Potty training is a big deal for toddlers. Hell, it’s a big deal for adults, too. Both parent and child are going from their usual routine of changing dirty diapers, to having the child do their business in a new device they’re totally not used to. It can be quite an adjustment, to say the least. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways men can help with potty training. Why the focus on dudes? Well, there’s already plenty written about how moms can help with potty training, and I figure this can level the playing field. To be completely honest, this stuff isn’t gender specific, but rather a checklist for those dudes out there who want to step up and show that they’re just as capable as their partner in all things potty training related.
Now, in order for this list to work, you need to be sure your kid is, in fact, ready to ditch the diapers. There are plenty of cues indicating your child is ready for potty training, from being able to take off their own diaper to making that adorable and outright hilarious “poop face.” You should also make sure you’re mentally prepared for the upcoming task (because, as a parent, you need to make sure you're ready to give your time, effort, and of course, patience). Once you've decided both you and your kid are ready, well, then it's just a matter of try, try (and try and try and try and try) again.
Perhaps the most important lesson is this: potty training isn't a gender-specific job. It doesn't matter if mom was the one to birth the baby or breastfeed the baby. It doesn't matter if mom is at home with the baby or working out of the house or the one who makes the majority of the dinners. Potty training, like any other aspect of parenting, is a two-person job, that requires both parents (if both are involved) to be actively participating. So, if you're a grown-ass man ready to roll up your sleeves and get dirty (sometimes literally) here's how you can help: