It Hurts When I Poop

Toilet training can be difficult at the best of times, but for some families it is made more complicated when children experience a fear of defecating because of constipation or painful stools.

This book tells the story of a boy called Ryan who avoids "pooping" because it hurts and tried very hard to "make the poop go away" by holding on, giving himself a tummy ache. Ryan is a versatile character who could be identified as a child aged from three to eight.

Although there are some references which indicate Ryan is younger, as he likes dinosaurs and there are references to a potty as well as a toilet, the style of writing is straight forward and not babyish. The story encourages children to "be the boss" of their bodies and educates them about how the digestive system works and how and why poop is made. Child-friendly guidelines are illustrated by "Ryan's Poop Program" which encourages healthy eating and healthy toilet habits.

It Hurts When I Poop is a clear and comprehensive guide for families who wish to work with their child on toileting difficulties.

The engaging story provides a likable character for children to relate to, as well as offering many pointers for parents in setting up a structured approach to overcome the problem.

by Howard J Bennett MD
Format: Pb+ 32 pages