Have a Dude Show Him the Way
Face it. Sometimes it's just easier for Dad to show his son
exactly what to do. Oftentimes Mom is on potty duty, or in the case of single
moms, there is not a male role model in the home 24/7. "On average, boys
take longer to potty train, largely because Mom is usually in charge of the
process," says Singer, mother of two boys. "And try as we might, we
can't model peeing while standing all that well."
As a single mom u feel
like there's no harm in letting your son watch you, since he tends to mimic you
in other everyday situations (brushing hair and teeth). However, you know it's
cool for him to have a guy around. It's best to have Dad, a grandfather, uncle,
or older brother show your son how it's done.
Sit or Stand: Let Him Decide
Your son, might be showing signs that he's ready to potty
train, alerting you with a full diaper. Now what? Does he sit, or stand and
aim? Relax -- whether he sits or stands -- the goal is that he goes. Singer
recommends introducing both options. "Boys should start out with whatever
they are most comfortable doing. If he starts out sitting, he can always switch
to standing when he's more adept at using the toilet.
Target Practice Makes Perfect
OK, progress -- your little boy has taken a liking to
standing on a stool and making the magic happen! One big problem: He shoots, he
aims, he doesn't score, and you're constantly cleaning up his mishaps. Turning
a task into a game is an alluring way to ample up potty practices! This is the
fun part, says Singer: "Cereal, such as bright Froot Loops, or Tinkle
Targets are engaging ways to teach your son how to aim while peeing standing
up.
Reward Good Behavior
Gifts are a go! Just decide what motivates your child to use
the potty, Singer says. "We were big fans of stickers in our house. I put
them on my boys' shirts so they could show them off like little decorated
generals when Daddy came home." Other suggestions include candies (one
M&M for every pee-pee in the potty), an extra story at bedtime, inexpensive
toys (think a dollar store), a new coloring book, or a special made-up potty
dance.
Limit Liquids at Night
Enter the snack police. "Limit milk and juice at least
an hour before bedtime to help your child stay dry at night," Singer says.
Translation: Push snack time back or serve a later dinner. Singer also cautions
that "nighttime training often comes later than daytime training. You
might want to focus on one at a time as to not overwhelm your son.
Try Underwear
You've officially begun potty training but you're not
exactly sure what that means when it comes to ditching diapers and slipping
into some big-boy underpants. Singer says timing is everything. "When your
toddler can stay dry for a good three hours, you might want to institute
'underwear time.' It's part reward, part training technique. Let your child
pick out cool big-kid underpants to wear at this time, and then increase the
time as you have success. But, do expect setbacks now and then. Just clean it
up and remind your child that pee and poop go in the potty." It's also
smart to note that undies and training pants fit the same way -- the act of
pulling them up and down will help with consistency.
By Parents
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