All You Need To Know About Potty Training Twins

A common misconception when it comes to twins is that they will be ready to jump through milestones at the same time. In fact, it is very common for twins to show signs of readiness for potty training at different times!

Twins often go through milestones like crawling, walking, riding a bike, and writing their names at different times. This is very normal, and actually, it is very healthy! Many of us can accidentally assume that twins will do everything together in synchronization, simply because they were born a few minutes apart from one another and this is not so!

Here are a few tips for potty training twins at different times:

• Method – Choose a method of potty training that will specifically be successful one each individual twin.

• Acceptance – Try not to make the other twin who isn’t ready yet feel bad for not being ready. Instead, focus on all of the positive aspects of the potty training process and this will likely help both twins to feel comfortable no matter if they are ready or not!

• Plant the seed – While you are potty training your one twin who is ready, you can also begin planting the seed with your other twin by reading them both potty-themed books, picking out underwear for the future, and decorating a floor potty or potty insert of their choosing.

Even though often attached at the hip, twins are very much unique and individual people with their own quirks, likes, dislikes, and personalities. When it comes to potty training, it is okay to train one twin at a time, depending on their readiness signs!

I often get asked by parents of twins if they should encourage twin number 2 to begin potty training because twin number 1 is showing readiness signs. I am here to tell you that it is okay and even easier for YOU to train them separately.

Additionally, each twin may respond to a different potty training method such as a floor potty versus a toilet insert, an edible reward versus a desired activity, and so on. We all have different learning styles, and when it comes to potty training (as we all know), there are a million different ways to go about this process!

Oftentimes, once you are well on your way to potty training one of your twins, your other twin will grow intrigued, and they will begin to show interest in potty training also! Siblings often look up to one another and children hate to miss out on exciting and new things that they see their brother or sister doing!

Here are a few helpful tips for twins who are both showing readiness signs at the SAME time:

• Sense of ownership - Buy each twin their own potty, rewards, underwear, etc.

• Bring in HELP – Potty training one child is hard enough, but training TWO children at once definitely calls for backup from grandparents, caregivers, and your partner. (if possible!)

• Unique experiences – You will likely have completely different potty training experiences with both twins!

Just like siblings who aren’t twins, it is possible that they will respond differently to different methods, styles, and situations. This will take some mental preparation on your part!

No child is exactly like another, and this applies to twins as well! Each child deserves to have their own experience and be able to express what their individual needs and desires are without feeling like they have to compromise what works for them!

You’ve got this! It will be an action-filled, exciting experience to say the least, but if you already have twins, you probably rarely have dull moments as it is! Enter this process with an open mind, patience, and grace for both yourself and your kiddos!

Happy Potty Training!

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