Each child is different and there are a lot of different factors that can effect what is best for your child. Color coded to help you find area of interest.

1. Child’s Age
2. Child’s Size or Height
3. His Ability to Aim
4. Your Family Dynamics
5. Child’s personal preference

I will address each one and give my ideas in each area but remember you know your child best. These are ideas not laws of physics so use common sense and use what you feel fits your individual child.

Generally speaking girls are toilet trained at younger ages then boys, but do not let that tell you that your 18 month old can’t. At younger ages, coordination and concentration levels are not as developed so it may be harder for them to do several things at one time: stand still, not trip with pants around ankles, aim, and concentrate on releasing urination. Sitting may be the safer and easier option until a later date. You should give your child a chance to try both ways with real young children. Older boys 3 or over they should have the ability, but may not have the desire.

©      For safety reasons I would NOT suggest that you have your young child try standing on a stool to pee in a big toilet because they are more likely to fall and get hurt making potty training scary. Use a potty chair or attachable urinal like the one shown on the side column.

A child’s size or height is a big factor in whether they can reach over the bowl of a regular toilet, as well as their ability to actually to aim when at a height disadvantage. You should have your child stand in front of the toilet and see if standing on the floor is an option. If not you can find a footstool that can be used to help raise them higher.

• Safety tip - try to avoid folding stools because they can collapse if not latched tightly, causing injury.
• Safety tip – have your child step up and down from stool with pants down to see if they are able to do this without tripping. Other wise this can cause injuries making him scared to use the bathroom.
• If he isn’t able to use the full size toilet try using a potty chair that sits on the floor.
• Product Tip – We have the WeeMan Urinal a urinal that attaches to the side of the toilet lowering the height requirement to stand, see it on the side column.

As we all know each male’s privates can be different sizes. If your child is very small or very large don’t worry they will develop normally once they reach their teens. Boys with very small or even somewhat inverted genitals may have a problem learning to aim. This is because they are not able to hold onto it as easily. Sitting may be a solution until his body grows more, then he can choose to sit or stand. Here are some tips that may help teach him to aim if you choose to teach him to stand.

• Have your son stand with his back arched backward pushing his penis forward aiming with his hips rather then the traditional way.
• Try adding some fun by having them practice aiming, by trying to sink a fruit loop, cheerio, a square of toilet paper, or place a sticker on the bottom of the bowl under the water level. Make sure what ever you choose that it is safe for flushing or septic systems.
• With boys that are big enough to hold onto their equipment, remind them not to squeeze it too hard making aiming unreliable.

Each family is unique; there aren’t any right or wrong ways to make these choices. Look at your family group this isn’t always who lives at home, but who is involved in your son’s daily life is what is important. If older children are in & out of the home, grandparents, aunts, uncles are very active in day to day life, visitation with other parent & family (when divorced), and child care workers as well can be figured into the daily life of a child.

Here are some questions to help you figure out your family dynamics, and what might work best for you.

1. Is the father or a father figure in the home or daily family life? It’s common for many men to back out of toilet training. If you are able to get the father involved this will make transition easier. Little boys look to the father or father figure to know how they should act this includes using the bathroom. If Daddy stands or sits to use the bathroom then your child will assume that is the way it is supposed to be done.
2. If Yes to #1 is he willing to be an active part of potty training? He can show the child how he uses the bathroom and have the boy try when daddy does. Children learn by example and their father should be the best example of all when possible. Most little boys want to be big like their daddy and this can give him a positive attitude about potty training,
3. If NO to #1 is there an older male around that you trust including older children? This can be a tricky area, we do not want to put any child at risk so choose carefully, having an older male that is trustworthy show your son how they use the bathroom is a big motivator. Knowing how men or even an older brother uses the bathroom and seeing how it is done, takes some of the fear out of potty training. Children learn by example.
4. If NO to 1, 2 & 3 are you willing to take your child to the bathroom when you need to go? Children learn by example so if you could take your child to the bathroom and have him try when you need to go too. He will see that everyone uses the potty. (Hint: if you are worried about modesty, place a towel across you lap this will still show him that you are going but not expose you.) I have seen many families with only girls in the household teach their son to sit when potty training, then when they get to school age the child may switch to standing to fit in.
5. What are the guide lines at child care or preschool program if applicable? Even if you choose to have your child stand you may find that some child care providers have policies that say if staff is to help with training - the child must sit. Take the time to talk to your child care provider to find what their policies are. Open communication is always best for your child and his development.

I hope this has given you some ideas to work with. Having your child stand or sit when using the bathroom is a personal preference and only you know what works best for your child.  

If you choose to have your son sit please look at our large variety of potty chairs and toilet topping seats that have high splash guards saving your from wet spots on the floor. See photos & links on side columns or site categories for Children's Toilet Seats or Potty Chairs.

3Dz Family - JR