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Potty Training Multiples
Great advice whether you have one or more to train!
Potty Training Multiples
Great advice whether you have one or more to train!
Congratulations, you made it to the toddler years with your multiples! And just like you had to buy multiple cribs, strollers and high-chairs – when your children reach that stage of readiness – it will be time to buy multiple potties. But don’t worry, the PULL-UPS® Potty Training Partners offer advice and tips to help make potty training your twins, triplets or even quads easier.
Are Your Children Ready?
“Some families with multiples are so busy with other activities that they may miss the signs of readiness for potty training. When this occurs the child becomes accustomed accommodated to living in diapers and then potty training is much more difficult,” says PULL-UPS® Potty Training Partner Jan Faull, M.Ed.
Faull advises parents to first check for signs of readiness, such as staying dry for two hours, talking about the potty and asking to have diapers changed before beginning the process with any of your children. However, your children may not be ready to start potty training simultaneously, so be sure to observe each individually to determine when they are ready to begin. Familiarize yourself with additional Signs of Readiness (link to Signs of Readiness on Web site) to give you and your child the best chance for success.
A Training Style for Every Child
Just because one of your children is ready to be potty trained doesn’t mean it’s the right time for his or her sibling. Every child potty trains differently, so don’t be pressured to train your twins or triplets at the same time or in the same way. Parents who have developed a successful potty training routine with one child may often be tempted to follow that same routine with another child. Parents will usually have an easier time training if they are willing to use the method that will work best based on their individual learning style.
If by chance your multiples do want to train at the same time, stock up on your potty training supplies. You’ll need extra PULL-UPS® training pants, more rewards – and double the patience. And make sure you choose the PULL-UPS® training pants that is suited for how your children learn best. Visit the PULL-UPS® Potty Training Personality Profile (link to Potty Training Personality Profile on Web site) to discover tips and tools to help you on your way.
Way to Go!
Potty training more than one child means even more recognition, praise and great news throughout your potty training process! It’s important to give each child that is training equal attention and praise to make them feel special. One option is to create separate progress charts for each child with their favorite colors, and let them pick out the potty that they’re attracted to. This will help them feel unique from their sibling who is also training. Plus, involving them in all aspects of the process will go a long way in keeping them both interested and motivated.
When they’ve reached a milestone in their potty training process – like being dry for so many days or flushing for the first time – reward them with a special treat or toy they personally like. Just as each child won’t have the same training style, each child won’t respond to the same rewards and praise so remember to plan accordingly.
Be sure not to do too much comparing between your children and their potty success or you may run into a situation where one child is fighting to show they are different than the others. If you choose to reward your child, try to do it away from the others so you aren’t encouraging competition among your children.
Patience is a Virtue
Potty training multiples is a true test on parents, but it is important not to get discouraged or frustrated. Parents must always lead by example and keep the spirit and motivation high – one of the keys to successful potty training.
“Because your children’s emotions (and yours) will run high as they attempt to be the first on the toilet, you’ll need to be firm and kind as you control the situation. One will be happy as she gets her turn, the other will be sad or mad as she has to wait. In time they’ll realize that you’re managing the situation and their emotions will settle down,” says Faull.
“Avoid pressuring your children to eliminate in the toilet, since that could lead to resistance and frustration. Watch even your facial expressions and body language: kids will pick up your dismay,” advises PULL-UPS® Potty Training Partner Alison Schonwald.
At the end of the day, potty training is a milestone for your children. It can be challenging and even frustrating at times, but it also can provide a great sense of pride and accomplishment along the way to helping you potty trainers succeed and feel like a Big Kid®.
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