You’ve determined your child’s readiness, done your homework, gathered your supplies (like ordering our favorite set of peejamas!), prepared an arsenal of rewards or incentives - not to mention some chocolate and caffeine for yourself -- and have now fully committed yourself to the task at hand. You've talked it up with your child over and over and over again, and NOW  you are ready to tackle potty training! 

Or, are you?

For the most part, potty training a girl and a boy are very similar. You take the same initial steps with both, but there are a few key differences to consider when potty training a boy. 

Difference #1

Though it is not always the case, boys typically tend to potty train later than girls. It is not uncommon for boys (or girls for that matter) to not be ready to potty train until after their 3rd birthday. It may be that boys are generally more active and don’t have “time” to stop and use the potty. Often, it has more to do with personality. Boy or girl, make sure YOUR child is ready to potty train before jumping in head first. Don’t base your child’s readiness on other kids his age

Difference #2

When it comes to boys, you have to decide if you are going to potty train him to sit first and stand later, or just stand from the beginning. I recommend that you start with sitting, this way your son can better focus on perfecting his new motor skills and the muscles he is using while controlling his flow. By sitting, he won’t get distracted by his display of spraying and learning to aim. *Learning to aim can come later, once he starts standing. Sitting first also helps him to realize that pee and poop both go in the potty, since many times the need to pee and poop happens at the same time.

Difference #3

Make sure you have the right equipment. The supplies you gather and purchase for a boy vs a girl will be about the same, but one thing to consider for boys is whether or not to have a splash guard on your son’s potty chair or potty seat. A splash guard is helpful for keeping things clean and IN the potty, but often they can be uncomfortable for a boy as well, and can easily scrape him in some very sensitive areas as he tries to climb on the potty. An easy fix might be a potty or potty seat with a removable splash guard so that you can put it on after he has gotten himself in place. 

*Having an adult, male role model (like dad), who your son can watch standing up to pee will be helpful when he himself is ready to transition to standing up. There is no timeline on this transition, just whenever you and/or your son feel ready. 

Potty training is hard! Not only for your child, but for you too! Accept ahead of time that accidents WILL happen, and not because your child is trying to be defiant. Have patience with yourself and your child, have a positive attitude and be sure to praise your child’s successes, whatever those might look like for him. You’ve got this, mama (and dada)! 

For more expert content, check out our partner Lyndsey's amazing insights brought to you by Lyndsey The Mama Coach!