10 Tips To Potty Training Your Little Boy

While being the parent of a budding toddler can be quite an adventure, there are some aspects that are downright difficult. One such aspect is potty training. Little boys can grow up faster than we can handle sometimes. If you have a little one who is getting ready to be independent in the bathroom department, then these tips are for you. Here are some helpful tactics to help you with potty training your little one in no time. 

It’s no surprise that every child is different. When you are getting ready to start potty training your child, there is no set age to begin. There is also no use in trying to rush your child into potty training either. The best method to use when deciding when to potty train your child is to do so when your child shows interest. While this may happen as early as 18 months in some kids, it may take up to two years or longer for other kids. Along with this many child specialists and experts believe that boys tend to be in diapers just a little bit longer than girls do. If you’re trying to figure out when the best time to potty your child is, let your child be the first to expressed interest, not you.

With all things, children learn best by seeing first. Start with this method when you want to start potty training your son. Moms, it might be a little difficult to model this so you might want to have dad or an older brother who has already gone through potty trainig to take control. Model the desired result for your child and verbally explain why they have to stand up when they are going to the potty. 

A great tool to use in modeling how boys should use the bathroom is through childrens' books. Find a good children’s book that appeals to your child about boys going to the bathroom. A picture book will help give him a visual aid of what to expect during your potty training routine. Your child may ask some sensitive or even embarrassing questions. Be sure to answer them as honestly as you can so that he understands proper bathroom etiquette.

Bowel movements and urine tend to come knocking at the same time. Get your child used to the concept that both pee-pee and poo-poo belong in the potty by having them sit first. Not only will this help them understand that this is where pee-pee and poo-poo go, but it will help get them comfortable. Once your son has gotten comfortable with the concept of where waste goes, you can move on to teaching him to stand.

As if you need another thing to schedule on your calendar, what's the harm in adding one more? You may not want to skimp out on this one though. Set up a potty training schedule with your child so he can know that you’re going to practice using the bathroom at set times throughout the day. If your child goes to daycare or preschool, coordinate with the teacher so that you can figure out an appropriate time for him to use the potty. With everything your child is learning, having a set schedule will help him be prepared for when the time comes to use the bathroom.

Make potty training as easy and as accessible as you can for your child. Part of successfully potty training means having the right equipment on hand. Get your child their very own portable potty. If they are ready for it, then get them an adjustable toilet cover seat that they can place on the toilet. This will help them practice sitting down to use the bathroom. Chances are if your potty training, then your little one is way too small to sit on the toilet without being assisted. Make his life and your life easier by purchasing a small step stool for your child to stand on when he needs to get on and off the toilet.

Buying a small step stool is also good if he has to go number one. Some boys feel comfortable with having a little extra height when they use the toilet, while some boys may not prefer it. Ask your child what he feels comfortable with and go from there. As always, buying the right equipment that has your child’s favorite cartoon characters on it is one way to encourage your child that potty time is not something to fear.

Some other fun equipment that you might want to include in your potty training routine is the peekaboo reusable potty training sticker. Add a little dose of magic to your child's potty training experience by using this sticker. Just place the sticker on the bottom of your child's portable potty. Let your child take a look before he goes to the potty and he should see a blank sticker. After he goes potty, show him the sticker once again and surprise him as he watches a truck, flower, train, or butterfly appear out of nowhere.

Potty training can be challenging. Any parent who has been through this knows this. You can help make potty training a little bit easier by buying cool potty training equipment for your child.  Start with a portable potty for your child or an adjustable toilet seat. If you are at the pull-ups stage, then look for cool underwear for your child to wear. Encouraging them to wear potty training pull-ups is a whole lot easier when the pull-ups have pictures of their favorite characters or cartoons.

Make a stop at your local grocery store to pick up a pair. It’s a good idea to bring your child along with you so that you can walk him through the process of purchasing the proper pull-ups and equipment. Explain to him why you’re going to buy it, how it’s supposed to be used, and then finally for the fun part, have them pick out the pair and type of equipment that they think they would be the most comfortable with. You would be surprised at how having the right equipment can make a big difference for your child as far as using it and going to the bathroom.

When you are first starting to potty train, it’s essential that your child understands the concept that we go to the bathroom with our clothes off not with our clothes on. To get your child comfortable with this concept, let them get comfortable with being naked first. You might want to let them run around the house naked for several minutes before bedtime as they’re getting ready to use the potty. This will slowly help them understand that they should be using the potty nude.

Most everything in parenting requires a great deal of patience. This is especially true if you are teaching your child how to be potty trained. Chances are, it will be extremely difficult at first. But getting frustrated and upset with your child will only make matters worse. Be patient and talk through it with your child and you’ll find that you’ll have the most success that way.

The stinky part about potty training is that you have to practice aiming with them. With the girls, it’s a little easier. You just sit down and have a go. With boys, things can get a little tricky. If you want to avoid the dreaded reality of your child spraying all over the floor instead of the toilet, then use this neat trick. Get a Cheerio or any other small food item that will flush easily without damaging your toilet. Place the Cheerio inside of the toilet bowl.

Then, get a stool for your child to stand on (if they feel comfortable without it, then ditch it)  and have them try to aim at the cheerio. The goal is for your child to practice aiming directly inside the toilet bowl. And hopefully, get better at learning how to use the toilet without your help. Not only this, but using the Cheerio can be an incentive for some fun. This can make your job of potty training a lot easier.

Using the potty successfully is a huge accomplishment. When your child does use the bathroom on his own or with a little assistance from you, be sure to celebrate. Go beyond just a simple high five. Make a fanfare session out of it and remind him that he’s doing such a good job. You may even want to reward him with a big kid surprise such as watching a little TV or playing outside a little longer.

Potty training does not have to be a terrible experience. With the right type of equipment and a lot of consistency, you can potty train your son with ease. Use these helpful tips as well as the advice of parents who have already been there to get your son potty trained in no time!