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Expert Q&A

 

By Elbert Q. Blakely, Ph.D., C.B.A.
Psychologist

I have my son use the bathroom before he goes to bed, but his disposable underpants still are soaked each morning. He is 6 years old. When should they start to become less wet? I am worried that he has excessive amounts of urine.

Bedwetting can be a challenging and quite difficult problem to overcome. Here is how we approach this issue. First, take some data! For example, you could count the number of nights that he wets his bed each week. Data are essential in evaluating your approach to solve the problem. Then, consult your physician and have your son checked out for any medically-related causes. This is essential, as there are some physiological problems that must be ruled out. If there are no such issues, then you might try some informal solutions such as restricting fluid intake after dinner and waking him during the night to use the bathroom.

If the problem persists, ask your doctor if you need to consult a behavior analyst. Behavior analysts specialize in treating problem behavior, including bedwetting, and can conduct a more in-depth analysis. See your physician or educational specialists in your area for possible referrals.

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