This book is an accessible guide to dealing with the common problems of stool withholding, soiling and wetting in young children.Using friendly and informal language, Constipation, Withholding and Your Child examines the concerns that often lead to toileting problems including the arrival of siblings and difficulties at school, and outlines practical techniques and strategies to help children overcome them. The author explains the importance of diet and offers advice on how to make using the toilet less frightening, how to keep a stool diary chart and what laxatives and medications to use in different circumstances. He also offers guidance on how to tackle inappropriate lavatorial behaviour sensitively and issues particular to children with special needs. Stool withholding, soiling and wetting are explained from the point of view of the child, enabling the parent or carer to better understand the problem. Parents, teachers, carers and social workers will find this book a reassuring, informative and non-patronising guide to helping children overcome toileting problems.
CONTENTS: 1. Introduction. 2. Mr Poo - A Children's Story About Constipation and Stool Withholding. 3. The Life Cycle of the Stool - From Food to Poo. 4. How Can You Tell If It's Normal or Not? 5. It's Not Constipation - It's Stool Withholding? 6. Are We Missing Something Serious? 7. What are the Signs of Stool Withholding? 8. It's Not a Wee Problem - Constipation and Urinary Problems. 9. This Is Not a Book About Toilet Training, but...a Few Tips 10. The Holy Grail - Sensible Use of the Toilet 11. Milk, Water and Fibre. 12. Which Method? 13. Medication for Constipation. 14. Soiling (Encopresis). 15. Wetting (Enuresis). 16. Bedwetting and Medication. 17. If Things Don't Go According To Plan - Theories and Strategies for Improving Results 18. Happy Families...and Real Ones. 19. Children with Other Issues. 20. Schools. Appendix: A High Fibre Diet. Contacts and Further Information. Index.
Constipation, Withholding and Your Child is easy to read and introduces humour into a taboo subject while acknowledging the complexity of the problem. Cohn talks in plain language that can easily be understood by parents, health care professionals and older children. It uses a relaxed storybook style that encourages children to discover their own solutions...This book covers all aspects of the condition. It is an excellent resource for all those involved in the care of children with constipation and soiling. It will also serve as a helpful guide for parents, many of whom feel they have been left to cope alone.
It could also inspire parents to continue with a management programme, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel if they persist with the medication, the toilet routine and treatment plan.
