Do's And Dont's Of Potty Training

The start of potty training your little boy is indeed a milestone, not just for him but for you as well. It is a indication that your baby is now taking his initial steps in becoming a little independent person. But just like any other landmark in your child's life, your potty training experience will be filled with many tests of endurance before finally succeeding.



Here are a list of tips, tricks and strategies from other parents and experts who have already gone through the experience of potty training boys. These DO's and DON'Ts will help making potty training an easier and more enjoyable experience for you and your child.



The DO's of Potty Training Boys:



Do consider switching to training pants.



One of the things that you ought to consider having before beginning the potty training are training pants. These are typically quite effective tools in moving your boy from diapers into real underwear, while still providing some security from leaking. Your boy’s increased awareness of being wet or soiled while wearing training pants may motivate him to use the potty more quickly.



There are many types of training pants, you may opt for a disposable or washable variety. Here are some of the details about the two kinds of training pants. Both kinds mimics to some degree the experience of real underwear to help your child transition down the line. They are also thick enough to safeguard surfaces from accidents.



Disposable Training Pants:



Convenient, just throw it out after use.

Can be expensive, you'll want to keep a supply close by.

Materials used might not be as near to the proper underwear unlike the washable kind.



Washable Training Pants:



More cost effective.

Re-usable.

No need to worry about not having enough stock.

More laundry!

Made of material that is more likely to be nearer to the feel of real underwear.



When potty training boys many parents go straight from diapers to regular underwear without the need for training pants of any sort and still have good results however it is worthwhile considering any tools that can help.



Do make recommendations properly.



In order to make the potty training with your child successful, you have to make certain you do it immediately. It has to feel normal for the child and not made to seem like an imposition. Otherwise, the child might resist the training as a rule, purely owing to the way it was suggested.



It's a good idea to suggest the topic of potty training to your child in a way that he will have fun with, like incorporating it into his existing bedtime routine accompanied by story-time or letting him watch cartoons that include the topic of how to make use of the potty. The trick is to make him curious enough about potty training to want try how it is to use the potty himself.



If there are tantrums, crying and resistance happening, immediately stop the training and reassess the situation and your strategy. Continuing with it might be a miscalculation that can waste your time and energy and result in frustration.



Do bare the bottom whenever possible.



This is especially appropriate during the first few days of the potty training. It will lessen the difficulty of the process for the child if he does not have underpants to deal with. Once he has learned the basics, you may eventually move on to him wearing training pants or his new underwear.



Do keep the bottom accessible.



Probably the most essential things you can get for your child during the potty training are clothes that they can easily take off or undo if they feel the urge to go potty. You have to remember that during this period, your child’s motor skills are still developing, which can make removing his clothing a bit challenging as it is, never mind in a dash to the potty. Also his physiological development is still not that good, making controlling his bladder or bowels difficult as well, in particular when trying to concentrate on something else like getting undressed.



Some of the things you have to take note of when purchasing clothing during this period are:



Avoid clothes with buttons that are tricky to undo.

Opt for clothes with elastic waists, that are loose and comfortable.

If buttons are unavoidable, get the ones with snap on buttons or Velcro closures instead.

Avoid one-piece suits and coveralls during this period.



Do watch the toddlers habits and body language.



You will need to watch the habits and body language of children and watch out for how they behave if they want to relieve themselves. Your boy will behave in certain ways and exhibit particular behavior when he is fighting the urge to go. It is essential to monitor and be familiar with your child's pre-toilet habits and body language in order for you to begin his potty training.



Below are a few typical gestures that are observed by boys wanting to go potty:



Underwear or pants tugging/pulling.

Standing upright with crossed legs.

The distant gaze or look of concentration.

Moving/swaying repeatedly back and forth.

Hands clasped and squeezed between the legs.



Do watch the clock to discover patterns.



Especially at the beginning of potty training boys, you may want to watch and note the times and see if there is a regular routine on which he needs to go. From there, you would be in a position to anticipate when you can successfully lead him to the toilet during the day until it becomes a regular routine. Stick with the time schedule if possible and let him take a moment on the potty to do his business. Even if he does not, still give praise and enthusiastic comments about being a clever boy.



Listed below are the recommended times you'll want to include in your schedule on when you should lead him to sit on the potty:



Upon rising every morning.

Prior to nap time.

Immediately after nap time.

Before going to bed at night.

Before leaving your house.

When arriving home after an outing.



Any other observed times from his regular every day routine.



Do give your toddler freedom to go places, but take the training along with you.



The goal of potty training boys is to ready your child for everyday living and so that he can be willing to go to the toilet in various situations. It is suggested that you slowly extend the potty training beyond the boundaries of your home. When heading out shopping to the shopping mall or visiting family or friends in a different house, go with him to the toilet and encourage him to go, even if he is still using diapers. By doing this, he will learn to go in different places and in different kinds of toilet and won' be put off by different surroundings.



Do try to demonstrate with a dolly or toy.



The most effective way to make children understand the meaning you are trying to share is by being visual. There are a variety of specific dolls available that can be used as an aid when potty training boys. By making use of one of these anatomically correct dolls, you can teach your son the parts of the body where he is likely to feel an urge when he needs to go and as most of these toys come with a toy feeding bottle or toy food, you can illustrate how going to the potty is related to eating and drinking. If your child can relate more to his own stuffed animals or maybe even action figures, then they can be used as substitute to the potty training doll.



Do try turning on a tap.



If you see that your child is having a tough time relaxing or urinating, use a few motivational techniques that can encourage him to go. Turning on the tap can often actually work or singing his favorite songs, even just having a relaxed chat about the day. This can relax his body and mind and help him let go.



Do praise accidents as good practice.



Use compliments and reassurance not just for the correct things your boy does but also use it to make him feel happy for trying even when he has a mishap.



Do stay enthusiastic.



In order for your child to be kept enthusiastic and encouraged, you need to be excited and encouraged yourself, even if you don't necessarily feel like it. A positive mindset is essential for a successful potty training experience.



Do reward and motivate.



Finding out how to do the right thing by means of motivation and reward is the most effective way to potty train boys. When children associate a particular behavior with a reward they tend to want to repeat the act on a regular basis. A good way to practice the reward system is by giving your child an incentive like a favorite toy or a treat when he actually uses the potty. If your child resists or has an accident, it is best to give positive encouragement to them instead of getting angry. Positive reinforcement is a great way to motivate children.



Do have your toddler check their own condition.



A good way to jump start your potty training sessions is to teach your boy the variation between wet and dry. There are a number of fun ways to make this an activity a fun and educational experience for you and your child:



Start with dry shirts or socks or underwear and let him feel how it is to touch. Then wet them and let him touch it again. Or even let him put it on briefly. Ask him what feels better to wear, the dry one or the wet one?



Try to encourage him touch various everyday objects that are wet and dry. Like a puddle of water on a kitchen counter versus a dry counter or wet/dry sand in a sand box. Even wet and dry leaves in the park.



Get dry and clean training pants and let him touch them. Then run them under the tap and let him feel it again.



Do show patience.



Patience is indeed a virtue, especially when potty training boys. Hurrying or pushing your child to learn will only lead to disappointment and resistance. It will come together in its own good time.



Do educate about good hygiene.



A major part of the whole potty training experience is to encourage and maintain good hygiene. Make sure to show your child how to correctly wash their hands after a trip to the potty. When they are able, be sure to help them learn the right way to wipe themselves clean and dispose of used tissue or wipes.



Do explain what's going on to others.



When potty training boys within the household you will have to get the cooperation and commitment of the whole family. Each member has to be involved in the process to make sure that the child will be able to count on support during his potty training. Part-time carers, child minders etc may also encouraged to take part in this activity.



The DON'Ts of potty training:



Don't expect too much too soon.



Impatience can stem from expecting too much too soon with progress when potty training boys. Just like walking and talking, it requires a significant period of time and a lot of practice to master. Each child's learning capability varies. Most take many weeks others may take many months and there are usually set-backs along the way.



Don't scold punish or shame.



The fastest way for you to make your child resist potty training is to get mad or embarrass them for any mishaps that they might have. Scolding does not help either. It will just make them too worried to continue their potty training because they will be scared of making mistakes.



Do not deny or withhold food or drinks.



It shouldn't be necessary to refuse the child any food or drinks so that you can control his urge to urinate or defecate. Not only is this practice a danger to the child's wellbeing but it is also preventing him from learning to use the potty the natural way, as he would in his everyday life. Which is the main goal of potty training.



Don't use unnatural or medicinal methods.



There is no need to make a normal healthy child take anything unnatural or medicinal to encourage the impulse to go to the bathroom. The goal of potty training is to familiarise your child with the daily toileting routine and eventually allow them to deal with it on their own. Adding unnatural means will defeat the purpose of the exercise. If you are worried that there may be a medical condition behind poor progress in potty training or other physiological issues please seek medical advice.



Don't nag.



Nagging is one of the surest ways to turn off the child in pursuing the potty training sessions. Keep it breezy, light and enjoyable, so your child will be motivated enough to stick with the training.



Don't pressure the child.



There is no way that you can force your way and get the good results you'd like. Good timing is the only factor that will determine the success of potty training.



Don't make it a good or bad behavior.



Staying positive throughout the training will be most helpful in seeing it to the end. Choose affirming words consistently. Example: Never say bad or good behavior, opt for ready or not ready instead.



Don't have big discussions regarding success or otherwise in front of the child.



Children are much more socially aware than you think. They know or feel if they are the topic of a conversation. Make sure that they do not hear any negative conversations about the potty training. Particularly if it involves discussions about the child having mishaps. Be sensitive to hurt feelings and possible temporary lack of self-confidence. This is considerably more important than only a dry bottom.



Don't make it a battleground.



If there are tears, fits and tantrums or angry reactions, immediately stop the training. Take a step back and reconsider your strategy and see if you can come up with a new one that may be more appropriate and enjoyable for your child.



Don't give up.



Your child only has you to rely on to instruct him how to be independent and use the potty correctly. There may be many accidents, regressions and obstacles along the route. But combining patience and love will certainly allow you to achieve the successful end to your boy's potty training experience.





About The Author:

Michelle Murphy is a reluctant expert in potty training, thanks to her 5 and 3 year old boys who have completely opposite ideas on how to use the potty. The Internet has been a best friend to Michelle during these milestones with her sons. Her goal is to share useful tips with other mothers through Potty Training Boys 101. Learn from her experiences and be prepared in your own potty training journey.