Impact on the child and family
Bedwetting is an issue that affects many facets of life. It is not simply wetting the bed. There are many potential effects on both the child and his or her family.
Children are likely to have feelings of embarrassment, shame, confusion, and anxiety, leading to low self-esteem, self-worth, abilities to make relationships, quality of life, and performance in different areas like school, extra-curricular activities, sports, etc.
1/4 to 1/3 of children who wet the bed are punished by their parents, sometimes including physical or verbal abuse.
A study found that the most affected areas in children suffering from enuresis were self-perceived physical attraction and global self-esteem. In particular, girls suffering from nocturnal enuresis were more likely to rank their scholastic and social competencies lower. Rating scores lowered with increased age, as well as the presence of both daytime and nocturnal symptoms, versus nocturnal symptoms alone.
Families are also impacted by nocturnal enuresis. Parents often feel frustrated or feel worried for their children, sometimes wondering if there is a co-morbid condition present. One study estimated increased costs for laundry, mattresses, bedsheets, and other related items at $1000/year. Parents lose sleep when they have to help children change their clothing and bedsheets, and sometimes may take their anger out on the child or other family members. Siblings may feel frustrated that there is so much focus being placed on the child with nocturnal enuresis.
Children are likely to have feelings of embarrassment, shame, confusion, and anxiety, leading to low self-esteem, self-worth, abilities to make relationships, quality of life, and performance in different areas like school, extra-curricular activities, sports, etc.
1/4 to 1/3 of children who wet the bed are punished by their parents, sometimes including physical or verbal abuse.
A study found that the most affected areas in children suffering from enuresis were self-perceived physical attraction and global self-esteem. In particular, girls suffering from nocturnal enuresis were more likely to rank their scholastic and social competencies lower. Rating scores lowered with increased age, as well as the presence of both daytime and nocturnal symptoms, versus nocturnal symptoms alone.
Families are also impacted by nocturnal enuresis. Parents often feel frustrated or feel worried for their children, sometimes wondering if there is a co-morbid condition present. One study estimated increased costs for laundry, mattresses, bedsheets, and other related items at $1000/year. Parents lose sleep when they have to help children change their clothing and bedsheets, and sometimes may take their anger out on the child or other family members. Siblings may feel frustrated that there is so much focus being placed on the child with nocturnal enuresis.
References:
Pugner K, Holmes J. Nocturnal enuresis: economic impacts and self-esteem preliminary research results. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl 1997; 183:65-9.
Theunis M, Van Hoecke E, Paesbrugge S, Hoebeke P, Vande Walle J. Self-image and performance in children with nocturnal enuresis. Eur Urol. 2002;41(6):660-7.
Pugner K, Holmes J. Nocturnal enuresis: economic impacts and self-esteem preliminary research results. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl 1997; 183:65-9.
Theunis M, Van Hoecke E, Paesbrugge S, Hoebeke P, Vande Walle J. Self-image and performance in children with nocturnal enuresis. Eur Urol. 2002;41(6):660-7.