Emotional effects of enuresis

You walk into your child's room in the middle of the night and there he is, pulling the wet sheets off the bed. With tears in his eyes, he looks at you and asks

Why do I always wet the bed? What's wrong with me?

It is never easy for a parent to see their child suffer, and seeing them embarrassed and confused because of their bedwetting is no exception.

How to approach the subject of bedwetting with your child?

Here are some tips to help you:

• 1. Tell him he's not alone: 5 to 7 million children in the United States wet the bed. It's likely that some of his classmates wet the bed too . Many parents see bedwetting as a taboo subject that's only discussed at home. Talk openly about it, and your child will know he's not alone.
• 2. Share your experiences: According to Dr. William Sears, three out of four bedwetting children have at least one parent who wet the bed as a child. If you or your spouse (or a family member) wet the bed as a child, share this information with your child. They will understand that it's hereditary and that you know how they feel because you went through the same thing.
• 3. Tell him it's not his fault: Children who wet the bed often think they are responsible and wonder what they are doing wrong. Make sure your child understands that it's not his fault. Don't express any disappointment or frustration when he wets the bed. Instead, act as if it's not a big deal. This way, he will see things the same way: it's not a big deal.
• 4. Forbid teasing: Siblings of a child who wets the bed should not tease them about it. Be open about bedwetting and explain to your children that everyone is different and that their brother or sister may not be able to control their bladder. Encourage them to be supportive and empathetic.
• 5. Help him understand: he doesn't wet the bed because he's cowardly or has a mental disorder. Explain that bedwetting is usually caused by an immature bladder and that time is the only cure. A child who wets the bed usually sleeps very deeply and isn't aware of the signal that tells him his bladder is full.
• 6. Ensure their comfort: encourage your child to use the bathroom before bedtime, limit the amount of liquid they drink in the evening, and use absorbent underwear. These measures will help your child sleep well and wake up happy in a dry bed.