60% of South West parents say child is wetting the bed more often
Bedwetting is a medical condition with potential psychological impact
1 in 5 parents in the South West have said their child had been wetting the bed in the run-up to the schools reopening in September.
That is according to a new survey, with 60 per cent of South West parents also saying their child’s bedwetting has become more frequent in that time.
Bedwetting is something people are being told not to assume children will just grow out of, as 19 per cent of parents in our region say they are uncomfortable talking to their child about it.
It is a medical condition which can have a psychological impact.
Davina Richardson, children’s specialist nurse for Bladder & Bowel UK, told Greatest Hits Radio bedwetting in children is a particularly difficult problem:
"It is secret, it is hidden and it shouldn't be because it's not naughtiness, it's not laziness, it's not bad parenting. It is a medical condition and the sooner we make these conversations more open and transparent, the easier it becomes for those who are affected to get that help they need."
"Children tell us about this burden of carrying a secret."
"When you're at home with your family most of the time it doesn't need to be a secret so much, but when you go back to school will somebody find out?
"What will happen if they do find out?
"We know that for some children they can actually become bullies because they're so frightened of the impact of other people finding out about the bedwetting. It also has an impact on their learning."
"There are reasons why children are more likely to wet the bed going back to school.
"It may be this increase of stress and anxiety with a new school year, a new teacher.
"It may be that they're more tired because they're back into school routines and don't have the free and easy lifestyle of the summer holidays.
"And the nights are drawing in - it's getting colder and darker, and winter is coming."
Healthcare professionals can provide assessments and advice on bedwetting.
There is more information and advice on the Bladder & Bowel UK website.