stated in chapter 10, “Poop,” I think the general state of the world is
causing this anxiety in our children, not you or anything you are
doing.
Preemies
If your child was premature by more than four weeks, spent any
significant time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), or had
trouble bonding, potty training could be delayed. However, this is not
necessarily so, and by “delayed,” I mean it might come closer to
thirty months than twenty months. I’m not saying to wait till she’s
three and a half. Preemies tend to be slightly behind their peers in
other areas as well. I would look at other milestones. If all were a bit
delayed, I’d factor that in to potty training. Do this not as an excuse
to wait too long, but to give your child the time she needs to “catch
up.” Most kids I’ve worked with in this category are all caught up by
twenty-four months.
Adoption
If you have adopted a child, particularly from another country, you
should focus on forming a bond before beginning potty training. I
once had a mom attend my class, and it turns out that her adopted
daughter came to her quite bruised. Due to lack of staff, the
orphanage would tie the children to the potty until they produced.
Obviously, this child did not need to start potty training any time