Articles

During the night, a fluttering shadow of a tree branch can look like a scary monster or ghost. The sound of a refrigerator compressor clicking on could sound just like a burglar breaking into a house. These are just a few of the things that many young twins worry about when the lights are turned off. However, by giving your twins listening exercises, boosting their confidence, and turning bravery into a competition, you may be able to help both of your twins get a sound night of worry-free sleep. Click to read the rest of this entry

We know that twins can be either identical or fraternal. They can of course also be triplets or quadruplets as well as conjoined or chimeric. But for the sake of simplicity and brevity, we shall simply look at the twins we are more likely to encounter or perhaps give birth to during our lives -- identical twins and fraternal twins. Click to read the rest of this entry

By Allison and Lauren Knight

Our names are Allison and Lauren Knight, and we are 29-year-old identical twins who have never been apart for longer than four hours at any one time. This is neither a confession nor a boast, but rather, a statement that illustrates the interconnectedness of our lives. We love being twins and all of the blessings that stem from our extraordinary closeness, and yet we've found being twins to be just as challenging as it is rewarding. Click to read the rest of this entry

Finding out that you are pregnant with twins is both exciting and shocking. It's such a blessing to be carrying not one but two babies, but double the fun also means double the health consciousness. Being pregnant with one baby is already taxing enough on a women's body, so when you are expecting twins, you should expect double the challenge. To ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy, it is important to read up on the health implications of pregnancy, follow all of your doctor's orders and choose a healthy lifestyle that will benefit your babies' development.

Becoming educated on the more common health implications of being pregnant with multiples is a great way to understand what you need to do to have a successful pregnancy and why you need to do it. If you have just found out you are expecting twins, keep reading to find out more about the health implications associated with pregnancy and the common health care plans used to prevent complications. Click to read the rest of this entry

It's the age-old question asked by many parents of multiples: Do I need to put two of everything in my shopping cart?

When it comes to buying toys, clothing and school supplies for twins, parents often believe that if they don't purchase two of everything, their children may feel less special or lose their sense of individualism. Although this may be true in some cases, it is a belief that is mostly untrue. In fact, asking your children to share (whether they are twins or not) is a life lesson that is far more important than anything money can buy.

To approach the topic more wholly, let's break the issue down into three major purchasing categories: toys, clothing, and school supplies. Click to read the rest of this entry

By Maria Rainier

As if raising a newborn wasn't already as expensive as it is, raising twins can really take a strain on your finances. After all, you have to purchase double the amount of diapers, clothes, toys and, eventually, double the college tuition. We know what you're thinking: Isn't it a bit early to think about college? Not really. Experts suggest saving as early as birth to help secure your children's future. While keeping your fingers crossed that at least one of your children will score a scholarship or grant, it's better to start preparing now in case this does not happen. That said, to learn a few ways you can start saving for your twins' college education, continue reading below.

529 Plan Click to read the rest of this entry

By Lauren Bailey

Everyone knows sibling rivalry is a part of life. Brothers and sisters fighting is as natural as the sun rising and setting; however, when it comes to the rivalry that can exist between twins, the situation is a little more intense. Click to read the rest of this entry

Boys love playing with dump trucks. It really isn't certain why boys prefer to play with "useful" toys that serve a purpose -- such as a faux construction tool set, dirt-picking bulldozer, or functional mini crane -- but they do. Some experts cite biological disposition. Whatever the case, boys love toys that put their hands to good use, and below are some of the best ones in the industry to add to your twins' collection. Click to read the rest of this entry

By Audrey Porterman

It is tempting to treat your twins equally from the moment they are born. You start with matching layettes, then start dressing them in matching outfits everyday from then on -- right down to the socks or the hair bows to match. Toys are purchased in matching sets. Play dates are scheduled together.

This focus on equal treatment starts to extend to all aspects of your lives. Time with mommy and daddy is carefully monitored to ensure that no one twin gets more than the other. Rewards and praises are watched closely to ensure that both are given equally. After all, you don't want one twin to get preferential treatment.

Yet this careful attention to equal treatment may not have the well-intended effects you hope. Often, it can impede their development of individual identities, which they profoundly desire. The development of an individual identity starts as early as infancy and continues throughout adulthood. Click to read the rest of this entry

One thing that parents with twins sometimes have trouble with is thinking about how to theme a birthday party that will make both twins happy, especially if they both like different things, if one is a boy and one is a girl or if they just never agree on anything! The one option that doesn't always work is rotating year after year on who gets to choose. However, throwing two different parties is way too expensive! That's why I recommend three types of parties that could be fun for everyone.

Superheroes and Villains Parties Click to read the rest of this entry