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Potty training a boy isn’t for the faint of heart—but if you’re reading this, you’re likely in the thick of it. I’ve been there. What follows isn’t theory, it’s my real-world, parent-tested method for potty training my son—without tears (mostly), bribes (mostly), or total chaos. Here’s what worked.

1. Timing is Everything

I learned quickly that potty training before your child is ready is like trying to teach a fish to ride a bike. I waited until my son showed clear signs:

• Hiding to poop
• Staying dry for long stretches
• Showing interest in the toilet
• Wanting to wear “big boy underwear”

For us, this happened just after his second birthday, though readiness varies.

2. Get the Right Tools

Here’s what made all the difference:

• Potty chair (BabyBjörn): Simple, comfy, and not intimidating.
• Potty training seat for the big toilet (with step stool): Great for transitioning later.
• Training underwear (Gerber): Absorbent enough for accidents but lets him feel wet.
• Plenty of pants: Because laundry.
• Flushable wipes: Easier for early wipers.

Optional but helpful:

• Sticker chart: Simple reward system.
• Favorite books & toys near the potty.

3. Go All In: The Three-Day Method (Modified)

We chose a long weekend and committed. No diapers (except at night). Just:

1. Day 1: Stay home, stay bare-bottomed. Every 15–20 minutes, I’d gently ask, “Let’s try sitting on the potty.” Accidents were met with a calm, “That’s okay, pee goes in the potty.”
2. Day 2: Add loose pants or training underwear. Keep asking, “Do you feel like you need to go?”
3. Day 3: Short outings with potty access. Bring extra clothes.

We avoided pull-ups during the day—they’re too similar to diapers.

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4. Make It Fun, Not Stressful

I kept the mood light. We read potty books like “Potty” by Leslie Patricelli and sang silly potty songs. If he sat on the potty (even without results), he got a high-five or a sticker.

I avoided punishments or disappointment. Accidents were learning moments, not failures.

5. The Standing Up Challenge

Boys eventually need to learn to pee standing up—but we didn’t start there. First, we mastered sitting down (much less mess). Once he got the hang of it, I let him copy me.

Tools that helped:

• Cheerio target practice: Drop one in and aim.
• Frog urinal (stick-on wall version): Fun and less intimidating.

6. Nighttime and Naps

Daytime came first. For naps and overnight, we used diapers for a few months longer, then switched to nighttime training when he was consistently waking up dry.

Tips:

• Limit drinks an hour before bed
• Pee before sleep
• Use a waterproof mattress cover

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7. What Didn’t Work (And Why That’s Okay)

• Reward overload: Candy every time = unsustainable. We weaned off quickly.
• Too much pressure: When I pushed too hard, he resisted. Patience paid off.
• Comparing to other kids: Some are trained by 18 months, some by 4. I stopped comparing.

8. Encouragement, Not Bribes

Praise worked better than rewards. I’d say:

• “You listened to your body!”
• “That’s what big kids do!”
• “You kept your pants dry all day!”

These felt more sustainable and reinforced internal motivation.

9. Regression is Normal

We had setbacks—when he was sick, or distracted by life changes (like starting preschool). When it happened, we stayed calm and just reinforced the basics. Regression isn’t failure, it’s part of the process.

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10. Final Thoughts

Potty training my son wasn’t always easy, but it was absolutely doable with the right mindset and tools. The keys were timing, consistency, patience, and keeping it positive.

If you’re about to begin your own potty training journey—deep breaths. You’ve got this. Your child will get there, and so will you.

If you found this helpful, check out my upcoming posts on nighttime potty training and how to ditch the pacifier gently.

Happy pottying! 🚽