Here’s a reality that will shock most parents: There is a silent epidemic in America—one that is needlessly stressing out parents, causing children pain and embarrassment, and costing families and the health-care system massive amounts of money. It is an issue of dysfunctional elimination: delayed or abnormal pooping and peeing in children.

In his eye-opening new book, Dr. Steve Hodges offers parents straight-shooting explanations for the potty problems affecting their kids and practical advice on how to treat and prevent these troubles. Parents will be surprised to learn that dysfunctional elimination is underdiagnosed by most pediatricians and is undertreated or mistreated when discovered. Dr. Hodges focuses on treating problems in children who are already potty trained, explaining the signs of constipation, how to overcome daytime accidents, and the causes of and treatments for bedwetting and urinary tract infections. The book also includes “Dr. Potty’s Poop-Perfect Diet.”