Many parents will tell you that potty training a male child is more difficult than training a female. Don't be concerned by this assertion as every child is different, and you may find potty training your boy is not a difficult task if you enter into it with a positive attitude and plan. It is beneficial to wait until your son is 2 years old before beginning to toilet train. At this point, he should be physically and mentally up to the challenge.
Step 1
Buy your boy his very own potty. Choose a well-constructed and easily cleaned apparatus. Take him with you when you purchase it to help build the excitement of beginning training.
Step 2
Talk to your child about potty training before you actually begin. Explain that the potty will be taking the place of his diapers and that the potty is where he will "pee" and "poop."
Step 3
Pick up a children's book that is devoted to the subject of potty training. Read it several times with your toddler to help him understand what toilet training entails.
Step 4
Watch a children's video on potty training. This, along with books, can be invaluable tools in illustrating to your son the process of using the potty.
Step 5
Let your child get used to sitting on the potty. He can do this with his clothes on at first, but the sooner he gets used to pulling his pants up and down, the better. Don't attempt to have him stand and urinate until he has mastered potty training.
Step 6
Use a doll or stuffed toy to "demonstrate" using the potty. Imitate the sound of urinating while you hold the toy over the potty. Your child will enjoy the pretend time, and it will help motivate him to use the potty.
Step 7
Buy your son an abundance of underwear to begin training. You will need them. Let him shop with you and pick out items with favorite characters imprinted on them to help fuel his enthusiasm.
Step 8
Begin by taking your son to the potty immediately upon waking. Make this as pleasant as possible as he may be cranky at this time. Sing to him while he sits. Don't keep him on the potty for more than five minutes at a time. If he is successful, celebrate it with clapping. If not, try again later.
Step 9
Develop a routine for potty training. A schedule with help you. Have your son "potty" first thing in the morning, after each meal and before bed. Also, take him to the potty any time that he asks to go. You should see progress soon.
Things You'll Need
- Small potty
- Underwear
