Bedwetting at 10 years old - a mothers story

As a mother, I never imagined bedwetting would be part of our family's daily routine once my son, Jip, turned 10. I had assumed bedwetting was something that would resolve itself with age, yet here we were, still dealing with it. What started as an occasional inconvenience turned into a persistent issue, leaving Jip feeling embarrassed and frustrated. It also left me feeling helpless at times, unsure how best to support him.

Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, can be a sensitive topic, especially for older children. Jip is an active, happy kid during the day, but the nights were a different story. He was often anxious about sleepovers or camping trips, afraid his friends might find out about his nighttime accidents. As a mother, my heart ached for him. I knew he wasn’t doing it on purpose, and I wanted to do everything I could to help him overcome this challenge.

First, I sought advice from our pediatrician, who reassured me that bedwetting at this age, while less common, is still normal. The doctor explained that bedwetting is often linked to the nervous system maturing at a slower rate, or it could be a hereditary trait—something I hadn’t considered, as my husband also had similar experiences as a child. Understanding this helped me realize that patience and empathy were key.

To make things easier for Jip, we implemented a few practical changes at home. We made sure he didn’t drink too much before bedtime and encouraged him to use the bathroom right before going to sleep. We also set up a small nightlight in the hallway to make it less daunting for him to get up at night if he needed to. These changes helped to some extent, but there were still nights with accidents.

Jip and I decided to keep a “bedwetting calendar” where we would track dry nights. This wasn’t meant to punish or pressure him but to help him visualize his progress. Over time, this simple tool became a source of encouragement for Jip. It was also an opportunity for us to celebrate the small victories, which helped boost his confidence and gave him something to look forward to.

In addition to these strategies, I found that talking openly with Jip about his feelings and experiences was incredibly important. I wanted him to know that he wasn’t alone and that many kids his age go through the same thing. We read some children's books together about bedwetting, which made him feel less isolated. It also provided us with a safe space to discuss his concerns and feelings without judgment or shame.

Support from other parents was also invaluable. Through online podcasts and local parenting groups, I connected with others who were going through similar experiences. Sharing our stories and tips helped me feel less alone and gave me new strategies to try with Jip.

Ultimately, what mattered most was ensuring that Jip felt supported and loved no matter what. It took time, patience, and a lot of reassurance, but we slowly began to see improvements. More importantly, Jip learned to be kinder to himself and understood that this was just a phase that would pass.