This Is Me

Written and Illustrated by Carla A. Andricevic-Russo

This is Me! was written to help children ages 5 - 10 begin to understand bladder exstrophy and its implications and to give children a tool to prepare themselves for interactions with people outside of their own family. Parents can use This is me! as an introduction to discuss such topics as:

• toileting
• past hospitalizations
• past and upcoming surgeries
• the Mitrofanoff procedure,
• catherization and when your child should share or not share information about their condition, how to share it and with whom. 

With its insightful questions and room to fill in the blanks at the back of the book, parent and child can begin scripting responses to possible situations.  The emphasis is not on whether your child wishes to tell others about their condition or keep that information private, the emphasis is on providing preparation for situation that may occur.  With preparation your child is able to build self-confidence and reduce anxiety about how to handle 'what if' situations.

Because bathroom behaviour plays such an important role in the lives of children, they should have a positive experience when learning about their own urinary tract diversions.  This is Me! helps a child understand that bladder exstrophy is nothing to be ashamed of and that it is only one part of many that make up a much bigger person.

The cost of this book is $10. Click here to order this book.