Calling All Potty Trainers...
So if I haven't returned your phone calls, e-mails, or seem especially aggravated when you talk to me, you guessed it, we're potty training. And it turns out my low-key approach wasn't getting results, you know the one where I decided not to stress myself out or my kids out and let them do their thing and see what happens. Turns out there really is no progress in potty training twins without a few days, weeks, months of wanting to tear your eyes out.
Lucky for me, having my mom here for a few days kick started progress, as she demonstrated some things that worked with all five kids and two dogs that she potty trained. My mom also mentioned that ONE DAY of potty training with the twins was harder than any of her kids/dog experience put together.
So here's the dilemma, friends that have done this, and you know who you are because I am running into some of the same problems. What do you do when your child holds it? Sits on the toilet, obviously knows what to do because she has done it before, but is suddenly afraid to "go" and screams for a diaper? For the past 2 days, I did not give in to the diaper, but instead watched Maddie throw the bloodiest screaming tantrum ever all the way to flailing limbs on the bathroom floor, and then we were all covered in pee. Londie, on the other hand, went 3 times today with no problems. Keep in mind on any given day they switch it up on me. We always end up covered in pee, they just like to surprise me whose it's going to be. Things we've tried: setting a timer, stickers, jelly beans, gummi bears, potty parties, games with pennies while they sit on the toilet, potty books, pull-ups, and last but not least (pulling out the big guns with this one) grandma. I have read all the literature on twin potty training and though I skip over anything that does not start out with, for example, "Potty training twins is like gearing up for an Olympic event," because if the author will not admit to extreme difficulty, I don't believe they've potty trained so much as a puppy. And though I know we are making some progress as the girls have started staying dry for longer periods of time, I'm not sure how to handle this resistance. Because deep down I know, if I decide to put potty training on hold for even a week, I will never, ever, have the guts to pick it back up again.
Lucky for me, having my mom here for a few days kick started progress, as she demonstrated some things that worked with all five kids and two dogs that she potty trained. My mom also mentioned that ONE DAY of potty training with the twins was harder than any of her kids/dog experience put together.
So here's the dilemma, friends that have done this, and you know who you are because I am running into some of the same problems. What do you do when your child holds it? Sits on the toilet, obviously knows what to do because she has done it before, but is suddenly afraid to "go" and screams for a diaper? For the past 2 days, I did not give in to the diaper, but instead watched Maddie throw the bloodiest screaming tantrum ever all the way to flailing limbs on the bathroom floor, and then we were all covered in pee. Londie, on the other hand, went 3 times today with no problems. Keep in mind on any given day they switch it up on me. We always end up covered in pee, they just like to surprise me whose it's going to be. Things we've tried: setting a timer, stickers, jelly beans, gummi bears, potty parties, games with pennies while they sit on the toilet, potty books, pull-ups, and last but not least (pulling out the big guns with this one) grandma. I have read all the literature on twin potty training and though I skip over anything that does not start out with, for example, "Potty training twins is like gearing up for an Olympic event," because if the author will not admit to extreme difficulty, I don't believe they've potty trained so much as a puppy. And though I know we are making some progress as the girls have started staying dry for longer periods of time, I'm not sure how to handle this resistance. Because deep down I know, if I decide to put potty training on hold for even a week, I will never, ever, have the guts to pick it back up again.
10 Comments:
I love reading your blog! And all I can say about potty training is GOOD LUCK! We've started down that path, but haven't made too much headway. I think we'll wait until after the baby gets here then start to tackle the beast. Good luck, and you do deserve an Olympic medal after your endeavors!
I can't tell you anything about girls. But everyone says that boys are the hardest to potty train and I have trained at least one successfully. So maybe one of my boy tricks would work for your twins. Of course trying to aim at cheerios in the toilet might not work the same for a girl. :-)
Leslie I am so sorry that you are not only doing the potty training thing, but the fact that you are doing double duty. You know how that went for us, and I feel like we will be waiting awhile to try it again. I don't know if this would make any difference but have you tried having them pick out their own underwear? I can't remember if we had talked about that one yet. Good luck let me know if you need anything, extra potty, a time out, push pops, whatever.
Wow! What a dilemma. Noah was pretty good about potty training. He had his good and bad days, but mostly good. Although, he would revert back to peeing his pants every now and again.
I've heard that many kids have a hard time with poop, because they don't like the sensation of it falling away from them. They are used to it right next to their body, sot his is a little scary.
I used to do the timer with Noah, and then give him piggy backs to the potty, then he would get a treat afterwards.
Punishing doesn't work as well because they just get mad or sad, and just have another accident.
One more thing that Jillann Forsyth would do, is if her kids had an accident, she would give them a cold shower. I tried that with Noah, and boy did that have an effect that I wanted. He also screamed louder than I have ever heard him. So if you are at your wits end, you can try this one. Warning, you do feel like you are torturing your child. But you don't do it for long. Then you cuddle them and let them know why you did what you did.
Sorry this is long, but I guess you could say that I feel your pain, and anything to help you would make me happy. Good luck!
Leslie,
I totally know how you feel. I too took the laid back approach with my twins to no avail. We eventually used underwear all the time (lots of accidents involved) with a bag full of treats in view. We also let them put the potty wherever they wanted (ex. in the living room) so they could still be out where the action was. A lot of carpet puddles later, they are now potty trained. Good luck.
Ann
so this is why you never responded to the text i sent you asking whether or not the boys are worth looking at in texas. reasonable excuse. good luck! i won't be mad if they are still in the training process when i get down there. ooh, except if i'm sharing a bathroom with them this might be a problem.
I thought it was very kind of you not to include Ryan's problem in this post. His refusal to use anything but diapers (and his insistence that anyone visiting his home do the same) has always confused me :)
Good luck with them. I can't imagine every new hurdle being multiplied... but I guess that is easily forgotten when you get twice the hugs, love and funny stories.
Thanks you guys for all the advice and encouragement! Some of those things I had forgotten, so it's nice to be reminded. We'll get these kids potty trained!
Yes I remember when I had to potty train Ryan, He was only 10 and the teacher's finally refused to change his diaper any more. It was a long and grueling process can you believe that it took 6 months. He kept wanting to look and play with his poo. Man could he get it in the weirdest places.
Christopher J Barlow
Ya not fun! I can't even imagine having to do 2 at a time. Number 1 wasn't bad. Number 2 however was the most horrific expierience of my life. He held it in and would scream bloody murder. It killed me to watch and hear. This went on for about 6 months. It finally took his 3 cousins at Christmas cheering him on. WOW. They must have spoken his language. Now all is normal:) I hope things will get better for you soon:)
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