Edward R. Christophersen, Ph.D., confirms that girls are easier to potty train than boys. There are many theories as to why this is, but the most important thing is to make sure that your daughter is ready to be potty trained. According to Babycenter.com, signs that your daughter is ready includes knowing potty-related words, following simple instructions and getting on and off a potty.
Easier for Girls
According to a 2003 study by N. J. Blum, B. Taubman and N. Nemeth, girls start and complete potty training sooner than boys. There are several factors that contribute to this result. Girls mature faster than boys, typically having advanced verbal skills over boys. In most cases, a mother is usually the potty trainer. Because children learn by mimicking, it is easier for a girl to learn because her mother has the same reproductive parts as she does. Girls only have one position to learn, sitting down, while boys must learn to stand and sit to go potty.
Differences in Potty Training a Girl
The most important thing to teach your daughter is the correct way to wipe. Because bacteria can spread easily, she must be taught to wipe from the front to the back. If that proves too difficult at first, she can be taught to pat herself until dry. Another difference is that bladder infections are more common when potty training girls.
Pick a Chair
Babycenter.com says to let your daughter help you pick out the potty training chair or adapter seat. If it is a potty chair, let her decorate it with stickers or decals. A parent can even write their daughter's name on her potty chair. This lets your daughter know that the chair is all her own.
Potty Accessories
Life123.com encourages letting your daughter pick out big girl underwear. The pretty, girly designs may entice your little potty trainer into wearing them and keeping them unsoiled. A potty training doll can also be a good teaching aid. Girls generally love dolls, so a doll that uses the potty too can be helpful. Books about potty training are also advised because the visual aids make it easier for a toddler to comprehend.
Demonstrations
Girls love to copy their moms. Because of this, Life123.com says that it is a great idea to allow her to watch you use the bathroom. Explain to her what you are doing, using potty terms that she understands. You can even encourage her to sit on her potty while you do. Let her flush the toilet so she gets used to the sound and understands what it does. Your daughter can also teach her doll to use the potty. Let her watch the doll's potty fill with "pee-pee" and then teach her how to wipe and dump the potty into the toilet.
Tips
Breastfeeding.com advises that girls be dressed in loose-fitting clothes or skirts and dresses while learning to potty train. This will make it easier for them to undress themselves when they need to get on the potty. Your daughter should never be pressured or forced to use the potty. She should use the potty because she is ready and wants to.
