Since (literally) bursting onto the multiple parenting scene three years ago, I can confidently confirm that everything I said I would or would not do… I did the absolute opposite.
The thing about twin parenting etiquette is you don’t actually know what you’ll do, until you do it.
Watch: Be a good mum. Post continues below.
What is normal? What is socially acceptable twin parenting? Why do my some of my decisions make people feel uncomfortable? Why do I feel that I have to justify them? And I often wonder… why do people even care?
It turns out everyone is a twinspert! Even those who’ve never had twins!
And just like those non-multiple parents, we are all winging our way through the unknown and hoping that it all works out for the best.
So I thought I’d explore some of the moments where I found myself wondering if there was a June Dally-Watkins school for twin parenting. Is there a right or wrong? A one-size-fits-all? Surely not!
My first point will literally have the multiples parenting community divided… Because you either do, or you don't.
1. Dressing twins the same.
When I first found out I was pregnant with twins, I had this complex about them not ever feeling like they have their own identity. I imagined it would be hard enough being identical twins since they have to look the same.
So I swore I would never dress them the same. I fooled myself into buying the same outfits, but in different patterns, thinking that would suffice.
But as soon as my twins arrived it was like I caught an obsessive disease. A disease where I had to dress them exactly the same, all the time. Down to the socks on their feet, the singlets under their shirts and the headbands on their head. If I can't find one shoe, neither of them can wear that pair. It’s a thing.
