Posted on 09/04/2017
By its very definition, bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is the "unintentional passage of urine during sleep." Because your child isn't doing it on purpose, bedwetting doesn't warrant punishment or shaming. So what's a parent to do? Once you've evaluated potential causes (or while you're waiting for an appointment or test results), you're often left with a nightly nuisance that will take time to be corrected. In the meantime, you can take some steps to make the situation as comfortable as possible — for both you and your child.
Empathize with Your Child's Discomfort
For a child who has problems with bedwetting, the discomfort is clearly more than physical. The shame or embarrassment that often accompanies this sleep disorder (and remember, that's exactly what it is!) can be either intensified or soothed, depending on how you as a parent respond. Start by talking calmly with your child about the problem and the possible causes, as well as your plan for figuring out how to help. Let them talk about their feelings and frustrations. Express to them that you're on their team and will do everything you can to help reduce the discomfort as much as possible.
Maintain Your Child's Privacy
Keep the bedwetting issue as private as possible. Obviously, you may need to discuss it with your child's physician or a friend at whose house your child will be spending the night, but keep the sharing on a need-to-know basis. If you find the need to discuss it with other parents, steer clear of those who know your child; instead, consider finding an anonymous message board where you can communicate with other parents of children who have had similar issues. Make sure other members of your family realize that this is a situation in which the Golden Rule should be applied; if your child's siblings are too immature to be able to retain privacy, do what you can to help your child keep his secret safe from them.
Prepare for the Inevitable
Now for the physical, practical side of things. You can put certain barriers in place to keep bedwetting from ruining mattresses or soaking through clothing. A waterproof mattress pad is definitely important.
You will also want to purchase some reusable or disposable bedwetting pants or underwear. (Depending on what you and your child's physician have determined to be the cause, you may also want to try using a bedwetting alarm.)
You will also want to incorporate a bedwetting response into your child's morning routine. For instance, if your child wets his or her bed, make sure they know what to do with any wet clothing or sheets and come up with a discreet way for them to let you know. If they're able, you could also have them put a clean sheet on their bed.
By communicating openly with your child, respecting their privacy, and preparing appropriately, you can help your child lessen the embarrassment that typically accompanies bedwetting.
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