6 Sanity Saving Hacks for Potty Training Boys

Potty training boys – tips & tricks to help you prepare.

Are you about to embark on the adventure of potty training your little boy? You are not alone. Potty training boys to use the potty can seem like a daunting task. And with all the conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to begin.

However, fear not.

With the right techniques and mindset, potty training your son can actually be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your child (yes, enjoyable!)

In this post, I’ll go over 5 pieces of advice given by experts on how to prepare for success, recognize common mistakes, track progress, engage in fun activities and deal with setbacks.

By the end of this article, you will have tons more clarity on how to move forward and feel a lot more confident that you can totally do this.

Let’s dive in!

This post is about potty training boys

6 Sanity Saving Hacks for Potty Training Boys

Tip #1: Prepare for Success

To increase the chances of success in potty training your son, it is super important to prepare both yourself and your child.

This involves assessing readiness, gathering necessary supplies, and creating a supportive environment that encourages positive behavior.

Don’t just jump into potty training without first chalking out a plan. Sit and ask yourself: is my child developmentally ready? Am I ready?

If you’re shifting to a new house, travelling, dealing with sickness or having visitors stay, it’s best to wait a little longer before starting training.

I encourage you to start training when you have at least 2-3 days completely free. Where you can focus on potty training entirely and give it your full attention. You will save SO MUCH time, energy and effort if you do this.

Tip #2: Recognize Common Potty Training Mistakes

Assessing readiness, gathering supplies, and creating a supportive environment are all important steps in potty training your son.

However, it’s equally essential to recognize common potty training mistakes that parents make so that you can avoid them.

One common mistake is starting too soon. It’s important to wait until your child is truly ready to begin the process. Don’t just start because people around you are putting pressure on you or because your friends with kids the same age are already trained. It is not a competition or a race to the finish line.

Potty training success hinges on physical, developmental and behavioral milestones, not age. Many children show signs of being ready for potty training between ages 18 and 24 months. However, others might not be ready until they’re 3 years old. There’s no rush.
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It’s also important to note that research shows that boys take longer to train than girls so do keep that in mind.

Another mistake is not being consistent with the approach. Children thrive on routine, so it’s important to stick with a consistent plan. Are you using the 3 day training method, child oriented training method or the parent led method? Whatever approach you are using, try to stick with it and be consistent with it.

Lastly, you need to avoid using negative reinforcement or punishment, as this can lead to a negative association with the potty. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and celebrate each success. Make an effort to make potty training exciting for your child.

Children love to imitate and a great way to get them excited about using the potty is by having them practice with a potty training doll (this Daniel Tiger Potty Doll is a hit with parents that have boys!)

You can read a more detailed post on potty training mistakes over here: 10 Truly Awful Potty Training Mistakes You Should Know About

Tip #3: Use Potty Training Charts to Track Progress

One effective method to track your little boy’s progress in potty training is through the use of charts. These charts allow you to visually track and celebrate each success, helping to motivate your child and reinforce positive behavior.

Potty training charts can be simple or elaborate, and can be found online or created at home.

To create a potty training chart, start by identifying specific goals and milestones to track. For example, you may want to track the number of times your child successfully uses the potty each day, or how many accidents they have.

You can also include rewards for reaching certain milestones, such as stickers or small toys.

Each time your child successfully uses the potty, mark it on the chart and provide positive reinforcement and praise. Over time, your child will begin to associate using the potty with positive experiences, making them more likely to continue the behavior.

By tracking progress with a potty training chart, parents can gain insight into their child’s habits and progress in the potty training process. This method also helps to keep parents accountable and consistent in their approach, leading to greater success in the long run.

You can grab this adorable Dino Potty Chart. Just fill out the form below with your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox for FREE.

Tip #4: Engage in Potty Training Activities

Doing potty training activities with your toddler is a hands-on way to teach your child about potty training in a way that is super fun.

These activities teach toddlers about potty training in a way that is engaging, exciting and super fun. Toddlers trace, color, match, sort, giggle and laugh as they learn about potty training the FUN way.

No nagging and no pressure.

This has tremendous benefits in increasing your child’s motivation to train and actually get excited about it. Check out our Potty Training Activity Book to see what all the hype is about!

By engaging your child in these types of activities, you can help make potty training a more positive experience, which will ultimately lead to more successful results.

Tip #5: Dealing with Setbacks

Despite your best efforts, setbacks in potty training are inevitable. Your child might have tons of accidents or refuse to use the potty altogether.

It’s important to remember that setbacks are a normal part of the process and not to get discouraged.

Instead, take a deep breath and try to figure out the root of the problem.

Some possible causes of setbacks include changes in routine, stress, illness, or even simply forgetting to remind your child to use the potty.

If your child is resistant to using the potty, try to figure out why.

Are they afraid of falling in or worried about something else? Addressing their concerns and offering reassurance can help alleviate their fears.

Expert Tip: Getting kids EXCITED to train is really the secret to success (potty training activity sheets, potty training books and potty training dolls can all be immensely helpful tools!)

It’s important to remain patient and consistent throughout the process. Keep reminding your child to use the potty regularly, and praise them for their efforts. If accidents happen, clean them up calmly and without blame. With time and practice, your child will become more confident in their potty training abilities.

Tip #6: Celebrating Successes

As you embark on this potty training journey with your little boy, it’s essential to celebrate every victory – no matter how small. Celebrating successes, like using the potty for the first time, going an entire day without an accident, or even just sitting on the potty chair without fear, can be a huge encouragement for your child.

Your son will undoubtedly have a few accidents, but eventually, he’ll enjoy the accomplishment of getting something in the potty. Celebrate this moment with fanfare.
babycenter

Remember, potty training is a learning process, and mistakes are bound to happen. Instead of focusing on the negative, make sure to praise your child’s efforts and progress. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in building your child’s confidence and motivation to continue learning.

Consider creating a sticker chart or a rewards system to celebrate your child’s progress. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; simple rewards like extra playtime, a special treat, or a high-five can be just as effective. Whatever you choose, make sure to celebrate the wins to keep your child motivated and excited about learning this new skill.

In summary, potty training boys can be a challenging experience for both parents and children alike. However, by preparing for success and being ready parents can help make the journey smoother and more rewarding.

Ready to take the stress out of potty training? Ready to feel prepared and train a child who is actually EXCITED about training? You need to check this out.

This life saving bundle includes potty training activity sheets to GET KID EXCITED. Potty training charts and certificates to MOTIVATE KIDS. Potty training affirmations to help you STAY CALM. Instruction cards so kids KNOW WHAT TO DO. Tracker sheets so you can TRACK PROGRESS.

Basically everything you need to have a successful potty training experience 🙂 Check it out here.