Pre-school nerves make starting school a bed-wetting experience

Thousands of children began their first day at school last week and while many of us might look back on one of life's major rites-of-passage with fond memories, many children are so terrified; it results in wetting the bed.

The problem is so common that one in five children have wet the bed because of playground fears say the findings of a new survey by DryNites® Sleep Shorts. According to the parents questioned, 50% were previously dry throughout the night. Over one in ten (11%) children are 'terrified' of the transition into the 'big' school environment, with playground squabbles cited as one of the biggest fears of children about to step up to primary school with a third of children anxious about making new friends and 'fitting-in'. A further 25% of parents claim it has even affected their children of ages 12-15.

Bedwetting is almost as common as asthma in young children with about 20% of four year-olds and 10% of eight year-olds wetting the bed at least twice a week. Despite being so common, bedwetting is still a taboo and can be very upsetting for both parent and child.

Dr Carol Cooper, GP comments "If your child experiences bedwetting, the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and it is not your fault or your child's. Although there is no one cure, there are a number of options available which can help parent and child to cope in the meantime. Of course, every child is different and the family GP can help determine the best approach for each individual child."

What do you think?
Login or Register to add a comment or ask a question.

FURTHER PARENTING HELP

Parenting.co.uk offers a range of options tailored to your individual parenting needs. Help options include both telephone and email based support. Please note there are charges for these services. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you lead a more fulfilling life as a parent or overcome specific problems you are having email andy@parenting.co.uk with details of the areas you would like help, support and guidance.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? TRY THE PARENTING.CO.UK DIRECTORY

The Parenting.co.uk Directory covers the entire range of parenting subjects from health to activities, shopping to education and sports to days out. You can also search your local area for everything from drama lessons to babysitters and sports clubs to baby photographers.

Check out the directory here: Parenting Directory

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE PARENTING.CO.UK DIRECTORY

If you are looking to reach thousands of parents and families to boost your business then advertising in our directory is a simple way for you to do it.

Join our directory here: Join the Directory