Bedwetting can have a profound effect on children, sometimes leading to a lowered self-esteem. That’s why it’s so important to talk openly with your child and find out how he or she feels. It’s all about boosting that positive self-esteem (and warding off any signs of “bedwetting self-esteem.”)

Since emerging independence is par for the course at this age, bedwetting can impact those positive feelings. Shame, inferiority, and feelings of isolation can be common, and often a child who wets the bed feels they are the only one with this problem. So be on the lookout.

Some children go to great lengths to hide their bedwetting from family members and friends. Parents report finding wet sheets and clothing while their child denies that they wet the bed. As the child reaches middle and high school they may avoid overnight school trips and sleepovers.

To start, learn all you can about bedwetting. When your child has questions, you'll be able to answer them or know where to turn for the information that can help.

The For Your Child area of this web site is a great place to start. Visit the For Your Child section together to learn more and hear from other kids who wet the bed.

Kids who wet the bed can feel like they've failed their parents. It's important to be sensitive to your child's feelings about bedwetting and encourage an open dialogue. Let them know it's not their fault. And tell them you'll work together as a supportive partner until they outgrow it.

It helps to explain what is happening physically when a child wets the bed.

Knowing you're not alone with a problem makes anyone feel better. Encourage your child with facts such as two of their classmates probably share the same problem. If they are hesitant to go to a sleepover, assure them that someone else at the party probably has nighttime accidents, too.

What your child needs more than anything else is support, confidence and the realization that they're not alone.