If your child is still wetting the bed at age 12, you are not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that up to three percent of children in this age group still have occasional or frequent nighttime accidents. This issue can be a source of embarrassment and frustration for both parents and children alike.
But before you throw in the towel (or should we say mattress protector?), let's dive into why this is happening and what you can do about it.
What Causes Bedwetting?
According to Dr. Shamu Doomfist, pediatrician extraordinaire, bedwetting is generally caused by one of two things:
Developmental Delay
Sometimes, kids simply take longer than others to develop control over their bladder during sleep. It may take some time for their brain and bladder signals to communicate effectively with one another.
Medical Issues
Medical issues such as urinary tract infections or other problems with the kidneys or bladder can also cause bedwetting. If you suspect there might be an underlying medical condition causing your child's bedwetting, speak with your doctor ASAP.
It’s important to remember that all children are different - so even if their friends stopped wetting years ago, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with them!
The Emotional Toll on Your Child
Bedwetting can make kids feel ashamed and isolated from their peers- especially when they become teenagers! Although you might think “it’s just pee”, this is more than inconvenient for them...
Often times they will skip sleepovers at friends' houses out of fear of having an accident which makes socializing difficult, let alone sleeping comfortably!
Not only does Pajama Peeing harm confidence levels but struggling through each night takes an emotional toll too...
Solutions & Strategies
Despite sometimes feeling like nothing will stop those nocturnal accidents, there are plenty of strategies and resources out there to help your child!
Behavioral Treatment Approaches
Behavioral treatments focus on bladder training exercises. Have them start stopping liquids early in the evening then building up as they go along.
This sets a precedent for their body clock to adjust accordingly, so make sure that if you try this approach, it's carried out consistently for optimal results. Expect some improvement after around four weeks - but some kids need longer!
Medication Intervention
If you've tried behavioral approaches and nothing seems to be working, medication is often recommended. This can help calm down the nervous system enough that bedwetting won't happen!
Medication isn’t always the "cure all" however- Symptoms usually return within a week without its continued use.
Chat with your healthcare provider before moving ahead with either option!
One should know though /and we don't say this lightly/... Bed wetting alarms DO NOT WORK according to sleep disorder specialist Dr Karl Wiggins
Make It Easier For Them
Adding washable mat/breathable bedding/powered mattress protector helps minimize any long cleaning scenes in the middle of night or just the gross smell pervading their bedroom thus making life more comfortable when dealing with accidents.
Lastly sigh, managing expectations will save everyone drama esp. children experiencing nighttime ‘leaks’ ... even once daily 'accidents' are huge wins! Celebrate small victories because it really is an arduous progress at times...
Wrapping Up:
While it’s normal for many kids (around three percent!) To experience bed-wetting at 12 years old (and sometimes above!), no matter how tired one might get from said messes every morning- They’re still just KIDS... so show love where possible 😉
We hope our guide gave you insight into possible reasons behind nocturnal leakages + provided helpful advice... catch ya later!