It is not a very easy process to change the life of your son from using the potty instead of diapers. It is a big step, comparable to learning how to walk. So you have to be ready and aware that mistakes will occur. Ask any mother gone through this experience, and she will tell you funny tales about this period, even if it was not very funny at that time.
Perhaps you have heard stories about children that were able to use the potty at the age of 11 months, but you do not have to begin this early, as it is not necessary to put too much pressure on your son just because your neighbor’s son uses a potty at a young age.
Many children seem ready to learn to use the potty at the age of two or three years, but there is research conducted in the United Kingdom that there is a percentage of the children that do not learn how to use the potty before the age of 4.
My advice to you is to give your child the opportunity to show his willingness to learn, as is the case with walking and speaking, and it’s different for every child, and it is not related to intelligence and attention either. So do not worry, the day will come and your son will learn, just be attentive to recognize the right moment.
How can I be sure that my son is ready?
Less diapers: until the age of 20 months, children pee a lot and do not have control over their bladder. So when you notice that he is dry for almost two hours, it is a sign of his ability to control the process.
Fixed time for number two: whether it happens in the morning or during or after meals or before bedtime, when there is a pattern that can be determined, then this is a good sign of willingness to learn how to use the potty.
When your son is not satisfied with putting his diaper on and asks you to change it, this may also be a sign that he is ready.
When your son is talking about the need to urinate or defecate, when he tells you, for example, “now” or “I want to…” or “I’ve …” All of this is evidence that he has become more aware of the functions of the body.
The child’s ability to do some simple movements, like to pull his pants down, or standing in front of the toilet, all these movements are necessary for your son to start using the potty. If your son sees his friend’s potty and shows interest in wanting to use it, then this is a golden opportunity, don’t miss it.
How to get started
When you feel that your child reached the appropriate stage, which can then be trained effectively, you just need to pay attention to the following:
Choose the time when your child used to go number two and avoid the day that your child is suffering from the disorders of digestion, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Make sure to dress your child in easy clothes to take off during the beginning of the training.
You can choose a nice potty with beautiful shapes and bright colors which attracts your child.
Taking your child to the bathroom with you will give him the ability to imitate.
Make your bathroom time for entertainment and fun, where you can even tell him entertaining stories.
Do not force your child to sit on the potty, as he might end up hating it.
Help your child get rid of diapers by buying him nice underwear, cotton, with beautiful pictures.
Encourage him to training to sit for longer periods but do not make him sit longer than necessary because he might get bored of the entire process.
It is possible to use rewards to encourage the child uses the potty.
What should be avoided during this period?
-Don’t be in rush to start this process, but do not start to late either. You have to make sure that he is ready.
-Do not put pressure on your child.
-Do not start the training when you are currently pregnant with another child and about to give birth.
-Do not listen to others, even if it is your mother, your grandmother or mother in law, when they are telling you that children should start early. Every child has a different character and specific stages of growth and acceptance.
-Do not get upset with your child when he urinated on the floor or in his clothes as this would scare him and cause him to lock up urine or stool, which may lead to many problems.
The most important thing to remember, however, is that this process takes patience…
We hope that you have found these potty training tips for boys to be helpful.
Have a great day!