Don’t voice disapproval. “Research shows that as many as 25 percent of parents punish a child or show significant disapproval for bedwetting because they think it’s the child’s fault,” says Dr. Bennett. “But punishment will only make it worse. It’s frustrating for parents to deal with wet beds and sheets and extra laundry, but don’t communicate how frustrating it is to your child.” Instead, be matter-of-fact, relaxed and reassuring.

Stamp out shame. Help your child overcome her embarrassment about bedwetting by explaining that it’s a common medical problem among children, not her fault and nothing to be ashamed of, says Dr. Bennett.

Talk about the family tree. Telling your child that bedwetting has a genetic component will likely make her feel better. “Kids feel less bad about themselves if they know a relative had a bedwetting problem,” says Dr. Bennett.