ntreated, until the child is eight or
ten years of age, and it frequently lasts much longer. When treatment is
undertaken it should be distinctly understood by the mother that it will
take many months to cure; and during these months she must give her
constant attention to the child. If she does not undertake to do this,
or if she fails to do it, the treatment should not be begun at all, as
it will not succeed. Various plans should be tried to keep the child
from sleeping on its back. The reason of this is because it has been
found that the child wets the bed only when sleeping on its back and
never when sleeping on its side. The simplest method, of tying a towel
or cloth around the child with a knot over the spinal column, so that it
will hurt and waken it, if it turns on its back, is a very good one and
should be carefully tried for some time. The nervous system of these
children should never be overtaxed at home or at school. Early hours and
plenty of sleep are desirable. Certain articles of diet of a stimulating
character should be entirely avoided,--for example, coffee, tea, beer,
candies, sugars, and pickles. The best diet for these children is one
composed exclusively of milk, vegetables, fruits, meats, and cereals.
Meats, however, should be given only once every two days. It is a good
plan to teach the child to hold his water during the day, as long as he
can, to accustom the bladder to being full. Adenoid growths, which
contribute to the nervousness of a naturally nervous child, should be
removed. It is a good plan to take the child up when the parents go in
bed and let him urinate. This often cures the condition in itself.

Sometimes moral measures, such as the promise of a reward, will
strengthen the will so that the child may overcome the tendency. Find
out what the child most desires in the way of a toy, and promise it if
he goes so long without wetting the bed. Aid and encourage him to make
efforts to win the reward.

If drugs have to be resorted to, it is necessary to call the family
physician, as the only drugs that are of any use are very powerful and
have to be given with great care and caution. It is the experience of
most physicians and specialists, however, that in a large majority of
cases the treatment, along the lines as given above, will be effective,
without drugs, if faithfully persisted in by the mother.

These children should be examined by a physician. The cause of the
bed-wetting is freq