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Tips on How to Navigate Bed Wetting
Let's be honest, being woken up at night in general is not very fun, but when you are woken up by a child that has wet the bed there is way more effort needed in your response, which makes it that much harder to get up and also fall back asleep. It's difficult to have compassion and empathy when stripping the bed in the middle of the night, but to help your kiddo through this phase, those are exactly the tools we need.
Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common issue that many children face during their development. While it can be challenging for both children and parents, understanding and supportive strategies can help children overcome bedwetting with patience and empathy. Here are a few practical tips for parents to assist their children in this journey.
Maintain Open and Positive Communication:
Create a Safe Environment:
Ensure your child knows that bedwetting is not their fault and that they can talk to you about it without fear of punishment or embarrassment.
Listen Actively:
Encourage your child to share their feelings and concerns about bedwetting. Validate their emotions and let them know you understand.
Understand the Causes:
Developmental Factors:
Explain to your child that bedwetting is often a normal part of growing up, as their bladder is still maturing.
Avoid Blame:
Emphasize that bedwetting is not something they can control consciously and that it's not a behavioral issue.
Practical Tips to Help:
Limit Fluid Intake Before Bed:
Encourage your child to drink more fluids earlier in the day and reduce intake close to bedtime to minimize nighttime accidents.
Bathroom Breaks:
Encourage your child to use the bathroom before bedtime and even wake them up for a quick trip to the toilet before you go to bed. You can also encourage your child to use the bathroom regularly throughout the day.
Protective Bedding:
Use waterproof mattress covers and disposable bed mats to make clean-up easier and more comfortable for your child.
Bedwetting Alarms:
Consider using a bedwetting alarm, which can help condition your child to wake up when they need to urinate.
Encourage Responsibility:
Involve your child in the clean-up process when accidents happen, teaching them responsibility and reducing shame.
Seek Professional Guidance:
Consult a Pediatrician:
If bedwetting persists beyond the age of 6 or 7 or is causing significant distress, consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical issues.
Explore Treatment Options:
Discuss treatment options, including medications or therapies, with your child's healthcare provider if necessary.
Maintain a Positive Outlook:
Set Realistic Expectations:
Understand that progress may be gradual, and setbacks can occur. Celebrate small victories and remain patient.
Encourage Self-esteem:
Continually boost your child's self-esteem by highlighting their strengths and accomplishments unrelated to bedwetting.
Helping a child overcome bedwetting requires patience, empathy, and a supportive environment. By maintaining open communication, understanding the causes, implementing practical strategies, seeking professional guidance when needed, and fostering a positive outlook, you can play a vital role in helping your child build confidence and eventually conquer bedwetting. Remember that with time and support, most children outgrow this phase and continue to thrive.
Why didn’t we try this sooner?! As we speak he is sound asleep in his crib – and has been since 7:15 pm.
Karianne Wanggaard
Sleep Well Sleep Specialists
Working with Shannon, I went from 2-3 wake ups every night to 1 or 0. She aligned the plan with my preferred sleep cycle. She was always coaching, never judging. Shannon was great, I have referred MANY people to her! That's the best testament to her work that I can give.
Laura