Boys typically potty train a bit later than girls, but this does not imply that they are delayed. Many boys are busy playing and developing other skills at the age when girls start disliking being wet or messy. Most boys are ready to begin potty training when they are around 3 years old. When you begin, work with your boy's personality and interests. If you can relate potty training to something that is important to him, he will be more interested in its success.
Readiness for Training
Step 1
Look for signs that your child is ready to potty train. He should regularly keep his diapers dry for two or three hours at a time, and be able to speak and understand basic words and instructions. He should express discomfort when his diaper is wet or dirty. Keep in mind that children are ready at different times, so don't feel pressured to start potty training before your child is ready.
Step 2
Ask him to tell you when he needs to go to the bathroom. Encourage him to pay attention to his body's signals, such as a feeling of fullness when he needs to defecate, and to control his need to urinate or defecate until he gets to the potty. When preparing to leave your home, remind him that he needs to tell you early so you have time to find a public restroom.
Step 3
Find something that will motivate your child to potty train. Many preschools do not allow children to attend wearing diapers. Take your child to a preschool for a tour so he can see all the fun, exciting activities the children do there. Before the tour, explain to the teacher that you are about to begin potty training, and ask her to discuss the school's no-diaper policy to your child. Often, hearing it from an outside adult is more motivating than hearing this from a parent.
Step 4
Choose the right time to potty train. If your child has experienced a major upheaval, such as travel, moving or a new baby in the family, hold off on potty training until life settles down. Some parents like to potty train during the summer months when schedules are often less hectic and boys can run around outside without a diaper. If your child is interested in potty training in the middle of winter, don't wait several months until it's warm outside. Go ahead and start when your child is ready.
Teach Toilet Skills
Step 1
Allow your child to accompany Dad or a brother into the bathroom to see how the process works. Explain each step in the process, and encourage him to try for himself.
Step 2
Start by teaching a boy to urinate in a sitting position. This is easier than trying to aim from a standing position and is also the position he will use to defecate, freeing him from trying to decide whether to sit or stand when he is running to the potty at the last minute.
Step 3
When he defecates in the toilet, demonstrate how to pull an appropriate amount of toilet paper off the roll and wipe himself thoroughly before flushing the toilet.
Step 4
Demonstrate proper hand washing technique. You may need to provide a step stool so your child can reach the water faucet and soap.
Step 5
Dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing. Avoid overalls and other clothing that may be difficult to remove quickly.
Standing
Step 1
Demonstrate how to urinate in a standing position. Remind your child that his goal is to get all the urine into the toilet.
Step 2
Small, flushable targets, such as cereal, make aiming into the potty fun for a boy.
Step 3
Teach your child to wipe the seat or the floor if he drips urine.
