Potty Training Tips, Readiness Signs & Common Problems in 2 Year Boy

Among the many things that parents of toddlers struggle with, the one that feels most stressful is perhaps potty training of 2+ year aged child. Some children seem to get there very easily while for others, the journey is not so easy and filled with bumps and roadblocks, leading to accidents at times. What works for one may/may not work for the other and hence the struggle. Nevertheless, there are some common rules that do work and many parents have tested, tried and vouched for them.

If you are parent reading this and have questions and doubts regarding potty training your toddler, you are at the right place. Let's take a look at ideas that how to get started with potty training the junior men of the house? 

Ways to Potty Train Your 2-Year-Old Boy

Potty training can be easy depending upon the readiness of your child. Some techniques could work on some kids while others may find it tedious. Here are some tips for you to get started. You could tweak them to suit your child's needs.

• Don't Confuse: With boys, the common confusion is whether we start training them to pee standing up and poop sitting down. Well, it's better and easier when you start by making them do both sitting down. When they get better at it, you could slowly teach them to pee standing up
• Demonstrate: Children learn better when they can observe. So, though it may sound gross, you need to show them how to do it by taking them with you to the restroom when you use it. You could assign this part of the job to dads
• Choose the Right Equipment: At the start, it is a good idea to buy a toilet seat or a potty, whichever your child is comfortable with. Take him along to the shop and let him choose the color/design/ pattern. That will get him interested
• Don't Intimidate: Never insist that your son should start by using the adult toilet seat. It does more damage than good. Most children fear that they may fall through and hence it only delays the whole process
• Fix-up A Time: Yes, this is important. Choose a convenient time in the day when you want your son to poop so that you can leave him undressed and free. Once they get trained, it gets easier
• Try to Get Their Attention: Boys are easily distracted and hence it is not an easy job to make them sit on the potty for long. Try to engage with activities—rhymes, songs, toys—anything that can distract them for the longest time
• Place: Even before you start training them, the toddler has their 'favorite spot'. Do not insist that they must poop inside the restroom only. Make them comfortable first. You can gradually shift the potty closer to the restroom

[Also Know - How to Toilet Train Your Toddler?]

• Appreciate: As with everything else, remember to reward your children every time he gets it right. It's important to keep them motivated with stars and points so that they aim to do better
• Keep the Instructions Simple: When you are training your child for the first time, talk to him in the way he understands. Teach him simple basics—how to sit, how to wipe clean (he may need help for long with this), how to wash hands and maintain good hygiene. Don't panic or get frustrated. Be patient
• Accidents Will Happen: For quite a while, you need to be, ready for accidents. This is very natural; be ready for it. Don't get angry with the toddler. He is trying his best. Encourage him and tell him, it's okay

What Are The Signs of Potty Training Readiness in Boys?

Before getting to know how to train the little ones, it is important to understand whether they are ready. And how do you know that? If you observe carefully, your little ones themselves give out signals. Here are some signals to watch out for:

• Usually the first and the strongest signal is when your child resists a dirty diaper. The moment it gets soiled, they want to be rid of it immediately
• Most of them know when they want to pee or poop but are not able to control it. You will usually find that they make a particular grunting sound when they want to poop or may choose a room or a corner when they get the urge
• If your child is able to understand small instructions and has a long dry stretch in the diaper, they are good to go. Some kids tend to poop at a certain time each day. If is one among them, this is a good time to start
• Some children insist on getting undressed when they want to poop. This is another sign to watch out for

As already mentioned, each child is unique therefore, make sure he is physically and emotionally ready to get toilet trained, otherwise, the whole process can frustrate you and your child. Most children are ready by the time they turn two, but again not all. My son wasn't ready until he started school. Don't worry; it's quite normal.

Common Potty Training Problems for Boys

It is believed that boys take a longer time to get potty-trained when compared to girls. Common problems associated with training them could be they might want to pee standing up if they see their dads/elder brother doing so and may not be able to aim well and mess up the place. Sometimes, they may not want to sit down for pooping. This could get tough. Be ready for cleaning the washroom every other time. If your toddler is getting trained in daycare, make sure you follow their method and not confuse the child. [Also Check - Easy Potty Training Tricks for Your Infant]

If you look at it from a child's perspective, we are asking them to do a lot—understand the feeling of fullness, differentiate between pee and poop, decide when to sit and stand and not mess up—is a lot for them. Sometimes, children want to play with their poop or hate it when you flush it—all these are normal. You just have to learn to distract them and make things easier.

All this may sound intimidating to a parent, but believe, in hindsight, you will laugh at the way you panicked for such a simple thing. Keep it simple and be patient—potty training will turn out just right. Good luck!