Boys and potty training don’t exactly go hand in hand. But with the right strategies, you can make it easier for your little one to transition from diapers to big-kid pants. Read on for everything you need to know about how to potty train a boy. With the right techniques, a boy of any age can be trained effectively and efficiently. A toddler, however, presents some unique challenges that adults may find more difficult to coax them through.
From shyness about removing their clothes in front of others to an unwillingness to sit on a strange toilet or stand while emptying their bladder – boys have a way of making things more complicated than they need be. Here are some tips that will assist you in training your baby boy for potty.
Start early and be patient
There is no set age for potty training; your child’s developmental progress will determine when they are ready. Some kids are ready to start potty training between 18 and 24 months, while others wait until they’re almost 3. If you try too early, you may run the risk of overwhelming your little one, causing a regression or even creating a fear of the toilet.
Long-term, consistent efforts, even before your child expresses interest in potty training, will help your little one get used to the idea of using the toilet sooner. Even if they aren’t yet ready to use the toilet themselves, they can learn to associate it with positive feelings.
Reinforce potty habits
Take every opportunity to reinforce your child’s desire to use the toilet. As soon as your child expresses interest, start transitioning him from diapers to underwear. If your child protests, remind him that big boys go in their underwear, and that he’s going to be a big boy soon. Also if your child is potty trained during the day but has accidents at night, keep him in a diaper until he’s able to make the transition to using the toilet at night.
If you have more than one child, you may want to start potty training a younger sibling while the older one is in diapers. Some kids are resistant to wearing underwear because they are so dependent on being told when they have to go that they become very frustrated when they have to go but don’t know it. If this is the case, you can use sticky velcro tabs to attach a bell to the waistband of his underwear. When he has to go, the sound will alert him to his need.
Use visual aids
Sometimes, a little visual aid can go a long way toward easing your child’s anxiety. An excellent way to do this is with a toilet-training chart. There are a variety of different types of charts that you can choose from, but they all operate in much the same way. You can download and print an online version, or create your own using construction paper and a permanent marker.
Simply chart your child’s progress and celebrate his successes. You can also use visual aids to introduce your child to using the toilet for the first time. Sit him on the toilet, and let him press the flush handle afterwards. Alternatively, you can let him flush the toilet by dropping a small toy boat into the water and letting him retrieve it.
Don’t push too hard or be too aggressive
Dragging your child screaming and kicking into the bathroom to sit on the toilet is only going to make potty training more difficult and cause resentment towards the process. Creating a calm, relaxed environment where your child feels secure and safe is essential to successful potty training. If your child is resistant to the idea of using the toilet, don’t insist that he sit on it.
Instead, let him sit on a padded stool or the floor next to the toilet so he can get used to the feel of the seat and the sound of the flowing water. Some kids will be resistant to letting go of diapers. If he’s resistant, try to identify what’s holding him back, and address it as best you can.
Give a reward — but don’t make it a game
When your child successfully uses the toilet for the first time, reward him with something special. You don’t want to make a game out of it, but a reward is a good way to reinforce the positive feelings your child has towards the experience.
Rewards don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. You could take your child to his favorite park or playground, have a special dinner at home, or even let him choose what he wants to eat for breakfast. Whatever reward you choose, make sure it’s something positive. You don’t want to use a punishment, like taking away his favorite toys, as a reward.
Bottom line
Potty training is an important milestone and a transition your little one will remember for the rest of his life. To set him up for success, be patient, create a relaxed environment, and celebrate successes. Reinforce the positive feelings your child has towards the experience and don’t push too hard or be too aggressive.
