Child wets pants (girl, bed wetting, accidents, playing)

[RebOver]

My friend is beyond frustrated. Her daughter is 9 and continues to wet her pants during the day. Nighttime bed wetting had stopped approximately 2 years ago with very rare 'accidents'. What should she do? I've asked if she's been to the doctor but she hasn't yet taken her child for this. The girl is happy, popular and doing well in school. My friend is concerned that this problem could become known by her daughters' peers and negatively label her. Is this common? The little girl claims that her body gives her little warning and by the time she realizes the need to go she's close to an accident. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

[keeperk]

It could be just as she says. Take her to the doctor to have her checked out.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I had always heard that bed wetting is a sign of insecurity in a child.

[irishmom]

Aside from emotional trauma, which your friend doesn't sound like she suspects, UTI, overactive bladder, slower development, anxiety, stuctural problem in the urinary tract, muscle problems...so the doctor is indeed in order.

Start with her pediatrician. If UTI is ruled out then ask for them to do a scan (usually by sonogram) of her Urinary track and kidneys...then have them refer to a urologist if the cause is not easy to find.

Oh and until she figures it out, get the kid some protective undergarments...goodnights come in sizes that will fit a 9 year old. But at least she won't have to be embarassed if an accident does happen.

Good luck.

[nicolepsy]

it is not common at that age. she should see a dr and drink less water and make herself go to the restroom every couple of hours.

[Miborn]

Originally Posted by RebOver

My friend is beyond frustrated. Her daughter is 9 and continues to wet her pants during the day. Nighttime bed wetting had stopped approximately 2 years ago with very rare 'accidents'. What should she do? I've asked if she's been to the doctor but she hasn't yet taken her child for this. The girl is happy, popular and doing well in school. My friend is concerned that this problem could become known by her daughters' peers and negatively label her. Is this common? The little girl claims that her body gives her little warning and by the time she realizes the need to go she's close to an accident. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

Why in the world has she not seen a DR. yet?

[pirate girl]

I know of a child who had accidents until she was 12. It was an issue with her urinary tract and is being treated with medicine.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by RebOver

My friend is beyond frustrated. Her daughter is 9 and continues to wet her pants during the day. Nighttime bed wetting had stopped approximately 2 years ago with very rare 'accidents'. What should she do? I've asked if she's been to the doctor but she hasn't yet taken her child for this. The girl is happy, popular and doing well in school. My friend is concerned that this problem could become known by her daughters' peers and negatively label her. Is this common? The little girl claims that her body gives her little warning and by the time she realizes the need to go she's close to an accident. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

She should make an immediate appointment for her daughter this week! I understand that your friend is frustrated, but she needs to realize that a happy, popular 9 year old is likely very, very embarassed by this and is not doing it on purpous! (by the way, nightmare bed wetting is more of a sign of emotional trauma than daytime, but is still a possiblity). Other advice (while she is waiting for an appt since this is absolutely necessary ASAP!) is to have her monitor her intake of fluids (i.e., make sure she doesn't drink a TON in one sitting) and she can keep a chart for a bit as to what time/how much she drinks and when she has to go or has an accident. This can help to train her to realize that, for instance, 30 minutes after lunch she needs to go to the bathroom and try to go to avoid an accident. Good luck, but get that girl to a doctor ASAP!!!!!

[Milabs]

The child is 9 years old and still wetting herself? That is not normal and she should've been taken to the doctor years ago. I feel sorry for this poor child.

[Chinadoll]

My Pediatrician says it's normal for bed wetting even up to age 18. Day time may be another issue. I know there are meds for night time probably used for day time as well. On the weekends it would be a good idea to remind her to use the restroom every hour just to get in a habit. My child has the same problem of not having to go for a long time then having to run to the restroom. I'm always reminding to stop playing and go to the restroom.