Dry Night campaign offers helping hand
Leading up to the third annual National Dry Night on May 24, every primary school will receive an information pack containing Dry Nights information.
The aim is to highlight that bed-wetting (enuresis), a distressing condition affecting children physically and mentally, is a treatable medical disorder.
Only one-in-six parents of children who wet the bed consult their GP and 91% are unaware that medical treatment is available.
The Irish Enuresis Advisory Group (IEAG), in association with the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), is appealing to schools to help identify children who may be suffering and encourage parents to seek help and advice.
“Bed-wetting is a very misunderstood condition that can cause immense stress for parents and children,” said Dr Sami Ahmed, consultant paediatrician at Bon Secours Hospital in Cork and chairman of the IEAG.
“Most parents don’t talk to their GP as they think it is something all children go through or is caused by laziness or stresses. In fact, bed-wetting is far more likely to create emotional problems than to be caused by them, and not all children simply grow out of it.”
The information pack contains useful tips for parents that may help minimise bed-wetting such as:
Avoid drinks at bedtime that increase urine production, including those containing caffeine, acidic juices and fizzy drinks.
Involve the child in changing the bed clothes as this will help him or her in overcoming the problem.
Bed-wetting is neither the child’s nor the parent’s fault so try not to get cross, angry or punish your child.
Patience, love, encouragement and help will be the best approach.
Dry Night information will be available through schools and also by calling 1800-718888.
