Did you wet the bed as a child? Maybe one of your brothers or sisters or cousins wet the bed. Remember what it felt like? Waking up and thinking, “Oh no, not again!” If you’ve had this experience, chances are at least one of your kids will wet the bed, too. For kids who wet the bed, it may seem like there’s no end in sight. When you’re five, two months can feel like two years. It feels even worse when you are 7, 9, or even 11 years old! Reminding your child that the problem won’t last forever will help bring hope.

Bed wetting can seem like a huge deal to your child. They might feel embarrassed, ashamed, or even angry when they wet the bed. Thinking the problem is going to drag on and on will only make the whole situation seem worse. Such thinking can even lead to apathy and then depression.

A bleak outlook can lead to a “what’s the point?” attitude.

If someone else in the family, like a big brother, sister, cousin, or even an aunt or an uncle used to wet the bed, have them talk with your child. It might help to see living proof that the problem will eventually go away. Everyone “grows” out of it; it’s just a question of “when?”

Sit down with your child and explain in kid-friendly terms what doctors have learned about why kids wet the bed. Sleeping deeply for a long time at night can contribute to the problem. If they’re sleeping too deeply, they simply wet the bed instead of getting to the bathroom. In addition, their bladder may not be growing as fast as the rest of their bodies. Eventually, it will catch up, but it can be painful for kids to know this when they are so anxious to grow up! Above all, be honest.  Kids seem to have a sixth sense about lying, and they will know. For even the littlest kids (4 & 5 year-olds) can hear the truth and understand to some degree. They may not get what you’re talking about if you think they are sleeping too hard; but they can understand that they are still growing. Remind them that they are not the only kid who’s wet the bed. Whether it’s a family member, or older friend or classmate, they are not alone. Tell them that with all the kids in the world who’ve wet the bed, we’ve been able to learn that the problem goes away – and it doesn’t always take a long time.

Pointing out their progress can also help your child see the light (or dry sheets?) at the end of the tunnel.

They’ll realize that with their gradual improvements, the problem is getting smaller and smaller. Eventually, it will just disappear and they won’t wet the bed anymore!

When your child is feeling calmer and more self-assured, the two of you will have an easier time working on the problem.

Check out our brand new book on bedwetting: Zumar and the Amazing Odyssey into Dry – a great book to read to your child, or for young readers to read to themselves – about causes and treatments for bedwetting. Be sure to sign up for the bedwetting help report while you’re here!