Why do kids wet the bed?
According to Melissa King, DO, pediatrician and member of the Dr. Mom Squad at Dayton Children's, "Bedwetting often runs in families. If both parents wet the bed when they were young, it's very likely that their child will too."
However, there are several other reasons why a child may wet the bed, other than genetics. Some of the more common causes include:
Small bladder. Not all bladder sizes are the same. Some kids just can't hold large amounts of liquids.
Anxiety or stress. Sometimes kids start wetting the bed because they are worried, upset or nervous about something.
Heavy sleeping. It may be difficult for some kids to get out of bed and empty their bladder, if they are in a state of deep sleep.
Poor daytime toilet habits. Many kids ignore the urge to urinate and put it off as long as possible. Parents are familiar with the "potty dance" - leg crossing, squirming, squatting and groin holding that children use to fight the urge to use the bathroom.
While bedwetting usually goes away on its own, there are some ways that you can help your child cope with this often embarrassing and uncomfortable issue.
1. Limit liquids before bedtime. Set a time as to when fluid consumption will stop for the night.
2. Encourage your child to go to the bathroom before bedtime. This will result in fewer accidents and encourage your child to make it a habit to ensure their bladder is empty before bedtime.
3. Praise your child on dry mornings. If you use positive reinforcement when your child wakes up without wetting the bed, they will be more likely to repeat the praise-winning behavior, it it's in their power to do so.
4. Avoid punishments. Create a reward system instead. Punishing your child for wetting the bed will only make them feel more ashamed for doing something they often times can't control.
5. Wake your child during the night to empty their bladder. This will prevent accidents and get the child into a habit of taking action if they feel the urge to urinate.
If bedwetting is a frequent or lasts into the teen years, you may want to check with your child’s doctor. He or she may suffer from a medical condition known as enuresis or may need to be referred to a urologist for further evaluation.
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