Potty Training Girls and Boys

Despite common perceptions, potty training girls and boys is actually very similar. It is simply not true that boys are more resistant to training and are unwilling to use a potty through lack of motivation. While it is true that on average boys may take slightly longer to potty train, the actually training itself is no more difficult than potty training for girls. Therefore, the same basic rules apply to potty training your baby. Below are some handy tips for potty training children of both sexes.

* Plan ahead. You will make the whole potty training process much easier for yourself and your child if you are organized and consistent. Typically, children are potty trained between the age of 12 months and 28 months, the average being 18 months. The simplest way to succeed in potty training is to stick with it. Training can take only a few days if you are consistent in your use of the potty training chair and do not go back to using diapers.

* Purchase any equipment that you need ahead of time. For example, a potty training chair and toilet seat reducer should be introduced to the child before potty training begins. This allows him, or her, to adjust to these new things and reduces any fear attached with potty training.

* It is important to recognize potty training as part of your child's development and growth. Your child will probably be more enthusiastic about potty training if they see it is part of becoming a big boy or girl. It may be beneficial for you and your child to purchase some new underwear together. This will give your child a sense that he, or she, is leaving babyhood.

* Encouragement and praise are crucial to the success of potty training girls and boys. This can range from simple verbal praise to a reward system. However, you choose to encourage your child to use the potty, ensure that it is consistent.

* Try to emphasize the positive, but not dwell on the negative. Your child is bound to have accidents from time to time while potty training. It is best to deal with them as calmly and patiently as possible. Try to approach any little accidents as par for the course, and remember that raising your voice may set back the progress that has already been achieved.

* While potty training, ensure that your child is wearing loose fitting clothing, which is easily removed. There are likely to be times when your child needs to use the potty in a hurry and complicated fastenings will cause unnecessary inconvenience. At home, you may even wish to leave your child bare-bottomed for a time.

* Before commencing potty training, make a note of your child's bowel movements. In other words, how many times a day he, or she, excretes. Sometimes, potty training can frighten a child and they will try to delay their bowel movements, which can result in constipation. Therefore, being aware of their regular habits will alert you to any issues while potty training.