For Parents

Practical, easy-to-read guidance on common childhood issues — bedwetting, fever and more. If concerned, always consult your paediatrician.

What is Bedwetting?

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is involuntary urination during sleep. It is commonly divided into two types:

Primary: The child has never been consistently dry at night since infancy.
Secondary: The child had been dry for a period (often 6–12 months) and then started wetting again.

Is bedwetting a disease or psychological disorder?

Bedwetting can have multiple causes. It may reflect an underlying physical problem (for example urinary tract infection, congenital urinary tract issues, or neurogenic bladder) or have psychological contributors (stress, family instability, major life changes). Sometimes both physical and psychological factors are involved.

Children with bedwetting can become embarrassed, avoid social activities or overnight stays, and may withdraw — which is why sensitive, supportive management is important.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause:

Secondary (psychological origin suspected): A paediatric psychologist or counsellor and social support can help address stressors and restore routine and confidence.
Primary (suspected anatomical/medical cause): A paediatric nephrologist, paediatric surgeon or urologist may be involved to diagnose and treat underlying problems. Team-based care often includes paediatrician, nephrologist, surgeon, psychologist and social worker as needed.

Home instability (divorce, new baby, bereavement, or abuse) and school instability (new teacher, punishment) can trigger or worsen bedwetting. Treatment therefore addresses both medical and psychosocial factors.

Fever in Children

Is fever a disease or a symptom? When to seek antibiotics?

Fever is a natural physiological response when the body fights infection. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or non-infectious causes such as ingestion of a foreign object that leads to inflammation.

How the body responds

A virus or bacterium triggers the immune system, which raises body temperature as part of its defence. Fever itself is a sign that the immune system is active.

If the cause is non-bacterial, antibiotics are not helpful until the foreign body or source is removed or a bacterial infection is confirmed.

Key points

Normal body temperature usually ranges from about 36.5°C to 37.5°C depending on the measurement site (oral, ear, axilla, rectal).
Fever is not always treated with antibiotics — only when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.
Seek medical advice if the child has a very high fever, is lethargic, has neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or other concerning symptoms.

Treat the child’s comfort and underlying cause. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce fever and improve comfort when used at the correct doses for age and weight — but confirm safe dosing with your paediatrician or pharmacist.

Practical Advice & When to Seek Help

Bedwetting — practical tips

Keep a positive, non-punitive approach — blame increases stress and may worsen the problem.
Use protective bedding and night-time routines; limit heavy fluids near bedtime.
Reward dry nights with praise (not punishments for wet nights).
Consult a paediatrician if bedwetting is sudden, painful, accompanied by daytime wetting, blood in urine, recurrent infections, or unusual symptoms.

Fever — practical tips

Monitor temperature and the child’s overall behaviour — activity, feeding, drinking, urine output.
Provide fluids to avoid dehydration, dress the child comfortably (not too many layers), and use fever-reducing medications only when needed for discomfort as advised by a clinician.
Seek urgent care for very young infants (particularly under 3 months) with fever, or for any child with signs of serious illness.

Warning: Contact your paediatrician if you notice: decreased responsiveness, persistent high fever, neck stiffness, seizures, breathing problems, persistent vomiting, blood in urine, or sudden change in behaviour.

Team Approach & Who to Involve

Complex or persistent problems may require a team:

Paediatrician (first contact)
Paediatric nephrologist or urologist (for urinary tract or anatomical issues)
Paediatric psychologist or counsellor (for psychological contributors)
Social worker or family support services (for home instability)

A collaborative approach helps treat the child and support the family — combining medical investigation, behavioural strategies, and psychosocial support where needed.