Many parents worry when their boy continues bed wetting beyond the age when many other children are dry at night, but in many cases there is no need to be alarmed. Many children start becoming dry at about 3 years, but about 10% are still bed wetting at 5 years, with it being twice as common with boys. If a boy is still bed wetting at 6 years then a doctor should be consulted to ensure there is not a physical problem.
There are a number of possible reasons why a boy is bed wetting. A small child has to learn to recognise the need to use the bathroom. A young baby has no control over their bladder, but as they develop and mature, the brain begins to recognise and control the need to empty the bladder. If the bladder is small or weak, bed wetting may occur, but as the child grows older, training will normally overcome this. Some children are heavy sleepers and are unaware that they need to urinate.
Some parents are concerned that the problem may be due to anxiety. This is not normally the case, although many, normally dry children will wet the bed at times of stress such as starting school or parents divorcing.. This is a normal reaction and should only cause concern if it continues. No parent should get angry about bed wetting as this could cause anxiety.
It is generally believed that bed wetting may be genetic. If one parent was a bed wetter as a child, there is an increased risk that their child will also bed wet. If both parents were sufferers, the risk increases greatly.
If you have any concerns at all you should consult your doctor to find out whether treatment is necessary. You should always seek help if a child who has been dry suddenly lapses.
This article is for information only and the author accepts no liability for its contents. A doctor should always be consulted before undertaking any treatment and no liability is accepted for any action taken.
The article may be used as long as the content remains unaltered and a working hyperlink given to the author’s site.
By: Margaret Tye About the Author:
The No-Cry Potty Training Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Child Say Good-B...
by Elizabeth Pantley
Amazon Price: $10.85
Customer Review: My child is showing signs that she's ready to potty train, so we were looking for a book about how to introduce it and how to determine whether or not she is "ready" (whatever ready is). This book delivers this kind of information with no gimics. T...
I Have To Go! (Classic Munsch)
by Robert N. Munsch
Amazon Price: $6.95
Customer Review: This is a LOL-tastic book about a boy who emphatically Does Not Need To Go. He doesn't need to go before he puts on his snowsuit. (And then he does.) He doesn't need to go before they go on a long drive. (And then he does.) He doesn't need to go befo...
Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness: A Practical Guide for Parents of Children w...
by Renee Mercer
Amazon Price: $10.17
Customer Review: Our daughter has been waking up dry every morning for the past two weeks - the first time in her 7 year little life! No more pull-ups or wet bedsheets. We followed the instructions in the book and it has all worked. We are appreciative of the work yo...
