Your toddler would much rather be running around the house with his new toy car than sitting still for a few moments to use a potty. Don't worry, you're not alone. According to the University of Michigan Health System, boys generally start potty training a little later than girls. And although your little boy is the only one who can ultimately decide that he will start to use a potty, you can follow a few tips that may help speed up the process.
Skip the Punishments
If you punish your toddler for being unwilling to use a potty, you risk causing him to develop negative associations with idea of using the bathroom. You will also risk running into a battle of wills; even if he did start to develop a slight interest in the potty, the stress of wanting to "win" the battle could even cause him to withhold stool, become constipated and have even more struggles with potty training. Keep Kids Healthy says it can be appropriate to let him know that you don't approve of his stubbornness to use the potty, but that you should never resort to yelling, nagging or shaming him. Instead, focus on using positive and encouraging language when referring to the potty and bodily functions.
Complement Diaper Use
Most toddlers who are ready to start potty training show visible and occasionally verbal signs of being ready, says Keep Kids Healthy. Some of these signs may include making a certain facial expression, having dry spells for up to two hours, going to a corner of the room to soil his diaper or even telling you that he has soiled his diaper. Pick up on these cues and take him to the bathroom to sit on the toilet, even just sitting in his diaper, for a few minutes every time you think he is about to go. Also make him do a little "work" by involving him in the process of cleaning himself up when he uses his diaper. For example, he can hand you a wet wipe, grab a new diaper from the bag and toss the dirty diaper.
Make Potty Use Easy
Either buy a child-sized potty seat for your regular toilet or buy him a new, child-sized potty for him to make the process seem less daunting. You may even allow him to pick out his favorite potty seat or child-sized potty at the store; one may even come decorated with his favorite cartoon character. If you choose to put a potty seat on the regular toilet, make it accessible to a child his size by putting a climbing stool next to it. Also have handy child wipes next to the potty.
Offer an Incentive
Rewards can make a daunting task seem more fun. If your toddler knows that he is going to get a special sticker every time he tries and a toy train any time he leaves poop in the toilet, he may be more willing to make a concerted effort. Also dole out plenty of consistent verbal praise, hugs and kisses for every effort he makes.
Try, But Not Too Much
One extra effort you can make to encourage the process is to take him out of diapers altogether. It will mean extra messes for a while, but feeling wet and uncomfortable will cause him to recognize the added annoyance of not using a potty. You may even casually have him help you clean up the floor, clean out his underwear and put on fresh clothes every time he has an accident. If you have set the ball in motion to encourage your toddler to use the potty, yet he still resists the idea, he may just not be ready yet. Know that he won't go to college in diapers and that he will come around in due time.
