If your twins are not developmentally ready to train, you’ll encounter more resistance and frustration. Evaluate your twins individually to determine the right timing for them. Signs of readiness include showing an interest when others use the toilet, the ability to go for an extended length of time without wetting a diaper, hiding in a private place when they feel the urge to go, being uncomfortable with a soiled diaper, and wanting to wear “big kid” underwear. But remember, your twins are individuals. They may not be ready at the same time. Though tempting, try to avoid instituting the process of potty training based on a deadline. If you are under pressure to train before the start of preschool or a family vacation, for instance, you may encounter resistance. Anticipate other big changes in your twins’ lives. Are you planning a move, a change in routine, or the birth of a sibling? All of these changes can be too overwhelming for a child who is also trying to master the toilet. Many parents have found that girls sometimes show signs of being ready and get the hang of potty training quicker than boys. As such, boy/girl twins are more likely to require differentiated training. If you do potty train both at the same time, your twins may benefit from companionship and competition, encouraging and challenging each other’s successes and setbacks. Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if one’s success causes the other to regress. You’ll have to decide whether a one-on-one approach is more effective. For some twins, potty training together is simply too distracting and disruptive. Potty time can turn into playtime, often with very messy results. With twins, this can work to your advantage, or create havoc. You know your twins best and will have to evaluate their dynamics. You only want to offer a reward with success, but how will the other twin react when they don’t receive one? Some twins don’t have the cognitive ability to connect the cause and consequences, and you’ll only incite unnecessary tantrums. However, if your twins are competitive, the presentation of a reward for successful potty-ing may prove to be highly motivating. Find your twins’ individual currency. What works? Is it candies, toys, or other small gifts? Perhaps the promise of an adventure or activity is a more appropriate reward. If you try to get by with one—even if they are training at different times—there is very likely to be a showdown when they both try to go at the same time. If you find yourself in this scenario, simply emphasize the importance of taking turns and consider enforcing reasonably timed toilet sessions to avoid conflict. To reduce squabbles, consider investing in standalone potty chairs rather than inserts that fit into the toilet. You may even want to consider multiple sets to place throughout the house, such as in the playroom for immediate access. If your twins are stingy about sharing, you can designate ownership, but in the long run, this can cause extra drama for children who only want to go in “their” potty. However, it may be more necessary to specify with a boy and girl, especially if you are using a splash guard or deflector on the potty seat. 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. Determine if you want to use nighttime training pants like Pull-Ups rather than underwear until your children are consistently waking up dry. Don’t freak out about accidents. Simply enlist your child’s help in cleaning up, and move on. Be patient and remember to maintain a sense of humor. Tailor your responses to your individual children. Some children respond to gushing praise, while 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 like when you’re out of the house. How will you handle naptimes, overnights, outings, or daycare? Remember to pack the potty, as well as extra cleaning supplies and perhaps puppy pads to protect your car seats. If accidents occur, take them in stride. Be prepared for other challenges, such as bouts of constipation, to potentially put a snag in potty-training efforts. Flexibility is the key to success. dexter_s / Getty Images Many parents relied on a schedule for their twins when they were infants and they find that it works effectively for potty training as well. 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. 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. Forgo fussy snaps, zippers, or buttons. Save the special outfits for a later date when your twins are more likely to stay dry. Additionally, don’t compare your twins to one another if one is picking up potty training faster than the other. For this reason, you may also want to avoid the sticker charts that many parents use when training one child at a time. Lastly, don’t use shaming language or enforce punishments when one of your twins has an accident.
