Logan’s story


For years, bedwetting cast a shadow over our son’s childhood. When we first started seeking help, we were told it was “something children grow out of”. It affected his confidence, his independence and the experiences he should have been able to enjoy such as sleepovers and school trips away. Finding support through ERIC helped us to explore other options, even just reading the website and resources, it alerted us to some things that we hadn't previously tried.

As told to ERIC by Christian, Logan’s Dad.

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Our son had been wetting the bed for as long as we could remember. In many ways, it was simply part of family life when he was little. We changed bedding, reassured him when accidents happened, and hoped that with time he would grow out of it.

But as he got older, it became clear that this wasn't something that was just going away on its own.

While other children his age looked forward to sleepovers, residential school trips and nights away with friends, our son often found this difficult, and he was more conscious of the bedwetting as the older he got. As parents, it was heart breaking to watch.

He wasn't prevented from doing everything he wanted to do, but so many experiences came with extra planning, extra worry and extra anxiety. What should have been exciting childhood milestones sometimes felt overshadowed by the fear of being embarrassed.

Looking for answers

We sought medical advice more than once over the years.

The first time, we were largely reassured that he would eventually grow out of it. Like many families, we tried to be patient and hopeful. We were also prescribed medication at one stage, but unfortunately it didn't make a difference.

As time went on, we found ourselves feeling increasingly stuck.

We knew our son was getting older. We knew the bedwetting was affecting him emotionally. Yet we weren't sure what else to try.

For a long time, it felt like we had reached the end of the road.

Finding ERIC

We discovered ERIC through internet searches when we were looking for information and support.

Straight away, we found the website incredibly helpful. The resources were clear, practical and reassuring. Most importantly, they helped us realise there were still options available that we had never explored.

We also contacted the ERIC helpline.

Just knowing there was someone who understood what we were going through made a huge difference. Bedwetting can feel surprisingly isolating as a parent. You start to wonder whether you're the only family dealing with it, especially when your child reaches their teenage years.

Having somewhere to turn for trusted advice felt like a weight lifting from our shoulders.

Exploring new options

Through ERIC's information and support, we learned about approaches that had never previously been suggested to us.

One of those was a bedwetting alarm.

At first, we weren't sure what to expect. By this point, we had been dealing with bedwetting for years, and it was difficult not to feel sceptical. But we decided to persevere.

Looking back now, we're so glad we did.

The process wasn't an overnight fix. It took time, commitment and patience. There were setbacks along the way, and moments when it felt easier to give up.

But gradually, things began to change.

A huge turning point

Until our son was 13 years old, bedwetting was still a regular part of his life. We were dealing with wet nights at least four or five times every week.

Today, he is almost 16.

While he's not completely dry every single night, accidents are now rare – perhaps once or twice a month, if that.

The difference is remarkable.

For years, bedwetting felt like something that controlled so many aspects of our son's life. Now, it no longer dominates his thoughts or our daily routines.

Most importantly, his confidence has grown and he has much more freedom to enjoy being a teenager.

When you've spent years dealing with a problem, it's easy to forget how life-changing progress can feel. For our family, the improvement has been incredible.

Looking back

After receiving support from ERIC, we felt relieved and hopeful.

At the same time, if we're honest, there was also a sense of regret. We wished we had sought further support sooner and explored other options earlier.

Like many parents, we'd spent years assuming there wasn't much more that could be done. ERIC helped us realise that wasn't true.

That's why we're sharing our story.

A message to other families

If you're supporting a child who wets the bed, please don't blame yourself.

It's easy to feel like you've somehow failed as a parent or done something wrong. We certainly had moments when we questioned ourselves. But bedwetting is not a sign of bad parenting, and it's not your child's fault.

Don't be afraid to ask for help, keep seeking advice and explore different options, even when it feels exhausting.

Most importantly, know that bedwetting isn't something to be ashamed of.

Many children and young people experience it, including older children and teenagers. We want other families to know they are not alone, and that support is available.

Our son still has the occasional accident, but compared with where we were a few years ago, the progress has been life-changing.

We hope that sharing our story encourages families to reach out to get help.

More info

Advice for children with night time wetting

Bedwetting in childhood is very common, affecting 1 in 15 seven year olds and 1 in 75 teenagers.

Constipation

Common causes of constipation, the signs to look out for and how to relieve constipation in your child.

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