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Toilet training boys - different or the same?
How to potty train a boy? Well, I have toilet trained four children, two of whom were boys.
Truthfully, between my boys and my girls, each individually potty trained in their own way.
Based on gender, at least in my house, no one trained faster or easier. It was a mixed bag.
Therefore, my potty training tips for boys are just that, tidbits that are useful to know as you are toilet training boys.
Using them, however, will probably not make the toilet training process go any faster! Darn!!
Potty training tips for boys.
You can certainly buy a potty training toilet seat that has a deflective shield on it to help your little man keep his pee shooting into the potty chair as opposed to across the bathroom. (Boys are always surprised by their ability to do this at first; then delighted.)
These same deflector potty chairs, however, can be harder to clean and sometimes scratch the private parts as little boys scoot on and off. If you buy a training seat like this at least buy one that has a removable deflector. Alternatively, you can teach your boy to sit backwards on a regular toilet. This lessens the tendency to pee over the top of the toilet.
Not all little boys are comfortable with this method, however. I found making suggestions and then matter-of-factly letting them decide (within reason) worked most days when potty training my boys.
When your son is getting tired of being told to go to the toilet, it may be time to introduce the idea of peeing at a target. Simply toss toilet targets (think bits of toilet paper) into the potty and tell him to aim and fire. Believe me, that will capture his interest for probably several days. (Just a note - if you have a creative child, he will instantly think of all the things he can drop into the toilet to pee on. Not a good idea! You'll want to teach that nearly all stuff stays OUT of the toilet!)
When toilet training boys, does one teach sitting or standing? The short answer is both, but which one first - and when - depends heavily upon your toilet-training boy.
Generally, it's better to start out sitting, just because there's less for him to keep track of while he's sitting so he can focus on the job more carefully. Sitting is better for reading or talking to mom, and if you're starting potty training you're going to be spending a lot of time sitting and waiting.
Also, sometimes pee and poop happen together and sitting is better for accommodating that. All this being said, if you have a little guy who's been watching his older brother or dad stand and pee, he may be adamant that's what he wants, too.
In that case, let him. Success is what counts. Always.
Boys are often in a hurry. It's always good to remember that in potty training for boys or girls, you are asking them to do a lot of things. Any way you can initially cut down on the number of steps involved in the toilet process will move you forward faster.
That's why some moms opt for naked toilet training sessions, so that clothes don't get in the way. And that certainly is a valid point, especially when beginning training. However, my guys decided that naked was the way to be and I got tired of making them put their clothes on...and on...and on.
So when asking how to potty train a boy, the answer is be flexible, patient and discover what works for your particular boy.
If he hasn't already, encourage Dad to show your budding potty champion what to do and answer his questions in a matter-of-fact way. All kids need appropriate modeling and toilet training boys is no exception.
A free potty training chart for boys can be helpful, too. Vary different printable charts and stickers to keep stuff interesting for your son. Offer potty training rewards - little stuff does best.
And I found it good not to overdo with any one thing when you're potty training a boy. Even candy gets boring when you get it every hour on the hour.
Potty training tips for boys - what to watch out for.
Power struggles. Toilet training boys and girls can be champions at them. Potty training is rife with them. You'll want to avoid them like the plague.
Get into a potty training power struggle and you can be stuck at this stage of the game for months, even years! I know. I battled with my kids over potty issues and lost time and time again.
Why? Because when it comes to toilet training for boys, they hold all the cards.
In other words, YOU CAN'T MAKE THEM GO.
And they know it. Instinctively.
So you must influence them. Subtly. With large amounts of patience (no matter what you really feel like).
It really helps if you can convince your boys that this potty training stuff is a great idea and to their advantage. I had one little guy who would do anything he thought was his idea. But if he thought something I asked was really MY idea...well, he would generally refuse me.
This can be a big problem when it's time to leave the house and you want your boy to go potty before you leave and you're in a time crunch. (I know a better way now. Always have a travel potty in your car.)
It's good to remember that you may be focusing on the potty training, but your boy probably is not. This is just another game to him, at least at first. Think of what would make your son WANT to play this game very, very well.
When the potty game gets boring, old, or makes mom or dad mad, then your child will no longer want to play.
The regular potty training tips for boys often includes things like cartoon character underwear or helping a favorite action figure or stuffed animal use the toilet.
These are good ideas, however, I would hold back a good idea or two for those times when every other idea has lost its luster. Those times will happen so just keep that in mind.
Toilet training boys requires you be patient, matter-of-fact and stay one step ahead of their interest level. Doing so means you will go a long ways toward a successful potty training process.
Popular potty training topics.
Potty Training Child
A list of all of our articles to help you while potty training your child.
Toilet Training Tips
Many times just one new piece of toilet training advice that I hadn't considered before was just the help I needed to help my child over a potty training hump.
Potty Training Boy
Additional tips to help if you are potty training a boy (I've trained two boys myself).
Potty Training Girls
Specific tips to help potty training for girls move smoothly (I've trained two girls myself).
Colleen Langenfeld is a mother with over 29 years of parenting experience and helps other busy moms around the globe at www.paintedgold.com.
Note from Colleen: Remember, I earn my living making excellent recommendations to you, Mom, so when you choose to click any of the links on this website and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
Naturally, that means I care about what you think! If you try a product or service I recommend, I'd love to hear from you. How else can I keep my recommendations top notch for all my visitors?
And thank you, for stopping by.
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