Problems With Boy Potty Training

Toddlers often begin potty training between the ages of 2 and 4. Toddlers are ready to begin potty training when they stay dry overnight, show an interest in the potty and have the ability to dress themselves. Potty training boys is different than potty training girls. It is important that parents consider the unique individual needs of the child while potty training.

Time Frame

Boys often potty train later than girls do. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that while most girls will stay dry through the night be age 5, only 75 percent of boys will have the ability to stay dry by the same age.

Emotional Development

A toddler must be emotionally ready to begin potty training. Girls often develop faster emotionally than boys do. Toddler boys may need more time before they are emotionally ready to potty train.

Activity Level

High energy boys may be harder to potty train because they often do not like to take the time to stop playing long enough to go to the potty. Parents need to find ways to entice the high energy boy to show an interest in potty training.

Pee Guard

Many potty seats come equipped with a pee guard designed for toddler boys. Parents find that when using a potty seat without a guard designed for little boys, potty training can be a very messy business.

Sitting on the Potty

Little boys often want to try using the potty standing up before they are physically ready because they want to be like their dad or older brothers. Most toddlers are simply not tall enough to pee standing up and in the beginning, they often don't have the physical coordination needed.

References

• AAP - Toilet Training