink enough when with me and her wee smells really strong. Is there anything you want me to do to encourage her to drink more as I am aware that insufficient drinking can lead to xxx

Not at all unreasonable. Mention to her mum that you've noticed and ask if there's anything you can do to encourage her to drink that you haven't tried yet.

I'd definitely ask what she drinks at home. I have a child who will only drink enough water to wet her mouth as she really dislikes it. Juice she will drink and drink to excess if it's diluted as recommended. Very weak juice she will drink a normal amount.

Sorry I didn't mention - I look after her at her house, not mine. So offer her the usual dilute squash that she says she has. Even if I make her a cup she has one sip and it sits there for the rest of the night.
Thanks for your replies though - as you've all said I should I'll definitely speak to her DM about it. I was obviously overthinking things.

In that case I'd try putting a bit more squash in to see if she drinks more. Mum might make it stronger!

If that doesn't work then I think you need to mention it to mum and she can maybe get different drink and in and ice lollies etc.

Thanks Corbyns! Hadn't even thought it could be something as simple as that!

Gosh yes, definitely mention to mum. I would want to be told this sort of thing if it was my child.

Have you tried the novelty of ice cubes or frozen fruit like raspberries? And a character cup?

NB if the care takes place at the child's home you're not a childminder...

Is she reluctant to drink to the point that you are making her squash to entice her? Most 8 year olds would be getting their own drinks in their own home, even lazy ones if the adult looking after them does it "wrong" :o

You could make making drinks into an activity - my kids often made smoothies or home made lemonade with too much sugar with their friends at that age.

Yes chat to her mum as Teen and others suggest too though - she'll end up with a UTI by the sounds of it.

Squash isn't the most refreshing of drinks. Would she drink water?

You could try one of those bottles that has a time scale on it... so something like must drink this much in half hour or something. It might make it a bit more fun. Also ice cubes etc...
Drinking is so important in this heat. Is her wee quite dark yellow? I notice that's a sign of not enough water.