Question
Why does a five-year-old child experience bedwetting when drinking too much water before bedtime? Does this phenomenon indicate a lack of self-control, even if the child shows sufficient maturity in other aspects?
Answer
Bedwetting in children is usually related to the incomplete development of their brain’s control ability. When children consume excessive amounts of fluids before bedtime and sleep deeply, bedwetting is more likely to occur. It is recommended that parents limit children’s intake of liquid foods after 6 p.m. and ensure that the child remains calm before bedtime, avoiding excessive excitement. Additionally, encouraging children to urinate on their own before bedtime and waking them up for a second urination by the adults at bedtime can help reduce the occurrence of bedwetting during the latter half of the night. Parents should provide positive encouragement and persuasive education to enhance their child’s confidence. After a period of adjustment, the bedwetting problem usually improves.