Enuresis, also known more commonly as bed wetting, can be an embarrassing problem for children and adults alike. This problem is most common in children and is the basis for more research. Physicians often remind parents that bedwetting is not an actual physical problem, but a symptom of another problem, either physical or psychological.
Children do not have the ability to stay dry through the night until around three years of age. Many factors can contribute to bed wetting at that age. Some of those factors are too many fluids before bed, not feeling comfortable expressing a need to go in the middle of the night, not being comfortable going alone in the middle of the night and not going to the bathroom before bed.
Bed wetting is never to be treated as a negative or punished. Children are often extremely embarrassed or ashamed when they wet the bed. To avoid bed wetting limit liquids before bed, encourage the use of the bathroom before bed, praise the child when they are dry in the morning and avoid punishing them for mishaps.
In some cases, bed wetting is symptomatic of other problems. In slightly older children who are completely potty trained, bed wetting can symbolize extreme levels of stress and anxiety. These stresses can be positive, even happy events that may just be a lot for the child to take in. Some of these stresses might include the birth of a new baby, moving or changing schools, a parents divorce, a death in the family or of a pet. If this is the case, you need to take the child to the pediatrician who may recommend a psychologist. It’s important to make the child feel safe and accepted.
If an older child is bed wetting it is likely a physical problem. This could be anything from an overactive bladder to a bladder infection or prostate problem (in boys). It’s important to discuss this immediately with your child’s pediatrician.
Whatever the reason for your child’s bed wetting, it’s important to help the child feel confident in them selves and that you are supportive during their time of bed wetting. This support will help the child get past the bed wetting quicker with a diminished likelihood of re occurrence in the future.
By: Deidra Bales About the Author:
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