Toddler Thursday: Are Twins Easier?

I wrote this post when my twin daughters, J and M, were 19 months old.

In some ways, having twins is easier than raising an only child.

• When one twin develops an obsession with an article of clothing, they can easily wear it every day, since you already have two from all their matchy-matchy baby gifts.
• When you say “naptime”, they hear “time to play with Sissy without Mama around to bother us” and run to the nursery.
• You realize that most of the cool new things they’re learning are not a typical phase in child development at all, but an embodiment of their individuality. You don’t worry about averages or typical ages to reach developmental milestones, because kids are just all different. Even identical twins. Or perhaps their being monozygotic makes the differences that much more noticeable.
• You can say, “Sissy picked up the toys she was playing with, so clearly you’re old enough to put yours away.” This does not in fact cause them to pick up their toys, but you feel no guilt in being thoroughly disgruntled.
• Strangers’ constant comments about how precious they are almost inspire them to keep bows in their hair. Almost.
• They understand firsthand that being kicked hurts. However, they continue to kick things… and people.
• They know how silly they look when they throw tantrums. They throw ’em anyway.
• It’s easier to cook for three than for two. Most dishes I cook with a pound of meat and a couple of vegetables get consumed before they go bad.
• You essentially do the same amount of work (one bath, one bedtime story, one set of meals) for twice the kisses and hugs.
• They understand, and live by, the meaning of “Share”.
• Some amount of competition is good for them. “She’s walking? Maybe I should try it.” “She said ‘please’. That worked pretty well. I think I’ll give it a shot.”

In what ways are twins easier than singletons in your family?

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