Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
Topic Contents
Motivational Therapy for Bed-Wetting
Treatment Overview
Motivational therapy for bed-wetting uses praise, encouragement, and rewards to help a child gain bladder control. It's about telling children that they have control of their bodies and encouraging them to take steps that bring about more and more dry nights. For best results, keep a record of your child's progress.
And work with your child to design a reward system (such as a star chart). You know your child. If you think a reward system will help your child, then try it. If you think it may make your child feel worse, then do not use a reward system.
You can reward your child for reaching both big and small goals and tasks. For example, you could reward your child when he or she:
- Uses the toilet before going to bed.
- Helps to change wet sheets.
- Has a dry night.
As part of this therapy, it's important to not punish, blame, or embarrass your child for wetting the bed.
Motivational therapy can help children gain some degree of control over their bed-wetting. But if it doesn't help your child in 3 to 6 months, think about trying other methods.
This therapy may involve a series of counseling sessions with a trained professional. During the sessions, the counselor encourages the child to take responsibility for the bed-wetting and to be very involved in the treatment. The counselor, parents, and child decide what reward (praise, stickers, or trinkets) the child will be given for dry days and/or nights.
- It is unclear exactly how many children gain complete bladder control through motivational therapy alone.
- Children who do gain complete bladder control with motivational therapy are less likely to return to accidental wetting after treatment than children who are treated with other therapies.
- This treatment works best for children who want to take part in it. It may be used in combination with other treatments.
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.