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Surviving Sleepovers
5 Questions and Answers to Help Your Child Handle Bedwetting When Away
By Melissa Granberry
If your child is not taking a sleeping bag, talk to the friend's parent before the sleepover. Ask about a discreet location where your child can change clothes and dispose of the underpant.
Paula Criel, director of camping services with the YMCA of the Greater Houston Area, says that prior to attending camp, parents complete medical forms and camper profiles that inform the counselors of conditions such as bedwetting. "It is not unusual for a counselor to have a few campers that wet the bed," Criel says. She adds that the counselors are experienced at helping the children be discreet about the condition.
Your pediatrician can prescribe medications that may keep your child dry at night until his bladder matures. However, Giramonti says that these medications in no way correct the underlying problem, just some of the symptoms. Also, they do have multiple side effects and thus should not be taken without the consultation of a medical doctor.
If you decide to use medication for your child's bedwetting, Dr. Michael Ritchey, a pediatric urologist in Houston, Texas, suggests starting the medicine a few days before the overnight event, since there is a chance that it may not work.
"My son tried some medications, but they never worked," Grace says. Since the medicine was unsuccessful, her son now takes his GoodNites® Underpants to camp outings and overnight stays and never misses a beat.
* Last name withheld to protect privacy.
