Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
11-Year-Old with a Wetting Problem | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
My son is eleven yeas old and suffers from bedwetting that goes through stages. Currently it occurs almost nightly. He has a very good attitude about it, but I'm getting really concerned, as he is getting older and not better. I neither reward nor scorn him. I have purchased adult disposable undergarments for him to wear at night and have greatly reduced his liquid intake and the times he is allowed to drink anything. What can I do?— Mom,Mommy,Grandyma,Granma etc... in East Brunswick,New Jersey | | | ANSWER |
June 12, 2001 | | | Dear Mom, Mommy, Grandyma, Granma etc.,
Actually, there is a lot you can do. Start by looking at the information in our bedwetting section. Even though 11 seems like it's old to be wetting the bed, there are actually many, many children who have wetting problems on into their teen years. In order to avoid embarrassment, they avoid sleepovers and overnight camps. More importantly, they often feel bad about themselves.
The good news is, we know that 70 to 80 percent of these children can learn to stay dry at night, using modern bedwetting alarms; various medications also can help. It's encouraging that your son has such a good attitude. A child who is willing to tackle the problem head-on has a high chance of success.
One thing you might think about, however, is whether the convenience gained in using an adult disposable undergarment is worth the cost, both in money, and in self-esteem (if the child sees it as "wearing a diaper"). Many children do better with a plastic sheet to protect their mattress and one or two layers of cloth and plastic sheets over that (see the sandwich bed technique). A child who does his own laundry can feel, at least, that he is able to help out in a grown-up way to take care of his problem. That can be a good way for a child to begin taking charge of staying dry in the future.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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