Double the Joy: Favorite Things About Having Twins
Being a parent of twins or multiples is an experience full of ups and downs. There are many challenging times, for sure, but also plenty of moments when you feel so lucky and blessed to have them. These are some of the things that I love most about being a mom of twins.
Armfuls and Handfuls
Every child fills their parents’ hearts and home with joy. That’s what I really love about having twins: the love and joy are compounded. Cradling two twin infants in my arms was so incredibly, almost unbearably, sweet. Holding hands with two toddlers—one on the right, and one on the left—while crossing the street made me feel complete. Double hugs, double kisses, mommy-in-the-middle “sandwich” cuddles on the couch—life just doesn’t get any better than that.
Single-Mindedness
The phases of parenthood are experienced more intensely sometimes, because they are simultaneous. It’s much easier to manage two infants, two toddlers, or two tweens than to juggle the needs of a baby and a preschooler.
Shared Accomplishments
It’s always exciting to see your child meet a milestone. But when two or more multiples accomplish their goals simultaneously, it’s a wonderful experience for a family.
Private Jokes
It’s such fun to hear them share jokes, call each other by nicknames, and roleplay their special scenarios. As one laughed, the other broke out in giggles; they spurred each other on the entire ride home. What a sweet sound those baby giggles were; it is still sweet to hear them laugh together, not at each other, but with each other.
Alike, But Different
It’s fascinating to be an observer of twins. With so many similarities, but such stark differences, it’s always interesting to see how they develop as individuals. Where parents of singletons may say, “Oh, you are just like your sister was at that age,” parents of multiples have an instant basis of comparison and contrast among their children.
2-For-1 Bonus
Short and sweet. One pregnancy = two babies. Such a deal! Although a pregnancy with multiples may have more risks and sometimes more complications, it truly is a two-for-one deal.
A Sense of Status
Get a little thrill of pride in being a mom of twins. It’s like being a part of an elite club. You feel an instant bond with other parents of multiples.
Everyone will be delighted to know you have twins.
“Wow!” “I always wanted twins.” “I don’t know how you do it.” It’s almost like we enjoy an exclusive status in the parenting world, earning a slight nod of respect for pulling double duty.
Sharing
Twins share everything: their birthday, their parents’ attention, and many of their belongings. Although they may get frustrated with their situation, as a parent, it’s very gratifying to witness their “what’s mine is yours” attitude in a moment of unselfish benevolence.
A Beautiful Bond
The twin bond is more enduring than any other relationship on earth, starting even before birth, and often outlasting many friendships and even marriages. Despite their squabbles, it’s comforting to know that they will (hopefully) enjoy their unique relationship for all of their lives.
Confidence in Companionship
They have never known loneliness because they’ve always had each other as a companion.
The twins exhibit simply because they have always had each other to rely on. They enter new, unfamiliar situations with total surety because they are together.
The ways that being a twin shapes their personalities, both as an advantage and a disadvantage.
