Managing Bedwetting

Understand how your child is feeling

Feeling worried, upset and different from everyone else are common feelings for children who think they are alone with this problem. They may want to hide their bedwetting from family members and friends, or try to avoid overnight school trips and sleepovers.

Showing that you understand what they're going through will help them to stop feeling guilty and anxious.

Talk about it

Some children who wet the bed think they're failing their parents, so it's a big relief to them if you're sensitive about their feelings and happy to talk to them openly about all the issues around bedwetting.

Provide encouragement

Bedwetting can have a profound effect on children, sometimes lowering their self-esteem. Knowing it's not their fault and that you’re there to support them until it is solved, can make a real difference. Give them encouragement to ward off negative feelings and boost their confidence, especially at a time in their life when emerging independence is crucial to their development. Bedwetting is a common childhood problem and a supportive parent is often all a child needs to get over this hurdle.

Talk to the experts

If you are worried, have a chat with your doctor, school nurse or health visitor. There should be a NHS continence clinic/ adviser in your area. DryNites® can also help. DryNites® Pyjama Pants provide effective protection against leaks so that your child can wake up dry. What's more, they are designed to look and feel just like regular underwear and can be used discreetly, helping to boost their confidence.

Further Reading

• Depression in Children
• The End of Bedwetting? How to tell if your Child Is Ready to Stop?