728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Bedwetting › Oh, Brother!

Oh, Brother!

I Wet the Bed

By Lisamarie Sanders

Pages:  1  2  3  

Dr. Coleman also believes that sharing family history is beneficial. "I think it makes a big difference to the kids if you say, 'Hey look, when I was 8 years old, I wet the bed. Are you going to make fun of me?'" he says. Explaining how you felt as a child can help your children empathize with their sibling. Adding that their sibling is not the only child with this problem will help them see the bigger picture – there are millions of kids around the country who suffer form this problem.

What About Teasing?

When parents discuss the situation with the siblings, it is important that the siblings realize this is not something the bedwetting child should be teased about. "It's important to set this ground rule," says Mercer. Make sure that disposable underpants are viewed as underwear by both the siblings and the child. That way, they become acceptable and not cause for teasing.

Dr. Coleman says you should stress to your other children that this is something personal and private, and not to be discussed with other people. "We don't tell neighbors and friends lots of things," he says, especially things that can be embarrassing.

However, you should prepare your child for all possibilities. "If your child is afraid he's going to be teased, let him know that it may very well happen," Dr. Coleman says. Explain to your child that many times children tease other children, and it hurts their feelings. Offer examples, such as being called "four-eyes" or "buck-tooth" – in the same way the other children can't control their differences, he can't control his.

Dr. Coleman adds that about the only thing a paent can do is be empathetic toward the child. Don't tell him teasing won't happen, because it most likely will. In the same way, don't brush him off with a "Don't let it bother you." These are the things that bother children the most. "You'd be better off saying, 'Well, I can understand why that would bother you, but that's what kids do a lot of times – they tease one another and hurt each other's feelings. And that's really hard,'" he says. Your child may not feel better, but he will feel understood.


Pages:  1  2  3  


Want to see more?