Summer camp: going away even if you wet the bed

Summer vacation is just around the corner... and you're anxious because of your child's bedwetting. He wants to go to summer camp to see his friends... but you don't want his stay to turn into a nightmare. How can you solve this dilemma?

Bedwetting: a common problem in all children

Isolated nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, is frequent. It is estimated that 500,000 children between the ages of 5 and 10 experience this problem. While there's no need to dramatize the situation, after age 6, it's high time to address it and tackle the problem head-on. Indeed, bedwetting can be a source of anxiety, conflict, shame, and even ridicule for the child, so there's no need to add to their burden: it needs to be addressed!

The first step is to identify the problem. Is it primary or secondary enuresis?

For your information: Secondary enuresis occurs when a child has been dry at night for more than 6 months. If this is the case, it is considered secondary enuresis. (Treatment is possible, but you will need to consult your doctor to determine the cause.)

Nocturnal enuresis, too long ignored, must be addressed as early as possible so that the child can receive the necessary care. If the child is listened to, understood, and supported, their problem will be much easier to manage.

Going to summer camp is possible!

While bedwetting might not be an easy problem to manage during the school year, it becomes much more problematic as the holidays approach. Your child dreams of going to summer camp or staying with friends, but you hesitate to send them. Or perhaps, on the contrary, they refuse to go because of their bedwetting. Rest assured, it's not inevitable!

With a little planning and preparation, it's entirely possible to give him the trip of his dreams. The first step is to prepare the trip thoroughly. To ensure he leaves with peace of mind, it's essential to discuss the issue with him well in advance. It's beneficial to start a few months ahead to try and resolve the problem completely. Consult a doctor who can guide you in making the necessary decisions. If he hasn't fully recovered from bedwetting, don't panic; he can still go.

Adopt the worry-free kit on site!

If, despite preventative measures, he's still worried about bedwetting, provide him with special nighttime underwear for the entire duration of his stay. These briefs look exactly like regular underwear but are extremely absorbent. This way, neither the bed nor his pajamas will be wet when he wakes up; he simply needs to discreetly dispose of the underwear, and that's it. No one will notice the little problem. You should also advise him not to drink too much in the evening and to use the toilet regularly during the day.

Finally, remember to discreetly inform the camp staff and especially the health assistant (if there is one) about the problem so they can handle it confidentially with your child in complete confidence. This also allows them to intervene if your child forgets their underwear or if any other issue arises. The main goal is to build your child's confidence so they can have a peaceful holiday. There will be time to address the underlying issue upon your return.