For a child to be potty trained, his motor, sensory, neurological and social skills must be relatively developed. This is why 18 months to 2.5 years is the recommended age to train a child how to use a potty. The main aim of potty training is for a child to be self-sufficient and independent when using a bathroom. Training boy- girl twins to use the bathroom should not be as hectic as it looks. The right timing and understanding your babies’ personality will pave an easier road for discussion and into a successful potty training process.
Telltale signs that your child is ready for the potty training process.
1) Shows interest in using the toilet.
“Can I flush?”
“Can I come to the bathroom with you?”
A child who starts to show vivid interest either by asking questions or wondering to the bathroom to examine and try to figure out how things go on in there may be ready for the training. As soon as you notice this, take charge and start introducing the concept of a potty use, asking questions and answering as many as you can. They are going to be quiet a handful.
Take note that some kids are scared of the noise of a flushing toilet. Don’t force it on them.
2) Long periods of a dry diaper
If your child is going for longer periods, say 1- 2 hours, they may just be ready for potty training. In addition they may hate having a soiled diaper on them and try to pull it out more often than not. Put them at ease and start demonstrating the basics of using a potty.
3) Interest in ‘big kid’ underwear.
You may be out shopping and your child is fascinated by this particular underwear for older kids. You can have fun with this by letting them choose whichever color and theme they like.
4) Body Function signs.
A child shows signs of readiness when he retreats to a corner or repeatedly points to the bathroom when the urge to use it arises. Some retreat to another room when they soil they diapers. This is a time to take initiative as it means that they are aware of the act and may be in discomfort. Your guidance and reassurance is what they’ll cherish most at this time.
The right time for potty training boy-girl twins
In most cases, the boy and girl will not fall into the process or have interest simultaneously. Research shows that girls achieve toilet training skills earlier than boys including successful completion. In some instances it may be the boy who shows interest earlier. Either way, a child’s individuality will affect how the process will go like and how fast success is achieved. To prevent frustration on the side of parents and children, consider,
1) Most approachable time- When planning to start the potty process, identify the hour of the day when your child is jovial and not fussy. We all have our most productive day and so does a child.
2) Personality– Every child is different and so are your boy- girl twins. If one child shows interest first, do not force the other to gain interest as well. A child- oriented process is more likely to succeed than one where a parent tries to force it on the child. Is your child shy or independent? Does he want to learn things on his own or does he prefer to explore his way into things. Is he private or would he like you to be there every step of the way. This are only a few questions to ask yourself if you are to have some success in the potty process.
3) Healthcare Check– Parents over go this yet it is a crucial part of ensuring that you are doing the process right. You want to rule out the possibility of bladder problem or other health related issues to bowel movements like constipation. Such issues can turn off your child’s interest to learn how to use a potty.
4) Attention span- One of the reasons why pediatricians recommend 18 months to 2.5 as the appropriate age of train is because a child is able to relatively have a better attention span. To help them concentrate during the process, try reading a book, singing their favorite song or introducing a coloring book during the potty time.
Training process
Your child has shown the signs of readiness and now they actually want to try it out. Here is how to go about it.
Timing– There’s no perfect age but there is an almost perfect timing. Weekends will give you more time on your hands for the process as well as the accidents and setbacks which are sure to arise. To reduce the risk of regression, train when there is no anticipation of a big change either through moving, starting pre-school, daycare or a the birth of a new sibling. A child may feel like they have a deadline placed on their head which will result in more setback accidents and discomfort on their part.
Potty seat shopping– Go out with them and let them choose the potty seat which appeals to them most. Giving it to them as their potty will give them a sense of responsibility and desire to learn the process of potty use. Different colors for boys and girls will reduce the squabbles when they have to use the potty at the same time. A good potty should have safety features, be size appropriate, stable and be simple to use for the child. For a boy potty seat, buy one with a splash guard to keep the pee in place. Of course you want to buy one that is easy to clean!
Basics– To ensure smoother running, introduce the basicsoftoilettraining. They should understand the basics of undressing, going, wiping, dressing, flushing, washing their hands and leaving the bathroom in order to reinforce potty training success.
Familiarity– Before the actual seat down on the potty, let your child familiarize himself with the potty by touching, observing, and asking questions. This will put them at ease and the exploration process will give them an urge to try out the actual process.
Place the potty where it is easy to access for convenience. Your child should be able to get to it fast enough. Consider the room where your child spends most of his time. Could be the playroom, bedroom or the bathroom if they are comfortable with it.
When a child soils his diaper, bring him with you to the bathroom and show him where poop goes into. If interested, let him flush the toilet. This will evoke a sense of curiosity for your child on how to use a toilet or a potty.
AAP recommends that a toddler should be able to indicate wants and needs verbally and the motor skills to sit and rise from a potty chair. Once a day, let the child seat on the potty fully clothed. Explain the basics of the process and repeat this process until a child shows interest of wanting to use the potty. Then let them seat on the potty while undressed and ask them to pee or poop.
It should be a natural and overall positive experience for the child. Ask them if they are having a hard time to rule out the possibility of constipation. This may paint a bad association with a potty seat and a child may be adamant in trying it again. Introduce high fiber food in their diets as a remedy and try again in a few days when they are ready.
Boys; Teach them to use a potty while seating first then transition to when standing. A demonstration from the dad will work wonders and give your baby boy a kind of confidence while learning. Potty Superhero will come in handy.
Girls; Teach them to wipe from front back words. A good cartoon- Princess Potty Time, video or book on potty training will make it fun and less frustrating to them.
Set up a chart where you record details of your child’s progress, difficulties and behavior during the training process. A potty training routine will get everyone on the same page and reduce time.
Constant reminders at the start means fewer accidents but if they do happen, get ready with cleaning supplies and a whole lot of firm reassuring for your child. Potty training schedule should be convenient for both you and the child. It could be mornings after they wake up, during bath time or a certain part of the day when they are approachable
Dressing– Dress your child in easy to pull up or hike clothes. Pull up training pants are a good option for the first few days. Forego fussy buttons and zippers which will give the child a hard time. Accidents are prone to happen and preparing for them is the only way out.
Have all the cleaning supplies you need and cover up the expensive furniture which will take a life time to rid stains. Removing those hard to clean rugs will save you both time and energy. Invest in a good toddler gate to keep a child from venturing into places where accidents are hard to clean.
Your part.
Parents have the greatest influence on how a child behaves and reacts to each process. Potty training is a natural process like breastfeeding but toddlers may need a little help in getting there. Be comforting and reassuring all through. Put your child at ease and continually encourage them to keep trying. Comparison between your girl and boy may make the process a negative experience and render it unsuccessful. Fun potty training activities like reading, songs and cartoons will make the process easier. The best reward for a child who is making progress in potty use is the recognition and affection of the parent.
It’s not a forever activity, at one time, your children will be able to use the bathroom independently and you will no longer need to change soiled diapers. Patience, reassurance and listening to your child wins the day when it comes to potty training boy-girl twin toddlers.
