I had 8 bed wetters at one time, so this is a subject I am all too familiar with. Want some tips to help you survive this annoying parenting experience?
It kind of goes along with potty training – which was my least favorite part of parenting!
I learned that…
- You can’t reason your child out of wetting their bed.
- Punishing, shaming or pleading doesn’t work either.
- They hate the wet sheets and clothes as much as you do (maybe more).
- You must patiently wait till they grow out of it (some don’t for many years!)
- Getting them up in the middle of the night doesn’t help them (or you).
BUT, there are things you can do to help your child (and yourself).
- Explain to your child that you are going to help them deal with the bed wetting. Make sure they know they can go to you for help (though often they do not!)
- You can discipline the bed wetter (not punish). Teach them how to take care of the wet clothes and sheets by themselves, taking responsibility for their own issues.
- Keep tabs. Kids don’t do what you expect, they do what you inspect.
- Teach them to limit the amount of water they drink close to bed time.
- Don’t let the other children tease them – it will only add to the problem.
- Make a chart (for the younger ones) and give them a star each time they are dry or are conscientious about taking care of their wet sheets and clothes.
If you had one tip to add, what would it be? Let me know in the comments – yours might just be the one that makes a difference in someone’s life!
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