Sleepovers and Self-Confidence

Can Allyson stay the night? Can I sleep over at Johnny's? Mom, can I invite a friend over? My kids are always asking me if they can spend the night with friends, and in the summer, when schedules are less hectic, I usually say yes. But what happens when your child is desperate to spend the night with a friend and is afraid that the friend will find out that they wet the bed? Children who suffer from bedwetting may want to take part in the fun of a sleepover, but they are often hesitant to join their friends for fear of embarrassment. Parents should help their child feel comfortable and enjoy the joys of a summer sleepover. If your child is worried about spending the night at a friend's house, you may want to organize a sleepover at their grandmother's (or another close relative's) house. Make sure the grandparents are aware of your child's bedwetting and are encouraging and reassuring. This can be a great way to help your child build confidence and feel more comfortable about sleepovers. It's possible that one of your child's friends wets the bed too. Perhaps you've talked with other parents and know that one of your child's friends also suffers from bedwetting. Perhaps you could talk to their parents and organize a sleepover for them and your child. It's always good for your child to know that they're not alone and that millions of other children have to deal with bedwetting as they grow up. If your child is uncomfortable about having an accident at a friend's house, invite them to spend the night. A familiar routine and environment are comforting. Plus, by hosting a sleepover at your house, your child doesn't have to worry about bringing absorbent underwear or disposing of them at their friend's house. Place the sleepover pants in the bathroom so your child can change in private. No one needs to know that your child is wearing pants! The most important thing is to focus on having fun! There's no reason your child should miss out on the fun of a sleepover just because they wet the bed. Don't make a big deal out of bedwetting. Instead, focus on planning fun sleepover activities with your child. And as a parent, make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before! Trust me on this one.