One challenge that a family can face is when their child struggles with bedwetting. As toddlers, bedwetting is an expected occurrence from time to time – it’s common! In fact, nearly 10% of children under 10 wet the bed. So if your child is having some issues with this, take a deep breath – it is completely normal!
If bedwetting is causing significant stress or anxiety for your child, our Child Therapy services at Decade2Connect can provide additional support and coping strategies.
As they grow older, however, it may become more of a hindrance socially, getting in the way of development. Your child may be more aware of what they’re doing and begin to feel self-conscious. If this is the case, there are several steps you can take to both support them emotionally and help them overcome this issue:
Validate their Feelings
The most important step is supporting your child emotionally. It’s likely they feel self-conscious; your support of them is more important than getting rid of the problem. Avoid any punishment or shame if the bed wetting persists; instead, offer support and encouragement as you begin the process of finding solutions.
Develop a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes going to the bathroom before bed. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids during the day, but limit fluids before bedtime. There’s a chance they may feel anxious about going to bed for fear of wetting the bed so consider activities to calm down, such as reading a book before bed or listening to a story.
Use Waterproof Bedding
Use waterproof bedding, such as a mattress protector, to protect your child’s mattress and sheets. This will encourage them that if they do wet the bed, it’s not a big deal; cleaning up will be easy and nothing will be ruined. Having that layer of protection will also ease their mind as they fall asleep.
You might also consider offering your child the use of a bedwetting alarm which will sound an alarm when your child wets the bed. This can help train your child to recognize when they need to go to the bathroom.
Remember that bedwetting is a common issue among young children, and it’s important to be patient and supportive as your child works to manage this issue. While it may be frustrating for you at times, it’s important to also respect their timeline and readiness for change and growth.
With your support and encouragement, your child may be motivated to implement the solutions listed above on their own, which will not only improve their sleep hygiene but their confidence as well. To talk further with a therapist at Decade2Connect, connect with us today! No matter the difficulty, we are here to support you and your child.
