Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/959325
20 Hudson Valley Parent n April 2018 "As long as the wetting is only at night with no daytime wetting or other urinary symptoms, the bedwetting itself isn't concerning, though it can certainly be bothersome," says Dr. Rowe. "It really is nothing you or your child has done," agrees Graceanna Carratu, a Poughkeepsie mom who's no stranger to potty training. "Their bodies are not ready yet." Why is my child wetting the bed? Bedwetting, even in older children, can happen for several different reasons. "Family history, slow development of brain or bladder control, making too much urine while asleep, sleep disorders, constipation and stress are the most common causes for bedwetting," says Dr. Rowe. If a child is constipated, the full rectum reduces the bladder's capacity. Sleep disorders that cause your child to sleep too deeply don't allow your child to wake up when he has the urge to urinate. By MICHELLE PETERSON E very parent who's gone through the trials of potty training knows bedwetting accidents are bound to happen. But as your child gets older, how do you know if their bedwetting is typical or a symptom of something else? Bedwetting basics Many parents of children who wet the bed often wonder: How old is too old? When should I be concerned? Every child is different. "Most children are dry at night by age 6 but at this age, 10% of children will still have issues with bedwetting," says Dr. Steven J. Rowe, a board-certified urologist at Crystal Run Healthcare. For children and parents who believe they have finally mastered the art of potty training, nighttime accidents can be frustrating and embarrassing. But Dr. Rowe insists that bedwetting at night is no cause for concern. "Bedwetting can definitely be inherited," confirms Catherine Taranto, a Hopewell Junction mom of two recalling her own experience with her children. "I found out years later my dad had it as a child and I also had it." Family traits of bedwetting can be comforting to share with your children. This makes them feel less alone and embarrassed by the behavior. Is it time to call the urologist? Even though bedwetting is a common occurrence in childhood, parents who are worried may find comfort seeing a urologist for an evaluation or education to decrease the stress level in the home. "If parents are stressed about it, the child feels the stress as well," says Dr. Rowe. "This is one place where a visit to a urologist can be helpful. Even when no active treatment is chosen, sometimes reassurance that the problem will go away with time is enough to decrease the stress level." Is it time to call the urologist? Could your child's bedwetting be a sign of a bigger problem?