Health professionals use the term ‘cope’ to describe how we respond to difficult or unwanted situations. Children or adolescents who have bowel disorders need help to cope effectively with symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain and unpredictable bowel symptoms as they go about their daily lives. A knowledgeable physician or therapist can help provide the family and the child with positive skills to help respond effectively. In this article Dr. Walker provides useful tips on: going to school, using the bathrooms, and interacting with teachers and classmates.