Bedwetting
Wetting the bed is common in young children up to the age of three, but even after that (and sometimes into adulthood) it can remain an issue: 1 in 6 five year olds and 1 in 11 nine year olds are affected. It is thought to be three times more common in boys than girls.
Bedwetting (or nocturnal enuresis) used to be brushed off as a form of attention seeking, but research is now suggesting that it could be hereditary and that some children simply develop bladder control and night-time urine production control at different rates. If this seems to be the case, rest assured that the areas of the brain and nervous system which are responsible for the normal pathways of bladder function control will mature in time. Because of this, medical treatment is rarely started before the age of six or seven. Any concerns, however, should be raised with your health visitor/GP.
There can be other contributory factors; such as anxiety, stress, constipation, urinary tract infection and, occasionally, diabetes or kidney failure, so if the problem seems to be ongoing it may be worth visiting your doctor to rule out any treatable causes.
A Joint Effort
Bedwetting is often upsetting for children, who may feel embarrassed or dirty, and for you as parents who not only have to deal with the disturbed nights and extra washing, but may also feel you are in some way to blame. You are not.
What you can do is take some practical steps to help deal with the situation. Such as:
- Put a waterproof sheet on the bed
- Talk to your child about the problem - they should not be blamed or punished - the chances are they hate the situation as much as you do
- Make sure your child drinks enough in the day - often they don't drink much at school then come home and drink lots all at once to make up for it
- Don't give them caffeinated drinks
- Encourage them to go to the toilet twice before bed - once ten minutes before, and again just before
- Take them to the toilet again just before you go to bed
- Getting them to help you change the bed in the night (but without making a fuss) so that they realise there has been an episode but that is has been dealt with
- For older children, an alarm can help by alerting the child to the fact that they have started wetting themselves. These can be purchased from ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence - details below) or borrowed from a local enuresis clinic
Advice and support is available from ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence)
Helpline: 0845 370 8008
Website: www.eric.org.uk/
