Bedwetting during the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had an impact on everybody's lives in one way or another. This unusual time has especially been an intense period of stress and disruption to children, which has unfortunately led to an increase in both daytime toileting accidents and night-time bedwetting in children.

Uncertainty and Stress

The closure of schools and change in normal routines, combined with anxiety over the COVID-19 virus itself, has created huge levels of stress and uncertainty for children during this third lockdown period.

Secondary Bedwetting

A common symptom of increased stress is for children to revert to behaviours that they have previously outgrown, such as daytime toileting accidents or night-time bedwetting. The term “secondary bedwetting” is used for children who have previously been dry at night.

How To Help Your Child

It’s important to recognise that this behaviour is a completely normal stress response. The best thing you can do for your child is to support them through this period and to avoid getting cross and frustrated with them for their wetting. Secondary bedwetting should be treated in the same way as primary bedwetting - there are plenty of tips of advice on our website for how to cope with bedwetting, or get in touch with us if you’d like some guidance and support.

Conclusion

Bedwetting is a common response to stress and anxiety. The number of children suffereing from stress-related wetting has risen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the disruption that children have experienced to their normal lives. Remember not to blame your child for their wetting and instead support them during this difficult period. Plenty of help is available on our website to support your child with their bedwetting.