As a parent of twins, you learn very quickly that there are definite stages in your childrens development that are very difficult, very trying, and almost never-ending. As my girls approach the age of 2, true toddler years,
I wouldn't consider it easier, but it definitely is less overwhelming. They are fully capable of playing on their own, eating some foods on their own and walking on their own. As a parent of toddlers, you may even get some personal time back (just some, let's
not get greedy).
All in all, the task of raising multiples is difficult but not impossible.
A
recent experience I had made me realize that a lot of people don't quite see it that way. It's almost as if we have a target on our backs. The looks of pitty, the stories of how their 2nd cousin once removed had twins also, the overwhelming sense of your personal
space being invaded begin. It's as if the societal norms of proper manners are just thrown out the window the minute a parent of multiples walks in the room.
"Woah, you must have
your hands full." "I can't even imagine." "Better you than me." "How do you get anything done?" Sometimes, you just have to laugh it off, give that awkward smile and keep on walking. Again, it's difficult but not impossible.
Coming back to my experience from the other day, I appreciate the door holding as I am trying to keep one child from running off simultaneously while I am trying to stop the other child from picking up every
thing she sees. I also don't mind you helping me get highchairs to my table as you tell me a story about your twin grandchildren. However, I don't need you touching my children, allowing your other grandchildren to pick them up, or the unsolicited advice about
what stroller I should get. Also, not all twins are the same. Don't ask me which is the bossy one, because you have a bossy twin grandchild. My children aren't bossy and play very well together.
I try not to come off as the stereotypical jaded twin parent. I know how difficult it is to raise any child (where you have 1, multiples, or even more than one child at different ages) but for some reason, people are drawn to us every time we go
out in public.
"Yes, my hands are full of loving, caring children." "We were shocked ourselves, but enjoy every minute of it." "Yes we are grateful for the girls we have"
"We learn to adapt to to schedules. That's how we get things done."
While the task can be extremely difficult at times, I wouldn't change being a parent of multiples for anything
else in the world.