There are certain developmental goals kids hit when growing up. There are a baby's first solid foods, first steps, and graduation to a bed instead of a crib. Another milestone is potty training.
Teachers around the world are alarmed to see that many parents are choosing not to potty-train their children. Instead, 11-year-olds are coming to school wearing diapers. It is a big problem that is happening around the world.
Dagmar Rösler, head of the Swiss Federation of Teachers, spoke about this to the Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten. “Kids are going to school as early as 4 years old now, so yeah, you might actually find some still in diapers. When 11-year-olds come to school in diapers, that’s a worrying trend,” she warned.
The reason that some school-age children are still stuck in diapers is simply because it is easier for the parents than potty training.
“Some parents let it slide because diapers are a convenient relief. It’s not seen as a problem these days. That sends a totally wrong message,” explained Margrit Stamm, an educational scientist. Teachers should not be expected to change a healthy 11-year-old’s diaper.
More from LittleThings: Top 10 Tips For Potty Training Kids In Three Days Or Less
The problem is also found in the United States. Phil Rumore, president of the Buffalo Teachers Federation, opened up to WBUR about this issue in 2019.
“Teacher aides here say that it’s not their responsibility,” he explained. “There is no policy in place, or procedure in place, to work with the child to either potty train them, to clean them when they have an accident. The teacher can’t do it because it takes away from the class.”
