Help your little boy be successful with potty training! Potty training boys can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Whether you’re starting early or trying to potty train your 3 year old, these potty training tips for boys will help.
Tips for Potty Training Boys
Developmental research suggests that boys’ brains develop differently than girls and learning often takes on different forms for boys than for girls. In essence, boys need to try and do the same activity over and over, in order to learn. Added to that – they don’t always like to do the same activity over and over again. So they might be really into potty training for a few minutes, and then they might be really into their toy cars. And then they might be really into playing outside.
Another factor? Boys have to learn a 2-step process. Boys and girls both learn to sit on the potty, but boys have to learn the additional skill of knowing when to stand and when to sit. And what to do when they need to do both.
We’re not saying that all boys are going to be difficult to potty training. But feedback from parents suggests that potty training boys might be challenging.
So we’re sharing our best tips for potty training boys!
Don’t rush it.
You’ll hear it again and again. Big sister was potty trained when she was 18 months, but little brother wasn’t ready until he was three. Or four. Your friend’s daughter potty trained herself at the age of 2, but your 4-year-old son still has no interest in underwear.
It’s okay. Sometimes, boys like to do things on their own timeline, and potty training is often one of those times. To save yourself (and your son) a lot of frustration, make sure he’s really ready before you get started. Click here to read the 6 signs of potty training readiness.
Tag-team it with a buddy.
Know another mom who needs to potty train her son? Partner up for a few days and make the potty training fun for everyone. Toddler boys can be especially influenced by peers – so having someone else learn the new skill alongside him can be both encouraging and fun!
Start with sitting and move on to standing.
Remember, boys have more to learn when it comes to potty training than girls. They have to learn when to stand and when to sit. And what to do when they need to do both.
Most experts suggest that you start by having your son sit down for everything. First, they need to grasp what happens without a diaper on. Then, they can move onto standing vs sitting (and often very quickly.)
Play copycat.
There’s only so much you can do as a mom in teaching your son how to use the toilet. A good way to ensure his success is by letting him “copy” daddy or an older brother. This is a great way for him to ease into the idea of standing (once he has the hang of sitting.)
Practice with toilet targets.
Once your son has a handle on peeing in the toilet, you can move on to what is sure to be one of their favorite parts about potty training — target practice! Toss a few floatable (and flushable) objects in the toilet – like Cheerios or Fruit Loops. If you’re feeling crafty, make some colored ice cubes to help him perfect that aim.
Teach your son to spray the toilet targets as he stands to pee. The better his aim, the less mess for you in the future!
Go outside.
This is where potty training boys becomes a lot easier than girls – if the weather is warm and you have a private yard.
If the toilet is causing your little guy anxiety or putting him in a foul mood, take the training outside (weather and privacy permitting.) Your son will love peeing behind a tree in your yard, and he’ll be delighted with his newfound freedom.
Don’t rush it.
Yes, this is a repeat, but it’s that important. If your son isn’t showing the signs of readiness, it’s okay to take a break from potty training. If things aren’t going well, and you’re feeling frustrated, give yourself and your little guy a break. You can always try again in a few months.
Potty Training Doesn’t Have to Stink!
If you’re potty training your child, Kandoo is here to help. Follow the three steps below to receive all of the potty training support we have to offer.
1. Get Potty Training Resources
Visit Kandookids.com/PottyTraining for hacks and support on your potty training journey. From the very basics to how to handle potty training regressions, poop problems and wiping, we’ve got answers to your questions.
2. Sign up for our Potty Training Program
Need a little more help and support? Sign up for our FREE potty program. It’s full of step-by-step advice to walk you through the entire potty training process – from the first time you introduce the potty to how to throw a potty training party to celebrate your success at the end.
Sign up, and you’ll receive the most effective hacks on potty training including a step-by-step plan of action on when to start, supplies to buy, how to keep it silly, how to handle set backs and more! Click here to join now.
3. Stock up on Supplies – like Kandoo Flushable Wipes
Kandoo Flushable Cleansing Wipes clean up to 30% better than toilet paper. The wipes pop up with the push of a button, making them perfect for little hands. Added bonus? No more using too much (or too little) toilet paper.
Help your little one get a clean wipe every time with the Kandoo Potty Time Pack. From Kandoo Flushable Wipes to Kandoo BRIGHTFOAM® Hand soap – and even a potty training superhero cape – the Potty Time Pack has everything you need for potty training success.
If your child likes to be independent, the Kandoo Potty Time Pack can help. Click here to purchase it now with free shipping!
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