A Parent’s Guide to Potty Training a Boy
Potty training your toddler can be a harrowing experience, particularly if you will be potty training a boy. Many parents dread the process, images of accidents and temper tantrums filling their minds. If done strategically and systematically though, potty training a boy can be done with minimal problems.
Signs of Readiness
You may be in a hurry to permanently remove expensive diapers from your weekly shopping list, but it is important not to force your son into this process until he is ready. There are certain signs you can watch for that will let you know when your child is ready to begin this endeavor.
It is very important to wait until your son can remove his pants on his own. If he wears toddler jeans with snaps, this will be difficult to do. If the weather is warm enough, allow him to wear shorts with an elastic waistband and have him assist you in dressing and undressing him. This will allow you to gauge his ability to pull his pants down by himself. You may also find that he removes his diaper on his own. Unless your child simply revels in being naked, this is a good indicator that he grasps the concept of diapers and the bathroom.
Many children are eager to use the “big boy potty.” If your child expresses a keen interest in following you into the bathroom, or alerting you to impending urination, it’s probably time to go buy a potty chair.
Additionally, if your son can now hold his bladder for hours at a time, his bladder control may be developed enough to handle this process.
Beginning the Process
One of the most beneficial beginnings to potty training a boy starts with allowing him to go to the bathroom with you. He will learn what a toilet is for, and engaging him with the concept of toilet paper and flushing will motivate him to make frequent trips to the bathroom with you. Announce that you are going potty, and talk him through the process. It is not recommended that you thrust him into an unknown process, despite how awkward you may feel going to the bathroom with an audience.
It’s also important to make sure you have the right tools at your disposal. Purchase a potty chair for your son. If the store carries a musical potty chair or a chair featuring your son’s favorite cartoon character, this may be added motivation for your little one to transition from babyhood into boyhood. Make sure that you place your son’s potty next to the toilet.
Rewards such as small candies or even stickers are also a good idea. You may choose to purchase training pants, but this can delay the process. Many people go straight to cotton underwear. Your little one will be able to feel any urination, and this is sensation is diminished with pull ups.
Training Techniques
Once your son is used to going into the bathroom with you, explain to him the purpose of his potty. Help him off with his pants and have him sit on the potty while you go to the bathroom. If he sits without fuss, reward him by giving him a small piece of candy. In about a week, he will get accustomed to this process, and any negative emotions should be few and far between.
Once he is comfortable sitting on his potty, allow him only to wear big boy underwear during the day at home. If he goes to daycare, you can still allow him to wear diapers there to avoid any problems. Explain to him that these are special underpants because he’s a big boy and learning to use the potty.
Make frequent trips with him to the bathroom, particularly upon waking up and after drinks or meals. When he does use his potty, be sure to give him a reward like a sticker or candy and give him plenty of praise. Toddlers love knowing that they’re doing something the correct way, and this instills them with a swelling of confidence.
Don’t rush into getting your son to stand when urinating. This is best saved for later when accidents no longer occur and your son can go to the potty unattended.
Make sure that you also teach your son proper bathroom hygiene. Help him with the wiping process (it’s recommended to use toddler wipes, not toilet paper), flushing the big potty, and hand washing.
Tips
Remember: potty training a boy will have its fair share of drama and stress. It’s important though that you do not get short-tempered with your son. This is a big transition in a child’s life, and getting upset at them can undo any progress you’ve made thus far.
Do not let your child sleep in his underwear. It is going to take time for your son’s bladder to be strong enough to hold fluids in for that amount of time. Additionally, if your toddler is a heavy sleeper, he may not wake up when that urge hits him. Keep him in training pants or diapers at night time until he is ready.