Preschool is looming in the not-so-distant future. Other parents are bragging about their little ones’ toilet training accomplishments. The garbage bag is filling up with poop bags while the potty seat, pull ups, and training pants are collecting dust. Going out to the store means lugging around diapers, wipes, and extra pairs of pants. Additionally, there doesn’t seem to be any interest in the toilet whatsoever.
This is probably a very familiar scenario for parents of toddler boys who are itching to get them potty trained. Although some gentle pushing may be necessary, it is very important that the child is ready physically and mentally before pursuing these tips for potty training.
Ready to be Potty Trained?
There are several behaviors to look out for when determining if a toddler boy is ready to be potty trained. Try answering these questions to find out if the time to try the potty is imminent:
- Is he curious about using the bathroom?
- Is he interested in pleasing you?
- Is he displaying a desire for independence?
- Does he have an older brother that he constantly emulates?
- Does he like to pretend he is a grown-up?
- Does he respond positively to praise and encouragement?
If the answer to one or more is “yes”, then a strong motivators for potty training have been identified.
Toilet Training Plan
Once a child is ready, parents need to establish a clear potty training plan. Have training pants, a potty seat, and pull ups handy. Set a timetable with goals. When they are met, reward those goals with stickers, positive praise, special outings, TV time, or anything that he enjoys. Try incorporating these important steps:
- Use a definitive tone of voice to announce when potty training will begin.
- Set out the potty in an accessible location (doesn’t need to be the bathroom).
- Note when the child usually has bowel movements and place him on the potty at these times.
- Keep his clothes on at first.
- Read a story to encourage him to stay on the potty.
- Have him practice walking to the potty.
- Decide how he will be rewarded for his efforts and be consistent.
- Decide how accidents will be handled.
Potty Training Resistance Tips
If there is a resistance to potty training, one or more of these tips may be helpful:
- Never use force or hold him down on the potty
- Change dirty diapers immediately
- Don’t pressure, judge, or punish for accidents
- Have him wear clothes and training pants that are easy to remove
- Keep diaper and pants off at various times during the day
- Use a sticker board, prize bucket, or ticket jar for rewards
- Read age-appropriate and entertaining potty training books together
- Start plan during warm season when clothes are lighter
- Have him observe/model other male members of the family
- Make older boys responsible for accidents
Gone are the days of cloth and safety pins. Since modern diapers are so much easier to handle and more comfortable to wear, potty training tends to be delayed a little longer. It isn't uncommon for children to reach the age of four or even five before they are fully potty trained. Keep in mind that all children develop at different rates and have patience. Remember that your child, like all others, will eventually make the successful transition from diapers to toilet.
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