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Good Mornings
Bedwetting and Your Child
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Making it routine that a child use the bathroom immediately before going to bed is another intervention parents can do at home. According to Dr. Sheldon, by emptying the bladder before going to bed, children may reduce the incidence of bedwetting by one night a week. In addition, parents can awaken their child once each night – approximately four hours after bedtime – to take their child to the bathroom. This technique often may result in a habit the child continues on his own, lessening the occurrence of bedwetting.
Using disposable absorbent underpants is another strategy. Waking up dry may have positive effects on the child's self-esteem, ease stress and allow parents and children to cope during the bedwetting period. Additionally, using disposable underpants may allow the child to attend sleepovers or host them at his own house, without fear of embarrassment.
"Parents should attempt to do what they can for their child at home with simple interventions," says Dr. Sheldon. "Oftentimes little things work wonders in decreasing the frequency of bedwetting. But, if the parental intervention doesn't work, don't be afraid to ask for help."
Should your child need more assistance to overcome bedwetting, consult your doctor. Treatment can range from bladder training to administering medication before bed. Depending upon the frequency and consistency of the bedwetting, a treatment plan is individualized for each child.