Winning Tactics For Potty Training Boys
Does the thought of potty training boys fill you with anxiety? After all, you've been told by friends and family that potty training boys is harder and takes longer than girls. Well relax, get yourself a pre-potty training plan and you'll find that you can potty train your little boy in a happy and relaxed manner. It can even be done in days, yes days if you follow this proven potty training program.
From 12 months onwards introduce your little boy to the words associated with potty training such as pee, poo, wet and dry. You do this by always talking him through what you are doing when you are changing his diaper.
Get into a routine of having a daily story reading session with your child. Even five minutes is good. You want your son to develop the skill of being able to sit quietly, and concentrate, for several minutes at a time.
Encourage your little boy to be independent. I know it's quicker and easier to put on his hat, gloves, etc but whenever possible let him try.
And get him to carry out simple instruction such as "pick up your bricks and put them in the toy box". To begin with, you'll do it together.
When you've assessed your little boy has the necessary communication skills (usually around 20-24 months), is emotionally stable (check this out for advice on being emotionally ready), and can go a couple of hours without needing his diaper changed it's time to enter the preparation phase of toilet raining toddlers.
You need an anatomically correct boy doll. One that takes in water and pees. This doll (remember to let your son give it a name) is going to be the demonstrator. It is not to be used as a toy. You are going to "potty train" the doll. And you're going to give the doll lots of praise when it uses the potty and keeps the underpants dry. The doll gets a wall chart and a sticker is put on the chart every time the potty is used. And the doll gets a party to celebrate its success.
Next stage is to take your little boy shopping for a potty and training pants (the brighter the better). Let him choose stickers for a wall chart (you can buy or make your own). Make this shopping trip an event. Let him know that this is an exciting occasion. You want him to be looking forward to potty training.
Finally, review your little boy's diet to ensure that it's fiber rich. After all, potty training will be a painful experience if your little boy is constipated. Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. Also make sure he is drinking lots of fluid, preferably mostly water, so that he needs to pee often.
You and your little boy are ready. Potty training boys can now begin in earnest.
Suzy Mindell
P.S. click here to learn about the mistakes to avoid when toilet training a toddler.