Reward Systems for Bedwetting

What are reward charts?

Basically, they are calendars with a space for each day. Commonly, a sticky star is placed on each day following a good night, and left blank for a poor night (a 'star chart'). There are many variations. Your doctor may give you one. If not - why not make one with your child? Instead of the sticky stars you could colour in different days. For example, red for dry nights, blue for wet ones, yellow for signs of progress. It is a visual reminder to the child of their progress. You can buy some charts from UK websites such as www.rewardcharts.com and www.rewardboard.co.uk

Your child must be old enough to co-operate and to understand what is expected (about aged four or five or above). It can almost be made into a game. At bedtime, produce the chart to remind your child of progress so far. The following morning, if there has been a good night, make a fuss and have a little ceremony of sticking on the star or colouring in the space. If it was a poor night, do not punish. Say something like 'we can try again tomorrow'. Keep the chart in a prominent place. If progress is good, comment to others in front of your child about the good chart. (If progress is bad, do not make any public comments which will discourage.)

Progress need not be just dry nights. Your child may gain a star or point for other signs of progress which you have agreed with your child. These might be for: going to the toilet before going to bed, getting up and telling the parents they are wet, helping to remake the bed, etc.

A star chart can enable you to make a 'deal' with your child. The deal has to be realistic. If the child wets every night, then any sign of progress is worth rewarding. If bedwetting is less often, then a full week of dry nights might be the goal. You can give a reward if the child gains an agreed number of 'points' or coloured stars.

Every family has their own idea of what should be a reward for progress. To some children, just the pleasure of being able to stick shiny stars on dry days is reward enough. Other families may prefer to give a special treat, for example, sweets or other goodies. Some parents say that so many 'points' can be 'cashed in' for extra activities. This may be such things as extra swimming trips, or a trip to a burger house, etc.

There are no fixed rules, but it is important to keep your word. Whatever your deal, you must keep to it. Your child will become confused and discouraged if things are not consistent. Therefore, do not forget the reward. Also, do not be soft and give rewards when they have not been won.

Research studies have shown that reward systems do help to cure bedwetting in some cases. However, if they don't work, the child may become frustrated at never getting rewards. If no progress is made after a few weeks or so, it may be best to stop and try again in a few months.

Below is an example of a simple star chart

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: November 2005   PRODIGY Validated