Dr. Annie's Bookshelf

A child psychologist's book recommendations for growth and healing

Encopresis

The book(s) in this section are not about potty training but rather address elimination disorders. Encopresis is an elimination disorder that refers to repeated passage of feces into a bed, clothing, or anywhere else they’re not supposed to poop, after a child is a developmental age of four years old. Importantly, if a child is regularly experiencing encopresis, it is imperative that a family speaks with a child’s pediatrician to rule out underlying medical concerns (e.g., constipation). Although there are many possible reasons for encopresis, a common one is poop withholding, often due to experiences with painful defecation, or a bathroom-related fear.

It Hurts When I Poop!

A Story for Children Who Are Scared to Use the Potty

Written by Howard J. Bennett, MD
Illustrated by M.S. Weber
Age range: Preschool through 1st grade.
Recommended for: This story is for children who withhold their poop due to a fear that it will hurt to let it out. It teaches about the importance of poop and how a child’s diet can soften a poop to make it come out more easily.
Evidence-Based Practices: Psychoeducation
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