little boy potty learning problem

[Beth-TX]

Hi everyone.

My cousin asked me for advice on this, and as I only have girls, I have no idea what to tell her. Maybe you mamas of boys can help me out.

Her son is just shy of 2 years old and showing interest in the potty. She's not pushing him to potty train, but if he asks to sit on the potty, she lets him. Here's the problem--he asks to sit on the potty every time he has an erection. He seems to be confusing that "funny feeling" with the urge to go to the bathroom. It's funny, but also sad because he is terrified when it happens and panics, wanting to sit on the potty immediately. She take him to the potty right away, but obviously he's not going to be able to pee in that condition and he cries. Poor baby is so confused!

She's at a loss for what to do. She's a very gentle parent and wants to find a way to explain to him what exactly is going on. But he's so little--who knows if he could really understand?

So, has anyone had experience with this? Can you offer any advice?

Thanks in advance.

peace, Beth

[bradley method mom]

I also have girls so I have to personal experience to offer but i have friends with boys and they have had older boys talk to the younger ones about what happens. fathers can help too.

[Datura]

The erection at that age often comes from a full bladder. He may be getting too much of an erection to actually urinate, though. He is doing the right thing by running to the potty, I'd say he just needs to hang out for a bit, relax and let it flow.

I can always tell when Bear needs to go because he's usually sporting wood, hehe. He thinks its hilarious because he can go hands free and spray away. That's also one of the reasons adult men wake up with a morning erection, pure and simple bladder fullness. Not particularly romantic, hehe.