By the time most children get past 5 years of age, they are able to hold their urge to urinate while sleeping. However, studies show that around a quarter of these children still undergo bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, according to Baby Center.
There are ways to manage this condition at home. It is important to avoid putting the child in shame in case these accidental wettings happen. Parents should explain how their bodies cannot control the urination. They can also put plastic sheets underneath the beddings to lessen the impact or feelings of shame upon waking up since the wetness won't totally seep through.
Children can also be monitored and advised not to have too much liquid intake around 2 hours before bedtime so as to lessen the likelihood of bedwetting. They should also be encouraged to go to the bathroom first before going to sleep.
If this condition persists for months or even years and is bothersome to both parents and children, it is advised to consult a pediatrician. There might be some physical factors that could have triggered this.
According to Parenting.com, one in every eight first- and second-graders experience bedwetting. Dr. Howard Bennett, author of the book "Waking Up Dry," states that this percentage diminishes as children grow older.
A known effective method to help curb this is to avail of a bedwetting monitor available in the market. This works by triggering an alarm whenever the child wearing the monitor tries to wet the bed at night. Parents are advised to guide the child during this process. They may assist the child to the bathroom every time the alarm sounds and change the sheets afterwards. Most parents who have tried this state that the children themselves get more used to it the longer they use it. Children eventually wake up even before the alarm is set off and gradually stop wetting the bed a few weeks or months thereafter.
This is a breakthrough for those families who are secretly dealing with such a condition. Children, especially those who are already aware of what is normal or not with regard to urination control, are most likely to feel guilt and shame. Parents are advised to continue supporting them and giving them encouragement and rewards for improved conditions. Let them take the time to be comfortable with their bodies. Sometimes all they need is to feel that they are ready to take control of their personal situation.
