TV’s ‘Supernanny’ blasts ‘lazy, enabling’ parents failing to potty train kids

Supernanny star Jo Frost has sparked a fierce debate among parents after claiming some are being “lazy and enabling” by allowing children as old as five to start school without being potty trained – while others let their six year olds ride in pushchairs.

Taking to Twitter, the notoriously fierce TV star, 47, asked families to share their thoughts on the debate, claiming some parents are almost being too helpful to actually benefit their child in their earliest years.

Insisting she wasn’t including kids suffering from a medical condition in her criticism, Frost wrote: “Toddlers still on pacifiers… Teachers potty training 5YO…6YO still in pushchairs.

“Bottoms still being wiped at 7YO… Have parents become lazy, enabling, too helpful to please? What is your take on this all, would love to hear your thoughts please.”

[Excluding medical conditions]
Toddlers still on pacifiers
Teachers potty training 5YO
6YO still in pushchairs
Bottoms still being wiped at 7YO
Have parents become lazy,enabling,
Too helpful to Please?
What is your take on this all,would love to hear your thoughts please.
-JF

— Jo Frost 💫 (@Jo_Frost) August 19, 2018

It sparked a mixed response from her followers, with many agreeing parents have pushed it too far by expecting teachers to step in and potty train their children while they’re not there.

“Too busy on their iphones etc. to bother with their children,” one wrote while another added: “I work as a nanny….kids absolutely have their parents round their little fingers these days. I’ve been told it’s ‘working mums guilt’. I just think they want an easy life so don’t argue with what the kids want.”

Another added: “Pacifiers for bedtime only. Toilet training/wipe own bums way before they start school, same with prams. Lazy parenting. Who wouldn’t want their child to be independent with such things. Pushing prams/meal times while on phones & not conversing with their child is my pet hate.”

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However, others defended parents – particularly first time mums who are getting the hang of things – claiming some may have a multitude of issues behind closed doors to juggle.

“Although it’s not ideal – sometimes children take a bit longer or parents circumstances don’t make it possible. Not always about laziness in my opinion. Overall the most important thing is for children to be brought up feeling loved and parent supported not judged,” one wrote.

Another added: “Yes agree the above are not ideal/appropriate…altho when ur a 1st time parent its not easy to know when to make these changes…info/advice thrown from all angles (parents, peers, Drs, Health Vis, TV shows, not to mention social media…& all the ‘experts’ on there! B kind x.”

Frost agreed with that comment, and wrote in reply: “Agree, I also think parents are more confused than ever! I’ve been in the trenches with fams for 3 decades and now they have to decifer all info from the wisdom. You can’t buy experience you have to earn it! Yes always be kind it’s about love and support always xxx.”

The TV star shot to fame in England as ‘Supernanny’ in 2004, before the show continued to gain success right across the world. She plays the central figure as she’s invited into people’s homes to help them cope with particularly naughty kids. Known for her stern attitude, she’s achieved incredible success throughout the years, transforming countless families’ lives.

What do you think? Is it fair to call parents lazy for leaving potty training until school age? Should kids over five be allowed in pushchairs?