Is there a medal or badge of honor given to those who potty train twins? Perhaps a basket of champagne that falls from the heavens and lands on my doorstep?
If not, I think there should be.
I viewed this process as a terrifying act that forces one to break through boundaries, defy the laws of physics and acquire super powers on a daily basis. I procrastinated and put it off until I was forced to because I had signed my twins up for a class in which they needed to be potty trained to attend. And I did it. I hunkered down and faced my fears, and got them to use the freaking toilet. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t as scary as I thought and I am still alive and well to talk about it.
A few tips:
- Cancel all plans and designate a week to stay home. Like you can’t leave the house. For realz.
- Stock up on copious amounts of salty snacks and juice. (And of course plenty of wine for you.)
- Make sure you have 2 potty seats and set them up in front of the TV. (or a stage if you prefer to perform live entertainment performances for your toddlers.)
- Ditch all pants for a week. (For them, not you.)
- Set a timer and try to stay consistent.
- Incentives. Incentives. Incentives. For you and them!
- Accept the fact that $hit might hit the fan. Both figuratively and literally.
- Be proud that you tried.
…And then collapse in a heap at the end of the day.
It’s not easy. But man, oh man, it’s worth it.
(*disclaimer – Yes, I brought a portable potty seat to the park. Extreme situations call for extreme measures.)
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