Potty training your 3-year-old son can be a daunting experience. No matter how much you push or how many times you drag your child to the nearest toilet, there will be setbacks. Accidents will happen, and the important thing is to remember that this will pass. Getting your child excited about potty training will help ease his fears and make your job easier.
Step 1
Place floating paper targets or Cheerios in the toilet. Make sure that your son can reach the rim of the toilet in order to urinate in a standing position. Instruct your son to hit the target with his urine stream. Make the game more interesting by keeping score and asking him to beat his last score each bathroom visit.
Step 2
Ask your husband or another male role model in your son's life, to take him into the restroom with him. When your son sees daddy or grandpa using the potty, he will understand how boys and men use the restroom and will want to emulate them.
Step 3
Offer rewards to your boy for each successful potty visit. Stickers and candy are a great way to incite your son to use the potty instead of a diaper.
Step 4
Practice using the potty with your child. Practice does make perfect and at first your child may be afraid of the toilet. Getting him accustomed to it and helping him realize that using potty is a good thing will help things run smoother as the days pass.
Step 5
Purchase books and DVDs geared toward children. These books and DVDs have instructions regarding how to use the potty, and those directed at boys will show the difference between standing during urination and sitting during bowel movement. Your child will love reading and watching the magical potty training journey.
