Potty Training Boys

A lot of people say that potty training boys is more difficult that potty training girls. It is true that boys on average take longer than girls. Knowing when to start potty training your son will make the whole process easier for you by not starting too early.

If you start potty training too early, many times your son is going to resist your efforts, which is really not going to lead to much at all. One of the important aspects of potty training, is having the cooperation of your toddler. Without their cooperation, you won't make any progress.

When he wakes up from his nap, is he dry?

Again, this shows some control on your son's part. You're going to want your toddler to be able to communicate the need to potty. After a child wakes up from a nap or a night's sleep, you want to place them on their potty seat first thing, as they'll most likely be ready to go.

Does your son stay dry for at least two hours at a time throughout the day?

This is important to take notice of. When you start potty training you're going to be making a lot of trips to the potty, but your son needs to show some type of control by being able to stay dry for a few hours at a time.

Does your son have regular bowel movements?

There's a wide range when it comes to predictable bowel movements. Some children go potty two or three times each day, while others may go two or three days at a time. It's important for you to know your child's schedule, so that you'll be able to see any changes that might signal a problem while potty training.

Sometimes, a child will hold in their bowel movements when they begin potty training. Either out of fear of using the potty, or just plain nervousness. This can lead to the child becoming constipated which will make potty training even more difficult. By knowing their schedule, you'll see if there's a change in your child's schedule - which will help you prevent them from becoming constipated.

By following these early signs - you'll be able to make your experience with potty training boys that much easier.

When you're potty training boys, try using a simple rewards system. It's a simple idea, but it can work wonders.

The first thing you want to do is purchase a bag (like a Halloween basket or something similar), or use a pillowcase (Ok, I admit, I used a purple Crown Royal bag), and fill it with small toys and trinkets that your toddler is going to love.

When they successfully use the potty, let them choose something from the bag as a reward. Simple, right?

Another simple way to do use this system is to buy a calendar that your child is going to like - The Wiggles, the Doodlebops, Mickey, etc...and place it someplace where your child can see it easily. Whenever they use the potty without an accident, let them put a sticker on that day in the calendar. Keep this up until they have a whole month with no accidents.

The child is going to love being able to put the stickers on the calendar.

Simple ideas. Potty training boys can be easy if you use simple ideas like this.

HarpersDad