It Hurts When I Poop! A Story for Children Who Are Scared to Use the Potty

iParenting Media Award Winner

Helping children overcome their fear of pooping with colorful illustrations and a thoughtful story.

Ryan is scared to use the potty. He is afraid to have a poop, because he's afraid it's going to hurt. He does NOT want to go. This story, along with Ryan's "poop program," will help young children gain the confidence they need to overcome this common problem and establish healthy habits. Includes a Note to Parents by the author.

From the Note to Parents:

The book includes a “poop program” that I use with children between the ages of 3 and 6. While the program is ostensibly for the main character, my hope is that your child will want to follow these steps as well. How you approach the program will vary somewhat depending on your child’s age. Most 3- to 4-year-olds do not need to do the program in a formal way. Instead, you can incorporate parts of the program into your daily routine―make the needed dietary changes, reward successful pooping with stickers, and consider reviewing how poops come out of the body. Most 5- to 6-year-olds are interested in doing the full program, though it is still important to be flexible. For example, if a 5-year-old does not want to do Potty Practice, I would adjust things accordingly.

Howard J. Bennett, MD practices pediatrics in Washington, DC and lives in Maryland with his wife, two children, and three dogs. In addition to his books, Dr. B writes articles for the KidsPost section of the Washington Post and has a column in Jack and Jill magazine called "Life is Gross." Visit him at www.HowardJBennett.com and follow him on Facebook: @HowardJBennett.

M.S. (Michael) Weber is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago. His illustrations appear in children's magazines and books, including Harry Goes to the Hospital and It Hurts When I Poop!, and online at Magickeys.com. He lives in Chicago with his family.