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This week's discussion topic:
I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend about something I've often wondered myself - at what age is it normal for a child to still wet the bed? Her son, who is almost 5, is using the potty during the day but is rarely waking up dry overnight. My daughter, who is also 5, has the same problem.
Every indication from our pediatrician says this is normal behavior and that every child develops at his/her own pace. I understand that but sometimes it's more reassuring knowing that there are other people in a similar situation.
So, fess up, at what age did your son/daughter finally stop wetting the bed? Am I crazy to think a 5 year-old should be accident-free, especially overnight?
I think that it's correct to say that all kids develop at different rates regarding this issue, so I wouldn't worry about it too much at a young age. If it was an older child, especially as it may present a social embarrassment issue, I would ask the doctor and see if there was anything going on.
Regarding bedwetting; try to limit their drinks at night, make them comfortable (there are 'cool' pull-ups for big kids - because apparently there are more than just your child in this situation!), and stop worrying so much, that will only make everyone more stressed about the situation. Kids that age are so embarrassed, we don't need to make it worse. Saw this one Facebook the other day - I think it's worth repeating! (I think I may need to tattoo this on my arm or something!) How to Really Love a Child... Be there. Say YES as often as you can. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they're crabby, put them in water. Read books out loud with joy. Go find elephants and kiss them. Encourage silly. Giggle a lot. Remember how really small they are. Search out the positive. Keep the gleam in your eye. Go see a movie in your pajamas. Teach feelings. Realize how important it is to be a child. Plan to build a rocketship. Stop yelling. Invent pleasures together. Surprise them. Express your love. A lot. Children are miraculous.
I guess we need to be patient and wait it out, but dealing with urine-soaked sheets, underwear, and pajamas at 2am is getting a little old! I agree with trying not to worry. Some day I bet I will look back and yearn for the days that I was dealing with little pull-ups. All kids grow and learn in different ways and at different paces, but they all turn into smart and capable little people! I think I need to check out the electronic pad that Anne mentioned!
For now I would try Huggies Overnights, size 6 - our older son had to wear those because he too would leak right through anything! It's worth a try and might give you a little more sleep! Good luck! Shelly
If other relatives in the family were bedwetters, then the relatives should be fessing up and helping the child cope instead of ganging up on the child to deliver cruel punishment for a supposed crime that the child cannot even control on his/her own. Get the kid some nighttime diapers and be patient while the body learns to communicate within itself. Shame and embarrassment need not apply.