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POOLAND
by Tamsin Black
Foreword
Children who suffer encopresis often begin to feel that there is little more to
them than the problem itself. In ‘Poo Goes Home to Pooland’, the problem is
embodied in a troublesome character and placed externally to the child. This
process aims to place some distance between the child and the blame and
shame of soiling. This helps to free them from their fears and may mobilise
previously beleaguered resources within the child and their family.
The style and content of ‘Poo Goes Home to Pooland’ was designed to suit
the cognitive development stage of children up to around seven years of age.
Individual illustrations and accompanying text are intended to promote
understanding of toileting matters and to relieve anxiety. They cover topics
such as sharing unhappy feelings and how to recognise when you need a poo.
A colouring book of the story has also been produced to encourage young
children to think about the story at home and within their family; this can be
photocopied without seeking permission. The clinician’s copy is produced in
sturdier form for repeated use.
Talking about ‘Pooland’ might help you to engage a child in getting control
of their poo. Alternatively, ‘Shy Poo’ may inspire you to develop a new
character for ‘Poo’, one to suit the particular personality of the child in your
care.
This is a story
about Poo.
Poo is very shy with people.
Poo’s
hiding
place.
Sometimes
Poo makes
Ollie feel
sad.
Goodbye to Poo.
Yahoo !
Poo is really happy in
POOLAND with all the other
Poos.
Ollie is very happy.
Many thanks to John Sands for his encouragement and sound advice.
Thanks also to the real ‘Ollie’ (aged 4), whose imagination and sense of
humour finally got the better of his anxieties.