Potty Training 103 (my unconventional way)

Potty training little boys in 3 simple phases. Let me clarify, the concept is simple, potty training boys is NEVER simple. But because they're boys, the process must be simple to understand and fun. Otherwise it becomes a war. Two down, one to go. I'm thinking July might be a nice time to start Owen.

Phase 1--Talk and Show

Expose boy to others peeing and pooping.
-point out whenever the dogs pee or poop.
-go to the zoo, point out how each animal pees and poops, where and how.
-go camping have them pee and poop with dad. (this helps dad see what a pain potty training is and he will be more supportive this way)
-take them in the bathroom every time anyone (anyone willing) uses it.

Talk about how and where Superman, Batman, and all other big impressive males pee and poop.

Talk about all the cool things big boys that pee and poop in the potty can do.
-use the men's room at church and the park--with out mom!
-sleep in a tent with dad, brothers, and dogs.
-talk about some incentives that you want to use--candy, toys, Disneyland, etc.

Phase 2--Practice

Buy a large bowl of really great candy in small portion sizes. I'm anti-chocolate at this age--it's just too messy. Plus when the dogs lick their faces it's bad for the dogs.

Fill a large thermos with some sort of stain-free juice or punch. It works best on a hot day when they want to drink a lot. Make sure everyone has a cup with their name on it. Get a special cup for your potty pee-er in training.

Gather all your kids. (and your kid's friends too, unless you're worried what their mom's will think.)

Show them the candy. Tell them that every time (enter son's name here) pees on a tree in the back yard, EVERYONE gets to have one piece of candy.
-Tell the kids that the more he drinks, the more likely he is to pee.
-Tell kids to pee with him, then he's more likely to get the hang of it.
-Tell kids that you have to be able to see the pee on the tree and that it has to be the trainee that peed. No cheating. Cheaters get no candy next round.

In the meantime everyone can play as they normally would in your backyard. Maybe have a new toy or game just so everyone is extra happy and glad to be there.

Play this back yard game as often as you can until the trainee really gets good at it. (Boys LOVE this game.) So good that sometimes he just runs outside to pee on a tree--just because.

While the kids play and train, you can blog, facebook, read, call a friend, etc. Or get stuff done, your choice. And there's no mess, no stress! (he might pee on his clothes a little, but you were going to wash those anyway, right?)

Phase 3--Potty Etiquette training

Praise your son for his new skill.
Let him know how proud you are of his progress.
Tell him you think he is ready to pee in the actual potty like Daddy and all the big boys and superheros.
Inform him that he only gets candy for peeing in the potty, no more candy for peeing on trees. He may be sad about the rule change, but stroke his ego and tell him how big and great he is for being ready to pee in the bathroom. He'll get over it if he really likes the candy and whatever other incentives you want to use.

Now that he is in the house, you will have to monitor things a little more, but he's been practicing so it will be a lot less mess and stress than if you were starting in the house. He's been practicing on trees narrower than the potty, so he should have pretty good aim. Hopefully he picked up "shaking" from the other boys, but if not you may have to teach him that.

House Peeing Game Rules
-seat up when you pee
-pee has to be in the toilet
-clean up your mess if you miss
-seat and lid down when you're done
-flush
-pants up before you leave the bathroom
-hands washed

I still do "drinks and candy for all" in this phase. The team spirit seems to really motivate them. It also helps older siblings learn how to teach and encourage throughout the process. If they miss him peeing, they miss the treats.

Phase 4 - Pooping.

For this I am pretty conventional. I just set aside time each day to read stories on the potty, especially after meals. BIG pieces of candy for success on the potty here. Also, I do Phase 4 at the same time as all the other phases. As often as I can. It's also good to continue Phase 1 steps with Phase 4 process.

Please note that there are side effects to this "outdoor" method.

Sometimes they forget about toilets because trees were their first experience. They seem to grow out of this though. Or they get more sly about it.

Their wives will probably hate me, but I try my best to survive life with all males. Most of the time I feel like an alien visiting another planet.