Potty Training Boys for First-Time Mothers: Where to Start

You've given birth, and you've welcomed this new addition into your family. You mastered breast feeding, diaper changes and spaghetti all over the floor. He started walking, and somehow, both of you have survived this long (you, probably with little sleep). You've heard that potty training boys can be difficult - but you've tried not to think about, instead trying to take it one step at a time. Well, it's that time.

Where do you start? It's not like a puppy of course, you can't just take him outside and set him in the grass. If only it were that easy.

First, don't get overwhelmed. It might seem like an impossible task, but if you start simply, you both will work your way through it. Before you know it, you'll be through potty training. You'll need to start implanting the idea in your child's head. Do this before you ever even try to get them to go potty.

How do you implant the idea of using the potty in your toddler's head?

Books, videos, you. It's easy. Invest in a potty training book. Read it daily. Read it in the bathroom while they sit on the potty (with the lid closed of course!).

When you are in the bathroom, take your child with you. Let them see how you use the bathroom. Set them on the potty and let them sit while you brush your teeth. Get them used to sitting on the toilet. Talk to them about what the toilet is for. The more you use the words associated with the potty, the sooner your child will pick them up. Remember - that communication between you and your child is going to be key in this process.

Buy a potty seat months before you even begin. Keep it in the room where your child plays. Let him play with it, perhaps using it as a garage for his toy cars. The idea is that he will get accustomed to the potty - you don't want him to be afraid of it when it comes time to use it. If you all of a sudden one day show up with a potty, put him on it, he's most likely going to resist you. But if he's already been accustomed to it, it'll just be natural to start sitting on it.

The more time you spend before you actually remove a diaper talking about potty training, talking about what mommy and daddy do on the toilet - the easier the actual process is going to be for your little one. By the time you're ready to actually start potty training, you want your son to almost feel like it's his idea. The more comfortable he is with what is going on - the quicker and easier it will be.

Potty training boys doesn't have to be difficult. After you start potty training, if you need help with specific potty-training problems - be sure to check out The Potty Training Resource. It's a great guide if you need a little extra help. Don't worry, it won't be that long before you and the kiddo will be shopping for those Spiderman underoos.