Having been through the “FUN” task that is potty training, I wanted to share some helpful tips I have learned when it comes to potty training boys. Currently I have two boys that I have potty trained. Another who will be ready before the year it out. A one-year-old I won’t have to worry about for another year or so. Also, baby #6 will be another boy, but I have some time before I have to think about potty training him 🙂 I also successfully potty trained our daughter when she was 2.5 years old, which was over 5 years ago, so I have a few successes under my belt.
SO many people (aka family) will give you advice when it comes to potty training boys whether you ask for it or not. I have learned to not let others know my plans if or when I plan to potty train my boys. I just pick a time. Gather my supplies, and make sure to have nothing scheduled during those few days so I can fully focus on the task of potty training. Keep reading for some helpful tips on potty training boys.
Prepare for Potty Training
Read books OR research potty training before you start. Gathering information will help you figure out which approach you want to try or what might be the best fit for your child. Buy fun underwear and potty-training picture books to get your son excited and ready for the process. Purchase rewards such as candy or snacks of your child’s choosing. Plan a long weekend or full week when you will begin potty train. Decide if you or your husband will do most of the potty training or if you will tag team it. Make sure to arrange help if you have other children around and think you may need it. This will make focusing on the potty-training child much easier.
Get Excited about Potty Training Your Boy
If you know your boy is ready to be potty trained, then get excited! If you dread potty training, then it will be horrible for you and your child. DO NOT potty train your boy because others tell you it is time, or they think he is too old to be in diapers. Do it because you know your child is ready. Or in the case where childcare requires it by a certain age then by all means GO FOR IT. To keep things positive think about all the benefits that will come from potty training your boy. Less diapers to change. Money saved from not having to buy diapers. Independence for your boy.
I typically potty train my boys when they are three and a half or closer to four. The reason for this is because there have been numerous times when I have a baby due right at a child’s 2nd OR 3rd birthday and don’t want to bother with potty training or worry about them regressing when the baby gets here. Also, trying to handle a newly potty-trained child and a newborn at the same time sounds like a lot of work. Once I am back in the flow after a new baby then I will plan a time to potty train the boy that is ready.
Stay Calm during the Process
The first few days may be rough! With lots of accidents, perhaps a fussy boy, and maybe even Mom is OVER IT after a few hours. Just stick with it and stay positive. Usually by the third day they will have almost no accidents and will know when they need to go. If after a few days your boy isn’t getting it and you feel like maybe they still aren’t quite ready then stop, and plan to try again in the future. Don’t push your child or yourself if they end up not being ready.
Celebrate Your Potty-Trained Boy
Every time your child successfully uses the potty celebrate that! This is where the candy and fun snacks your child choose comes in handy. Maybe even after a week with no accidents treat that child to ice cream, a new book or toy. Make sure they know you are SO proud of them for using the potty and becoming a big boy!
Have more helpful tips for potty training boys, please share them with us in the comments.
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