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Getting to the Bottom of Bed-Wetting

Be prepared to answer several questions if you decide to seek professional help. It would probably behoove you to keep a journal documenting the following information. Of course, journal entries should be made in private—not in front of the child. It might make he or she feel too self-conscious. Here are the questions:

When did this begin?
How often does it occur?
Are there any “dry” periods? If so, how long?
Is control while awake a problem?
Is there any daytime urination? How often?
Does enuresis cause the child to awaken?
Is the child shamed by his bed-wetting?
Does the rest of the family know about the problem?
Is there any punishment involved?
How does the family treat the problem?
Are there any beverages given containing caffeine or alcohol?
Does stress increase the incidents? Does anything in particular make the problem worse?
Does anything improve the situation?
Are there any medications taken?
Are there other symptoms such as pain in the back or abdomen, or a fever?
Is there a family history of the problem?
Are any methods of prevention such as diapers, alarms, rewards, or restricting fluids used?

Just as important as seeking professional help is treating the problem correctly at home. Yelling at or punishing a child may only make the situation worse. Not only that, it could create feelings of low self-worth and poor self-esteem. The best thing to do is talk about it openly (if the child is so inclined) keeping in mind that expressing confidence, reassurance and encouragement to a child could be the best medicine of all.

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