When To Start Potty Training Boys

This is a question as old as the hills that has, and will continue to taunt each and every generation... "When To Start Potty Training Boys"? There are opinions on either ends of the spectrum when it comes to potty training. Some child or human experts say you should basically leave leave it up to the boy and let him advance at his own pace. However, while it is true that a small number of boys can pretty much train themselves with little guidance, other authorities believe the parent ought to be keenly involved in this effort. The approach that most parents should take probably lies somewhere in between these two views in varying degrees depending on the individual boy's needs.

Due to the high expense and inconvenience of diapers, most parents would like their boys out of them as soon as possible. But what is the proper age to begin toilet training boys? In reality, the age range is large... generally spanning anywhere from as early as 18 months to as old as three or four years old. Most boys, as well as girls will fall within these limits, although some perfectly normal children can be younger or older. The whole process, once started, may take up anywhere from nine months to over a year to finish.

So how do you narrow down the starting time for training boys to familiarize them to the idea of using the potty? Looking for readiness indications are a better gauge than the age of a child to know when a child is ready to attempt potty training. It may be time to begin once he is in the stage of development where he starts to exhibit many of these signs:

Physical Signs

1. Ability - Your boy is capable of dressing and undressing. He can pull down his own pants and underpants. Then pull them back up again. It is than a good idea to have easier fastening and looser fitting clothes.

2. Actions - He fidgets, wiggles, strains and even grabs his private area. He may hide behind the sofa, which shows that he is becoming aware of the sensations.

3. Urination - He is able to stay dry for over two hours and instead of urinating in small amounts during the day, he urinates less times but in larger amounts. His wet diaper is now becoming bothersome to him.

4. Defecation - He does not have a bowel movement while sleeping at night and during the day they are becoming more regular.

Intellect Signs

1. Communication - He has words for going potty, such as number one or two, tinkle and poop, etc. He tells you that he has a dirty diaper or he has to go potty. He is able to understand what you are telling him to do, "Let's go to the potty." for instance.

2. Understanding and Awareness - He is becoming conscious that urination and defecation are going to occur or are occurring.

3. Curiosity - He is becoming inquisitive about his private parts and yours too. He conveys curiosity about using the potty by watching you or asking about it.

4. Imitation - At this age, there is a fierce longing to imitate loved ones and he tries to mimic their actions.

Emotional Signs

1. Approval - He seeks to gain your approval and acceptance.

2. Personal Growth - He wants to be his own person. He is a big boy and wants to wear big boys underwear. He asserts his abilities by stating he can do things by himself.

Once these signs have begun manifesting, it is time to initiate him to the concept of toilet training by buying him a potty, aids, and the best potty training information available (which can result in having your boy potty trained in as little as 72 hours from now)! It is important to realize there will be some backsliding at times. Just remember to relax and not pressure him or you may create performance anxiety in him which could lead to holding it in. Not only is this counter-productive, but it is not healthy as he could develop anal fissures. Realize also that various tactics may work on one child and not another. They also may need to be revised from time to time as he grows and develops.

Disclaimer - Please remember this information is not meant to replace competent medical consult. If you have any concerns whatsoever, seek advice from your family doctor or pediatrician.