Willie Ripple Events

with Oakbrook Publishing House

 303-738-1733
                                                                   

What About Bed-Wetting Accidents at Slumber Parties and Sleepovers?

by Wilhelminia Ripple

Sure it can happen. Even if your child isn't a bed-wetter, one of his friends might be. This medical condition (enuresis) is as embarrassing for a child as it is frustrating for his parents. They have usually been to their doctor who told them it is an inherited problem their child will outgrow by age 5 or 6. A handful of children are affected up to adolescence. Their bladders grow large enough to get them through the night, or they don't sleep as soundly as they used to.

In the meantime, there are precautions their parents and you can take so their child can attend and enjoy your Slumber Party/Sleepover along with his friends. Some people believe that limiting fluids later in the evening might help, but this is not foolproof and it's hard to control how much one child is drinking without singling him out. Still, do remind all the children to go to the bathroom before bedtime, when you tell them to brush their teeth.

Other people think that certain foods that may stimulate the kidneys should be avoided, such as chocolate, anything with caffeine, carbonated drinks, and citrus juices. It’s your choice to not serve these at your party if your concerned about it. Chocolate and caffeine can also keep kids up. Another solution is to set your alarm clock for the middle of the night to take the child with the problem to the bathroom. Chances are, however, that his "body clock" will not co-operate or that other children will wake up, or still be up!

            It is possible that the child and his parents decide not to tell you that he wets the bed. They may have a plan worked out to cover all the "ifs, ands, or buts." If the child only wets occasionally, they may simply take measures in case going to a Slumber Party/Sleepover would be one of "those times." Plan A is for the child to have another reason to call his parents and leave the party early should he wet. Plan B is to lay a waterproof sheet inside the child's sleeping bag, along with an identical pair of pajamas in a plastic bag with a twist-tie. Then if the child should have an accident, he can change in the sleeping bag and put his wet pajamas and the sheet inside the plastic bag, tying it shut, and no one will be the wiser.

            Another scenario is that the parents have not made plans with their child but happen to mention his problem to you when they drop him off. Or the child tells you or your child, who tells you. You can quickly prevent any damage to the child's ego or to your carpet by cutting open a plastic garbage bag and laying it under his sleeping bag, when the children are pre-occupied elsewhere. (For safety reasons, do not put it inside the bag. It is not a substitute for a waterproof sheet.)  You can provide him with a change of clothing sealed inside a plastic bag as above, or give him permission to come and wake you up should he have an accident. Then if it is a sunny morning, you might suggest that all the children air out their bags.

            If neither the child's parents nor you took precautions, because you weren't aware of the problem, and there is an accident, do assure the child that it is okay and that he is not a bad person. If it is the middle of the night, you can give him fresh clothing (a large T-shirt works well) and another sleeping bag. Blot your carpeting with cool water without making a big issue out of it. If you hear any negative remarks from the other children, tell them that accidents can happen to anyone. Don’t let the others at your Slumber Party/Sleepover be cruel to the bed-wetter with any teasing or jokes. He could have stayed home but decided to take a chance and come to the party. Support him in that decision.

This helpful article is from Slumber Parties…What Do I Do?® by Wilhelminia Ripple

Author Wilhelminia Ripple is well known for her What Do I Do?® series of party books. She guides her readers through the party-planning process with ease, from selecting a theme to delighting children and adults with games, crafts, goodies, and with important issues such as bed-wetting.

 To order visit your favorite bookstore or call the publisher at 303-738-1733.

Oakbrook Publishing House • 8279 S. Franklin Court • Littleton, Colorado 80122