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10 Activities Which Increase the Chance of Success with Malem Alarm
1.
Do a dummy run with the child
Testing the alarm with the child, closing the Easy-Clip manually to close the circuit teaches the
child that they will not be electrocuted. Rehearse the procedure of wakening and actions again
and again. See the guidelines’ sheet with the “
Magic Three
”
2.
Let the child do all the work
The parent should supervise; help the child
WAKE
to the alarm. Only the child should switch off
the alarm. (Motivated child important)
3.
Keep a diary each day
‐
make a record of the wakening and dryness of the bed.
This
will help show the progress the child is making. Use the Dry Night Records provided.
4.
Don’t restrict fluids
A constipated child though lack of fluids can hinder the learning process. Having hard poo in the
bowel can push up against the bladder subjecting it to unnecessary pressure and may increase
bedwetting.
5.
Empty bladder before bed
Have usual night
‐
time drink then go to the toilet before bed. See the
Three T’s
.
6.
Secure the sensor
Wear close fitting underpants and pyjama bottoms to bed so the sensor is between the
underpants and the pyjamas bottoms. The alarm should sound as soon as possible after the
child begins to wet and if disconnected the alarm won’t sound.
7.
Secure the alarm
Place the alarm on the child’s chest on the tight fitting pyjama top, preferably in a breast pocket
if available with the wire under the top.
8.
Test the alarm nightly
Get the child to test the alarm every night and run through in their mind or out loud what they
will do when the alarm sounds at night.
9.
Overlearning
If dry for 14 nights in a row, allow the child to have a big glass of water to drink before going
bed. This further challenges the bladder and makes wetting more likely giving the alarm more of
a chance to have an effect. It tests whether the brain and bladder have learnt to hold on or to
wake up the child to go to the washroom.
10.
Praise and encouragement
A positive attitude on the part of the therapist, parent and child is vital.
Preparation for the Bedwetter
1.
The Alarm should be fully charged by the parent with fresh batteries.
2.
At least 1 mattress protector is needed.
3.
Easy Clip sensor placed correctly on the front of the under pants.
4.
Alarm placed safely on the child’s pyjama top. (They must be awake to switch it off)
5.
A clean piece of kitchen towel to dry the sensor after use.
6.
In the morning make sure sensor is cleaned by rinsing and dried and aired before using it again.
7.
FINALLY if the child is afraid of the dark have adequate lighting all the way to the toilet and if it’s
cold have adequate heating so they won’t be discouraged from getting up.
