Potty Training Boys

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There is a common mindset that it takes longer potty training boys than girls. Some feel it because girls mature faster than boys. Another thought is that moms or female caretakers tend to be the primary role model and the lack of male role modeling to imitate the process slows the process.

The bottom line is good practices are good practices and although there are physiological differences between boys and girls, potty training boys can be done in a timely manner and with great success.

Here are things to consider when potty training boys.

Look for signs of readiness. Does your son follow simple instructions? Does he dress independently? Does he tell you when his diaper is dirty? Does he have dry periods of time of at least 3-4 hours (this shows his bladder muscles are developed to hold in the urine), Does he show an interest in the bathroom habits, wants to wear underwear or watches/mimics toileting habits?

When potty training boys remember it is a two step process. First they learn to sit on the potty, knees together, tucking the penis into the potty unless you have a built in urine guard. Then they master standing up. The reason we start with urinating sitting down is because bowel movements and urine come at the same time physiologically for boys. If you skip the sitting down step make sure you have a male role model so the child will imitate the same behavior. Some successful tricks to encourage this movement: targeting floating Cheerios or flushable targets.

Buy the right equipment and empower your son in the process by allowing him to pick out the new underwear/training pants and potty.

Establish a routine and look for patterns of elimination times.

Explain the process and expectations through videos, books, and modeling with toys.

Allow your child to go on the potty while you are going. The power of modeling and influence is priceless especially when dad is around to help.

Maintain a habit of going at certain intervals of time in conjunction with fluid intake. A timer is helpful to keep everyone on track.

Don’t act bothered or frustrated when there are set backs. Nagging and getting upset will hinder the process.

Keep the training pants on in spite of the pools of accidents. Using diapers or pull-ups as a crutch is unfair and confusing to your son because he is unaware of being wet or dry because pull-ups absorb so effectively.

Celebrate successes, be humorous, and keep charts with incentives.

Potty training boys is a major milestone for the family. This means a step toward independence, fewer dollars spent on diapers, and a child that feel proud of his accomplishments.