What should I say to someone who is bedwetting?

It’s important to remember how powerful your words can be. What may seem like just a small comment can have a big impact on someone who is affected by bedwetting. Here are some suggestions for how you can provide encouragement and support to someone who is struggling with bedwetting.

Instead of saying “You need to control your bladder”,

try saying “I realise it’s not your fault”

It’s important to remember that your child has no control over their bedwetting. It is a subconscious process and they have not yet developed the link between their brain and bladder to control it. Make sure that they don’t feel to blame for their bedwetting.

Instead of saying “You should be ashamed of yourself”,

try saying “Bedwetting is completely normal, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed”

Bedwetting is a developmental stage and is extremely common. 1 in 12 children aged 9 still wet the bed regularly, so it is important that your child knows they are not alone.

Instead of saying “Now I have extra laundry to do”,

try saying “How about I help you to change your sheets?”

A key part in learning to become dry at night is for your child to understand the consequences of their bedwetting. Actions such as helping to change their bedsheets will help to reinforce this idea. This shouldn’t be viewed as a punishment, but rather taking responsibility for their bedwetting and positive action towards achieving dry nights.

Instead of saying “You need to stop wetting the bed now”,

try saying “How can I help you to become dry at night?”

Many children will learn to become dry naturally, although some may take longer than others. If bedwetting is upsetting your child and they are age 5+, consider an intervention such as a bedwetting alarm. This will help to speed up the developmental process to achieve dry nights

Conclusion

Remember, bedwetting is not your child’s fault and they should never be blamed or punished for their wetting. Instead, offer support and help them to become dry at night.