There's no doubt potty training boys can really test your patience and your sense of humor. I can smile about the trials and tribulations now but boy, at the time it was certainly no laughing matter. Visions of me on the floor mopping up puddle after puddle features strongly in my memories. And as for the tears and tantrums, let's not go there!
They say you can't put a price on experience and I think that's certainly true when it comes to potty training boys. They take longer than girls. After all it's a two stage toilet training process. First they have to learn to do it sitting down then standing up.
Having been through the challenges of toilet training three boys, here are some of the lessons I learnt about the right time to start potty training.
Children develop at different rates. Don't even think about starting potty training if your boy can't understand and follow simple instructions. Also, it may be stating the obvious, but he must be able to walk and sit unaided.
Make sure your child is in a settled routine. If he's just started nursery school or you've just brought home his new baby brother or sister then now is not the time to add another challenge. The same is true for the parents. A new baby, new job or new home will mean that you've already got enough stress. Leave it for a month or two. To learn more about the wrong time to toilet train a toddler click here.
We all know children love imitating other kids and adults so use this trait to your advantage. Allow your son to watch Mom, Dad and any older brother go to the toilet. Give a running commentary through the whole process from pulling down pants to washing hands at the end. And yes, you do have to let him see what you "made". This introduces him to the concept that going to the bathroom is a perfectly natural thing to do.
Despite it being her first, my sister has just had a totally different toilet training experience. She's just sailed through potty training her son Paul. (No, she not Wonder Woman although I do think she’s pretty special, but then I'm biased).
How did she do it?
The secret to her success was following a potty training program. Apart from the invaluable content, hearing the right tone of voice to use in particular situations made such a difference. As a busy mom she didn't have much spare time to sit down and read but this audio course meant she could listen whilst driving, washing dishes,etc.... you know multi task as we women have to do.
So potty training boys does not have to be so difficult after all.
Happy Days
Suzy Carter
Discover The Stress Free Solution To Potty Training Boys
