Prevent Bedwetting

by Prav

A parent’s guide to help prevent their child from bedwetting

The parents’ role in their child’s development is very crucial. Their overall perspective and attitude toward life can possibly be the reflection of their personality as individuals when they grow up. It is then important that parents exert effort to deal with life’s matters the best way they can. Studies show that children who see their parents positively dealing with things such as how they deal with other people, how they manage their emotions, and how they value the family especially on giving the children their quality time and respect are most possibly to enjoy life and perceive things better than those whose parents are with otherwise character.

Positive encouragement
…and simple things parents may do to help their child

  • Never punish a child for a mistake he has never actually coveted. Bedwetting is not an act that your child would actually wish to be doing or is rarely deliberate. Punishing your child would not only hurt your child’s feelings but will possibly aggravate his condition.
  • Bedwetting is just normal and usually a passing condition in any child’s growing up stage. Children should be able to face this condition with a positive attitude through the guidance and help of parents.  
  • Stress and denial are two negative feelings that your child may experience when a parent gets angry to child when he or she wets the bed. Avoid showing them a negative attitude toward his condition or you will only worsen your child’s situation.
  • Although it is encouraged to always show reassurance and other positive feelings toward your child at the period of nocturnal enuresis, studies also show that a child may be overwhelmed when he or she receives too negative or too positive attention. Remaining neutral is then suggested.  
  • It usually takes a longer time for some children to cope with bedwetting so parents should not convey a feeling of disappointment when this happens to their own child. Tell your child though that you are excited in seeing him or her dry in the morning without adding a hint of pressure.
  • Enlisting your child to do the cleanup the next morning he wakes up wet is important. This will teach the child a sense of responsibility by making him rinse his or her pants or even the bed covers. Explain that this is not punishment but taking responsibility.
  • Practice makes perfect. A cliché but this does work! Guide your children in doing activities that will prevent them from bedwetting. These may include reducing their drinks before bedtime, directing them to the toilet before they sleep, and reminding them that they can always use the toilet if they needed it and that you have already made sure there are no hindrances on their way there even if nature calls in the middle of the night.     
  • If bedwetting is persistent, you may want to have your mattress covered with waterproof material or make your child wear nappies until you notice improvement.
  • You may also consider using a bed-wetting alarm. This sets off a buzz when moisture or wetness is detected. Seventy percent of children who used this device find it effective if properly used.

Praise and be rewarded
…a positive attitude toward a positive goal

Utilizing the behavioural technique is one of the best ways to reinforce progress in your child’s condition. After reassuring that you will not be disappointed even if it takes time for the child to have bladder control, it is also considerate of you as a parent to praise your child during small improvements like when he or she exerts effort in practicing those activities before bedtime to prevent bedwetting.

This is more so when your child wakes up the next morning with a dry bed. Praise is always important among children even in the simplest form of it. A pat on the back, a sincere smile, and words of appreciation will do.

If your child is praised, he or she will be motivated to the same “good thing” the next time until the condition becomes only a memory of his or her childhood.