Hi Mace – your son’s wetting would be considered secondary nocturnal enuresis, which describes the condition where a child returns to nighttime wetting after at least 6 months of nighttime continence. While there are underlying medical issues such as chronic constipation, urinary tract infections and juvenile diabetes (which need to be ruled out first), psychological stress is also a potential cause. Common stressors for young children include starting school, difficulties with peers, hospitalization, family disharmony and moving house. Children gain great comfort from the familiar so try and keep your son’s routine as similar as always and minimize any other changes in his life. Reassure him that while you will be moving house you will be with him the whole time. Provide opportunities for him to discuss his feelings; it is important to check his understanding of what is happening as children can often create their own interpretation of events, which can add to their stress if left unchecked. Lots of love, patience and attention are critical at times of stress. If stress is the contributing factor to his bedwetting, he should become continent at night again once he feels more confident and assured about his new situation.

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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