- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Bedwetting and Special Needs Kids
By Mary Dixon Weidler
The most important key to a child's bedwetting problem is the support of his parents. "Special needs children need to be supported and told over and over again that (the bedwetting) is not their fault," Dr. Bennett advises. "Punishments are absolutely unacceptable."
The entire family may need help in dealing with the variety of stressors that can accompany bedwetting. "Parents must handle the night-waking episodes, additional laundry and supporting the child in an ongoing and positive manner – while dealing with fatigue," Dr. Mevs points out.
Using products like absorbent underpants or sheet protectors to keep the child's bed dry while working on the bedwetting situation may help everyone cope.
Dr. Bennett adds that parents should follow this advice when dealing with their special needs child's enuresis:
- Do not assume that they will never learn to be dry, unless there are physical impediments.
- Do not assume laziness on the part of the child.
- Do not punish. This will only prolong a difficult time in the child's life.
In addition, you can take positive steps to help you child through the situation:
- Do love and support your child.
- Do reinforce to your child that this condition is not their fault.
And remember that – like any real solution – solving the bedwetting will take time. "It's an investment that's often counted in months," Dr. Bennett says. "It's a poor idea to stop after a week or two. This will just frustrate the child and his parents."
For more information on working through enuresis in special needs kids, visit www.goodnites.com/sn, where you will find valuable information, product news and money-saving offers.
| GoodNites® disposable underpants are discreet, absorbent underpants your child wears at night. They help your child cope with bedwetting until they outgrow it. Designed for kids 45 to 125 lbs., GoodNites® disposable underpants means outstanding leakage protection – plus a fit that looks and feels like regular underwear. And since your child is the only person who will know he is wearing them, GoodNites® disposable underpants also comes with other benefits – like privacy, independence and confidence – to help you both sleep easier. Learn more at www.goodnites.com/sn. |