Tackling bedwetting: ‘Don’t be afraid to talk about it’

Bedwetting, otherwise known as urinary incontinence or enuresis, is fairly common, often embarrassing and sometimes difficult to talk about. It is estimated that about 20 percent of boys and 17 percent of girls, ages 6 to 7 years old have some problem with daytime or nighttime wetting. Still, many kids are reluctant to talk about wetting with parents, friends and teachers. Parents themselves often have a hard time confronting the issue. The Voiding Improvement Program (VIP) at Boston Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to bedwetting tailored to each child’s individual needs. “Our program is driven by highly skilled and compassionate nurses who understand both the physiologic and emotional issues surrounding urinary issues,” says Pamela Kelly, the program’s nurse director. Treatment may include biofeedback training, Reiki therapy, behavioral therapy and a referral for acupuncture. Kelly and VIP’s director, Dr. Carlos Estrada, offer five tips for managing your child’s wetting issues. Open communication Open communication is an important first step in addressing a wetting issue. “Kids have a hard time talking about their wetting problems for one obvious reason: It’s embarrassing,” Estrada says. “And positive communication is essential to creating a feeling of comfort and a plan to deal with enuresis.” Over time, embarrassment can build. In fact, Estrada explains, for some boys and girls, urinary incontinence “becomes a f...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Health & Wellness bedwetting Dr. Carlos Estrada enuresis Pamela Kelly Voiding Improvement Program Source Type: news