Does John Need Potty Training?

	They were bad parents, no doubt about that. They made all the 
wrong decisions about parenting. But one 'mistake' they made would 
keep their child happy forever.
	John was four years old by now. He was slightly 
underdeveloped. His vocabulary was light and his first steps had 
only been a month before his last birthday. At this moment, he was 
sitting on the floor, stacking blocks, wearing a yellow T-shirt 
and his diaper. At four years old, his parents had not yet 
considered potty training. They didn't change him much, he was 
accustomed and happy to go around with poop and pee under his 
diaper for hours at a time.
	His parents were sitting at the kitchen counter, eating 
breakfast. John's mum asked his father, "Honey, do you think we 
should potty train John?"
	He looked up from his newspaper, slightly surprised. "Why? We 
can afford the diapers."
	"Yeah, but babies are supposed to be trained."
	He shrugged, "John's not a baby any more. He's fine in his 
diapers, and we haven't got the time to train him. I've got to get 
to work." He kissed Fiona, and left through the front door with a 
"Bye champ" to John, carrying his briefcase. His Mum had to be at 
work soon too. She went over to John, and said "Mommy's going to 
work in a minute. Do you need a change?" John smiled, as his Mum's 
nose told her he did. Changing him into a clean diaper from the 
packet of pampers lying on the floor, she popped him into the 
playpen and left.
	John was always kept in the playpen during the day. It never 
crossed his mind to try and escape. He was perfectly happy in 
there. When his parents got home they would give him a fresh 
diaper, and they'd carry on their daily lives.

Age 6

	John was late starting at school. His vocabulary finally grew 
to a kindergarten level, and he managed to walk. The potty was 
never considered, however, and John was kept in diapers. By now, 
he was having to use 'late-starter' type diapers, having grown out 
of the pampers 6. At school, there were two other diapered boys. 
The teachers changed them all at regular intervals, which was a 
change for John. He had three new diapers on a six hour school 
day. Soon, the other two boys grew out of their diapers. And John 
started to get teased, for being slow, and wearing diapers. The 
teachers gave up the regular changes, and changed him in front of 
the class, to make it more convenient for them. Every time someone 
stuck their hand up to say that John smelled poopy, the teacher 
would immediately change him. The desks in the classroom were made 
for two people, but I had one to myself, which was to double as a 
changing table. Next to the desk, was a small 'diaper shrine' with 
the pail, and changing supplies. It was humiliating.