pooping predicament

What do I do? My four year old poops every night before bed. And now, the twins, who are almost 3, and learning potty trainig, suddenly say they have to poop or pee or both too. They don't really have to. My son pooped three times today and then he says he has to poop before bed. What do we do to stop this? Bedtime is turning into a two hour process. It is crazy. We always have them go to the bathroom before bedtime. I think my oldest son saves it up for bedtime. He's ok, but the twins, they are just playing. What do I do?

Do you mean they're getting up after being tucked in to go to the toilet? If so, why not leave the potty in their room and tell them if they have to go then do it there and get back into bed? My 3yr old used to play up on me when she was being trained (still does sometimes! LOL!) so I did that and she started to be proud that she could do it on her own? Okay, there was a few  accidents, but the novelty soon wore off now she goes to the toilet after brushing her teeth and usually thats it? Its still all new to them and they're testing themselves and you. I'm sure you're doing the 'Well done, you're such clever kids' etc. when they do go potty, so they're trying to impress you by not doing their business in the bed? It's a phase & frustrating, but hopefully it'll pass soon? You're not alone!

We don't use a potty seat. Just the regular toilet. But you gave me a good idea. I am just going to put them in pull ups and make sure the stool is in position at the toilet and the sink, and then I'll tell them to have at it.  Right now, they need help putting diapers back on.  I think If I give them independence and quit making it a big deal, then it may not be as fun to them anymore.  Thanks for the advice!

No problem. Funny, my daughter prefers the toilet as well, so now I leave the step there so she can use it herself. She's fine during the day, but has trouble getting the pull-ups back on too! She was dry at night for about a month but got a chest infection where she pee-d everytime she coughed (poor pet!) so she went back into them. She is dry most morning by now, but still has the odd wet night so I'll keep her in them for another while yet? You're right though, when they realise toilet-time is necessary, not a game they might get bored of acting the jinnet! LOL! Good luck!

The twins may be just horsing around but I know with my children they pretty much poo on a schedule, which is actually very good for the body it prevents constipations, and my kids are 5 and 8.  My suggestion is start bedtime earlier for the twins... It may be a hassle but at least you won't ruin their enthusiasm for the toilet and you won't spend hours trying to get them in bed when they already should be.