As a parent, you see your children change, seemingly right before your eyes. They move through the early stages of life so quickly, you may find it difficult to keep up sometimes. One of the more challenging tasks you'll face is potty training--especially so with boys. Like most parents, you are probably wondering where, how and when to get started.
When to Start
The general consensus is that most boys show signs of being ready for potty training anywhere between 18 months and 3 years of age. Right around 2 ½ years old is when most parents begin the process. But parents are urged to assess their own child's readiness and their own, and not to depend so much on what's considered "normal." Do what's right for you and your child. BabyCenter.com points out that some boys may not be ready until they are into their fourth year, so parents should be prepared.
Time Frame
Potty training isn't an overnight process, but some kids learn faster than others. It's always suggested to have a routine in place for your child, but they will still learn at their own pace. Potty training usually takes between three and six months, and although there are tips on how to potty train in as little as three days, it can also take more than six months. But don't rush your child. Rushing them could actually be counterproductive.
Reading the Signs
Parents should watch for signs from their boy that they're ready to begin potty training. There are physical signs such as dry periods that last three to four hours at a time and regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
Behavioral signs include quietly sitting for two to five minutes, pulling his own pants down, a desire for independence and showing interest in mommy and daddy's bathroom habits, among others.
There are cognitive signs as well. Those include the ability of your child to follow simple instructions and to know the physical signs of having to go to the bathroom.
Boys Take Longer
It's not urban legend. It takes longer to potty train boys than it does girls, but nobody knows why. Some have speculated that because mother's are usually the main potty trainer, little boys don't have a male role model to mimic in the bathroom and therefore take a little longer to get the hang of things. And unlike girls, the process of potty training boys is two-fold. Boys must learn to go pee and poop sitting down, and then must learn how to pee standing up. A study published on WebMD notes that typically, boys are potty trained by the time they reach 38 months, while girls are potty trained a little earlier, at right around 36 months.
Considerations
If you have more than one child, remember that what worked before may not work in the future. As most parents know, every child is different, and each one needs their own individual attention and care.
