Did you bedwet as a child? We need your help if so.

[ERIC-Charity]

If you're someone who used to wet the bed as a child,could you help us? We're writing an article about how parents can help their children and are looking for quotes or stories from parents who experienced bedwetting themselves when they were growing up. What advice would you give looking back now? What helped you to cope with this common, but often misunderstood issue? No names will be used in the article (everything will be totally anonymous course). If you'd like to contribute, please leave a comment below or send a message to [e-mail] Many thanks!

[Jloomis]

I wet the bed for a while as a child. First off, I was late to potty train at all was nearly four years old but once I did I was pretty much completely dry day and night (except got the odd accident when I’d refuse to use a restroom away from home and end up with soggy undies). Then when I was nearly nine years old I started wetting the bed just out of the blue. I was mortified, didn’t want to believe it was happening, and did my best to try and hide it. It started out I would dream that I was using the loo and I’d wake up still in bed. I’d get up to go and realize my PJs were wet. At first I tried to tell myself it was just sweat but it was just my pants and underwear… Anyways I would change my clothes shoving my wet things to the bottom of the laundry hamper and go back to bed like nothing had happened. Before long (maybe two weeks or so, wetting most nights) my mum came and asked me if anything had been going on, if I had been having ‘problems’ at night. I tried to lie and pretend I didn’t know what she was talking about, but I quickly realized I was caught, started crying and told her what was going on. I was terrified of doctors (had been up to that point a rather sickly boy) and immediately begged not to be taken to the doctor, and promised (pointlessly) that I’d stop. Mum asked me a series of questions (I now realize was checking for common causes like diabetes or UTI) then said I wouldn’t have to go. I cheered up (still embarrassed but grateful I wouldn’t have to immediately face my fears) and she said it was no big deal, she just wanted to make sure I was okay and offer something that might help me sleep better and worry about it less. We’d been seeing DryNites advertise on television (it was the 1990’s) and she asked if I would be willing to try them. I had noticed the ads, when they came on I pretended not to notice but I’m pretty sure I blushed every time because of the secret I had been trying to keep, but had already thought they could help me. So when mum offered them I agreed and she went and started getting them for me. After that it was a non-issue. I don’t remember ever discussing it anymore after I started wearing the DryNites and I don’t even remember when I stopped wearing them. It was just a phase I suppose. Mum was great, she made sure I was okay and had what I needed without making a big deal out of it, and that made it non issue for me. I think the best thing for parents to do is to make sure first that the kid is okay physically (go to the doctor and get checked out) then just be kind and gentle and ensure that the kid knows it isn’t a problem or anything to worry about. Worrying about wetting the bed or actively trying not to just makes the problem worse. It will eventually stop, but even if it don’t it’s just not that big of a deal. They make stuff like DryNites for a reason and there’s no reason to be embarrassed about needing them. Kids should know they can wear whatever they want or need to bed and it won’t make a difference to anyone.

[ERIC-Charity Partner in reply to Jloomis]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It's a very moving account of how your mum helped you when you started bedwetting abs we're really glad you had that support as a child. Thanks again, Alina @ERIC