Universal Credit
Bedwetting and when should it stop
Getting a child ‘potty trained’ during the day is relatively easy partially due to the child’s peer pressure and the fact the child thinks it’s quite a ‘grown up’ thing to do.
So, coming out of nappies is somewhat of a doddle but the ‘follow on’ problem is slightly harder to resolve. The question is often asked, at what age should a child stop needing a nappy at night…
A rule of thumb suggests that a child should be toilet trained between 2 and 4 and should stop bedwetting by the age of 5. Obviously, the sooner the better for both the parents and the child.
Methods to help a child stay dry at night
As I write this, I must first confirm that I have read articles that contradicts my preferred method, however, this will require patience and a level of toughness by the child’s parent.
The more a child drinks before bed the more likely the child will need to empty their bladder during the night. I would suggest cutting down on drinks at around 4.30 pm. Of course, if your child is thirsty, you should not prevent him/her from drinking a limited amount. Try to avoid citrus and sweet drinks like orange juice, fresh fruit drinks and milk.
Making a child go to the toilet just prior to going to bed, in my opinion, is a must. Once the child is asleep, take them out of bed, maybe twice, say at 8pm and the again at 11pm before you retire for the night. Although it will seem cruel, the child will not remember these events. Obviously get them into the toilet the very first thing in the morning is a must to avoid morning mishaps.
And when you think it’s all over
Once you’ve got yourself into a routine. The training nappies have gone and the washing machine does not need to run every morning. Your child seems happy to drink less and be woken from to visit the toilet during the night when, all of a sudden, the bedwetting comes back with a vengeance. For some reason this ‘blip’ is harder to fix. During the first stage the child will probably be in training nappies while at this stage the training nappies have already been dispensed with never to return. Now the real hard work starts. Basically, you have to go back to step one and start the whole process again.
It is also worthwhile to keep a diary. Create a list of foods and drinks which you believe exacerbates the problem. Be cruel to be kind, not only for your child but also for yourself. Don’t give up. The longer you leave it, the harder the problem is to fix.
And finally
You know the bedwetting problem is resolved when your child jumps out of bed in the morning and runs to the toilet when he or she wakes up ‘dry’. It may feel like a long journey but you will soon forget about all the difficulties.
Rules to remember are
Keep a diary
Make a note of what works for your child
Avoid excessive drinks after 4pm
Get your child up at least 3 times per night
Reward the child for staying dry
Persevere
Universal Credit
The subject of Universal Credit comes up on the news nearly every day. Quite often in means absolutely nothing to most people yet, as soon as you need help these two words are banded about like you are supposed to know everything about it.
So what is Universal Credit?
It is a benefit for working age people replacing and merging six of the following benefits.
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credits
Child Tax Credit – What are you entitled?
You are entitled to Child Tax Credit if your child is under the age of 16 or up to the age of 20 if they are in full time education. If your family income is over £25,000 PA and you have 1 child you will get no tax credits. For a single parent who works 30 hrs or more, you can earn up to £14,000 and receive working tax credits
Tax Credits is worth up to £175 per week for 1 child and up to £300 per week for 2 or more children.
Housing Benefit – What are you entitled to?
To get Housing Benefit you have to be on a low income or claiming other benefits to help you cover your rental costs. If you have savings in excess of £16,000 you will not get housing benefit. Housing Benefit is calculated by how much your total rent is minus how much you can afford to pay towards your rent.
Income Support – Are you entitled?
You can get Income Support if you are pregnant.
If you are a loan parent with a child under 5
If you are between 16 and pensionable age.
If you have less that £16,00 savings
If you are in full time education (not university) and between 16 and 20.
Also if you are unable to work and receive Statuary Sick Pay, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance
And finally
You are allowed to earn £20 per week before it will effect your income support
If you have either no income or low income and you work less the 16 hours per week and your partner works less 24 hours.
Jobseekers Allowance
Anyone who is currently unemployed and actively looking for wprk is entitled to Jobseeker Allowance. If you are noy looking for work you can possibly claim Income Support.
If you are over 18, working less than 16 hours a week and looking for Full Time employment you are entitled to claim.
Jobseekers Allowance is £57.90 if you are under 25 or £73.10 if you are older than 25.
Employment Income and Support Allowance
This allowance has largely been replaced by Universal Credit. It is for people who have a limited capability because of sickness or a disability. You might get this with an Income based Jobseekers allowance.
Working Tax Credits
To receive Working Tax Credits you need to be working at least 16 hrs per week. This benefit will help you offset 70% of your childcare costs
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