How to Potty Train a Boy

There are many articles available on the internet that deal with potty training your toddler and all of them have a common point: the gender of the child plays a major role in the start of this exercise as boys tend to start later and require a longer period of time as compared to girls. Of course there are always exceptions. There is no doubt that girls tend to learn the intricacies related to potty training in a faster manner. In the end, keep in mind that every child is unique in his or her way.

You cannot stereotype them based on these social myths. Most kids the ages of 18 to 24 months are quite ready to be initiated, but it also depends upon the individual child. You’re the parent so you’ll have a good idea if it is time or not.

So how do you potty train a boy and what are the indications which can give you a heads up that your loved one is ready to use a potty trainer?

Age’s Effect on Potty Training

A majority of parents wait until their toddler reaches the age of two and half or three years. This is generally practiced due to the fact that when a kid reaches this age, he starts to show control of his bladder and bowel movements. There is no sure fire guarantee that your child will be ready to start using the potty at this age. There are some exceptional cases where a child doesn’t becomes interested in toilet training until he reaches three to four years old.

The key is starting when your son is ready. Research shows that starting potty training in earlier years does not mean that you will get the results much earlier than expected. A head start does not necessarily provide the expected results.

If you start potty training at an earlier time than is right for your son, it make take longer than if you had waited. If you are really unsure, wait. Doctors say most issues come from starting too soon. ​

I admit, it’s not always easy to tell.  I also don’t want you to be afraid that by starting him a month early, your child is doomed to be in diapers until he’s 6.  That’s not what I (or science) is saying.  It just means it might take a few weeks or months more (on average) if you start a child too early.  ​

Remember: You know your child best.  If you are a  normal, loving parent, you aren’t going to permanently damage your son if you start a little early or late.  Just trust your gut, and act with love.

 So it is always better to learn the signs related with the right time to initiate potty training rather than following a predetermined age chart.

Signs That Your Child Is Ready

Potty training should start when your toddler starts showing signs of readiness. These signs may include:

• Showing coordination of movement
• Change in frequency of urination and starts urinating large amount at one go
• Shows well formed bowel movements and urgency at predictable time periods
• Interest in using toilet seat to copy other members of the family
• Stopping all activities for a period of time when urge arises
• Clutching diaper or showing signs of distress due to soiled or wet diaper
• Attains the ability to pull his diaper on and off
• Starts using verbal or physical signs related with bowel movements which may include specific words, grunting or squatting on the ground
• Starts feeling physical urges to potty and has the ability to convey it to you

Right Equipment for Potty Training

While opting for potty training, one of the most important things that should be taken care of is selecting the best potty training seat for your child. There are two types of potty training seats: standalone potty seats with removable bowl or small-sized seats which can be fixed on the existing toilet seat. It is of high importance that you opt for the right equipment. When choosing any of the potty trainers on the market, you should make sure that the size and design of such training seat provides stability and comfort and promotes good posture. While opting for such equipment, you should make sure that:

• The size and design of the training seat allows your son to lean forward without losing his balance.
• If you choose a standalone potty seats, the height of the seat allows your child to firmly place his feet on the floor.  It’s really a good idea for adults as well, but there are more options with children.
• If you are using an adapter seat (one that goes over the toilet seat), it should fix securely to your toilet seat and provide the required comfort and security for your toddler.  It can be scary for a child to be sitting up that high the first few times.
• Has a stool or one step ladder while using adapter seats so that your son is able to maneuver on and off from the seat.
• Quality materials are used in the manufacturing of the product.
• You have the option of a removable pee-guard so that you can remove it if the child feels uncomfortable.

Starting the Potty Training

While introducing your toddler to potty training, the one option is to allow him to watch and learn. When a toddler sees his parents using the bathroom, he may want to imitate them. This is the right moment to introduce him how both parents use the toilet seat in different ways. This will also allow you to introduce your little one to basic mechanics used by boys for using the toilet. If the mother is dealing with the potty training, then she can avail the services of the father or an older brother to teach the art of piddling right into the bowl or how to aim the stream of urine directly into the bowl without any accidental spray.

Obviously, this might be uncomfortable for you but it’ll help your child in the long run.

Even before starting the potty training regimen, you can also opt for picture books or videos dedicated to this subject, which are readily available on the internet, so that your child can easily grasp the idea behind the whole exercise. In order to make him comfortable with the use of a standalone potty trainer, you can encourage him to start sitting on it even when there is no urge and once he is comfortable sitting on it, then you can suggest that he try sitting on it without his pants or diaper. If by chance he resists this idea, do not insist too much as it will make him more resistant to the idea. Patience and time are the most important things required for potty training your kid. Once your child gets the idea of using his potty, then you can set up a training schedule.

Summary

Potty training your son can be a frustrating experience but make sure that you do not lose your cool while he makes mistakes. Chances are that even after learning how to use the potty seat, your kid may have an accident or two; that does not mean that you should scold your child or overreact. Doing so can scar him and it can even disrupt the potty training regimen. Potty training is just like learning a new art for a kid and accidents can happen while doing so. Instead of being punitive, make it by using certain activities which can motivate him to indulge in this exercise.