A couple of months ago, I wrote a post on bed-wetting. I was amazed at how many moms came out of the wood-work and commented on how they also had children who wet the bed at five years old, six years old, or even at ten years old. It’s something we don’t like to talk about or admit, that is, until we find out that we are not the only family who experiences it. Readers were equally comforted by my words and yet also encouraged.
I have to admit that there are still days when I let it bother me and see it as my own short-coming, but then I look at my daughter who is happy and healthy and realize, it’s okay. I have not failed as mother, nor my daughter as a child. We have learned to let it go and manage it. I know it can be frustrating for everyone involved but I think this is in part because of unrealistic expectations and misconceptions surrounding bed-wetting.
Here is what you need to know:
You’re not alone!
Did you know that 40% of parents say that their child between the ages of 4 and 6 wets the bed once a week.
It can’t be “trained” away.
43% of parents think that they can train their child out of bedwetting but in reality, let’s think about it: your child’s small bladder is expected to hold urine for 8-10 hours a night. That is a LONG time! Bedwetting simply takes patience and time. For those of you with children with special needs, and specifically Down Syndrome, you also have children with low muscle tone and generally smaller body structures, which means it could take even longer for them to stop wetting the bed.
It is better for you and your children if you let it go.
Not to steal the line over and over again but, let it go. When your child has a restful night without the interruption of changing pants or sheets, they can wake up refreshed and ready to explore the world around them. Not only that, but a well-rested you can be there to help them along the way.
Here are some other tips that other moms shared with me:
- Use pads to protect your mattress. Try GoodNites bed mats.
- Use absorbent underwear like GoodNites bedtime pants.
- Increase fluid intake during the day to help their bladder learn how to handle more.
- And the absolute best tip another mom gave me:
- Tell your kids that when mommy sneezes, sometimes she wets her pants a little too!
This post is sponsored by GoodNites. Thoughts and opinions are my own
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2 Comments
I love the term “unrealistic expectations” I use it too. I have a 5 year old who wears size 10 clothes and I shut down anyone who has unrealistic expectations based on her appearance. I also have an 11 year old niece who wet the bed until she was 9 and her brother who is now 9 still does. It is so awful because even if they pee before bed, even if my sister doesn’t let them drink for hours before bed, even if they set an alarm and wake the kids up to pee in the night, it still happens. It always ends in tears and shame and masses of laundry. It is heart breaking. I’m with you though, there is no training that helps, it is simply a matter of letting the child’s bladder fully develop, and not showing disappointment in the child. Buying good quality waterproof mattress covers and the bed pads are a great idea!
I think a big part of the equation too is not letting their self confidence suffer because of it. It’s not their fault, they shouldn’t believe that it is. Thank you for sharing Lizzie!