Introduction
If you think that it may be time to start potty training your little boy, you are probably feeling at least a little bit of anxiety about the task that lies before you. Many people believe that potty training boys is much more difficult than potty training girls. This makes sense simply because boys use the bathroom in more ways than girls; standing up and sitting down. Additionally, the father of the family is generally the one who is best suited to potty train his son, yet the responsibility often falls on the mother if she is the one who is staying at home to care for the children. Without an ever present role model, little boys have a harder time figuring out what to do.
Instructions
Before you start to potty train your boy you need to make sure that he is ready for it. As there are many more articles that you can read to describe in more detail how you can know your child is ready to be potty trained here is a simple summary. You know your son is ready to be potty trained if he shows excitement about learning to do so, knows when he is wet or dirty and goes directly to you for a new diaper, and has the physical skills necessary such as being able to walk, pull up and down pants and aim. Once you believe it is time to start potty training, below are some suggested tips to keep in mind as you are potty training that will be unique to the process of how to potty train boys.
Tips for how to potty train boys
•Start in the sitting position – When you potty train your boy, it is usually best to help him learn how to use the potty while he is sitting on it first. After he has mastered this ability, you can teach him what to do when standing. It is best to start training by having your boy sit on the toilet for several reasons. First, it is easier to focus and contain a mess when the boy is sitting. Also, when first potty training it is common for a boy to have a bowel movement and urinate at the same time. If your boy is standing, this could get ugly. Start with the basics and then graduate to the more fun method of standing and aiming.
•Teaching your son to stand – Once you feel like your son is ready to progress to the stage of learning how to urinate standing up, you can try the very popular technique of dropping cheerios into the toilet and encouraging your son to aim at them. Obviously this is to teach your boy that urine belongs in the toilet and no where else. This part of the potty training process can be greatly aided by dad's help. If a boy has an example to follow he can pick up the skills that he needs much better. Just be prepared now for a mess because the majority of boys will need a few tries in order to refine their aim. Be patient and supportive with your boy as you encourage him to keep trying.
Other tips
Potty training boys is particularly difficult for mothers because of the anatomical differences that exist between mother and son. Many mothers find that it is helpful to seek the counsel of other mothers who have potty trained sons to see what worked for them. Of course you must realize that what worked for one mother and son may not work for you, but at least you will have some different methods to try.
