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Potty training twins - a specialized view of this growing-up process.
If you have twins, you already know you have to look at everything slightly different from other moms and dads.
Conventional wisdom will only take you so far.
It's no surprise then, that potty training twins is no different.
You already know you'll need double of everything. Potty training chairs, potty training watches and stickers, wipes and clean clothes.
And especially, patience!
But...because you have twins you are probably already well-practiced in the art of extra patience, so you're ready for this adventure, too.
Potty training twins - the most important thing to remember.
The first and most important thing for you to remember as you plan to toilet train your twins is that YOU know them. You know what they like and what they can't stand. You know the circumstances in which they are happy sharing and when they crave independence.
And know you need to use that knowledge to your (and their) advantage.
Some twins potty train at the same time. Some train seperately. Since the first rule of successful potty training is knowing when to begin, you'll have to check for signs of readiness from your twins.
They may be ready to potty train at the same time. But they may not. This will dictate how you do everything else.
If you train them together, it makes sense to plan to do a potty training in 3 days session or something similar and focus, focus, focus until they both are on board with what you want for them.
If they need to be trained seperately, you might consider giving one of them a vacation at Grandma's (or somewhere else equally fun) while the other twin toddler is potty training with you. That way you can focus on your little trainee and the toddler who is ready gets your full attention. Chances are good that your newly potty trained child will be interested in sharing her newly acquired knowledge with her twin when he arrives home.
That might be all that's needed for twin #2 to acquire potty readiness signs for himself!
Potty training twins together.
If you decide that both twins are ready to be potty trained, then give some thought as to the logistics of your training time.
Do you want to potty train in the bathroom exclusively? You can easily move toys, books, food, etc. into the bathroom and surrounding areas to help maintain your children's focus.
Alternately, you can sprinkle potties around the house and allow your twins to roam as normal, with you directing them to the potties on schedule.
Again, knowing your twins will give you the best answers.
As a mom or dad of twins, you have probably embraced the idea of structure and schedules. Use this to your advantage for potty training, too.
Put together a potty log that details how often your twins are peeing. How often you want them to sit on the potties. If anyone has a bowel movement, note that. This schedule will give you important clues as to when your twins need to stop playing and start sitting on their respective potty chairs.
That will help you "catch" more pees and poops, resulting in more moments of "getting it" for your children.
Then it's time for a potty song!
Potty issues when potty training twins.
Keep in mind this process needs to be low-key and matter-of-fact.
In general, the more you WANT them to use the potty, the less they will want to use it. Potty training can be a HUGE power struggle; this is one area where you cannot "make" them do it. And they know that fact! It makes them feel big and strong. Would you give that up easily? For an M&M?
If frustrations arise, let them try to explain to each other how this process works. Then you will get a better understanding of how much they really "get" about toilet training; plus helping each other can clarify the process for them.
Not a guarantee but something to try.
Potty training twins - a summary.
- Remember that you know them better than they know themselves. Think about that and use that knowledge to help them potty train effectively.
- Make the decision to toilet train your twins together or separately based on their potty readiness cues.
- Gather potty equipment and training aids accordingly.
- Use a potty log to get your twins into a schedule while training. It will be easier for them to return time and again to their potty chairs when their potty watches go off or the timer beeps as opposed to mom saying to do it again.
- Don't get into a power struggle with them. Remember you'll be "practicing" their potty training for months.
- So be patient!
Potty training twins is an exciting milestone in their development. Help them navigate this passage successfully and before you know it you'll all be celebrating together.
Popular potty training topics.
Potty Training Child
A list of all of our articles to help you while potty training your child.
Toilet Training Tips
Many times just one new piece of toilet training advice that I hadn't considered before was just the help I needed to help my child over a potty training hump.
Potty Training Boy
Additional tips to help if you are potty training a boy (I've trained two boys myself).
Potty Training Girls
Specific tips to help potty training for girls move smoothly (I've trained two girls myself).
Colleen Langenfeld is a mother with over 29 years of parenting experience and helps other busy moms around the globe at www.paintedgold.com.
Note from Colleen: Remember, I earn my living making excellent recommendations to you, Mom, so when you choose to click any of the links on this website and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
Naturally, that means I care about what you think! If you try a product or service I recommend, I'd love to hear from you. How else can I keep my recommendations top notch for all my visitors?
And thank you, for stopping by.
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