Start and Stop

There are a few different bladder control exercises out there that help with bedwetting. Maybe Suzanne Somers could host an instructional DVD (Bladders of Steel?). Until Ms. Somers trades in the Thigh Master for a Bladder Master regimen, I’ll step in and do the explaining! The muscle that holds back and releases urine is called the “urinary sphincter” – not a word I particularly enjoy saying, or typing, as the case may be. Scientific words aren’t exactly known for leaving a poetic ringing in your ears. Remember the bladder control exercise (holding the pee for a few minutes before going)? This exercise, called the urination control exercise, can be used in conjunction with that one. In fact, both exercises are most effective when you use them together. Here’s how this one works:

1. When your child urinates, have them stop mid-stream. By squeezing the muscles that control the flow of urine, your child should be able to stop urinating once they’ve started.
2. Have your child do the start-stop thing three times
3. Repeat the start-stop process during each trip to the bathroom

 What you’re hoping to accomplish is this – if your child has better bladder control during the day, then they’ll have better bladder control at night, too.  Using these two exercises in conjunction is completely safe.