Potty Training For Boys

I can’t tell you how many times I’m asked whether potty training for boys is much different than for girls! The simple answer is, “No.” The methodology and approach is exactly the same – the equipment just may be a bit different.

Although we acknowledge that there are four basic methods for potty training (Refer to my article “Potty Training Children: 4 Basic Methods”) we recommend our own 48-hour system for a variety of reasons. Given this, I am a big proponent of potty training chairs and teaching boys to urinate standing up during the early stages. Why? First, because toddlers are learning a new skill – one which requires their concentration and cooperation – and I’m not an advocate of making things more complicated that they need to be.

Second, you’ll need to have more specialized equipment – e.g. a urinal, toilet seat reducer, step stool, and/or an extra potty training chair – so your son can pee in the toilet and poop sitting down. Third, since your toddler is just learning, his aim will be off and he’ll most likely dribble urine on and around the toilet seat and floor, so you’ll need to prepare for more cleaning up. By the way, The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that it’s best to teach boys to sit down to urinate and have a bowel movement when beginning the potty training process.

Either way, if your son is a normal, healthy toddler he should be ready for potty training at about 18 months (average) although some boys are ready earlier or later – anywhere from 12 to 27 months. (Please refer to my article, “The 5 Best Ways for Determining Whether Your Child is Ready For Potty Training” for more specifics). Overall, however, boys may not be ready as early as girls, so while you should be aware of the signs, don’t over stress about it if your son isn’t quite ready.

Boys who are ready for potty training will often begin to imitate their fathers or brothers (it’s as though they realize the differences in genders) and may even start to stand at the toilet like them (even if they have no idea what to do once there!). And once the potty training process begins, they may also ask to use the toilet like them. If so, go for it!

If your child wants to be like daddy or like his older brother and insists, by all means, then let him stand! Power struggles are big no-nos in the potty training world…

Please also remember that consistency pays off (in fact this is one of the core principles of our potty training system)! So, please see to it that whichever method of potty training for boys you use is the same one that others around your child reinforce. This is especially true if your son is enrolled in pre-school, day care or has a nanny or babysitter. In fact, some organizations have very specific rules regarding potty training – especially as it relates to potty training boys. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check with your childcare providers beforehand, so you’re all on the same page.

Are boys more stubborn than girls? No.

Are boys more active than girls? No.

Are boys less eager to please than girls? No.

Do boys need less support and encouragement during potty training than girls? No.

Bottom line: There are no significant differences in training boys or girls. You’ll just need to give the equipment more thought; decide on the standing up or sitting down method; and perhaps be prepared to wait a month or two longer to begin training. That’s it.

Once again, I hope this information has been helpful and you’ll take the time to check out our other potty training articles!