It is not unusual for bedwetting to run in families with studies showing an underlying genetic link. There is still a great deal of debate surrounding the many reasons why children may wet the bed with the main causes being a smaller bladder capacity or the inability to recognize messages sent by a full bladder to the brain to wake-up and go to the toilet. Overtiredness is not typically seen as a cause of bedwetting although some parents have noted an increase in wetting when children are overtired due to increased activity levels during the day or when they go to bed later at night. As parents we often try to find an explanation for our children’s behaviour by reflecting on things we have done or could have done better – bedwetting is not a result of poor parenting practices – please do not feel you are responsible in any way for your children’s bedwetting. You do not need to be concerned about your daughter at this early stage – to receive a diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis, children need to be wetting the bed at least 2 to 3 times a week and must have reached an age at which continence is expected (this is typically about five years of age – or for children with developmental delays, a mental age of at least 5 years). I would however recommend that you make an appointment for your son with you GP just to rule out any possible medical cause and discuss different treatment options.

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