By Dr. Jenn Berman
Parents of twins face huge challenges, but the rewards of raising twins are more than just double. The following ten tips will help you raise happy, healthy individual children who are part of a twin relationship.
- Respond to your children's individual needs as much as possible.
- Recognize the increase in stress on you and your spouse, and do your best to get as much support as possible.
- Don't deny one twin what he or she needs or wants just so you can help the other. For example, if one child wants to take a class but the other does not, allow the one who wants the class to attend instead of keeping both at home.
- When speaking to a twin, make eye contact and address the child by name.
- Nurture your relationship with each child as well as your relationship with both of them together.
- Insist that both children speak for themselves so that they will learn good speaking skills.
- Teach your twins how to have alone time.
- Prepare your twins for the fact that life is unfair and that they will each be given different opportunities.
- Protect your twins from each other by teaching them to fight fairly.
- Talk to your twins and read to them as much as possible to help them to develop language skills.
The greatest gifts you can give your twin children are love, support, and recognition of who they are both as twins and as unique people.
From the book The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids. Copyright ©2007 by Dr. Jenn Berman. Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. www.newworldlibrary.com or 800/972-6657 ext. 52.
