Still Changing Diapers?

Helping your boy undertake potty training is a crucial milestone not just for you but more so for him. It is a capability that has to be developed, exactly like walking, speaking or spelling.



It may be a quite challenging phase for both dad and mom and the kid.



You may feel under pressure to see him develop to become independent and he may be worried about conforming to your expectations.



Your method is as critical as your boy's personal capacity to learn.



There are several factors to consider when deciding when to begin potty training young boys. First, you need to understand the physiological growth and development of a boy. Between the 12th to 24th months of your boy's life, his elimination muscles groups will mature, making him capable of holding his excretion for a brief length of time. This is also the time-frame where he starts to distinguish the sensation of a full bladder or rectum. Boys are better equipped physically usually after 18months.



Although your boy is developed physically, it will not automatically follow that he's ready for potty training. There are additional factors to consider to figuring out exactly if he's ready or not.



He should be able to understand and relay basic feelings, like saying "pee" or"poo" whenever he is going to the toilet in the diaper. He should frequently have dry diapers after lunchtime naps and even after prolonged periods of time when he's awake. He can understand simple instructions. He is at least partially able to dress and undress himself and shows a readiness to complete the task.



It is important for moms and dads to learn to understand your boy's signals. Each and every boy is unique and everyone has a different period of readiness to begin potty training. It's also very important to remember that pressuring him too early to master this skill may backfire dramatically.



This could create a condition called non-retentive encopresis or in layman's terms, withholding poo. It is a negative reaction from the boy when being pushed to use the potty when they are in fact, not yet ready.



Do not force your boy to undergo potty training when he isn't yet ready mentally, physically and emotionally. The right occasion will come naturally as boys will normally develop a sense of interpersonal understanding and will be observant of other kid's habits and imitate them. As they grow, they will also tend to imitate the behavior of the same gender parent, including the manner of how they go to the toilet.



When you are all set to help your boy in potty training, don't forget to use positive reinforcements like a simple praise, small treats or star charts. Young boys love that feeling of satisfaction especially when Mommy and Daddy are so outwardly responsive. Deliver a great, big, happy fuss whenever they get things right!



These little expressions will significantly help in encouraging them to do better in their potty training. It is simple yet effective in reaching the outcomes that you really want. Giving your boy a small piece of candy or simply clapping and telling him how wonderful he is simply because he used the potty are probably enough to ensure you get successful results.





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.