As of this week we are a month into potty training the twins. It's not been a walk in the park. It has been hard work. Hard, messy work. Of course, I researched different ideas on how to get started. It's been a few years since we potty trained Tru. I debated on trying the whole potty train your kid in a day, three day, or week thing. I even thought about waiting until they turned 3 in the Fall. Ultimately, I knew it was time and I just had to dive in. And now a month into potty training both our boys are out of diapers and wearing big boy pants all day. I learned a few things in this process...
1.Pick a date
Clear your schedule give yourself and your little ones as many days as possible. We picked a week that was the least busiest and marked the calendar. I made sure we had plenty of groceries to mimimize trips into to town. We spent the first week at home camped out. No plans. No where to be. My focus was to be there when they were ready to go. I think by clearing our schedule it helped me to feel less stressed about the whole thing and allowed me to catch their cues as far as when they were most likely to go.
2.Be Prepared
This is a life motto for any family with multiples, right. Get the potty seats, buy the underwear, plenty of washing detergent, wipes, and stuff to clean up with. We had accidents, missed the potty completely sometimes, and went through many changes of clothing. I am finding that the less I stress about these things the better it all works out and being prepared helps with that, too. When we go out I pack at least two changes of clothes for each kiddo and carry plenty of wipes. I've always appreciated have an extra stash of kid clothes with me.
3.Don't Look Back
Once we decided to start potty training we committed to not go back to diapers. We use them for bed time, but one of my guys can make it all the way through nap time dry. Our main focus was getting good at staying dry through the day. So the moment they're up they're in underwear. When we go out, no diapers. I carry clothes with me everywhere we go.(I think I've said that already haven't I) It was not very convenient at first. It felt like a chore. But a month into it and we can go out relatively stress free. We just make sure we hit the potty before we leave, when we get to where we're going, and before we head home. It's a system that works for them. I can gladly say the diaper bill is practically gone! Oh, be sure to let other's who keep your little ones know how committed you are to potty training. It helps to have their support. I can remember working in a daycare and how when the parents and caregivers were on the same page it helped the little ones succeed with their potty training.
4. Be Positive
We celebrate little potty sucesses. More so in the beginning than now, but still we will clap and praise them when they go all on their own. We do not scold them when they have an accident. I just clean it up and tell them they'll get it next time. We set the mood in our home. When we're excited about something our kids are too!
A couples things I thought I should mention. First, when we say their prayers at night we pray for easy potty training. Literally, we say "Thank you Lord that they're bladders and bowels will be ready when we begin potty training". We've included this in their bedtime prayers since they were born. If you're a believer you know God is in all the details of our lives, even potty training our children. I know this is why we are having the success we've had with potty training. Second, have patience and be watchful. You're the parent and you know your little ones the best. There's no rule that says you have to potty train at the same time. As a mom of twins, I've learned pretty early on they are not the same people. They came out together but they don't have to do everything together. Do your research and go at the pace that's right for your little ones. Allow you and them a little slack. Potty training is like all the other milestones that they've had...they'll succeed with your gentle guidance and loving support.
No comments:
Post a Comment