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8 Ways To Manage Your Child's Nighttime Wetting

How To Deal With Your Child's Nighttime Wetting
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Summertime, and the living’s easy — for your child, that is. From summer break to summer camp, sleepovers to family vacations, one’s childhood should be a time filled with fun and lasting memories. However, for the millions of children who wet the bed, a medical condition also known as nocturnal enuresis can often put these experiences out of reach. But a child’s shame or embarrassment shouldn’t keep them from participating in social events where their nighttime routine may make him or her self-conscious.

We partnered with the GoodNites NiteLite Panel — pediatrician Dr. Wolffe Nadoolman and author and blogger Meagan Francis — to provide advice on how parents can help their child manage nighttime wetting during summer and beyond so they can stay comfortable and confident every night under the covers.

Check out our tips below, and share your experiences with our readers in the comments section.

How To Deal With Your Child's Nighttime Wetting
Prior Planning (01 of08)
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Nadoolman recommends that no matter the occasion, parents should develop a plan by talking privately with their child in advance. If the child is uncomfortable with you informing other adult supervisors about his or her condition, be sure to ask what your child will do in hypothetical situations. While each situation differs, your child will trust you and feel at ease if you let your daughter or son know what to expect before attending these summer events. (credit:Getty)
Slumber Party Success (02 of08)
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If your child gives you the green light, talking to the host parents can go a long way in having a successful sleepover. Make sure they understand it’s a medical condition that your child can’t control. Arrange a private place to store GoodNites Underwear and a room where your child can change into them. Stash a dark plastic bag in the backpack to make it easier for your child to dispose of them discreetly in the morning. And be sure to consider sleeping arrangements. Your child, for instance, may feel more comfortable bringing a sleeping bag than sharing a bed or sofa with friends. (credit:Getty)
Confidence at Summer Camp (03 of08)
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It’s important to remind your child that nighttime wetting is common, given the millions of children affected. While your child’s condition will probably remain a secret, a good chance exists that other kids will wet their beds at summer camp, and maybe even some in your child’s cabin! Summer camp is often the first time your child will be away from home alone, so if he or she agrees, talk to the camp counselors and administrators ahead of time. Similar to sleepovers, find out what accommodations you can make ahead of time to ensure your child’s GoodNites Underwear are privately stored and discarded secretly and that your child has a place to change into them comfortably. (credit:Getty)
Family Vacation Fun (04 of08)
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The best way to boost a child’s confidence during family vacation is to make sure the rest of the family is compassionate. If siblings are aware of the condition, now is a good time to remind them to respect and love one another. Routines can often get disrupted while on vacation, so make sure to plan itineraries around getting settled each night at a reasonable time so your child can still maintain a similar sleep schedule. If you’re going camping, make sure your child knows that he or she can wake you up at any point during the night to use the bathroom since your child may fear leaving the tent alone. Pack a favorite stuffed animal or storybook to make your child feel more comfortable while away from home. (credit:Getty)
Spending Time with Grandparents (05 of08)
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Given the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, parents should privately educate their parents and in-laws about bedwetting and answer any questions. Be sure they understand the sensitivity involved by explaining your child’s feelings to them. Also, make sure to pack Bed Mats to keep their sheets dry, or even leave a pack at their house for future overnight visits. (credit:Getty)
Adventures in Overnight Babysitting (06 of08)
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It is essential to hire a babysitter who not only gets along with your child but also is understanding of the situation. If your child is comfortable with you talking to the babysitter beforehand, spend some time explaining to the sitter how prevalent nighttime wetting is. If your child would prefer the babysitter not know about his or her condition, teach your child the process of putting on and disposing of GoodNites Underwear in the bathroom so the child can confidently manage it alone when you’re not at home. Turn it into an “undercover mission” while you are away, and reward your child when you return.And don't forget to visit GoodNites.com to report back on your mission and learn more about how to manage nighttime wetting. (credit:Getty)
Less Stress From Out-of-Town Guests (07 of08)
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Before your guests arrive, arrange for their sleeping space to be separate from your child’s. Ensure that your child still follows the same nighttime routine and don’t let visitors get in the way. Also, remind siblings to respect the child’s privacy and not to discuss the child’s nighttime wetting in front of guests. (credit:Getty)
Teamwork Makes it Better (08 of08)
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Nighttime wetting is stressful for your child. Set his or her mind at ease by emphasizing that you are all in this together as a team. Although every situation differs, your child will always trust you and feel at ease if you talk to him or her about what to expect before these summer events and as you manage the condition throughout the year. Make managing this problem a fun “undercover mission” that you tackle together, and don't forget to visit GoodNites on Facebook to unlock special codes for a chance to win spy-themed prizes for your child! (credit:Getty)

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