The ABC’s of Potty Training Boys
Summary: Learn the ABC’s of potty training boys to learn how to successfully teach your little guy to use a potty. This guide covers important issues, such as whether to teach a boy to sit or stand while learning to use a potty.

Learn the ABC’s of potty training boys to learn how to successfully teach your little guy to use a potty. This guide covers important issues, such as whether to teach a boy to sit or stand while learning to use a potty. You will also learn how to determine if your child is ready for potty training. The ABC’s of Potty Training Boys will guide you through the training process from start to finish.

Always begin the potty training process with a plan in mind. If this is your first time potty training, learn as much as you can about what to expect and how to deal with potty training issues before you implement a training routine.

Buy all of the supplies you need for potty training before you begin to teach your child how to use the potty. You will need a potty or a step stool to reach the toilet, several pairs of underwear, and training pants for night time. You may also want a reward chart, stickers, and other small prizes for rewards.

Create a routine that will work well for your family. Decide who will be able to take your little guy to the bathroom throughout the day.

Decide what day you will start potty training. The first few days of potty training are the most difficult, and they require the most attention. Choose a time that will allow you to devote much of your attention to potty training for the first two or three days.

Encourage discussion about the potty, bathroom, and other potty training issues before you begin potty training. Children often show an interest in the bathroom and bathroom activities when they are ready to learn how to use the potty.

Family members can take turns bringing your little guy to the bathroom. Potty training is a tedious process, so take advantage of any help that you can get. Discuss who will be able to help, and when they are available.

Gather all of your supplies, and set up your bathroom for potty training. You can discuss potty training with your child while you are setting everything up.

Have a basket of books at hand when your little guy is on the potty. You can help him relax by reading him a story, or by letting him look at pictures in books. Potty training is easier for a child to learn when he is comfortable and calm. Anxiousness makes bowels harder to control.

Install a reward chart on the bathroom wall to encourage successful potty training. Foil star stickers or happy face stickers can be used to keep track of potty training sessions. You can draw a smiley face or star on the chart rather than use stickers, if you want to save the stickers for prizes.

Jot down tips that work for you and share them with other family members, so they can have successful potty trips with your little guy too.

Keep track of his progress as he works towards a goal. The goal should be short at first; consider a daily goal. As he progresses, set a new goal that is a little harder to obtain. Be sure to reward him each time he meets his goal; this will help keep him motivated to try his best.

Love, cuddle, and praise your little guy for a job well done, as well as for trying. Potty training takes lots of practice. A happy child will learn faster than one who is upset, anxious, and worried about making you mad.

Mistakes and accidents are part of the process in the first few days of learning. Be prepared to clean up accidents, especially if you teach your little guy to stand while urinating. Boys can have a difficult time learning how to aim. Many doctors, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that boys be taught to sit when urinating. Learning to sit or stand depending on the type of movement can be confusing and difficult for children to learn. Once a child is fully potty trained you can teach him to stand while urinating. This process is easier for both of you and less messy too.

Never get mad, yell, or express resentment at a child during potty training. Your anger and frustration can cause them to feel fear, anxiety, and stress, which can all lead to delays in the potty training process. If you get to a point of extreme frustration, stop potty training. You should both take a break. Resume the process once you both feel relaxed and ready again.

Open your heart when potty training. This is a special time that requires lots of love, patience, and kindness. Your patience will enable your child to feel safe and comfortable during the potty training process.

Potty train when your child is ready to learn. A child cannot be forced to learn, if he is not ready to learn. Potty training requires certain abilities of a child, such as being able to pull up and down his pants by himself.

Quick trips to the bathroom throughout the day will help your child develop a good potty routine and create fewer chances for accidents to occur.

Reward you child for successful potty trips and for trying to use the potty. Rewards provide encouragement.

Successful potty training requires consistency. A consistent routine is essential to mastering the potty.

Time for play, television, stories, or games is a fun and free reward.

Underwear is for day time and potty training pants are for night time. Do not switch back and forth between underwear and diapers, as this will cause a child to become confused.

Very good personal hygiene habits should be developed now. Have your child wash his hands after each potty use. Good habits developed at a young age can last a lifetime.

Wear elastic-waist pants when potty training. His pants should not have zippers, buttons, or other notations that are difficult for little fingers to use.

X out negative behavior by remaining positive. A smile can go a long way towards creating and maintaining happiness.

Your almost there; just stick with your routine a little longer. A trip to the bathroom first thing every morning and many trips throughout the day will have your little guy potty trained in no time.

Zippity do da! No more accidents. You did it; you taught your little guy to use the potty. Congratulations! It is time to celebrate now. Why not make your child a potty training award certificate, or download one free from the Internet?