How to Help a Bed-Wetting Older Child

As much as it frustrates you when your older child wets the bed, it is worse for him. Most children who wet the bed at night struggle with feelings of shame and embarrassment, and sleepovers become almost impossible. Several factors can cause bed-wetting in older children, including stress and neurological problems, but what's important to know is that it is not uncommon. Up to 5 percent of 10-year-olds struggle with nighttime bed-wetting, according to HealthyChildren.org.

Things You'll Need

  • Bed alarm
  • Sticker chart
  • Training pants

Instructions

    • 1

      Get a bed alarm. This has been shown to be the most effective way to stop bed-wetting in an older child, according to a WebMD article titled "Bedwetting Solutions: How Can You Stop Bedwetting?" These alarms wake the child at the first hint of moisture. Soon, your child will learn to wake on her own if she needs to use the bathroom at night.

    • 2

      Use positive reinforcement. Never berate a child for wetting the bed. Instead, use a sticker chart or other reward system to encourage your child to stay dry all night. Verbal praise and encouragement is also a must and can be used when the child wakes up to use the bathroom, stays dry all night or even has a smaller wet spot than usual.

    • 3

      Eliminate caffeine and limit fluids. Don't give your child any caffeinated drinks at all during the day, and try letting him drink only a small amount of water before bed.

    • 4

      Help her help herself. Ask her to help you change the sheets if they need changing in the middle of the night. This will remind her that she is responsible for trying to stay dry.

    • 5

      Watch his daytime potty habits. Some children become constipated because they don't go to the bathroom often enough during the day. Remind him to use the bathroom right before bed and when he feels the need.

    • 6

      Let her know she's not alone. If grandma had the same problem when she was 10, tell your child about it. Remind her that it's not an uncommon issue, that most children outgrow it by the time they're teens and that you will work through it together.

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