Bedwetting is a common condition affecting more than five million children in the United States over the age of six. Because it’s such a sensitive issue, many parents shy away from the topic altogether and their child may suffer needlessly. It’s all too common for the child to have the “why only me” syndrome, causing them to feel different from their peers. They may even feel guilty, embarrassed or at fault for bedwetting. Ongoing shame around bedwetting and thoughts of parental disappointment can affect a child’s self esteem, create anxiety and diminish a youngster’s self confidence.

As a pediatrician and mother of three, I often counsel patients and parents to think about bedtime as a positive, bonding time, one that should not be cluttered with the guilt and anxiety of bedwetting. By letting patients and parents know there are resources to help manage the condition, like GoodNites® Sleep Pants, they have the confidence to know that bedtime doesn’t have to be a stressful time, but rather a time where memories can be created with both family and friends.

Here’s an all too common scenario in my practice: a very friendly and outgoing six-year-old patient named Annie was complaining of bedwetting two or three times a week. Her mom always described her as a social butterfly, wanting to play or be with her friends constantly. However, due to bedwetting Annie was afraid to spend the night at her friends’ houses and was strongly considering missing her best friend’s slumber party.

My advice to Annie was to try GoodNites® Boxers. Because they look and feel like boxer style sleepwear, they give children like her added confidence, especially when away from home. In addition to the discretion offered by this style of Boxer Sleep Pants, they offer a cloth-like outer cover and a thin absorbent pad inside that draws wetness away from skin, so Annie could feel comfortable at night.

I explained to Annie and her mom that although GoodNites® Sleep Pants are not a cure for bedwetting, they can reduce Annie’s anxiety around bedtime and give her the confidence needed to attend her friend’s pajama party. Annie’s mom followed up with me a week later. Annie was able to enjoy the pajama party!

Here’s some more information to help your child deal better with bedwetting:

  • Bedwetting is not the child’s fault and he/she should not be punished.
  • In most cases of bedwetting there is an inherited component, so if one or more parents wet the bed, chances are your child will too.
  • Most experts agree that in a majority of cases there is an immaturity or disconnect between the signals of the bladder and the brain that over time corrects itself.
  • Be supportive and sensitive to your child’s feelings about bedwetting.
  • Remain nonjudgmental and keep bedwetting in perspective.
  • Let your child know they are not alone. Remind them that although they may not be talking about it, chances are a friend is dealing with bedwetting too.
  • Be proactive! Don’t wait for your pediatrician to ask about bedwetting. Unfortunately many docs only broach the topic if a parent or child brings the issue to their attention.

Besides consulting with your child’s doctor for advice, visit www.goodnites.com for more information on bedtime tips and to meet the GoodNites® Nitelite™ Panel, a team of parenting and medical professionals who can provide valuable advice, tips and tools to help parents put bedwetting into perspective.