Talking to teens about incontinence can feel a little bit tricky as a parent. You want to show them that you’re there for support, but also avoid them feeling embarrassed. 

The good news? With the right approach, you can keep things light and shame-free while building their confidence. Let’s dive into tips for a smooth, cringe-free chat!

Lead with empathy

Let’s face it—being a teen is already a rollercoaster of emotions, insecurities, and feeling like everyone is watching. Adding incontinence to the mix? Yeah, that’s a tough one.

Start by letting them know you get it. Something as simple as, “I know this might feel awkward, but I’m here to help” can make a huge difference. 

Keep the vibe light and approachable—they’re probably way more nervous about this than you are. A little empathy goes a long way in opening the door to a real, honest conversation. You’ve got this!

Leave drama at the door

When it’s time to bring it up, keep things casual. No dramatic “we need to talk” moments – that’s way too much pressure.

Instead, ease it into a conversation while you’re doing something together, like driving, cooking, or folding laundry. The more relaxed the vibe, the less intimidating it’ll feel.

Here’s what you could say:

• “Hey, I know dealing with leaks isn’t fun, but there are some ways to make it easier.”
• “You’re not alone – lots of teens go through this. Let’s figure out what works best for you.”

By treating it like just another topic, you’re showing them it’s no big deal and definitely nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s all about making it normal and showing your support!

Keep it simple

Teens can spot overcomplicated explanations or sugarcoating from a mile away. The trick? Stick to the facts and keep it simple. Here’s how you might put it:

• “Incontinence is just your body being a little unpredictable sometimes.”
• “This isn’t anything you’ve done wrong—it’s just one of those things we’ll figure out together.”
  

Keeping it matter-of-fact takes the pressure off and helps them see it for what it is: something manageable, not something to stress over. It’s all about staying focused on finding a solution together.

Be solutions-based

Instead of sitting around talking about what’s wrong, talk about how to fix it! Shift the conversation to practical ways they can take control. For example:

• Talk about products designed just for them, like our Nundies Youth Pants for teens. They’re discreet, comfy, and feel just like regular underwear.
• Suggest routines, like packing a small essentials kit with wipes, spare pants, and a discreet bag for disposal.
• Help them figure out when and where they feel most comfortable managing things, whether it’s at home, school, or on the go.

By focusing on tools and solutions, you’re giving them the confidence to handle it their way, without making it feel like a big deal. It’s all about empowering them to take charge!

Give real examples

One of the best ways to ease your teen’s nerves is to remind them they’re not the only one dealing with this. Sharing relatable facts or stories can make a huge difference. Try saying things like:

• “Did you know that lots of teens deal with bladder leaks? You’re definitely not the only one.”
• “Even celebrities like Katy Perry have experienced incontinence as a teen—it’s more common than you’d think.”
• “There are so many products designed just for teens, so this is something lots of people manage every day.”

When they realise it’s not just them, it takes a lot of the pressure off and helps them feel more at ease.

Encourage their input

Teens crave independence, so let them take the lead in managing things. Ask questions like:

• “What do you think would make this easier for you?”
• “Do you want to try a few products and choose what feels best?”
• “Would it help if we set up a routine together?”

By involving them in the decisions, you’re giving them ownership and showing that you trust them to handle it their way. It’s a great way to build confidence while letting them feel in control!

Reassure them in the right way

Teens appreciate honesty, so skip the overly gushy reassurances—they can come off as patronising. Instead, keep it straightforward and supportive with things like:

• “This doesn’t change who you are—it’s just something we’ll manage.”
• “You’ve got this. I’m here if you need me, but I know you’ll figure it out.”

Your calm, confident approach will help them feel more at ease and show that you trust them to handle it.

Keep the chat open

One conversation won’t fix everything, and that’s totally okay. End the chat by letting them know you’re always there if they need you. Try something like:

• “If you ever want to talk about this or try something new, just let me know.”
• “No stress—we’ve got this. Let’s figure it out together whenever you’re ready.”

Knowing the conversation doesn’t have to be perfect or final takes the pressure off both of you.

Talking to teens about incontinence doesn’t have to feel awkward. With empathy and a straightforward approach, you can create a safe space where they feel supported and confident. 

It’s not about solving everything at once—it’s about showing them you’re in their corner, no matter what. And with discreet continence aids like ours, they can manage leaks easily and get back to being their awesome selves!