For most children, the age of 6 is a good time to starting sleeping over with friends, according to KidsHealth. A sleepover is an exciting part of growing up, becoming more independent and having fun with friends. However, for children who wet the bed during sleep, a condition called nocturnal enuresis, a sleepover can be an occasion for fear and disappointment. With some preparation and a little help from the host parent, help your child meet the challenge of sleepovers and enjoy the special times with friends.
Step 1
Talk to your child about bedwetting and assure him that it is a normal part of childhood that will stop at some point. Help him to feel good about himself by handling bedwetting accidents calmly, with positive language and reinforcement. A good self-image, in spite of the bedwetting, can help your child prepare for the challenge of a sleepover.
Step 2
Keep your child on a regular bedtime schedule that includes a nightly bedtime routine. This practice can help children establish patterns of dryness. Routines should include dinner at the same time, restricting liquids to water after dinner, laying out clean pajamas and linens in case of bedwetting, and using the toilet at least two times before bedtime.
Step 3
Discuss each sleepover invitation with your child and make a decision about whether he should accept. Allow him to make the decision with your help. Consider how well you know the host parents, the number of children invited, the length of time of the sleepover and your child's emotional stamina in handling his bedwetting challenges. Help your child to feel OK about refusing an invitation he does not feel good about.
Step 4
Encourage your child to get plenty of sleep the night before the sleepover so he is well-rested. This will help him avoid feeling tired and anxious on the sleepover night.
Step 5
Ask your pediatrician about using medication to limit urine output during the sleepover. Doctors sometimes prescribe desmopressin acetate, or DDAVP, to slow the production of urine at night. It is available in pill form or a nasal spray, which remains in the child's system longer. However, the nasal version increases the potential for serious side effects. According to Mayo Clinic, seizure is the most serious side effect.
Step 6
Instruct your child about how much liquid he should consume during the evening and how often he should use the bathroom.
Step 7
Provide a sleeping bag, a waterproof sleeping bag liner and disposable underpants so that clothing, bedding and the floor remains dry if bedwetting occurs.
Step 8
Pack a change of clothing and pajamas in case of bedwetting and encourage your child to speak to the host parent if he has a problem.
Step 9
Speak to the parent who will host the sleepover and explain the bedwetting issue, the use of the sleeping bag and the items packed for the sleepover. Ask the host parent to make sure your child uses the bathroom before bedtime and, if appropriate, ask her to awaken your child during the night and early in the morning to use the bathroom.
Tips and Warnings
- Conduct a practice sleepover with grandparents or other trusted family members or friends. A trial run helps your child experience sleeping away from home without the fear of embarrassment in front of her friends. She can use her sleeping bag and liner and practice using her packed items.
- Let your child know that you plan to talk to the host parent and get his agreement. Ask the host parent to be discrete in dealing with your child. Talk to your doctor before giving your child over-the-counter or prescription medication to limit urine output.
Things You'll Need
- Sleeping bag
- Plastic sleeping bag liner
- Disposable underpants
- Change of clothing
References
- KidsHealth: When Can I Go to a Sleepover?; May 2010
- KidsHealth: Bedwetting; October 2008
- "New Jersey Family Magazine": How to Beat Bedwetting Just in Time for Summer Camp; Renee Mercer, CPNP; April 2011
- EduGuide: Getting Bedwetting Help for Your Child; Shaunna Howat
- MayoClinic: Bedwetting -- Treatments and Drugs
