Do your travel plans include a visit to your relatives? If so, you may have some worries on your mind. How can I help my child feel less worried about wetting the bed during the visit, and what should I do if bedwetting happens? What will my relatives say if my child wets the bed during the visit? How can I discreetly get sheets and pyjamas clean?
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with these concerns. Here are some tips on managing bedwetting challenges that may occur during a visit to your relatives:
Considering your treatment options
Before you hit the road, talk to your child's doctor about managing bedwetting. Your doctor can advise you on treatment options and strategies that might be helpful for your child. For more details on the treatment options available, see "Bedwetting and travel planning."
Talking to your relatives about bedwetting
It's also a good idea to get the relatives you'll be visiting "in the loop" before you arrive. Tell them what they can do to help, such as:
- putting your child in a sleeping area with privacy and easy access to a bathroom
- having a night-light or flashlight to make it easier for your child to find the bathroom
- protecting the mattress with a plastic cover (making up the child's bed in advance will spare them some embarrassment)
- making sure you're familiar with their laundry facilities and how to use them
This is also your chance to correct any misconceptions that relatives may have about bedwetting. Assure them that bedwetting is not the child's fault and the child should not be punished. This will also help ensure that both parents and relatives are sending the child a consistent message about bedwetting.
Helping your child get ready for the visit
Having a plan for how to handle bedwetting can help your child feel less anxious about the visit. Talk to your child about what to do if they wet the bed. Reassure them that it's not their fault, and that you'll be there for them to help take care of it discreetly. Bring an extra set of fresh sheets and pyjamas for your child. If your child uses medication for bedwetting, don't forget to bring it with you. Even away from home, it's very important for them to continue treatment and make sure they understand what it is for and, if they're old enough, how to use it properly. For information about how to properly store the medication while away from home, see "Bedwetting and travel planning."
Please keep in mind that not all techniques or methods that you use at home are going to be appropriate when your child is away from home. To learn more, see "Bedwetting and travel planning."
These tips can help you make sure that bedwetting doesn't get in the way of your family visit. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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