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Let me start this post by saying that I am not a potty training expert.
I’m just a mom of twin toddlers sharing my experience. Every child is different, every mom is different, and every set of twins is different—so let’s keep this a judgment-free zone.
Dreading Potty Training Since Day One
To be totally real, I was dreading potty training from the very beginning. I mean, even when my twins were just a month old, I had already fast-forwarded in my mind to the stress of potty training two toddlers at the same time.
Worse than that- I was anticipating having to potty train the kids one at time- and have to go through the whole process back to back.
I didn’t read any potty training books. I didn’t take a class. I didn’t even ask my mom friends for advice.
My potty training plan? Wing it. Just like I do with most things in life.
Waiting Until They Were “Ready”
Most of the content I did see (okay, let’s be real- I didn’t read, I watched TikTok’s) said that waiting until your toddler is closer to 3 years old makes potty training easier.
So that’s what I had in my head. I was going to wait until after 2.5 and closer to 3. And I was going to potty train both kids at the same time. Do the “3 day” method and just knock it out in one weekend.
Spoiler alert: that didn’t go as planned.
Potty Training My Daughter at 2.5 Years Old
Right before she turned 2.5, my daughter’s teacher pulled me aside and said, “Girl, your daughter is ready to be potty trained.”
So the next day I purchased those toddler underwear that absorbs small amounts of fluid and they were delivered to my house the day after (thanks Amazon Prime).
Thankfully I had the privilege of my twins preschool teacher also putting in hard work to help get my daughter potty trained (they say it takes a village, right?).
From there, I just kept asking her if she had to go potty. At first, she’d say “no” and had her occasional accidents.
My biggest takeaway here is NEVER FORCE IT! Follow your childs lead and they’ll eventually learn how to listen to their bodies.
If I really feel like she has to go but she won’t, I go into the restroom and ask her if she wants to go first, or if she wants mommy to go first. 9/10 she says she wants mommy to go first. From there, after I go, she goes. Seeing mommy do it usually opens her up to feel comfortable enough to go herself.
So while you’re on this potty training journey, make sure you’re drinking enough fluids yourself so that you can go too!
Aside from that, that was really it. No big production about it. I started taking her to the bathroom about every hour… and she just…. went.
What Worked:
- I offered stickers every time she used the potty.
- I made a huge deal out of every time—cheering, clapping, full celebration mode.
- For bowel movements (which took a few weeks for her to figure out) I offered a M&M
- Following her lead and doing it when she was ready.
Once I felt more confident (in her and myself), I started letting her wear underwear in public. She did great—told me when she had to go and had no accidents.
Potty Training My Son: A Totally Different Experience
Now, let’s talk about my son.
At the time of writing this, he’s 2.5 years old—and he has zero interest in potty training.
He’ll sit on the potty but won’t go. I’ve tried:
- Stickers
- M&M’s
- Even a $20 potty training watch that alerts him when it’s time to try
Nothing works- he’s just not ready yet. I’m not going to force it just because his twin sister can do it. As I said, every child is different! Even with twins, while its hard to not compare, you cannot compare each twin to the other.
What I’ve Learned as a Mom of Twins
So yeah… my anticipating dread came true: I have to potty train twice. And that’s okay.
Each child develops at their own pace. And maybe boys do take longer. Maybe it’s just his timeline. But I’m sure that he’ll get there in his own time. (but hopefully soon lol)
If You’re Potty Training Twins or Toddlers, Here’s My Best Advice:
- Don’t stress about doing it perfectly.
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
- Wait until your kid shows signs of readiness.
- You know your kid best.
- Sometimes having no plan helps.
Kids have great instincts. They’ll trust their own bodies when they’re ready.
Hopefully soon I’ll update this post when my son decides it’s time for him! (fingers crossed)
Helpful Tools For Potty Training
Aside from patience, here’s my must-haves that made my life (and my twins life) easier in the process!
Mini Potty
Actually- Make that 2 mini potty’s. Yes. TWO.
Twins typically like to use the same thing at the same time. (Cue fights over toys) And the same thing is true with the potty.
When one kid sat on the big one, the other one wanted on. I added a mini potty and the same argument ensured.
So I purchased 2- and this was the answer for us!
These are the ones that we have and the kids love!
Sticker Chart
Toddlers typically LOVE stickers and having a chart where they can proudly display their “potty stickers” makes it fun and rewarding
This is the chart that we use!
Books
Just reading a book and introducing it slowly to kids can help make the transition easier.
Point to the pictures in the book and describe what is happening on the pages can put a better visual together. I alternate between two books when discussing potty training with them.
Ms. Rachel Potty Time with Bean
Let’s Go to the Potty by Allison Jandu
Absorbent Potty Training Underwear
They come in different colors and characters so you can have your kid help pick out the ones they like!
Super convenient for being out in public or even just the small accidents that happen as the kids are figuring out the whole toilet situation.
Also great for daycares and schools- less mess for them to clean up as well.
These Disney one’s are not only super cute, but I’ve found they’re pretty absorbent compared to the others we’ve tried.