After a period of dry nights, is your child suddenly having accidents in bed again? Then there may be a relapse in toilet training, it often raises many questions. This is a common problem in children, therefore it can have several causes. Why is my child wetting the bed again? Am I doing something wrong? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
In this blog we explain what a relapse is, what you as a parent can do about it and how the Dryly bedwetting alarm can help your child get back to dry nights.
What is a toilet training relapse?
A relapse occurs when a child who previously stayed dry at night suddenly returns to regularly wetting the bed. This can range from a few times a week to every night. It's a situation we hear often, and is emotionally very sensitive for both parents and the child. Yet it is important to know that this is not a failure. It mainly indicates that the child needs some additional support again.
Causes of a relapse in potty training
There are several possible causes. Below are the most common reasons why a child may still wake up wet again after a dry spell:
- Stress or emotional strain: Consider turmoil at school, in the social environment or tension in the home. These factors can give children additional stimuli, causing the child to sleep deeper at night.
- Disrupted sleep routine: Irregular bedtimes and fatigue can cause children to sleep deeper, making them less responsive to the full bladder.
- Relapse during vacations or vacations: During special periods such as summer vacations or St. Nicholas, children may experience temporary loss of control due to tension or irregularities in the evening routine.
- Physical causes: Keep in mind that recurring accidents can also have physical causes, such as a bladder infection. A growth spurt can also have an impact, as the connection between the brain and bladder need to be realigned.
Tips for dealing with a relapse
This stage can create a lot of frustration and uncertainty for parents and children, but with the right approach, it can be handled well. Here are a few practical tips:
- Stay calm and positive: Bedwetting is never a conscious behavior, so respond without punishment or embarrassment. Your child probably finds it difficult enough.
- Restore routine: Get back to a set bedtime and fixed evening routine that gives the child extra rest. It is also important to make sure your child drinks enough during the day so that he or she has little to nothing to drink in the evening.
- Make use of the bedwetting alarm again: The Dryly bedwetting alarm is also an effective tool for restarting potty training in the event of a relapse. It helps your child regain structure and motivation, whether it's the first time or a renewed attempt.
- Discuss and observe: Engage in conversation with your child to find out if there are any changes that could explain a relapse.
- Reward commitment, not only the results: To regain motivation after the recurrence of accidents, it is important to reward the very commitment of the child. Probably the child also finds this very difficult, experiencing a lot of pressure, so it is important to reward commitment and not just results. The game elements in the Dryly app ensure that not only results, but also commitment is rewarded with the points that can be earned by using the bedwetting alarm.
When should you seek medical help for relapse?
In most cases, accidents are temporary. Still, it is good to pay attention when:
- Bedwetting persists for several months.
- The child has pain while urinating
In these cases it is good to contact a family doctor or specialist.
How does Dryly help in case of a relapse?
Our bedwetting alarm not only helps teach nighttime potty training, but helps with situations where accidents come back after achieving potty training. With playful elements and convenient app support, the process remains motivating for both child and parent. The positive approach is exactly what your child needs during this emotional period.
How do you handle a relapse with the bedwetting alarm?
A relapse in potty training is no reason to panic. In fact, a relapse can have multiple causes, such as stress, a disrupted sleep routine, unrest in the home, or during exciting days such as holidays or vacations. These cause children to enter a deeper sleep, which reduces bladder control at night. Usually the accidents are temporary and are part of the child's growth process. With patience, a good evening routine, rewarding effort and the use of the bedwetting alarm, you and your child can regain dry nights.
Still have questions or want to learn more about our pee alarm, and how it can help your child? Then be sure to check out the Dryly website, or contact our customer service team so we can provide you further!
