Mercer cautions never to blame or punish children for wetting the bed—something parents themselves may have experienced as children.

Dry at Last

Remember little Jack Purnell, who called his alarm a miracle? He achieved total dryness in eight weeks. After a few dry nights, Jack's mother recalls Mercer saying that Jack could be in a "honeymoon period" and to continue using the alarm. Sure enough, the alarm went off two more times. "You want their body to be well conditioned to arouse when they take the alarm off," says Dr. LaRosa.

Mercer suggests challenging the bladder with an extra drink before bedtime. She encourages families to retire the alarm after two weeks of dry nights with the alarm followed by another 14 dry nights using the alarm every other night.

Jack's mother not only credits the alarm, but also Mercer's gentle approach. "He really listened to everything she said because she was talking to him."

Mercer receives great satisfaction from seeing children experience a dramatic boost in self esteem. "It's fabulous. Kids write me notes. Parents write me letters. I get emails: 'This has made such a difference in our lives. We start each day as a happy family.'"