Constipation, Withholding and Your Child : A Family Guide to Soiling and Wetting

Constipation, Withholding and Your Child is a positive, accessible guide to dealing with the common problems of stool withholding, soiling and wetting in young children. It gives insight into the perspectives of both children and parents, enabling a clear understanding of the issue.

Using friendly and informal language, the book examines the different causes of toileting problems, including the arrival of siblings and difficulties at school, and provides practical techniques and strategies to help children overcome these problems. It emphasises the importance of diet and offers advice on how to make using the toilet less frightening, the benefits of keeping a stool diary chart, and what laxatives and medications to use in different circumstances. It provides tips on how to tackle inappropriate lavatorial behaviour sensitively and addresses the issues particular to children with special needs.

This book is a reassuring, informative and non-patronising guide to help children overcome toileting problems. It is useful for parents and all professionals who work with children.

Anthony Cohn is a Consultant Paediatrician working in Hertfordshire and London. He trained at a number of major London Hospitals, including Great Ormond Street, and has spent six years developing a treatment service to help children with toileting problems. He is interested in conditions that have strong physical, psychological and social components. He is married and has triplet boys.