Bedwetting

Bedwetting-medically termed enuresis-is an embarrassing and difficult problem for a child. His self-esteem may suffer. Sleepovers can be torture, and even thinking about going away to Grandma's or to summer camp can create a tremendous burden for the child who wets the bed. Bedwetting is also a distressing problem for parents concerned about their child's well-being.

It is important to understand that bedwetting is not bad behavior. It is not intentional, and it is not the child's fault. If you have a child who wets the bed, please remember that this child deserves your thoughtful attempts to help resolve the problem.

There are also children who once had bladder control, but have lost it. This type of bedwetting is likely to be related to either emotional or organic problems. Emotional causes include stressful or scary situations, such as a move to a new house, the birth of a new baby in the family, or parental separation. Such stresses may cause a child to regress to an earlier pattern of behavior. Bedwetting due to stress is usually temporary. Organic problems include urinary tract infections, which can irritate the urethra and bladder and interfere with normal functioning; obstructive lesions of the urinary tract; and spinal disorders that interfere with sensations and voluntary control of the bladder. Children with diabetes or sickle cell disease may have difficulty concentrating their urine and typically urinate larger amounts, sometimes to the point of wetting the bed at night. A food allergy or sensitivity can also cause bedwetting, because problem foods can irritate the bladder. These problems must be diagnosed and treated by your child's physician.

The most important consideration with regard to bedwetting is to understand your child's normal growth and development so that your expectations are realistic. As your child's body grows, his bladder becomes able to hold more and more urine. Only when a child's bladder can hold about a cup and a half of urine does sleeping through the night without wetting the bed become physically possible. Another requirement is the development of neuromuscular control necessary.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• The combination of chamomile, passion flower, skullcap, and linden flower is a time-honored remedy for anxiety. These herbs relax the nervous system, which may be agitated and thus contribute to a bedwetting problem. Give your child one or two doses of tea made from a combination these herbs early in the evening (after dinner).
  Note: Skullcap should not be given to a child less than six years old. If your child is under six, make a tea of chamomile, passion flower, and linden flower only.