9. Create an Incentives Chart
Although your child isn’t in control of their bladder while they sleep, adding a positive incentive can sometimes work on a subconscious level. Plus, it’s fun and gives your child confidence when they do start to grow out of bedwetting.
A reward or incentive chart using a grid or calendar is an affordable way to incentivize bedwetting. Give your child a sticker (try Paw Patrol, Shopkins or PJ Mask – that’s sure to get them interested in the chart) every night he stays dry. When he earns five stickers (which might take longer for some kids, so have patience and continue to encourage him), he gets a small toy or a special treat, like a lollipop, for his progress.
It’s important that the reward is attainable, so your child feels successful. So, if they wet the bed three times a week, then consider giving them a reward after they achieve two stickers. Then, next time, a reward when they achieve three stickers.
Make the reward easy at first, and increase the difficulty as they achieve success to push them closer to the ultimate goal of staying dry all the time. “The power of positive suggestion does work for some children,” says Dr. Bennett. “But remember, in the case of bedwetting, the opposite of reward is not punishment.”