I have a 3 1/2 yr old boy starting today. A little aprihensive if I'm honest as he is considerably delayed. Not toilet trained, speech delayed although he definitely talks. I have another 3 year old who will hopefully do him the world of good and vice versa.

Living circumstances are a little unique. Lives full time with grandparents only sees his mum once a year, father isn't in the picture. Nana does everything for him and it seems like she has done the best she can considering the drama she has had to go through with his mum. Unfortunately I think she has overdone a bit which she has acknowledged and now he is delayed. He will not attempt to take his own coat and boots off or put them on. Doesn't ask for anything or show iniciative. Has to be told or his Nana just automatically does for him. She is on board to make changes thank goodness and I suppose I'm just a little nervous as to the extent of how much capacity he will have for following direction and doing as he is told, more so how nap time will go :-) I'm used to a great crew in a great nap time routine and typically my kids start much younger and if they are bad sleepers at least they are in a playpen initially till they get in the swing of things. I'm wondering if this delay is a product of circumstance or if there is a deeper underlying cause going on here. I suppose only time will tell.

As for toilet training, I've said to Nana I'll not even bring it up until he is settled in so a couple of weeks or so and then we will give it a go and she is on board to give it 100%. Apparently she has tried and he will go to the toilet when asked if he needs to go but will never ever actually go. He can pull his pants down and get on and off but doesn't do anything. She said if she puts him on without pulling his underwear down then he will pee. Any thoughts?

I was never 100% about taking this kid but it was a rare opportunity to fill my last spot until I close because then it will be time for JK. I also think while he has the potential to be a lot of work, that is no reason to pass on him. Everyone deserves a chance and these are the kids who need us the most. Sometimes kids need a break and this does have the potential of being a great opportunity for him and the group. I have also got no issue with letting him go should there be no signs of improvement at the 4 week mark. The last thing I want to do is have my last few months of work be a daily feeling of dread for going to work. I want to finish on a positive note. I've just got visions of him getting up and wandering around which I'm not going to be happy about if I have to stand guard at the nap room door when I'm usually pottering around the house getting multiple things done when the kids are sleeping.