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6. Expect Double the Mess
While potty training twins, you can expect that there will be double the mess. There WILL be setbacks and there WILL be accidents. Know that they're coming and prepare your home accordingly. Stock up on cleaning supplies so that you're ready to address the mess. If you are concerned about permanent stains or damage, protect the areas of your house that cause concern. Use gates to keep potty training twins out of rooms that are off-limits. Put away expensive throw rugs or bedspreads. Cover furniture and floors with tarps. Don't freak out about accidents; simply enlist your child's help in cleaning up, and move on. Maintain a sense of humor; the retelling of these incidents will make for great stories later in life!
7. Be Flexible
Even though they're twins, a "one-size-fits-all" approach won't always work. Be flexible. Tailor your responses to your individual children. Some children respond to gushing praise; others prefer less of a fuss. Some need continual reminders; some need to control the process themselves. Some are open about their bodily functions, while others prefer privacy. You know your children best, and can determine the approach that will be most effective. While you may develop a successful routine during the day at home, different tactics may be required for other times. How will you handle naptimes, overnights, outings or day care? Flexibility is the key to success.
8. Stick to a Similar Schedule
Training twins at the same time is definitely the easiest approach. If that's the path that you choose, you'll find more success by keeping your twins on a similar schedule. Many parents relied on a schedule for their twins when they were infants and they find that it works effectively for potty training also. When twins eat, drink and sleep on the same schedule, they're also more likely to "use the facilities" together. Introducing potty time as part of their daily routine can help them use the toilet consistently.
9. Dress for Success
Many families prefer to potty train when the weather is warm. The comfortable temperatures require less clothing, which gets in the way and requires additional cleaning in the event of an accident. Help your twins feel confident and independent as they master their toilet habits by dressing them in clothes that they can manage. Favor easy access clothing, such as pull-up pants or skirts for girls. Forgo fussy snaps, zippers or buttons. Dry-clean only clothing and potty training don't mix; save the special outfits for a later date when your twins are more likely to stay dry.
10. This "Two" Shall Pass
Keep it in perspective. Like all phases of parenting multiples, potty training is a temporary transition. Your children WILL learn to use the toilet. You WILL get rid of diapers. You can look forward to a day when they stay dry and use the bathroom independently. It WILL happen. Be patient, flexible and loving. Down the road, you'll look back on this experience and think, "What was the big deal?"
(Edit:Ruby) |
