Use terms that your child can understand. If you need to explain your decision in terms of a medical condition, find ways to make it relatable to your child. For example, you could say, “You know how you have trouble going to the bathroom before bed? These diapers are one of the things we’re going to try to address this issue. " Point out to the youngster that it’s important to get a full night’s rest at their age, and that wearing protection to bed will allow them to do that because they won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to change sheets.
Let them know that people of all ages (including many adults) wet the bed and that some of these people have to wear diapers their entire life. While it’d be best for you all if you can deal with the bedwetting behavior itself, rather than just addressing the symptoms, there are some cases in which ongoing use of diapers is appropriate. Reassure them that, even if that’s the case, it’ll be okay. Diapers are the most effective garments to manage heavy incontinence such as bed wetting and will provide comfort and hygiene.
One great way to demonstrate that you are hearing their concerns is to use paraphrasing. For instance, you might say, “I hear you saying that you are concerned your older brother will make fun of you for wearing diapers. " Follow up with questions. Try saying, “What could we do to make you feel better about the situation?”
If they feel embarrassment, try reassuring them that this is a very common problem. Reassure them that their emotions are valid and understandable. Say something such as, “I understand how you feel. I’ve felt embarrassed at times in my life, too. " It’s important to let the youngster know that you’re not putting them in diapers to punish or humiliate them. Stress to the child or teenager that they only have to wear the diapers at night, and that the only people who know that they’re wearing diapers are their family.
An example of a person-oriented statement is “You have been wetting the bed too much. " This can make your child feel like he is somehow at fault. Instead, try a problem-oriented statement such as, “Bedwetting can be very uncomfortable and disruptive for people who deal with it. " This supports your child be making it clear the problem is not on their shoulders alone. Offer supportive statements such as “It’s great that you’re willing to discuss this issue with me. I really appreciate that you’re such a mature, honest kid. "
There are many common physical issues that can cause bedwetting. One of the most common is called delayed bladder maturation, in which your child’s bladder as not developed as quickly as the rest of their body. Your child might also suffer from having a low amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone prevents the body from producing urine. Studies show that children who have low levels of this hormone often wet the bed. Other causes include small bladder capacity, birth defects, deep sleeping, and genetics. [5] X Research source Ask your doctor to run some tests to determine the cause of the problem. Make sure that they clearly understand your concerns.
Consider whether your child has been through any major life changes recently. For example, as there been a move? A death in the family? A divorce? Any of these things could very likely cause stress or anxiety. Try having some in-depth conversations with your child. You can ask some questions to let you try to determine if there are any issues that you are unaware of. Try saying something like, “How’s school going? I haven’t heard you talk much about how you’re liking your teachers lately. " Then you can use the information to try to figure out if your child is having some sort of emotional problem.
Medication might be an option for your child. There are several drugs available to treat the underlying causes of bedwetting. Two of the most common are desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) and imipramine. [8] X Research source Ask your doctor if these are right for your child. If the causes are psychological, you might consider taking your child to a counselor. A mental health specialist can help your child deal with anxiety and depression.
Consider saying something like this: “We know you feel a little embarrassed about this and we get how you feel, but we thought of an idea to make this fun. We’re going to implement a reward system. By fulfilling your part of the deal, you’ll not only earn a reward, but at the same time you’ll be helping yourself. " Have the child or teenager pick three things they really like. For instance, they might like video games, books, and toys, in that order. If they wear the diapers to bed 20 – 24 nights in a row, they would get a toy; if they wear them for 25 – 29 nights in a row they would get a book; and if they wore them to bed the whole month they would get a video game. The purpose of setting up the reward system along these lines is to gradually ease them into or get them comfortable with wearing the diapers. Verbal encouragement is also an important part of the system. Offer praise, encouragement, and reassurance in the face of any setbacks. If the child is old enough, focus on the real end goal, rather than the temporary rewards: their long-term health, comfort, and hygiene. Say something like, “We’re really proud of you for being understanding enough to wear them. We know it’s no fun but just keep in mind that people of all ages wear diapers for bedwetting, and it’s much more comfortable wearing them rather than waking up in yucky wet PJs and bedding, right?”
Is there a family member that your child has a great relationship with? If they are close to an aunt or uncle or cousin, try recruiting that person to help you have the conversation. Talk to your friends and family members who have children. If they have experience with this type of situation, they can probably offer you some very helpful personal advice.
Prepare for your visit to the doctor. Make a list of questions that you would like to have answered and check them off during your conversation. This will help you to remember all of the things you want to ask.
Try talking to a close friend who you trust. Explain that you are going through a difficult issue with your child and that you need someone to talk to. Having a listening ear can really help ease the stress of the situation.
