Ahh, sleepovers! A rite of passage for kids, filled with pillow fights, movie marathons, and enough sugar to power a small city. But if your child has incontinence, the excitement of a sleepover can come with a side of anxiety. The fear of accidents, embarrassment, or being "different" can feel overwhelming.

But guess what? It doesn’t have to be! With a little preparation and a sprinkle of confidence-boosting magic, your child can enjoy sleepovers just like their friends. So, grab a cuppa, put your feet up, and let’s talk about how to make sleepovers a stress-free (and fun!) experience.

1. Choose the Right Sleepover Spot

Not all sleepovers are created equal! If it’s your child’s first sleepover outside of home, start with a close friend or a family member they trust. 

A “trial run” at grandma’s house or a cousin’s place can help them ease into the experience before heading off to a big sleepover bash.

Bonus tip: Have a chat with the hosting parent beforehand. You don’t need to divulge all the details, but a heads-up about your child's routine can make all the difference.

2. Pack a Stealthy Sleepover Kit

Packing smart is key! The goal? Keep things discreet and convenient. Here’s a checklist for your child’s overnight bag:

• Protective underwear or pull-ups – Opt for ones that feel like regular underwear and that won’t leak through during the night, like Nundies for example (wink wink!).
• Disposable waterproof bed underpads or protectors – Lightweight, absorbent, and easy to dispose of.
• A discreet bag for disposal – A simple ziplock bag works wonders.
• A spare pair of pyjamas – Just in case!
• Wipes and a small towel – Handy for freshening up.
• A comfy sleeping bag – Adds an extra layer of protection while blending in.

Pro tip: If your child is worried about changing in front of friends, suggest the “pyjamas under the covers” trick – it’s a simple move to maintain their privacy!

3. The Confidence Pep Talk

Mindset matters! Remind your child that everyone has something they deal with whether it’s allergies, snoring, or needing night lights. Incontinence is just one of those things, and it doesn’t define them.

Practice some go-to phrases they can use if the topic comes up. Something like, “Oh, it’s just something I manage at night,” can keep things casual and move the conversation along.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Accidents happen. If they do, it’s all about keeping calm and moving on. Teach your child what to do if they need to change during the night. A small, discreet flashlight can help them navigate to the bathroom without waking up the entire house.

If they’re really anxious, consider a late-night check-in via text to offer reassurance. Sometimes, just knowing you’re there can ease their mind.

5. Normalise It!

One in ten kids over the age of five experience some form of incontinence, yet it’s rarely talked about. Help your child understand they’re not alone. If they have a trusted friend, sharing (if they’re comfortable) can actually be a relief.

Also, remind them that their friends are probably too busy eating popcorn and watching movies to notice what’s happening to them!

6. Trial Runs at Home

If your child is nervous, try a “sleepover” at home first. Let them set up a sleeping bag in the living room and practice their bedtime routine. This helps them gain confidence and troubleshoot any concerns before the real deal.

7. Keep the Fun Front and Centre

At the end of the day, sleepovers are about fun not fear. Encourage your child to focus on the good stuff: the games, the giggles, the snacks! Help them plan some fun activities they can look forward to, so their excitement outweighs any anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Having incontinence doesn’t mean missing out on the best parts of childhood. With a little preparation, the right mindset, and a solid game plan, your child can head into their next sleepover feeling confident and carefree.

So go ahead, send out those RSVP texts and let your kiddo enjoy the magic of a great sleepover. Accident or no accident, they’ve totally got this!