Reply from Bob, Child's Age 15 - 3/14/02 - IP#: 22.37.200.134Joan... there are various wake-up training techniques. I can not quote you a reference. But the basic technique is simply to wake the child progressively earlier in the night, so that the child gradually learns to tolerate the unpleasant groggy feeling of pulling him/herself awake and into the bathroom. If the child is highly motivated, then the child can wake themselves, to a set alarm, either acoustic or vibration, which can be set to wake the child prior to the time wetting typically occurs. Vibration alarms may work for deep sleepers when acoustic alarms fail and also do not disturb anyone else. I am not talking about a "wetness" alarm, but a simple alarm clock or vibration alarm clock (the latter of which can be purchased on the Internet for about $35 at http://www.epill.com/shakeawake.html). Rewards for waking may increase motivation. One other consideration: It has been scientifically established that wetting impacts on a child's self-esteem. Diapers may prolong the period during which the child wets, and may therefore prolong the period of lowered self-esteem. Learning to wake-up and use the toilet takes work, which is analogous to the work of losing weight for obesity. But the potential restoration of a child's self-esteem is well worth the effort. |