Bedwetting
How families live with bedwetting
MM, Ontario
Profile of first child
- Current Age: 10
- Age Started: 7
- Gender: boy
Is your child frustrated?
Very frustrated
Why?
He can't understand why he still "pees," why it won't stop, why is he different from other kids. He tries but nothing works.
Are you frustrated?
Extremely frustrated
Why?
I tried all kinds of different methods - nothing has really worked. There are lot of laundry and sheet changes.
How did you react when your child began wetting their bed?
I thought it was part of childhood and that he would grow out of it. I did not really "push" him because I thought it was temporary.
What have you done to try and control your child's bedwetting?
We use goodnites, no drinking after 7, and get him to empty the bladder before bed. We've talked to the doctor, he wakes up at night.
How did this work?
Nothing really worked - we do not want to use medications.
What measures would you recommend to other parents dealing with their child's bedwetting?
No liquids after 7, wake them up at night, and make sure they empty their bladders before bed.
Why would you recommend them?
Do not try something for only a few days - try it for at least a month to see if it's effective.
How has your child's bedwetting affected their participation in social activities like sleep overs at friends houses?
No sleepovers - everything else not affected.
What is your child's self-esteem level?
Poor
How has your child's bedwetting affected their self-esteem?
He is still frustrated - it makes him self-conscious and he wonders why he's different from other kids.
How has your child's bedwetting affected you and other members of their household?
There's just more work with laundry, nothing else.
What other advice would you offer other parents dealing with a child's bedwetting?
Be supportive, encouraging, and try methods for at least one month - do not give up too soon.
