Steps To Reduce Stress In A Bed-wetting Child

Bed-wetting could be triggered by a change, a stressor or even a minor disruption like a new babysitter, a family vacation, change of routine, late evening drinking of liquids, snacking on salty foods or even a short parental business trip. It is futile to worry and think it is a shame to bed-wet; it would only further aggravate the problem.

Few tips to reduce stress in a bedwetting child:

• Handle bed-wetting very calmly and quietly without getting angry or frustrated or teasing the child; this would only make it worse. Convey the important message to the child that accidents happen to everybody and he/she would be helped to overcome bed-wetting.

• Next talk to your child and find out the stress associated with the bed-wetting. Empathic listening with suggestions that everyone has reasons to worry about changes in life and bedwetting is just one way the body reacts would help. Convincing and suggesting ways to overcome the stress would help.  

• Next it would help to practice control; feeling control over one’s body and life would help reduce stress. Consult your doctor and teach your child exercises of starting and controlling urination to strengthen the bladder muscles. Repetitive practice of these exercises would make the child competent to do it by himself/herself.

• Next tell him/her one can prevent damages to clothes and bed by using things like disposable underwear, extra sheets, towels and mattress pads. Instruct him/her that they can remove a wet layer by him / her at night. Help him/her in setting up their own bedroom with a drawer of clean pajamas, sheets, towels, and plastic bags. Suggest he/she set up a bedtime routine that included playing soft music, rubbing his back, taking deep breaths, or tensing and releasing muscle groups; if he/she fears the darkness turn on nightlights or provide a nearby flashlight.

• Your bedwetting child would feel safer and in control if routines are set up not only for bedtime, but also during the daytime; with predictable days most bed-wetting children are able to relax and feel confident about them. Do ensure you prepare your child for any changes in routine. Regular routines have helped many children to practice self-control, with such a routine giving the child enough sleep at night to cut down on bedwetting. 

• Last but most important step is to stop assuming bed-wetting is the end of the world; try to be an example to your child in managing stress. Try to include activities that relax both you and your child like watching a silly funny movie or going out for a short walk in the neighborhood.  Change your attitude about bed-wetting as this stress is nothing compared to the other stresses in life.

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