This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of GoodNites* TRU-FIT*.
There are issues that parents face that are sensitive. Sensitive for the child and the parent that comes with self esteem issues, confusion and frustration for both parties. Our issue in this house is Enuresis. Enuresis is the medical term for bed-wetting. Not just here and there accidents, but chronic, the parent does not know that to do and it is changing the child’s personality, accidents. In my search for more information on the issue, I have consulted Pediatrician’s, experts and online forums for help. Before I tell you why I graduated the kids from overnight diapers to the New GoodNites* TRU-FIT* real underwear system, I want to share some things I have learned on my journey with my kids to help with Enuresis.
One of my daughters, and I am not going to call her out, has a medical reason for her Enuresis. She was having accidents both at night and during the day at school. We are handling her condition with Miralax and special time in the morning where mommy reads to her while she ‘goes’. We also set potty alarms while she is at school and home to help prevent any accidents. It seems to be helping as we aim to retrain her body how to sense the signals necessary to make it to the bathroom on time. It has been a hard, long road and, though I see light at the end of the tunnel, we are far from done dealing with the condition.
The diagnosis and the knowledge that all three of my children still have issues at night has me doing everything I can to learn about the condition. There are so many myths out there and so much shame associated with bed-wetting that I think it is finally time I share what I have learned so far.
1) It is NOT the child’s fault! The frustration level is high when a parent has to get up at night and change wet sheets for a child they think is old enough to know when to go to the bathroom. Though kids with Enuresis tend to be nighttime wetters, when a child has an accident at school, the emotional embarrassment for the child and the parent can be overwhelming. But in most cases, the child simply cannot help it. The reasons for the issue can range from a child having a small bladder to stress in the home or at school to a slower than normal development of the central nervous system. In fact, most of the time it is hereditary from the father’s side. Sure enough, my ex had the same issue growing up. None of these issues are ever the child’s fault. Nor are they the parents. Stress in the home may be inevitable and contained slightly but everything else is simply biological. So take a deep breath and be prepared to be understanding no matter how often the accidents happen.
2) The right products can help encourage confidence. Children that suffer Enuresis often have the issue at night. Most don’t have issues during the day. But many are too old for ‘diapers’ or overnight diapers. In fact, my daughter was starting to get a complex because she had to wear ‘diapers’ at night. So a while ago I discovered GoodNites* TRU-FIT* overnight underwear. They make such a difference in her confidence. These are real underwear with pad inserts that stay all night. She feels like she is not singled out by wearing these under her nightie. Goodnites* TRU-FIT* Underwear are accompanied by a disposable, absorbent insert – designed to protect sheets and PJs at night. They provide outstanding leakage protection with a six-layer advanced absorbent technology to help lock in wetness. I have never had a child leak out of them and I have been using them since I saw them on shelves at Target. The underwear are machine washable and look and feel like real underwear. They are awesome if you are having daytime issues as well!
3) Be active and consistent in the treatment of Enuresis. If your child is over the age of 6 and still having frequent bed-wetting episodes, it may be time to make some changes at home to help them out. Limiting fluids before bedtime can be a huge help. In addition, I let my girls sit on the potty while the timer counts to 10 minutes, reading books, before bed. Making sure a child’s bladder is empty before a long sleep can be very helpful. I also give them a sticker reward if they make it through the night dry. However, I don’t take one away if they don’t. No matter what you do, be active in making sure it all happens at the same time, the same way, no matter the day or the environment they are in. Children respond to routine and this is no different.
4) Seek medical attention if you are at your wits end. I waited too long to see a doctor. Thinking I could handle things myself, I tried everything I knew how to do at home. But when a child is having daytime accidents despite the fact that she is potty trained, it is time to see a doctor. But get opinions. The first doctor we saw told me it was a psychological condition. Turns out, she did not need therapy to stop wetting, she has a diagnosed medical condition. So when I happened onto a Pediatrician that has experience with Enuresis, I was thrilled. She explained the biological issues that lead to the condition and gave me expert advice. We have followed the routine for almost 3 weeks now at both her dad’s girlfriend’s house and home and the only time she has had a daytime accident is when we miss the routine for some reason. Having a doctor that can talk to you and your child really helps with dealing with the issue.
5) Be as understanding as you can with your child. I have held my daughter when she has cried in embarrassment. I have found the dirty underwear hidden because she was ashamed of herself and I have seen the heartbreaking look on her face when she comes home in school issued underwear because she had an accident at school. I now pack extra clothing for school but just knowing that she has to be sent to the nurse’s office is so embarrassing for her and breaks my heart. Talking to my child in the language she understands and telling her over and over again that it is not her fault can help curb the impact on her self-esteem. The doctor told her that her body was just being silly and not doing what it was made to do. So we all had to work together to get the sillies out. When I remind her of this, she seems to be less upset about the issue. Knowing everyone involved is on her team is so helpful too!
Parents have a lot to deal with and issues like this should be discussed and understood. We all hide it thinking it is somehow a reflection on us being bad parents. The truth is, as many as 1 in 6 kids can suffer from Enuresis and most of the time, it is a condition and not just a lazy kid or parent.
Getting the right supplies, like GoodNites* TRU-FIT* and the right information and help can be a lifechanger for all involved. Visit the Better Night Network at www.GoodNites.com and the GoodNites® Facebook page for more information on bedwetting solutions and advice from trusted experts.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of GoodNites* TRU-FIT*
this is something that has plagued my entire life and my child’s, so I’m glad to see you writing about it. it’s just something that all kids deal with at some point or another and no one (friends, family, siblings, or even parents) should make fun of or punish the child for it. if a child has accidents, day or night, there is no cure or fix for it beyond time. a little extra love never hurts
I agree!! I have learned so much over the last few months about it and it is like any other condition and should be treated as such!!