Potty Training and Multiples

I've been asked about potty training by a lot of moms lately.  I guess I have a lot of friends with kids in the same age range.  Whether training multiples or singles, potty training is no easy task.  I do feel it's a lot harder on the families than it is the training child(ren).  Having multiples complicates things even more.  The timing might not be right for both children, they might learn differently, and some may have different ideas concerning cleanliness. 

When I started with my son, it was because I was tired of him always peeing in the tub.  He found it hilarious, of course, but it was time to take action.  Obviously, he knew what he was doing and held it in until he got in to the tub.  So at 19 months, I bought a potty and made him sit on it every night before bath.  It worked like a charm.  He loved his potty seat and used it for it's purpose nearly every night.  He was not ready for a full on training, but this worked for me for several months.  Right at 2, I started experimenting on weekends with training pants (cloth, not pull ups) to see if he was ready.  He had 4-5 accidents a day, making me think he wasn't ready.  Finally, at 26 months, it was time to send the "big boy pants" to school.  Fortunately, his daycare had a great half hour system.  Someone took him to the potty every half hour, just like at home.  He took to it immediately, with exception to night time.  The trouble was, number 1 was easy.  Number 2...he had other plans.   He would wait until he had a night time diaper on before doing his dooty.  I tried so many different things.  I didn't understand how someone who loved using the potty refused to poo in it.  I was told by many men that boys are very particular about their "business."  Nice.  So a few months before his 3rd birthday, and well past when he was dry all day and night, I told him that 3 year olds poop in the potty.  He had several months to get ready and he seemed to understand.  The day he turned 3, he announced that he would be pooping on the potty.

And he did.

Now my girls have been sitting on it since the were 16 months.  I wasn't trying to train them just yet, even though one of them used it right away.  Just like with their brother, I wanted them to get used to it and not pee in the tub.  Unlike dear brother, they just thought it was a toy and sort of fun to sit on it.  Fast forward to 22 months and one has peed several times and doesn't care.  The other wants to sooo badly and can't seem to do it.  She gets a bit frustrated with herself.  We decided a month ago we would start earnestly training as one was developing a rash with diapers.  Since that time, we learned they will be changing classrooms soon, so it's best to wait.  In that room, they'll get a lot more help with training, making it easier at home.  The girls love their pink "big girl pants" and always want to try to potty.  But I have a feeling my patience will be tested with them for the next few months.  Well, moreso than usual!

So here are a few links I've picked up that might help some of you.  I personally thought the deflector cup was necessary since my little guy gets a little chatting on the potty, but you need to find what works for you!

Potty Training Twins- General Guidelines

Multiple Moms' Points of View on Potty Training

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Jenny