Potty training is a necessary part of every child's development. Potty training any child can be challenging, but due to anatomical differences, potty training a boy can provide its own challenges. A little guidance and a few tricks can help make the process go smoother.
Show By Example
Before you start officially potty training, show by example to help the process move faster. Showing by example involves inviting your boy into the bathroom when his father and or brother is using the potty. This allows your child the chance to see how it's done correctly, and also may motivate him to want to potty train faster to be like the rest of the family.
Aiming
From the time your child starts observing, until the time he starts trying to use the potty on his own, an emphasis should be placed on the importance of aiming his penis down and at the center of the toilet bowl. Explain the process to your child, and then consistently remind your child during the rest of training. This can be simplified by having your boy start potty training by peeing while sitting down, recommends the Mayo Clinic, and then graduating to standing up.
Targets
To help your boy learn how to aim, you can make potty training into a game. For example, many toilet targets are available on the market that work by having your child try to sink the target, building their aim at the same time. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on targets, just buy a box of Cheerios and use them as targets in the toilet.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement also can be employed during potty training with boys. Your child may be more successful and consistent if he knows that he will be rewarded for his effort. Rewards can vary from verbal praise to getting to watch a favorite television show or movie, or even time with you to read his favorite book. If you want you also can reward him with a toy or other item if he consistently goes without accident for a specified amount of time.
Equipment Safety
It's important to choose potty training equipment that is both safe and specifically made for boys. When choosing a training toilet it's important to avoid products with a urine deflector, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, due to potential injury to the genitals as your boy tries to get off the toilet. If you are using the adult potty, be sure to remove any fabric toilet covers from your toilet seat, which can keep the toilet seat from staying up, possibly scaring or causing injury if it falls on your child.
Bed-Wetting Help
If your child still struggles with nighttime accidents, consider some tips. For example, try limiting your child's water intake, including juice and soda, before going to bed. Soda should be avoided as the caffeine can act as a diuretic. Many products also are available, such as the bed-wetting alarm, which is an electronic device designed to wake up your child when it senses moisture in the underwear. The idea behind this device is to wake the child up in time for him to cut off the flow of urine and rush to the toilet before having a full accident.
