Potty Training Boys - What Not to Do

When potty training boys, the day your child ditchesabove all else, as fun as possible. Try adding a little
the diapers is a milestone for both you and your bigexcitement into it by using a doll who can act as your
boy. But as many parents know, potty training boysson's potty pal through the whole experience. Potty
are not always the easiest experiences and there aretraining charts are also excellent tools that encourage
always bumps along the way. With these tips in hand,and motivate potty use, thus making it less daunting.
you can make potty training as easy and stress-free5. Painful bowel movements caused by a lack of fiber
as possible.in his diet
Issues Faced When Potty Training BoysSolution: Ditching the diapers is hard enough as it is and
1. Trying to train your son without the necessarypainful bowel movements only add another element of
communication skillsdifficulty into the equation. Make sure your child is
Solution: It's better to wait until your little guy developsconsuming an adequate amount of fruits, vegetables
further communication skills so he understands simpleand fluids, especially water. If your child is constipated,
instructions and words associated with using a potty.hold off on potty training him until his bowel
Try using repetition with a daily routine that introducesmovements become more regular.
and teaches your child pre-potty training skills.6. Rushing the process by not setting aside sufficient
2. Your child is getting mixed signals from othertime
caretakers who have different potty methodsSolution: Teaching your child takes time, effort and
Solution: Discuss and agree in advance with all ofpatience. Don't expect your child to pick it up after one
those involved in your child's life that you have alook at the potty and an hour in the bathroom; rather,
specific potty training program and any varyingreserve a weekend or a couple of days to devote the
instructions will confuse your child. Odds are, everyonetime and attention your child needs and more
involved will understand and will work with you to helpimportantly, deserve.
your little man conquer the potty.7. Potty training your son during a stressful, difficult time
3. Reacting disapprovingly when accidents occurSolution: If your child is in the midst of a difficult situation
Solution: No matter how much training, motivation andor emotion upheaval, hold off on the potty training. Let
encouragement you give your child, accidents arehis life find some consistency, whether that takes a
inevitable. Punishing your child for having an accidentcouple days, weeks or months, and then work on
will only make the process stressful for both you andpotty training.
him. It can also lead to future physiological problems.Potty training boys is never an easy feat. There are
Take a couple moments to assess the situation,obstacles and lessons to be learned by both you and
compose yourself and reassure your child thatyour son. Yet with these tips in hand, you can try to
accidents happen. Be wary of the tone of your voice.make it a little less stressful and much more exciting.
4. Stressing your child out to the point of distress andRemember, it's an adventure! With many setbacks and
constipationsuccesses ahead of you and your son, you can make
Solution: This should be a learning experience andthe most of potty training boys!