If you are the parent of a 2 or 3 year old little boy, chances are good that you've started yearning for that moment when he will officially be diaper-free.
You've got some work ahead of you, but if you approach potty training appropriately, it may go smoother than you thought it would.
First, remember that every child is different.
If your son has not expressed any interest in using the potty, do not force him to use it.
This will only make the process longer because he will become resistant if he feels forced.
Gently asking him once in awhile if he is ready to use the potty should be sufficient.
You may also subtly slip in some books about kids using the potty, or perhaps some videos that he would otherwise enjoy watching anyway, that happen to have something to do with using the potty.
Then you must wait for his cues.
Waiting until he is ready will make the entire process so much easier and faster.
Once your son has signaled to you that he is ready to use the potty, either by having a completely dry diaper all night long, or by literally asking to use the potty, it is time to begin helping him use the bathroom on a regular basis.
As soon as he wakes in the morning, place him or help him to get onto the potty so he can associate waking up with using the bathroom.
Praise him for having a dry diaper or Pull-Ups.
Every hour or so during the day, tell your son that it is time for a potty break.
Do so matter-of-factly, as if it is simply a part of your day.
Do not make it a negative thing, a threat, or a punishment of any kind.
Also, do not beg or plead with your son to use the potty.
If he has an accident, show little to no reaction.
If your son is eager to use the potty and is interested in rewards for doing so, you could come up with a system that every time he pees on the potty he gets a small piece of candy, or a little treat.
Every time he poops, perhaps he gets a slightly larger treat.
Another way to make potty training fun for boys is to toss several Cheerios into the toilet water before he urinates, encouraging him to "aim" for the targets.
You've got some work ahead of you, but if you approach potty training appropriately, it may go smoother than you thought it would.
First, remember that every child is different.
If your son has not expressed any interest in using the potty, do not force him to use it.
This will only make the process longer because he will become resistant if he feels forced.
Gently asking him once in awhile if he is ready to use the potty should be sufficient.
You may also subtly slip in some books about kids using the potty, or perhaps some videos that he would otherwise enjoy watching anyway, that happen to have something to do with using the potty.
Then you must wait for his cues.
Waiting until he is ready will make the entire process so much easier and faster.
Once your son has signaled to you that he is ready to use the potty, either by having a completely dry diaper all night long, or by literally asking to use the potty, it is time to begin helping him use the bathroom on a regular basis.
As soon as he wakes in the morning, place him or help him to get onto the potty so he can associate waking up with using the bathroom.
Praise him for having a dry diaper or Pull-Ups.
Every hour or so during the day, tell your son that it is time for a potty break.
Do so matter-of-factly, as if it is simply a part of your day.
Do not make it a negative thing, a threat, or a punishment of any kind.
Also, do not beg or plead with your son to use the potty.
If he has an accident, show little to no reaction.
If your son is eager to use the potty and is interested in rewards for doing so, you could come up with a system that every time he pees on the potty he gets a small piece of candy, or a little treat.
Every time he poops, perhaps he gets a slightly larger treat.
Another way to make potty training fun for boys is to toss several Cheerios into the toilet water before he urinates, encouraging him to "aim" for the targets.