Help your child deal with bedwetting

Bedwetting is a normal part of growing up. Most children don’t stay dry at night and this becomes a concern for parents from ages six.

Bedwetting is caused by a variety of factors; it could be slower development of bladder control or heavy sleep. Stress and anxiety can be a cause. Some children need extra time to develop control of their bladder. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Remove electronics and pets from your child’s room.

Also, children who wet the bed tend to have a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent who wet the bed until a late age, suggesting a genetic component. While children with urinary tract infection (UTI) or constipation tend to bed wet.

However, a child who wets the bed needs support for his parents, hence you must reassure him of being there. Your child isn’t wetting the bed on purpose and typically, this could be a sign of an emotional or physical problem. Let him know it is very normal, common and he won’t always wet the bed.

While bedwetting can be genetic, the parent who has battled bedwetting can share his own experience. This will help your child see that people can outgrow it and help him feel less alone and embarrassed.

You can also brainstorm together if they are older on ways to stay dry, while you cut down on drinks in the evenings. You should also invest in absorbent pants or waterproof sheets to help him deal with bedwetting.

Make using the bathroom just before he gets in bed part of his bedtime routine. Encourage him to use the bathroom 15 minutes before bed and again right before bed; some children pee just enough so they no longer feel the urge, hence they may not be emptying their bladder.

Also remind him that it’s okay to get up during the night to use the bathroom. Nightlights can help him find his way when he needs it.

Always praise and reward when he stays dry. Make it a fun activity and ensure Praise and Reward for Staying

Dry
Some families mark wet days and dry days on a calendar. Stickers or stars can make it fun. If they wet, be supportive and remind them that results will come if they keep up their efforts.

Involve your child in cleaning up when he wets the bed. He should put his nightwear in the laundry basket and change the sheets. This is not to serve as punishment but to understand what has to be done. The idea is to make him more aware of bedwetting without scolding him.

Be patient about bedwetting. Scolding or losing your temper won’t make your child stop wetting the bed. This is one thing most parents whose children bed wet are guilty of. Don’t bring up bedwetting in front of others to try to shame him. Embarrassment will only increase his stress and anxiety.

Meanwhile, remember that bedwetting eventually does stop. Try practicing patience and providing support while you wait.

Bedwetting can also make your child an easy target for teasing or bullying. To help him handle it, make your home safe for him. Don’t allow anyone in your family or friends tease or bully him about it.

Finally, you should visit your doctor, if your child is still bedwetting at age 7. While there may be a medical problem, most of the time there isn’t. Also, see the doctor if your child suddenly starts wetting the bed after being dry for six months or more.