If potty training boys is to be a happy, no stress experience for both you and your child then you cannot afford to start potty training if your little boy is having emotional problems. If you carry on regardless then you risk turning this stage of your child's development into a battleground and potty training will take so much longer than it should.

Potty training boys should be delayed if your child is under stress from any of the following events.

Have you just brought home a new baby brother or sister? Is he having problems coping with someone else being the focus of attention? You need to give him time to adjust.

Is he suffering from an illness? Or is another member of the family ill? Remember successfully potty training boys requires a serious time commitment from the parent(s).

Is he sleeping poorly? If so, wait until he gets back to his normal sleeping pattern.

Have you just moved into a new home? If so, you need to give him time to get used to his new surroundings.

Has he just started kinder or joined a new social group? If so, allow him a settling in period.

Is one or both parents under excessive stress such as just a bereavement, starting a new job or facing redundancy? Children are very good at picking up on an adult's stress. Potty training boys requires you to be calm and relaxed.

Is an older brother or sister displaying behavioral issues? Try to resolve these first.

I know you long to say goodbye to all those diapers but potty training boys should only begin when your son is in the right emotional state and has the necessary communication and behavioral skills to follow instructions.