Oh Crap! Potty Training

I have some pediatricians among my clients. In fact, a few years back,
when a few pediatricians used my services, they asked to make copies
of my book for their waiting rooms. It’s kind of how my book got on
the map, really. When I switched my son’s pediatrician and filled out
all the registration paperwork, she noticed my email at Oh Crap!
Potty Training, and asked me about it. Then she asked for cards and
brochures, saying, “I would love to have someone to direct my
patients to! I don’t potty train kids.”
This makes perfect sense. Over the years, I’ve had innumerable
clients tell me they tried to discuss potty troubles with their doctor
and the doctor cut them off with, “Oh, just wait till they’re ready” . . .
which is fine unless you know your kid is capable and just need some
suggestions on how to get started or fix a problem you’ve
encountered.
Here’s the deal, straight up, no BS: always listen to your doctor.
But doctors get paid to look for things that are wrong with your child.
Doctors help your sick child get well and heal broken bones. Doctors
find ear infections and heart murmurs. And realistically, doctors
have precious little time to spend hearing about your child’s potty
training struggles. I don’t mean that as any sort of slight against
doctors.
I think part of it is our health care system and the speed at which
we need to be seen. I also think doctors tend to look at moms like
we’re whack jobs. Let’s face it: we can all be a little crazy in the
doctor’s office. Okay—I can, at least.
Here are some sound bites from appointments with Pascal’s
pediatrician:
“How’s he eating?” She’s looking for general answers, not the