Summer Sleepovers and Self-Confidence
by
Dawn Meehan, Mother and Author
Can Allyson sleep over? Can I sleep at Johnny’s house? Mom, can I have a friend sleep over? My kids are constantly asking me if they can have a sleepover with friends and, during the summer when schedules are less hectic, I usually say yes. But what happens when your child desperately wants to have a sleepover with a friend but is scared to have their friend discover they wet the bed?
Although children who have problems with bedwetting may want to participate in the fun of a slumber party, they’re oftentimes hesitant to join their friends out of fear and embarrassment. Parents, help your child feel at ease and enjoy the fun of a summer sleepover.
If your child is apprehensive about sleeping over at a friend’s house, you might want to set up a sleepover at Grandma’s house (or another close relative). Make sure Grandma is aware of your child’s bedwetting and is supportive and reassuring. This can be a great way to help your child gain confidence and start to feel more comfortable about sleepovers.
Chances are one or more of your child’s friends also wets the bed. Maybe you’ve spoken with other parents and are aware of one of your child’s friends who wets the bed. It might be a good idea to talk to their parents and arrange a sleepover for your child and this friend. It’s always good to let your child know that they aren’t alone and that millions of kids struggle with bedwetting while they’re growing up.
If your child is uncomfortable with the idea of having an accident while at a friend’s house, offer to let the friend sleep over at your house. There’s comfort in familiar surroundings and routines. Plus, by hosting the sleepover in your home, your child doesn’t need to worry about packing their GoodNites® Sleep Pants or disposing of them at their friend’s house.
Put the sleep pants in the bathroom, so your child can change in privacy. No one ever needs to know your child wears them!
Most importantly, focus on the fun! There’s no reason why a child should miss out on the fun of a sleepover simply because they wet the bed. Don’t make a big deal out of bedwetting. Instead, concentrate on planning fun slumber party activities with your child. And, as a parent, make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before! Trust me on this.
