There are definitely some challenges when you have twins. This list examines some of the hardest things about having twins, from pregnancy all the way through the teenage years. The increased risks can add anxiety and fear to an already uncomfortable physical state. That’s why, from the very beginning, pregnancy is one of the hardest things about having twins. The physical exhaustion adds strain to an already stressful situation as parents learn to cope with multiple babies. It is hard enough to function when well-rested, but parents of twins must learn to survive on shots of sleep measured in minutes rather than hours. Yet, that exclusive attention is vital to multiples as they develop their individual identities. The guilt often experienced as a result is one of the hardest things about having twins. It starts in the earliest days of twinfancy, with two babies who need to be fed, burped, and changed at the same time, which is no easy task! The challenges continue as multiples become mobile and can’t be contained. But it doesn’t end there. Back-to-school can be a particular nightmare when twins are in separate classes! One of the hardest things for parents of teenage twins is the transporting around town to school and different social events. The constant cycle of fighting and refereeing is a burden on parents. Many parents would agree, the squabbling and competition between twins is one of the hardest things about parenting them. And mostly you want to deny an appearance of playing favorites or giving one twin an advantage over the other. It can become an exhausting effort, ensuring that everyone gets to take their turn, receives a fair shake and an equal portion. Decisions are difficult and there is often criticism at every turn. Is it okay to dress them alike? Keep them in the same class? Encourage separate friendships? Call them “the twins”? Raising twins as individuals is definitely one of the hardest things. With helping hands to share the work and bravado fueled by encouraging siblings, parents of multiples have to be ready to face their share of disasters. Let’s talk about teething, potty training, homework, puberty, teen driving, dating. Parents have to split their attention between both children, differentiate their approach (in some cases) to problems, and find individual solutions. Even in the good times, the milestones are shared and it can be difficult to savor and appreciate individual moments. Birthdays, the first day of school, prom, graduation are all shared events. At some point, twins will face disappointment when one isn’t invited to a party or event. They may struggle in social situations or have difficulty with friendships. Some twins are even victims of teasing or bullying. These difficult issues are one of the many challenges in parenting twins.
