Potty Training Twins or Two Children Close in Age

Parents who have twins or children close in age sometimes believe that they should train their children at the same time...

Parents who have twins, higher order multiples, or two children close in age sometimes believe that they should train their children at the same time.

Here are some tips to remember when potty training twins:

• DON'T compare
• DON'T pressure
• DO praise
• DO reward
• DON'T leave out
• DO watch for signs that readiness
• DO be patient

While this may seem like a time-saver, it doesn't always work out that way, as your children may approach readiness at different times. It's always easier to work with a child who is ready and able to tackle the new skill.

There is no "right" age to potty training a child, but there are things to look for when you want to see if your child is ready. Check to see if he/she shows the signs of readiness. 

Signs of Readiness below:
( for a full articles please see Potty Training Age Readiness)

• Physical Readiness

  Able to sit, stand, and walk with ease
  Bowel movements are regular
  Stays dry during naps and night-time.

• Motor Skills

  Pull pants up and down with ease
  Can undress themselves

• Cognitive &  Verbal Development

  Able to say common potty words
  Stops what they are doing to poop in diaper
  They understand simple instructions

• Emotional & Social Awareness

  Shows interest in other people going potty
  They imitate behavior

It's likely that if one child is ready sooner than the other, that child will become ready more quickly just by watching and learning from her sibling.

Things you'll need:

Purchase at least two potty chairs, because you'll want an accessible potty for each child whenever the urge strikes.

Also, it is likely that when one is sitting on the potty, the other will think it's a great idea. In addition, once you get in the routine of using the potty after meals, before bed, and in the morning, they won't have to wait and take turns, which could invite arguments or accidents.

It can be helpful to set up a play area in the bathroom, with toys or games, so that if one child is using the potty, the other can be patient and happy while waiting for the other.

Keep in mind that every child learns differently. Just because a certain method works perfectly for one child doesn't mean it will work for another.

Your children may require slightly different approaches as you go through the potty training process, so be open, attentive and, of course, patient.