My Blog

September 4, 2007

TUE 4 SEP 2007

Tips On Getting Ready For Potty Training Boys By Penny Crane

It's stating the obvious that boys and girls are different. Therefore potty training boys is going to be a different experience from potty training girls. Even so, you should never lose sight of the individuality of your child.

Toilet training is an important milestone in your child's development. It's not something that can be rushed into. Planning for potty training boys will ensure that it's a happy and stress free experience for both parents and son.

Here are tips on getting ready for potty training toddlers boys. You could incorporate these pre-potty training tips into your son's routine from 12 months onwards.

Every time you change your son's diapers talk to him. Tell him want you are doing. Use words such pee, poo, wet, dry, wipe and wash. Repeated use of such words will help him understand the meaning of these words. When the time comes to using a potty he will then be able to understand your instructions better and training will be easier.

If it's within your comfort zone, allow your son to go with you to the bathroom. Again, you should describe what you are doing. Are you urinating, emptying your bowels or both? And remember, set a good example by always flushing and washing hands thoroughly. Of course, you are telling him about these actions as well. Tell your son that he will go to the bathroom too when he is bigger but he'll learn on a potty first. Potty training boys is usually easier if they have a male role model. If possible, it's good if a boy can go to the bathroom with dad or some other male that he knows well.

Start giving your son simple instructions. Obviously, to begin with you'll have to help him carry out these instructions. Soon, however he'll be able to understand, and carry out on his own an instruction such as "pick up teddy from the floor". Remember at this stage you're creating the building blocks for the actual potty training that will come later.

Every day set aside some time for story reading. You'll read whilst your son will sit on your lap. There will be times when he'll fidget or not listen to the story you're reading to him but you must persevere. However, soon he will learn to sit quietly and concentrate on the story being read. This is a very important lesson for a boy to learn. Potty training will not be very successful if your son can't sit still and concentrate for say five minutes at a time.

Encourage your child to be independent and do things for himself. Pulling up pants, pulling down pants, putting on hat and gloves etc. Yes, it takes much longer than if you were doing these tasks but it's vital he learns to do things for himself.

Every few months you should review what progress has been achieved following these tips.  This will help you decide whether potty training boys can begin in earnest.

But hold on a moment you now have to check whether your toddler is emotionally ready for toilet training.

I highly recommend the program Potty Training in 1 to 3 Days. It's a proven system for potty training boys.

Here's To Happy Potty Training Days

Penny Crane

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