Potty training is a significant milestone for every parent and child, but the journey often looks a little different depending on whether you’re training a girl or a boy. Understanding these differences can make the process smoother for both you and your little one. Here are 7 key differences between potty training girls and boys:
1. Physical Anatomy
The most obvious difference is in anatomy, which affects how boys and girls use the potty. Boys can be taught both sitting and standing methods, while girls sit for everything. Teaching boys to aim accurately can add an extra layer of complexity—a skill that takes time and practice.
While I was potty training my son we initally taught him started with the sitting method. We felt that it was easier especially since doing a number two also requires sitting. After he mastered listing to his bathroom cues sitting, we introduced standing. This came in handy during public bathroom visits.
Something to keep in mind with potty training is the mess. Boys tend to shoot out and girls tend to dribble. Depending on the gender, be prepared for the mess. Make sure you seat them right on the seat to prevent leaks.
2. Readiness Timing
On average, girls tend to show readiness for potty training earlier than boys. Studies suggest that girls may develop bladder control slightly sooner, making them more likely to start training around 18-24 months, whereas boys might be ready closer to 24-30 months.
However, every child is unique, my friend’s son was showing signs and interest shortly after 18 months and my daughter wasn’t ready until shortly after 2 years old. It’s essential to look for readiness cues rather than sticking to a strict timeline.
The most important factor I found that helped the most during potty training was the parent’s readiness. No matter how ready your child is you as the parent must be ready. Ready to track how much she drank, track when was the last bathroom visit, ready to know and be aware of where the bathrooms might be when you’re out.
We did a little countdown with stickers towards potty training and we felt it helped prepare our toddlers for it. Get your free countdown calendar!
3. Learning Styles
Girls often respond well to verbal instructions and praise, which can make them easier to guide through the process. Boys, on the other hand, may benefit from more hands-on demonstrations or visual aids, such as potty training charts or even seeing a parent or sibling use the bathroom.
Both my son and daughter responded well to excitement. When we decided to start potty training, we took each of our toddlers to the store and bought them “super cool big kid underpants”. All of their favorite characters and things. Check out some small local baby shops, H&M, and Zara. You can find Pokemon, Paw Patrol, Superheroes, Ballerinas, Barbies, Disney, Unicorns, Kitties, and that is just listing a few. This is where it started for us. This excitement for the underpants.
4. Sitting vs. Standing
Teaching boys to transition from sitting to standing can be a unique challenge. Many parents start boys off sitting to avoid the mess that often comes with learning to aim. Girls, of course, don’t face this hurdle, which can simplify their training process.
As I mentioned before, I found that it was more helpful to start with sitting because it was a natural link with making a number two. We did not have any issues transitioning from sitting to standing. It seem that watching his dad was enough, he naturally caught on. We let him exercise his choice to sit or stand. At this age it allowed him to practice his autonomy.
5. Motivation and Interests
Boys and girls may be motivated by different things. Girls might be more drawn to the idea of “being like Mommy” or enjoying colorful potty seats and stickers. My daughter was really excited to wear big girl underpants, special ones she got to choose.
Boys, however, may find motivation in competition (“Let’s see if you can pee like Daddy!”) or the opportunity to use fun tools like a potty target. MY son wanted to be a big kid like his sister and was excited by the thought of doing his business in the toilet.
Once we got started it was too more to keep them motivated to take breaks from play and try sitting. I think for us the biggest challenge was keeping them on the toilet. Both my son and daughter would place their bums down for a quick second then say no pee and want to get up. Usually if we let them they ended up having an accident a minute or so after. We used a sweet treat to help them stay seated although this can be a big debate amount parents. However, it is whatever works best for your child and your parenting style.
6. Behavioral Differences
Some parents observe that girls tend to be more focused and cooperative during potty training sessions, while boys might be more easily distracted. Encouraging boys to stay seated long enough to finish can require extra patience and creativity.
Another behavioral difference is the bathroom signal. I found that my daughter and my son do different things to indicate they need to use the bathroom. There are many different signals and I don’t think there are specific signals or boys or girls. The most common ones are dancing, the cinching of knees together, touching, and pacing, just to name a few.
Your child will exhibit one or more of these signals when they have to use the bathroom. Be prepared. All you can do is stay sharp.
7. Mess Factor
Many people think due to the nature of learning to aim, boys often have a “messier” training experience than girls. Accidents are more likely to involve cleanups outside the potty. This could be the case for many boy parents, so placing a small potty in an easy-to-clean area and using training aids like splash guards can help reduce the chaos.
In my experiencing potty training a girl and a boy, I found that messes can get pretty bad with both. My only tip would be to help prevent messes is to make sure your kids pull their pants and underpants down enough. I have made this mistake with my son and daughter. If you don’t clear the knees, you end up with urine on the toilet seat, the floor, and in the pants.
Tips for Both Boys and Girls
While there are differences, the core principles of potty training remain the same:
- Patience is key. Celebrate small successes and avoid punishment for accidents.
I can’t emphasize enough that patience is key. Truly make your best effort to keep calm and let those accidents roll off the shoulder and comfort your child when they have accidents. I used phrases like “oh no bud, that’s okay, accidents happen. We will make it to the potty next time!” or “whoops, we were having too much fun to hear your body telling you it’s bathroom time. That happens, let’s get you cleaned up and we will can try again!”
Getting angry for the many accidents they will have hurts their self-esteem, breaks their confidence, and spikes their anxiety over the whole process. I made this mistake with my first born and corrected it with my second. Don’t make my mistake. Do it right the first time around.
- Routine helps. Establish a consistent schedule for potty break
I wouldn’t recommend a hard schedule but a general routine would be good. Take them an hour after wake up, and every hour after that when you are first starting the potty training process than again at the end of the day. You will find after a while, your toddler will be telling you when they need to go and you will start taking them by following their cues. Be patient during this transition. Accidents can happen during this time too.
- Positive reinforcement works wonders. Use stickers, praise, or small rewards to encourage progress.
This is a no-brainer, positive reinforcement works wonders. It makes them excited, gives them a confidence boost, and it creates a positive inner voice in your little one. Every small accomplishment is a big win and make sure they know it. Let them know that you are in their corner and you are their biggest cheerleader!
I hope these 7 key differences between potty training girls and boys help you on your journey towards a diaperless tomorrow. Every child’s potty training journey is unique, so adapt these tips to fit your child’s personality and needs. Whether you’re training a girl or a boy, the goal is to create a supportive, stress-free environment that fosters success. If you as a parent or caregiver have any tips you would like to add please share them in the comments!
