Do's and Don'ts

Do's and Don'ts - Advice to Help Overcome Bedwetting

Parents can help by following some simple Do's and Don'ts. The problem is not solved overnight, but by getting informed you will experience improvements quickly. Patience, support and encouragement are essential!

• DO take your child to see your pediatrician or qualified medical practitioner to discuss the bed wetting problem.
• DO stay calm.
• DO let your child know if you or your spouse had a problem bed wetting as a child. If he/she understands that bed wetting may be hereditary, it can ease anxiety and help him/her cope with the condition.
• DO reassure your child that something can be done so that they can go on sleepovers or to camp.
• DO protect the mattress from getting wet with a vinyl covering or a large towel. A diaper or "Pull-ups" works most conveniently.
• DO keep the child warm at night.
• DO praise your child for effort as well as for success.
• DO help your child mark his dry nights on a calendar and tell him he/she has done well.
• DO remind the child to go "pee" before going to bed.
• DO make it easy for the child to go to the bathroom at night by putting a night-light or potty in his room.
• DO wake up when the child's alarm sounds.
• DO help the child to wake up when the alarm sounds, and assist with cleaning and other tasks.
• DO let the child help change the bed and do the laundry.
• DO work together as a team.
• DO help your child handle changes such as a new baby in the house or a family move.
• DO get as much information about treatment options as you can.
• DO NOT yell at your child.
• DO NOT blame yourself or your child.
• DO NOT give tea, cola drinks or cocoa (caffeine beverages) to your child, and certainly not for three to four hours before bedtime.
• DO NOT punish them or make them feel like criminals.
• DO NOT embarrass or humiliate your child, particularly in front of others.
• DO NOT make them feel like failures or that they are not trying hard enough.
• DO NOT make them feel guilty or "bad".
• DO NOT become discouraged if you do not get quick results. Some patients naturally take longer than others.

Children (Patients) can also help by following these simple Do's and Don'ts. The first fact you should know is: It's not your fault!

• DO talk about your feelings with your parents and doctor.
• DO urinate "pee" just before going to bed.
• DO let your parents know you want their help to try to be dry at night as quickly as possible.
• DO turn on the night light so you can see during the night to go potty.
• DO mark your calendar with your dry nights.
• DO know that your family knows you don't mean to wet the bed.
• DO NOT feel that bed wetting is your fault. You will grow out of it.
• DO NOT drink more than 2 ounces of liquids in the evening.
• DO NOT become discouraged if you do not have quick results. Some patients naturally take longer than others.

References:

Bedwetting Advice: familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/toilet/366.html#ArticleParsysMiddleColumn0002

Directions for using a Bedwetting Alarm: www.kidney.org/patients/bw/bwalarm.cfm

Talking to Your Child About Bedwetting: Dos and Don'ts: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/dos-and-donts-for-parents