Let your child have a say
Any issues relating to bedwetting are going to take time, patience and commitment to resolve, both by yourself and your child. If your child is not bothered by the bedwetting, trying to force the issue will almost guarantee failure. Fortunately this is highly unusual as most children want to be dry at night.
It is hard to underestimate the embarrassment and distress bedwetting can cause to a child. However, trouble really begins when the wet bed becomes the focus of anger or a battle of wills.
There are significant extra costs and workload - including lack of sleep - for parents who have a child who bed wets. It's normal for parents to sometimes feel tense, frustrated and at a loss. Nonetheless, it;s important to stand back a little and look at the situation coolly.
A quiet chat
Talk to your child about what they think and feel. You may uncover fears which are stopping them going to the toilet during the night. It could be the way their bedroom is laid out, fear of the dark, or something in the toilet or home causing the problem.
It is also worth asking the child if they have any ideas for dealing with the problem. You are not going to be able to impose solutions on your child because their co-operation is essential for success. Therefore reaching an agreement to proceed with getting help and treatment is very important.
Working together is the first step towards treatment.
If you want to find out more, contact the National Continence Helpline on freecall 1800 33 00 66. The National Continence Helpline is staffed by a team of continence nurse advisors who offer free information, advice and support and can provide a referral to a local continence clinic close to you.
