Here are some tips and tricks for parents as they navigate this delicate issue with their little one.
Bedwetting – also called nocturnal enuresis – can feel like one of parenting’s trickiest puzzles. It’s common, often outgrown and completely involuntary. Yet for children, waking up wet can feel embarrassing, and for parents, it can be equally frustrating. The good news is that bedwetting can be managed, and in a way that keeps your child’s confidence intact.
What causes bedwetting?
Before jumping to solutions, it helps to understand the ‘why.’ Bedwetting can run in families – if one parent experienced it as a child, there’s a higher chance their son or daughter might too. For some kids, their bladder simply hasn’t caught up with their growth yet, while others may sleep so deeply that they don’t wake up when their bladder signals it’s full. Worry, constipation and hormonal imbalances affecting urine production at night can also play a role. The main takeaway is that bedwetting isn’t your child’s fault – and it’s not yours either.
Building confidence
The first rule of managing bedwetting is to keep things positive. Remind your child that it’s normal, that many kids face the same challenge and that they’ll grow out of it. Celebrate dry nights with enthusiasm, but avoid punishing or shaming little ones after accidents – this generally only adds anxiety, which may make the problem worse.
Practical tips for parents
What should you consider when looking for a solution to your child’s issues?
Bedtime routine
A predictable evening routine is a great way to signal to your child’s body that it’s time to wind down. Include a bathroom trip right before bed and encourage another trip if they wake during the night at any stage.
Manage evening fluids
Offer plenty of water earlier in the day and gently reduce drinks an hour before bedtime. Be careful not to over-restrict fluids though! Afterall, hydration throughout the day is just as important.
Waterproof covers
It’s good to be practical and protect mattresses with waterproof covers. This simplifies clean-ups and is a small tweak that keeps stress levels lower. Having spare sheets on hand also makes middle-of-the-night accidents easier to handle.
Alarms and bathroom breaks
For older kids, bedwetting alarms can be helpful. They detect moisture and sound an alert, helping condition children to wake up and use the toilet. Equally, during the day, remind your child to use the bathroom regularly as waiting until the last minute can overstretch their bladder.
Extra support
Most children outgrow bedwetting by age seven, but if the problem persists, or suddenly begins after a long dry spell, it might be time to talk to a medical expert. Sometimes underlying issues like urinary tract infections, digestive problems or even stress may need to be addressed. Doctors may recommend treatments like bladder exercises, medication or therapy to help older children who struggle with self-esteem or anxiety related to bedwetting.
While bedwetting can be an upsetting phase for the whole family, have faith that it will resolve. The journey to dry nights is often gradual, but progress will come with time!
Image Credit: ShutterStock