* BEDWETTING BLUES *

"My 4-year old daughter feels guilty and embarrassed that she still wets her bed at night. Honestly, it has become very stressful for me, too. How can I help her stop making this nightmare booboo?"

Answer #1:
Bedwetting, technically known as primary enuresis, is a natural part of a child development. Kids eventually grow out of it. It is important for parents and caregivers to withhold their frustration when their children wet the bed. After all, they don't do it on purpose.

Do not scold your daughter or make her feel guilty when you have to change the beddings in the mornings. Instead, reassure her that her bed will stay dry eventually. Tell her that you will work with her toward the goal of learning how to stop bedwetting.

Most of the time, bedwetting is not a sign of any deep medical or emotional issue. However, bedwetting may sometimes be caused by anxiety or stress. If the child has already stopped bedwetting but reverted to it, then psychological factors may be at play. Ask the child how she is doing in school with regards to her academic performance, relationship with peers and teachers, and similar concerns.

Parent's attitudes greatly affect a child's disposition and success in overcoming the condition. Your frustration, anger and embarrassment may cause your child to develop negative feelings toward herself. Parents should focus on understanding and encouragement to help their children negative feelings and speed up the process of overcoming their bedwetting blues.

Answer #2:
The belief that every child is unique holds true even for night potty training. Children usually achieve bladder control during the day first, then gradually develop bladder control during nighttime. Even then, some children may take longer than others to develop bladder control while asleep.

According to Dr. Richard Woolfson, author of WHY DO KIDS DO THAT?, 10 percent of children age 6 and below take a couple of more years to maintain a dry bed at night and will need more support to finally do so.

It is good to make your child aware of the things that she can do to prevent bedwetting: reducing her fluid intake before bedtime and making a routine out of visiting the toilet before going to bed. These habits will make her feel that she is doing something within her control to stay dry until morning.

Try posting a chart or calendar by her bedside. Put stickers of smiley faces or stars to mark her success on nights that she stayed dry. Motivate her with can-do words every night.