As we’ve seen throughout this blog, stopping bedwetting can be a difficult and stressful process, not only for the child but also for the parents.
It may not necessarily be a coincidence if, as a parent, you can identify similarities between your experiences as a kid and those of your child. In fact, did you know there are genetic factors that influence the likelihood of your children wetting the bed?
Research shows the incidence of bedwetting increases from 15% when neither parent experienced bedwetting to 44% if one parent experienced bedwetting in childhood. This likelihood increases further to 77% if both parents experienced bedwetting as a child.
Research also tells us that children see wetting the bed as the third most traumatic event in their childhood, only behind divorce and parental fighting.
It is therefore important to remember that being able to relate to what your child is experiencing is an important part of helping them to stop bedwetting. Helping them feel supported by communicating that they are not alone, and even sharing your own childhood experiences, will help your child know it is ok and show them the light at the end of the tunnel.
Your healthcare professional can help you with these conversations including helpful tips about how to manage bedwetting. Our checklist can also help as it identifies important information your doctor might want to know to help diagnose and treat the bedwetting.
References
- Continence Foundation Australia. Bedwetting. Available online: http://www.continence.org.au/pages/bedwetting.html (Last accessed 21 Sept 2016)
- Johns, A. Available online: http://www.myvmc.com/news/bedwetting-teens-neglected-problem/ (Last accessed 19 Sept 2016)
- Fritz, G. et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2004;43:1540–1550. doi: 10.1097/01.chi.0000142196.41215.cc Van Tijen, NM et al. 1998. Br J Urol. 81;98–99
- Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Available online: http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/bedwetting/ (Last accessed 26 Oct 2016)
