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Parents Embarassed to Discuss Bedwetting Concerns

Nearly half of parents are experiencing bedwetting accidents by their children with the impact spreading throughout the family
Celebrities, Health - 2 March 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Jenni Trent-Hughes| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

A new survey has revealed that nearly half (46%) of parents are experiencing bedwetting accidents by their children. Three-quarters (75%) of parents fear embarrassment from other parents over their child?s bedwetting, with over a third (34%) finding it hard to speak to others about their concerns as they fear their child might be bullied or teased as a result.

The impact of bedwetting can spread across the whole family ? as nearly half (49%) of parents lose up to two hours sleep a night. Over a third (45%) of parents admit it is something that worries them and cite a lack of help and support as the root of their confusion around how to deal with bedwetting. Nearly a third (30%) feel they have no-one to turn to and even more (39%) feel there is not enough support available

Research has shown that bedwetting has a social and emotional impact on the child. Almost half of parents (45%) thought a child who wet the bed did so because something was worrying or upsetting them. Nearly one in five (18%) parents believes their child can help prevent bedwetting but chooses not to, while one in three thinks they will naturally grow out of it.

. Introduction:

Bedwetting not only leaves children upset and embarrassed but can have a big impact on the rest of the family. A new survey has revealed that nearly half of parents have a child that is wetting the bed, while over a third admit to losing sleep and fear judgement and embarrassment from other parents ? despite the condition being as common as asthma or eczema. Citing a lack of help and support, a number of parents feel that they have no one to turn to.

So, should there be more guidance to help parents deal with this delicate issue?

Joining us in the studio to talk about this further is Jenni Trent-Hughes, a leading social commentator and family, parenting and relationships expert.

. Suggested Questions:

What can you tell us about parents' attitudes towards bed wetting in our area?

Why is it that children start wetting the bed?

What impact can bedwetting have on both parent and child?

What are your own experiences of bedwetting?

How can parents make their children feel at ease if they are bedwetting?

Where can listeners find out more information?