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.