Oh Crap! Potty Training

he’s not really delayed, but he doesn’t do such and such . . . I don’t
know if he’s ready to potty train.” So I “require” a diagnosis in order
to justify delayed potty training. Obviously, the severity of the delay
will dictate when potty training should begin. This is best discussed
with your pediatrician. I would simply ask, “Is there any reason
Johnny can’t start potty training?” For example, if the delay is just in
language, there’s no reason he couldn’t. But if the delay is in
processing information, then things may not bode well for potty
training until a little later on.
Just because your child is delayed doesn’t mean you have to forgo
potty training. These special-circumstance kids make me think of an
episode of Supernanny (my not-so-secret indulgence). This episode
featured a five-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes. This kid was a
tyrant, completely running the house. He got away with anything and
everything because his parents were so fearful of him dying.
Supernanny came in and (a) showed them a list of successful people
who lived with type 1 diabetes, and (b) showed them how their fear
was getting in the way of good parenting and setting appropriate
boundaries. Once the parents started putting their foot down, this
kid’s behavior not only improved, but he was also relieved that he
was being treated normally. It made him less afraid that he was going
to die.
No matter what is going on, your child deserves a healthy and
normal childhood. And the best way to create this is to do what you
would do if your child didn’t have whatever diagnosis he carries. So
don’t necessarily use anything as an excuse not to potty train. Again,
it’s best to discuss your particular situation with your pediatrician and
see what limitations may affect your child. Be wary, however. My