As a mom of seven-year-old twin boys, I have been asked many times what it’s like raising twin boys. I have an older son who is nine which means I can compare raising a singleton vs. twins so when I am asked, my answer is it’s WILD. Having three boys 22 months apart, I feel I spend a lot of my time as a referee! The amount of energy my boys have is off the charts!
Tips from a Mom of Multiples
I wanted to share a couple of tips that have worked well for me as a twin mom especially because raising twins can bring a lot of challenges but also so much happiness!
1. Stick to a Schedule
When my boys were babies, a schedule is what kept me sane! When one baby woke, I woke the other. (I know! Wake a sleeping baby?!?! YES) When one needed a clean diaper, they both got one. When one ate, the other ate. I kept this mindset for a very long time! Even at age 7, they have the same schedule.
2. Plan Individual Time
As the boys grew older, we made it a priority to spend time with each boy and treat them like an individual. I tried very hard to not refer to them as “the twins” and instead called them by their name. They spend so much time together so taking them on one-on-one dates was a way for us to focus on just one child. We also made the decision to separate them in school. They have formed their own group of friends, and it has been so great!
3. Try Not to Compare
This is true and difficult with all my kids but especially hard with twins. It was a challenge to not compare the boys as early as those first baby milestones and those thoughts don’t go away as they enter school and sports. I keep reminding myself they are their own person and develop at different times.
4. Set Boundaries
Sharing is important and is a family rule at our house. BUT my boys have some possessions that don’t have to be shared. I feel this is important with twins so they can create their own identity and develop ownership. For example, they share a closet, but it is like a twin understanding of who wears what.
5. Have Fun
Having the mindset that each day is an adventure has helped me tremendously! I am a stay-at-home mom and loosely would plan days with activities to keep busy but I had to learn to let it go if those things didn’t happen. I found myself singing “Let It Go” frequently !
These are just a few things that have helped me raise twins. My boys are only seven so I know I have a lot more to learn.
