Summer Sleepovers and Bedwetting: A Parent’s Guide to Confidence and Comfort

Summer is a time of adventure, late bedtimes, and childhood memories in the making. But for families navigating bedwetting, it can also bring a unique set of challenges, especially when sleepovers and overnight camps enter the picture. Whether your child is mid-treatment or still struggling with nighttime dryness, the thought of a wet sleeping bag or a teasing peer can spark anxiety for both of you.

You’re not alone, and it’s absolutely possible to help your child enjoy summer to the fullest while continuing their journey toward dryness. Here’s how.

1. Prep Together, Plan Ahead

The first step is involving your child in the planning process. Discuss upcoming sleepovers or camp plans openly, and let them express any worries. If your child is already using TheraPee, explain that temporary breaks can be part of the process and that their progress won’t be lost.

Then plan together. Think about:

• Packing an extra set of clothes or pajamas

• Including discreet absorbent briefs or pull-ups, if needed

• Using a waterproof sleeping bag liner or bed pad (there are many travel-friendly options now)

• Including a plastic bag for used clothing, just in case

Framing these as “just in case” preparations, like packing an umbrella on a cloudy day, helps reduce embarrassment.

2. What About the Alarm?

Most children using TheraPee will not bring the alarm system to a group sleepover or camp, and that’s okay. Missing a few nights of treatment won’t derail long-term progress. What matters most is maintaining emotional support and returning to the treatment routine once they’re back home.

For longer absences, like week-long camps, consider pausing the treatment officially and resuming it after. You can even mark it in the calendar as a restart date together.

3. Talking to Adults (When Necessary)

You don’t always need to disclose your child’s bedwetting, but in some situations, letting a trusted adult know can be helpful. Many camp counselors or hosts are experienced in dealing with these matters discreetly. It’s all about setting your child up for success without drawing attention.

A simple note or quiet conversation such as:

“Just so you know, my child sometimes has nighttime accidents. We’ve packed everything they need and they know how to handle it. No need to say anything unless they ask for help.”

This gives the adult a heads-up without overexposing your child’s situation.

4. Reinforce Self-Esteem

Bedwetting doesn’t define your child, and summer is a perfect time to remind them of that. Celebrate their courage, their independence, and their willingness to try new things. The more confident they feel in general, the less power bedwetting will have over them.

Encourage small wins: going on the trip, managing packing, even handling a possible accident calmly.

5. Stay the Course

After the sleepover or camp is done, ease back into your TheraPee routine. Log the break in the chart, discuss how it went, and continue forward. Progress isn’t always a straight line. What matters is long-term consistency, support, and encouragement.

Summer is for laughter, s’mores, and late-night stories, not for shame or worry. With a little preparation, your child can take part in every bit of the fun, even while navigating bedwetting. The road to dryness is not about avoiding life’s milestones, but learning how to walk through them with confidence.

If you’re unsure about how to pause or resume treatment, or if you’d like personalized advice based on your child’s chart, our team is always here to help.

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