Dr Phil Kieran: What can I do about my child's bedwetting? 

Bedwetting can be a very sensitive topic and difficult to sort out. The good news is that it usually settles down by itself.

What you describe is secondary bed wetting (where a child has been dry for over six months at some stage and starts wetting again). It is very common and frequently associated with emotional or lifestyle changes. If he does not also need to pee excessively during the day, this is usually not a sign of anything serious. If you are concerned, a simple urine dip test at the GP will usually rule out the most worrying issues.

There are a few things worth trying to help him not wet at night. First, ensure he isn’t constipated, as a full bowel can impair continence. He should be passing a soft bowel motion at least every second day.

Drinks containing caffeine should be eliminated, as they can irritate the bladder and impair sleep. (Sports or energy drinks should never be given to children.)

Usually, we discourage using pull-up nappies as they remove the incentive to get up to pee.

Sleep tends to be a habit, and the rituals associated with going to bed help us fall asleep. It is very common for someone’s sleep habits to change when their circumstances change.

Given that your son recently went from sharing a bedroom to having his own one, adjusting will likely take some time. I recommend establishing a routine around bedtime. Keeping the time consistent, whether a weekday or a weekend, for going to bed and getting up will also help.

Children at this age shouldn’t have unrestricted screen time, and I strongly recommend that screens be removed from children’s bedrooms. Reading before falling asleep can be a good way to relax.

Giving your son one-on-one time to discuss his day before bed can also help him decompress and may assist with sleep, as it can reduce the time he spends thinking over his day when the lights go out.

If a child wakes frequently at night, there may be a simple explanation. For example, if they fall asleep with the light on and the parent turns it off later, their brain can register this change and wake them later. A regular bedtime routine, finishing with lights out, makes it clear that it’s time for sleep.

It is crucial to deal with wetting incidents calmly and nonjudgmentally, as making the child upset or worried about it will make the problem worse. Remember, bed wetting can be associated with a change in circumstance and usually settles of its own accord.

• If you have a question for Dr Phil Kieran, please send it to parenting@examiner.ie