How to Potty Train a Stubborn Boy

Potty training a stubborn boy can be challenging. Using the right methods can be rewarding for both the parent and child. Follow these steps to potty train a stubborn boy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A potty seat
• Rewards
• Reward Chart
• Books
• Videos
• Big Boy Underwear

Potty Training a Stubborn Boy

1. First, make sure that your son is interested. If he is showing signs that he wants to go on the potty or is following you to watch you in the bathroom, he is most likely interested. If he wants big boy underwear or let's you know when he has pooped, then he is ready to potty train.
2. Next, take him shopping. Let your son pick out his big boy underwear with his favorite characters. Show him the potty seats to see which one he is interested in. Browse through the books and videos to see if he shows any interest. Set up a rewards system and let him choose the prizes. You can use stickers or stars or M & M's to praise a job well done. See what gets him most excited and then use it to motivate him.
3. Next, give him some naked time without the diapers. Spend a few days letting him run around naked and putting him on the potty every hour or so. This gives him an opportunity to really feel when he has to go. Remind him frequently of the rewards to combat any resistance and really praise any efforts he makes.
4. Once he is interested, there are some very easy and fun things that you can do to train him. Aim is the key for little boys. You want them to pee in the toilet so giving them targets is one of the first steps. Giving them something to aim for makes it fun and engaging. Try Cheerios or Fruit Loops. You can even find target stickers to put in the bottom of the toilet.
5. Next, if you still feel any resistance from your son, sit down and have a talk with him. Ask him why he thinks he is having trouble and what he can do about it. Let him set up his own schedule and then work with him. This is especially effective if he is having control issues. Give him back the control.
6. Finally, praise and reward your son. The key to successful potty training is to make sure that your son has shown signs of readiness (interested in the potty and wanting big kid underwear). Once he is interested you must find out the cause of resistance and then work around it. In some cases, he may just not be ready. Wait a month or two and then try again. It will happen but it almost always needs to happen on his schedule and when he is ready.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many other items available for boys that may motivate your son including stand-up kid sized urinals, potty training boy doll that actually goes to the bathroom and targets (stickers) that go in the bottom of your toilet so he can 'aim' while peeing.
• Some boys may just be curious to see what happens when they refuse to go on the potty. Make sure to walk your son through the steps of potty training and let him know exactly how it works as well as when he needs to go.
• Most experts recommend that you train your son sitting down at first and then let him go standing up. This method supposedly helps with bowel movements and cuts down on the mess.
• Be careful about pressuring your child too much to perform on the potty. Your child may become anxious and not want to potty train at all.
• In rare cases, your toddler may be experiencing pain when going to the potty which could be caused by constipation or some other illness. Make sure to check with his pediatrician if you suspect this may be the case.