Ask Dr. Mona

If your 6-year-old still needs pull-ups at night, you’re not alone. About 15% of kids between ages 5–7 are in the same spot, and most grow out of it naturally over time. By the teen years, almost all kids stay dry through the night.

Bedwetting usually isn’t a sign that something is wrong. More often, it’s just where their body is developmentally. The brain and bladder aren’t fully “chatting” with each other yet during sleep. Some kids are super deep sleepers, some have smaller bladders, and for many, it runs in families. Things like stress, constipation, or illness can add to it. But if your child was dry for months and suddenly starts wetting again, or has daytime accidents, pain, or blood in their urine, it’s worth a check-in with your pediatrician.

What can help:

• Bathroom before bed: Make it part of the bedtime routine.

• Fluids earlier in the day: No need to cut water off completely, just encourage more drinking earlier and avoid big cups after dinner.

• Pull-ups without pressure: Kids don’t magically learn by waking up wet. Staying dry overnight is developmental, so keep using pull-ups until you see a good streak of dry mornings (10 in a row is a solid marker).

• Keep it positive: Celebrate the wins, even small ones. Hugs or high-fives go a long way. Skip punishment or pressure, since it only adds stress.

• Make cleanup easy: Double up sheets and waterproof mattress protectors so middle-of-the-night changes aren’t a huge ordeal.

• Extra tools if needed: For older kids, bedwetting alarms can sometimes help train the brain-bladder connection. And in certain situations (like sleepovers or camp), medications can be an option to discuss with your pediatrician.

And if your child feels embarrassed, you can reassure them by saying:

The most helpful thing you can do is stay patient and keep their confidence intact while this stage passes. Bedwetting isn’t a parenting failure, it’s just one of those developmental steps that takes time.

Lots of kids go through a phase where they eat like they’re in a race. Sometimes they’re just really hungry, sometimes they’re excited about what’s in front of them, and sometimes they haven’t quite learned the rhythm of slowing down yet. While eating too quickly can raise choking worries, the bigger picture is that it also makes it harder for them to enjoy the meal and recognize when they’re full.

Think of pacing at the table like learning to ride a bike: it takes practice, not pressure. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Model it: Kids are copycats. If they see you speed-eating, they’ll follow suit. If they see you taking slower bites, pausing for conversation, sipping water, they’re more likely to mirror it.

• Smaller servings at a time: Instead of giving a mountain of food all at once, offer smaller portions and wait until she’s chewed and swallowed before adding more. This naturally builds in breaks.

• Make it playful: Some families like to count chews together (not forever, just as a training tool), or give a little high-five for “chew, chew, swallow.” Keep it lighthearted.

You can also shift the spotlight away from speed and onto connection. The more kids are engaged in conversation, the less mealtime feels like a race. Try asking, “Which is sweeter, the strawberry or the blueberry?” Or invite a mini pause with, “Let’s all take a sip of water before the next bite.” These prompts keep things fun while also naturally slowing the pace.

Over time, with repetition and calm consistency, kids usually find their own rhythm. Try not to stress if she doesn’t “get it” overnight. Slowing down is a skill, and like all skills, it clicks with practice.

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