Nocturnal Enuresis is when your child can’t control their bladder during the night and unwillingly wets the bed. As all children grow and develop at different rates, bladder control is also achieved at different stages for each child.
Bed wetting is a normal part of growing up and it doesn’t last forever. In fact, children will usually grow out of wetting the bed.
It can run in the family
Research has shown that bed wetting often runs in the family. If a parent wet the bed as a child, there is a chance that the child will as well. Those chances are increased if both parents wet the bed when they were younger.
Children may be comforted to know that other family members have had the same experience with bed wetting as it makes them feel less alone.
Bed wetting and your child’s self esteem
Children who experience bed wetting can go through a tumultuous mix of emotions which can contribute to low self esteem issues. Reactions that your child may have, and that you should keep an eye out for, are:
Damaging self-perceptions can contribute to low self esteem.
The bed wetting blues
Bed wetting, and self esteem issues stemming from it, can not only affect your child at home but also in their school and social life. For example, sleepovers will very likely become something that they dread.
When a child has a sleepover to attend, there are little tips and tricks to pass along to assist in a dry night and avoid potential embarrassment for your child.
- Remind the child to go to the bathroom right before bedtime.
- Avoid fluids during the night time. Drink more during the day if possible.
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine.
- Use bed wetting products, such as DryNites. These are great for sleepovers.
Turn that frown upside down
As a parent it can be quite distressing to see your young one going through the bed wetting stage of their life – it’s such a difficult part of their childhood.
Here are a few suggestions for assisting by providing a positive boost (for your child and you):
- Provide positive reinforcement.
- Don’t dwell on bed wetting incidents – leave it behind and focus on the day ahead.
- Avoid getting frustrated (especially in front of your child).
- Let them know that they can speak with you about their problems and that you will not judge or love them any less.
- Write down your child’s positive attributes and share with them.
- Offer positive alternatives – perhaps offer “DryNites” as a discreet solution.
- Seek medical advice.
Essentially it is important for parents to remember that children don’t wet the bed on purpose, and usually feel quite ashamed after the incident.
It’s important that your child doesn’t feel as though it is their fault. Give them the moral support and confidence they need and reassure them that dry nights are just around the corner.