How to Successfully Potty Train Boys

There is a magic age for potty training boys. Combine that age with practice, after four little boys, and I've got the solution on how to potty train your boys with absolute success.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Humility
• New underwear (eventually)
• A little potty, or for some, the adult toilet
• A sense of humor

1. Wait until age three to potty train your little guy. Before age three they continue to have accidents, no matter how fast they rush to the bathroom, which is surprising since little boys are usually so quick. By age three boys seem to be able to make it to the bathroom when they sense an urgency, and they can communicate better with their parents. Of course, there are exceptions, but why put yourself through the frustration of backtracking and repeat accidents, when three seems to be the best number? I trained all four of my boys right after their third birthday, and I know several moms who did the same, successfully.

2. On the first two days of potty training let your guy run around in his birthday suit, and plan on staying home. Tell him he isn't wearing a diaper anymore and remind him where he should go potty, through out the day. Try having him sit on the potty a few times, but don't force him to stay. Everybody under the sun is going to tell you how cruel you are to "make" your son go without a diaper or underwear. Don't worry. Your little buddy will have a blast being as nature intended. If your child knows that there is nothing to catch his pee or bowel movement, he will sense that he should run to the nearest toilet when he feels he has to go. He also won't need help getting underwear down during his first few emergencies. If you live in a neighborhood, count on staying inside the first two days, lest you want nosey neighbors expressing their concern. If you live in the country, then you have a perfect setting for the boys to be inside or outside. Encourage them to use the potty inside, so they can learn how it feels to sit down and pee. You won't have to wash dirty underwear. 'Perhaps, a few wet floors, but that shouldn't last long.

3. Once your child has completed step two and is accident free for a day or so, time for underwear. A few pair of undies, with his favorite character, are always fun. Explain to him that once the underwear is on he can't get it wet or "poopy" or it will be ruined. Remind him to tell you when he has to use the potty, so that you can help him with his new underwear. He may soil a pair or two, at the most, but remember he has already mastered running to the bathroom when he feels the urgency.

4. Congratulations. You are almost at the bathroom race finish line. After you are both successful at step two and three, you should be ready for pants or shorts; and to venture outside the house. Of course, the first few days out and about, you will want to take along fresh underwear and shorts. Always remind your toddler to tell you when they have to go, before it's too late. And take them seriously when they say, "I have to go pee!" Little boys don't give us much warning, but they should be successfully trained if you follow the previous steps with courage, a little humility and a bit of a sense of humor.

Tips & Warnings

• Before age three read fun "potty books."
• Let your youngster see you on the potty.
• Don't fret about others' opinions on waiting until age three until you train, or about the way you approach training.
• Don't expect them to go without a diaper at night. Three or four mornings with a dry diaper is a good sign they are ready for underwear at night.
• I am not a pediatrician. I am a mother of six, with four boys. I have friends who parented several children, as well; and without exception, the moms who waited patiently to potty train their children until they were ready were most successful. Children with special needs require different bathroom tips, and require help from those who are trained in those areas.

[barbreads]

on 8/16/2009 Lots of good points from someone who has done this with four boys. Sounds like "readiness" is the key.