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It's not something most parents really think about until it happens. It's also not something your child would do on purpose. But what do you do if your preschooler keeps wetting the bed? This mother asks for some advice.
Hi Doctor
My 5 year old has started wetting his bed recently. It happens about twice a month. I don't detect any unhappiness, anxiety or change in attitude. He's still his happy go getter self.
What could be the cause?
Thanks
Linda
Development and learning expert, Dr Melodie de Jager, offers her opinion on the matter.
Hi Linda
To wet the bed occasionally is normal. A couple of useful hints: get him to sleep with no pant but a oversize Tshirt (dads Tshirt) the elastic on the pants sometimes trigger the reflex to empty the bladder. The following Mind Moves can also help if done before he goes to bed to stay dry (not to NOT wet the bed).
Homolateral walk
Move the left arm and leg together, then the right arm and leg. Follow with a Bilateral walk, touching the left hand to the right knee, alternating with the right hand and left knee.
Trunk rotator
Lie flat on the back, spreading the arms wide and raising the knees to hip level. Slowly rock the knees to the left until the left knee touches the floor, and then to the right until the right knee touches the floor. The shoulders and lower back should stay glued to the floor. The Trunk rotator forms the basis for crossing the lateral midline.
Spine walk
Lie on the back and ‘walk’ with the hips and shoulders while the back stays glued to the floor.
Regards,
Melodie
How did you deal with a bed wetting preschooler?
Hi Doctor
My 5 year old has started wetting his bed recently. It happens about twice a month. I don't detect any unhappiness, anxiety or change in attitude. He's still his happy go getter self.
What could be the cause?
Thanks
Linda
Development and learning expert, Dr Melodie de Jager, offers her opinion on the matter.
Hi Linda
To wet the bed occasionally is normal. A couple of useful hints: get him to sleep with no pant but a oversize Tshirt (dads Tshirt) the elastic on the pants sometimes trigger the reflex to empty the bladder. The following Mind Moves can also help if done before he goes to bed to stay dry (not to NOT wet the bed).
Homolateral walk
Move the left arm and leg together, then the right arm and leg. Follow with a Bilateral walk, touching the left hand to the right knee, alternating with the right hand and left knee.
Trunk rotator
Lie flat on the back, spreading the arms wide and raising the knees to hip level. Slowly rock the knees to the left until the left knee touches the floor, and then to the right until the right knee touches the floor. The shoulders and lower back should stay glued to the floor. The Trunk rotator forms the basis for crossing the lateral midline.
Spine walk
Lie on the back and ‘walk’ with the hips and shoulders while the back stays glued to the floor.
Regards,
Melodie
How did you deal with a bed wetting preschooler?
