PGL holiday vs persistent bedwetter - what do to

[noarguments]

DS aged 8 now, still wets the bed fairly regularly, at least once a week, especially when he's over tired or gets away with drinking a massive drink of water just before he goes to bed.

Going on a two-night PGL holiday next week. Will be in a sleeping bag. He might, possibly, stay dry but I'd be very surprised, given the general state of excitement and knackered-ness he'll be in. It doesn't wake him up, so he won't be upset, and he will just put some spare PJs on in the morning, but I'm just thinking that the sleeping bag will need sorting out, and I'm not sure the staff would do this.

Should I consider getting him some PJ Nappy pants for these two nights? Or equip him with a spare sleeping bag?

Or just untie these apron strings and let him work it out for himself (he's not very resourceful, just lets us or his big brother do everything for him.)

I would send him with nappy pants - but I speak as the mother of a 7 year old who wears them every night. A spare sleeping bag would have to draw more attention than a couple of nappy pants in his bag, surely? And if he agrees to wear them, then nobody really needs to worry about whether of not somebody will help him sort stuff out.

As a teacher who has been on PGL with a bedwetter you definitely need to talk to his teacher so they can come up with a plan. They need to talk the plan through so that your son feel confident with what is going to happen so he can enjoy the whole experience...

The plan for this boy was for him to have the night pants in his washbag, in the bathroom. Just before bed and 'lights out', the lead teacher went to his room and told them all to get into bed. At this point the boy was to go to the loo and put on the pants. If there were any problems, he knew to alert the teacher.

In the morning, the boy was to take off the night pant and put it in his washbag. When the children were off doing their activites, she went in and relieved the contents of the washbag!

Worked a treat - no one else knew and the little boy's dignity remained in tact. Everyone happy!

Yes, I think this is a good idea. I shamefully hadn't really thought this through properly - having a second sleeping bag would definitely draw attention ....

where can I get night pants for his sort of size then - just normal supermarket shelves?

Not bought any for ages - just been washing sheets like mad - always considered it a backwards step to rely on night pants, but I think this might be the right thing to do.

Thanks for your help - am slightly twitchy about the whole thing but the bedwetting problem was starting to panic me. Will talk to DS tomorrow.

I buy night pants in Asda - they stock the larger size too.

Don't panic - it's not an insurmountable problem, and addicted's plan sounds really good. I'm sure your DS will have a fantastic time!

noarguments: Nappy pants is a good idea I think! I was working at PGL in 08 and though I never came across bedwetters myself (I was a never a groupie), some of my coworkers did.
The groupies have to clean the bedding themselves, usually without gloves and it takes up their entire break as they have to sit in the wash room to ensure the sleeping gear isn't stolen. Not only that but kids are nasty, and his roommates will likely have something to say () and where staff try to stop bullying, it is sometimes difficult as you can't catch everything they say!

Is he going with the school or as an Individual? Same applies to both really, but if it's school he'll have support of the teachers who can do something about it if it happens!

If he's going by himself then contact the PGL centre and have a chat to them, also ask that it is only known by his groupie and NOT put in his files, these files are kept out for staff to read (to know medical needs of kids before sessions) and it does not need to be in there unless it's due to a medical condition.

On another note, I hope he has fun! I'm starting work for a company like PGL next month and can't wait to run sessions again

Boots normally stock the larger nappy pants, whereas our local Sainsbury's doesn't, it just stocks age 4-7.

Thank you everyone. Have just tried in my nearest small Boots, but they didn't have the larger ones, so will try Asda or a bigger Boots.
He is going with his brother and his two cousins, so we have asked that they be in a four-bedded room together, so hopefully not too much nastiness.

I'm sure they will have a brilliant time.

Oo, indy. Definately definately call up the centre (ask to speak to the head group leader) and have a quiet word with the actual groupie when you get there too. And really do make sure it isn't put on his records, some staff members are as bad as kids and will make comments about it behind his back