Unfortunately for some children, bed wetting is a problem that persists well after childhood, sometimes into the teen years. It can be frustrating and embarrassing for both the child and the parents, but many times there is a medical reason that can be corrected. Other times, sudden stress due to family or school issues may be the cause of the problem. Here are some tips to help your child reduce or even eliminate their bed wetting incidents.
First, take your child to the doctor for a full physical exam to rule out any medical causes for the bed wetting, especially if the child is over age seven and still having frequent problems. Some common health problems like urinary tract infections or diabetes can also cause bed wetting in children, so it may be easy to fix the underlying issue. There are also newer medications on the market designed to stop bed wetting in older children, so this may be an option if the problem persists.
Even if no physical problem is found by the doctor, it is important to remember that the child is not wetting the bed on purpose to upset you. He or she wants to stop every bit as much as you want them to, so do not bring additional shame or guilt into the picture because you are frustrated. On the other hand, do not praise the child for having a dry night. While this may seem strange, giving out praise for something the child cannot control sends the same mixed messages as punishing them for the bed wetting nights.
Setting a bedtime routine may help train their bladder to only release at certain times. A regular bedtime will also help your child get enough sleep each night so they are not too tired to wake up if they need to use the bathroom. Limit caffeinated drinks during the day because these act as a diuretic and will increase your child’s middle of the night bathroom trips. You should, however, encourage them to drink more liquids in general as this will slowly expand their bladder and allow them to go longer without visiting the bathroom. Be sure there is a clear, well-lighted path to the bathroom from your child’s room. Many times, a child is simply afraid of the dark and is wetting the bed because they will not leave the safety of their bedroom.
There are some easy physical fixes you can do around the house to at least make things easier for you and your child in case a bed wetting incident does occur. Purchase a waterproof mattress cover and plastic sheets for your child’s bed so there will not be any lasting damage. In addition to minimizing the mess, you are trying to reduce any guilt the child may feel for ruining his or her bed. If nothing else works, you can find nighttime diapers made for older children. This may be the best temporary solution until your child outgrows his or her problems with bed wetting.
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