Potty training your children is one of the most critical milestones in their young lives. But for many parents, it can also be one of the most daunting tasks. Luckily, with a bit of preparation and perseverance, you can have your child potty trained in no time!
This guide will outline the best techniques to use for both boys and girls so that you can get started on the right foot. Read on to learn more!
This is your one-stop potty training resource! In this article, you will find potty training tips, the low down on potty training girls versus boys, the best, and learn about the most helpful training products.
I also dive into common problems when it comes to guiding kids to own the toilet and offer solutions to get them through the obstacle.
Finally, I will answer frequent questions such as when to start and if is it really possible to do it in 3 days.
A Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Potty Training Boys & Girls
This post includes lessons learned from 11 years as a parent to my three kids. With that said, I researched and spoke with many experts in the field to bring you all your potty training resources into one place!
When to Start Potty Training Boys & Girls
As with many aspects of child development, the potty training age from one child to another child often varies greatly. In other words, maybe your child is ready at 18 months, or perhaps not until three years old.
Potty train your child when he is developmentally ready, and you will have potty training success. There is no optimal universal timing. You simply have to watch for signs of readiness.
Signs of Your Child is Ready for Potty Training
- Pulling at or simply being cranky about a wet or dirty diaper
- Hiding behind a couch or somewhere in the house to pee or poop in a diaper
- Telling you she is about to have a bowel movement, is going, or has just gone is a good sign she is becoming aware of her body’s needs. She is learning on her own and expressing it to you.
- Showing interest in others (such as a sibling or parent) use of the potty or copying their behavior
- Stays dry! Going hours and hours without a wet diaper
- Napping without a wet diaper!
- He is interested in his potty chair and wants to sit on his potty
Related Read: 11 Essential Potty Training Tips for Parents
Tips for Potty Training Boys
Ideas to Help Assess When Your Child is Ready for the Toilet
With that said, here are a few ideas to help you assess if your child is ready for the toilet:
- Create the environment, and he will get there. Get a stool for the toilet and a child-sized toilet seat to make going to the bathroom more accessible.
- This bathroom stool is perfect for toddlers.
- A top-notch toilet training seat
- Observe your child for signs of interest
- Begin to create a routine around toileting even if your child shows little interest in going on the toilet yet. Using a visual schedule is a great idea!
- Invest in training pants or pull-ups
- Consider a waterproof mattress pad
- Prepare for setbacks
- Put many positive phrases in your back pocket to say during challenging moments
- Adopt a naked time
- As with any Montessori lesson, explain & demonstrate (this one is worth repeating). If the child isn’t quite getting it, then try again.
- Make it fun with cool and exciting underwear
- Celebrate even the most minor victories!
Is It Possible to Potty Train a Boy or Girl in 3 Days?
Umm…not in my experience. I don’t think there is a boys’ potty versus a girls’ potty. With that said, I believe 100% it is a process.
However, I have heard rock star stories about 3-day potty training that WORKED well for some families. It all depends on your circumstances and your child.
If your 3-year-old is refusing to train that quickly, then take a step back. Either try a different approach or choose another time to make it happen.
Toilet Training Problems 101
You will undoubtedly run into some problems along the way, such as reversion, holding it, and constipation. All serious issues except for reversion, in my opinion.
The last two issues are big deals and can negatively impact a child’s body and mind. If you want to read the journey of one of my sons’ check it out in this post: Why You Should Act Fast If Your Kid Won’t Poop.
Reversion, on the other hand, often happens with a change, such as starting school or a new baby in the family (raises hand). My advice is to take it in stride and don’t stress.
If you manage your expectations, you’ll handle the situation much better. It is not about you failing, or your child having a severe developmental issue; it just happens.
Of course, your child may be defiant, too. Think about Dr. Montessori and her ideas around developing at their own pace and discovering (fill in the blank) on their own time will work best.
For example, a child who is pushed to read may not enjoy reading or lack comprehension skills. Whereas a child who finds his way to reading in his own time most likely will fall in love with reading for a lifetime. Make sense?
Related Read: Constipation & Why You Need to Take Your Child to a Urologist
Potty Training Girls Versus Boys
Good question. As a mom of three boys, I can’t entirely answer this question. Boys are little devils, and their parts are different.
I have heard rumors that girls are easier to potty train than boys, but I can’t really assert that point as the mom of boys.
So, there are functional differences in terms of wiping oneself and cleaning the toilet seat (ah-hem).