Teaching a toddler to use the bathroom is certainly no easy feat, but training boys to figure this out can be particularly challenging for many parents.
In general, girls mature faster than boys, so they tend to grasp the process faster.
Additionally, girls just sit down for the whole process, while boys have to figure out how to master the difference between standing up to pee or sitting down to poop.
Before kicking off potty training, be sure that your son is ready for it.
Don't push a kid to potty train simply because you are sick and tired of changing diapers.
If you start too early, it will all backfire on you and your kid will only resist learning--and it will take longer.
Good signs that your son is ready will be that he will grab at his diaper because he is uncomfortable that it is wet or dirty, or he may even try to take it off.
Here's some helpful tips: It's Going to Take Time: On average, potty training a boy takes about 8-9 months, so don't rush things and be patient.
Don't hurry your son because you want it to be over with.
When kids fail to potty train, it's almost always the parent's fault and not the child's.
Don't Yell: Face reality now, and understand that your son is going to have accidents.
Don't yell or belittle him, as this will only send things backwards.
If he does have an accident, just tell him that it's okay and that you'll clean up the mess together.
Make sure to say something encouraging like: "Next time, you have to be sure to tell Mommy so that we can go in the potty and not on the floor, okay?" It will help him connect the dots and grasp the process.
Ready, Set, Aim!: Sometimes getting a boy to aim into the toilet properly can be a challenge in itself.
To prevent pee from going everywhere, you can throw a Cheerio or a bright colored piece of paper into the toilet bowl and let it float right in the center.
You can then turn it into a bit of a game for your son, and tell him to "shoot the target!" When he hits the Cheerio, give him a big cheer or even a little reward.
Standing or Sitting? Some parents have their sons start sitting down to pee, so there is less confusion for them with the overall process.
Other parents prefer to kick things off with standing up right away.
There really is no right or wrong answer here, and you can do whatever you and your child feel most comfortable with.
If you are not using a small potty and are using your regular toilet, you can have your son sit backwards (facing the tank and wall), and let him use the tank to support himself and have something to hold onto so he doesn't feel like he's falling in.
Then, as he starts to get it, you can just stand him up on a step stool-and it feels natural to him because he's been facing the wall the whole time.
Let Him Watch Dad: Kids learn by watching, so don't hesitate to let your toddler watch Dad or an older brother use the toilet.
There's really no need to be modest, as this is just a normal and natural body function.
If your son asks questions, just answer them honestly and it won't be a big deal.
It's never too early to teach your kid about vital body parts and function.
Drop Your Shorts: Be sure to put clothing on boys that are easy to remove while they are toilet training.
Don't use overalls or pants with snaps or zippers if at all possible.
A pair of loose fitting sweat pants or shorts are truly the best option for getting down quickly when your son is in a rush to go.
Reminders: Little kids have to pee very often, so be sure to ask them at least every 30 minutes if they have to go.
If they are distracted by TV or toys, you'll need to make sure they've heard you.
Sometimes, you just have to grab them by the hand and put them on the toilet directly.
You can even use an egg timer to go off every 30 minutes so the kid can hear it and he gets used to hearing the sound and going to the potty when it rings.
Reward: The goal is to make going to the potty a truly positive experience-even if mistakes or accidents happen.
When you son successfully uses the toilet, do a big jig and clap your hands! Shout out "Hooray!" If your son sees you are excited about his progress, he will be equally as joyful that he's on the right path.
Don't hesitate to give him a small piece of chocolate or treat every time he goes.
And then use the reward as a means of getting him to go.
For example, if he's being stubborn about going to the potty and is just sitting there just say: "Johnny, hurry up and use the potty so you can get your chocolate!" If he doesn't go, then he doesn't get the treat at that time.
Sooner or later they attribute the process with the treat, and they work hard to get that goody.