at night, it's frustrating for both of you. Here's how to fix the problem. You will need

Limited evening fluids Moisture alarm Medical evaluation (optional) Stool softener (optional)

and medication (optional). Step 1. Don't be concerned if your child has an occasional

accident; most children do until they're five or six years old. For three out of four kids,

either a parent or close relative also wet the bed in childhood. See a doctor if the

bed-wetting started long after toilet training or is accompanied by painful urination, unusual

thirst, pink urine, or snoring. Step 2. Limit evening fluids -- particularly caffeinated

drinks, which cause increased urination. Eight ounces of liquid should be enough after 5

p.m., unless your child engages in sports or other activities that would require more

hydration. Speak to your doctor about what's appropriate for your child. Step 3. Try a

moisture alarm -- a small device that connects to a moisture-sensitive pad on your child's

pajamas or bedding. When the pad senses moisture, the alarm goes off, conditioning your child

to wake up when they need to urinate. Allow three months or more for the alarm to eliminate

your child's bed-wetting problem. For the alarm to be effective, parents have to take

an active role by waking up with their child -- or waking their child up -- when the alarm

goes off. Step 4. If your child doesn't have regular bowel movements, give them more high-fiber

foods. Chronic constipation can contribute to bed-wetting by reducing bladder capacity.

If dietary changes don't work, ask your doctor about giving them an over-the-counter stool

softener. Step 5. If the bed-wetting isn't caused by a medical condition and at-home

efforts have failed, ask your doctor if medication is in order. There are drugs that can help

reduce bed-wetting by either increasing bladder capacity or limiting urine production at night.

They all have side effects, however, and should only be considered as a last resort. Did you

know Bed-wetting is more common in boys than girls.