Debunking Bedwetting Myths

Debunking Bedwetting Myths

This post is sponsored by GoodNites® Brand. All opinions are my own.

Bedwetting – or nighttime wetting –is a very stressful issue for many children and parents during the preschool years and often beyond. When I was little, I can remember middle of the night tears, pajama changes, sheet changes, added laundry, and the negative feelings it gave me each time I had a bedwetting incident. My bedwetting lasted well into grade four.

 

One of my own kids struggled with bedwetting far after being potty trained, through no fault of their own. There are different ways you can help manage your child’s bedwetting and show them that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Make sure they know nighttime wetting is totally normal and it happens for several reasons beyond their control. Don’t let the stress of bedwetting cause your child to have long term self-esteem and confidence issues. Let’s look at some facts and learn what is fiction when it comes to childhood bedwetting, as well as what you can do to help your child along the way.

Bedwetting Fact and Fiction 

Fact:

• Bedwetting is defined as unintentional urination during night time sleep. It can stem from psychological or biological factors.
• 1 in 6 kids between the age of 4 and 12 experience nighttime bedwetting.
• Bedwetting can cause emotional and psychological stress for both you and your child – but it doesn’t have to!
• Bedwetting is out of their (and your) control.

 

Fiction:

• Bedwetting is a serious medical condition (in reality, it is common and temporary, though talk to your doctor if you think it’s related to something more serious).
• Punishing your child will put a stop to bedwetting.
• You can train your child out of bedwetting.
• Bedwetting does not have a lasting impact  your child’s self-esteem or confidence.

So if you can’t control it, what can you do to help your child? One of my children struggled with nighttime wetting for a few years, long after being out of diapers, and I found there were a few things that really helped us deal with it and keep it in perspective.

• Talk to your pediatrician. For your own peace of mind, a doctor may assure you that you and your child are not alone. This is a great topic to bring up at yearly physicals or other checkup appointments. If no one else, you should feel comfortable asking your pediatrician about it.
• Use resources to give your child comfort, support, and protection at night. GoodNites® Brand products were a great resource for us with all three of our children. we would reach for:

• GoodNites*TRU-Fit*: Machine washable underwear with absorbent inserts.
• GoodNites® Bedtime Pants: Disposable nighttime underwear.
• GoodNites® Bed Mats: Disposable night time sheet protection.

 

 

• Stay Positive. Assure your child that it is very common and they will eventually outgrow this experience. Remind them that you are taking steps to help manage it with the help of GoodNites.
• Talk with your peers. Chances are some of your child’s peers are also struggling with this. It may help you to feel less stressed about the wetting if you know others have similar experiences.

 

 

What tips do you have to manage bedwetting?