These conditioning methods are also known under a series of other monikers, from “Pavlovian conditioning” to respondent conditioning. Employing these strategies are as easy as pairing the undesired behavior with a mild consequence. These undesired behaviors are typically un-learned, meaning that they are the product of an unconscious reflex, and are not decided upon. Conditioning techniques may include either/or a reward for positive behavior, or a consequence for undesired behavior, and when it comes to bedwetting, the latter is often the first order of business. Conditioning your child to avoid wetting the bed is easier than you thought.
Only after the undesired behavior, in this case bedwetting is alleviated, even if only temporarily, can a proper reward response be carried out. Rewards need not be over the top or material, as loving acknowledgement and praise may be all that is truly required. These rewards will serve to positively reinforce desired behavior, while building a healthy sense of confidence and self-esteem within the mind of your child.
Consumer Products to Aid in this Dilemma
Ideally, any product you might purchase to reduce or eliminate the act of bedwetting will be one that provides lasting, permanent results — and is environmentally sustainable, cost effective, and not cumbersome for your child.
- Disposable diapers – Plastic diapers, no matter how “eco-friendly” or biodegradable they may be toted as, usually still contain materials that are not, and don’t provide the mental stimulus your child requires to kick the bedwetting habit.
- Plastic mattress covers – In addition to also being made of non-recyclable plastics, these mattress covers often create humidity and noises that make it difficult for your child to fall asleep. Humidity can also instigate chaffing on your child’s sensitive skin, and they too do not encourage the right mental stimulus for your child to stop wetting the bed.
- Bedwetting alarm – While much less “alarming” than one might think, bedwetting alarms are both practical and environmentally sustainable, as no regularly pitched consumables are needed on an on-going basis. A bedwetting alarm can be passed on from one struggling parent to another, and do not raise any concerns of hygiene when passing them on second hand.
How Do Bedwetting Alarms Work?
Quite simply put, a bedwetting alarm will gently sound when moisture is detected. The body is composed in such a way in which the sensation of a full bladder should typically wake your child from their sleep.
In the case of bedwetters, the sensation isn’t enough for them to awaken, but it isn’t the end of the world, as this behavior can be trained and learned. A bedwetting alarm simply reinforces the impetus that will wake your child from their slumber by generating a sound once its electronic moisture detector detects wetness.
The sound of a loud noise can trigger physiological responses in your child, and stop bedwetting dead in its tracks. The sound of a bedwetting alarm will cause an immediate muscle contraction in the sphincter which will stop further flow of urine from your child’s bladder.
Once bedwetting alarm response is paired with enough bedwetting accidents, you will soon see a change in your child’s behavior.
As accidents decrease, your child’s confidence will also greatly increase.
photo credit via Flickr (mekomit)
