Not Recommended
Dear Doctor,
Review of past success sometimes is a good way to find a solution for problems that are as old as civilization. Story has it that when my father-in-law reached the age of three or four (don’t remember exactly how the story goes) and he still from time to time pooped in his pants, the traditional family cure solved the problem in a day.
One morning his grandfather tied a large burlap sack (hard to find these days but the equivalent is around) to his back side and he was sent out to play with instructions that when the bag was full he should return home for a new one.
Your supplicants might find old wisdom useful?
Not Serious
Dear Not,
In my trade I have heard many things, but this is a new one!
Imagine DSS with this one–no child left behind?
In fact, the family wisdom was so remarkable it had to be printed, so here it is. Thanks for the e-mail, but this is not on the recommended list for "cures" of encopresis ("pooping").
As stated in the column to which you refer, parents become desperate, angry, rewarding, rejoicing, and depressed, all at the same time. Patience, an even and unemotional approach, along with consistency and a plan or strategy work.
They work more rapidly in some children than with others. Parents are encouraged to stay with the task without the range of moods from tantrums to rewards. If the problem persists into school years, a professional should be consulted. Pediatricians have some approaches which might be helpful. Behaviorally oriented counseling can be useful.
Burlap should be saved for wrapping bushes in winter.
Tags: pooping problems, review of past success, suggestion, traditional family cure
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