Raising twin toddlers , now that they’re on the move – it’s time to step up that babyproofing !
Raising twin toddlers requires a united front – all caregivers must be on the same team – that goes for grandma too ! It is very confusing to toddlers if there are one set of rules with one adult and another with a different caregiver.
Try to set safety boundaries right from the beginning ie NO hitting, NO biting, NO hairpulling etc. Be prepared for your twin toddlers to go through stages with biting, hitting and possibly twin temper tantrums. Always remember that each is a stage – and it will pass. Keep your family rules consistent and they will learn.
Toddler twins seem to manage to get in MORE trouble , almost because there are two of them working on the ideas and what one doesn’t think of – the other will. When you tell Twin A to stop coloring the TV and he doesn’t stop, you remove him from the TV area – now you can be pretty sure that Twin B is now going to go color the TV as well, just to get the experience.
One of the biggest differences with having twins is that each one wants a turn at everything. Doesn’t matter if it gets them in trouble, they have an inate sense of fairness that seems to apply right across the board.
Happy twin toddlers go for a ride in a red wagonRaising twin toddlers by setting limits
Toddlers tend to get overwhelmed easily. For example – if there are too many choices for them to make, they may just melt down – it’s best to keep things simple. If you’d like them to make a choice – give them 2 things to choose from. Would they like milk or apple juice? Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt? Any more than two and things get a little crazy. This way you are still in control of the situation, and they are happy because they have some say as well.
Toys are another problem. If your playroom has tons of toys, chances are there will be toys strewn everywhere, and not really being played with. Also chances are pretty good that they will both want to play with the same toy at the same time resulting in a squabble.
Toddler Ideas has practical tips and useful resources for making the most of life with your toddler. It covers behavior problems and potty training, as well as original and money-saving activities, games and crafts.
We found plastic tubs to work really well. Blocks in one, cars in another, puzzles in another, etc. We would bring out 2 choices at a time. When they were no longer interested in those 2, back into the tubs they went. It keeps them far more interested in their toys when you rotate them as well as helping to keep your home a little tidier.
I have a special box of art supplies and things that they are only allowed to play with while mommy is working on the computer. This helps give me some peace and quiet, and them something special for when I am busy.
Raising Twin Toddlers – Naptime
Of course all children are different and so are all parents,my eldest son napped till he was 5, my daughter till she was 4 and the twins gave it up by 2 and a half. SIGH. For me personally, naptime is not-negotiable. I need the break just as much as they need the rest . Even if they don’t go to sleep and just have some quiet time in a dark room, if they really are tired they’ll sleep and if you do the same thing on a daily basis it becomes a comfort to them as it is part of their routine.
Toddlers love routine. It allows them to predict what will happen next and that makes them feel safe and secure. Plan outings and shopping etc for the mornings. Take them out, tire them out , let them have fun and then have down time in the afternoons. You’ll find you can get some time to yourself – maybe even grab a nap for you if you need one. Raising twin toddlers can really sap your energy.
Raising twin toddlers – the importance of food!
Toddlers have very small tummies yet are very very busy and burn off a lot of calories. Once of the best ways to offset temper tantrums is to make sure that healthy food and snacks and drinks are offered.
Toddlers won’t know to tell you that they are hungry or thirsty so by offering small plates with little offerings of small foods ( they really like small !) Cut up toast into strips, fruits, yogurt dips, cheese, cheerios, raisins in a bowl, finger foods. Offer milk, water and juices in small amounts throughout the day. having their own sippy cup or water bottle for water goes a long way in getting them to drink enough water.
Raising twin toddlers – behavior issues
A developmental stage for the toddler years is that they learn that they are separate beings from you. As twin toddlers, they are also learning that they are separate from their twin. This will result in a lot of identifying what is mine and yours, what colors, toys, cups or plates each one prefers etc. Try to just let them establish their own rules for these things.
Keep it simple – if you want them to find their socks – ask them to find their socks. Don’t ask them why they’re not wearing socks and expect that they will go and get some socks on. A toddler doesn’t understand what is not clear. Short, concise sentences. One thing at a time. If you give them a list of 3 things to do before you head out the door, you’re probably going to end up with a melt down.
Raising twin toddlers will probably be the busiest time of your life. It’s like living with two little whirlwinds of interest and emotions that are here and there and everywhere faster than you can keep up. Invest in baby gates and hooks that you can close off a room or two by locking it way up high as sort of a ‘twin toddler free zone’.
When you hear the toilet flush and lots of giggling and uh-ohs – you know it’s already too late and something has gone down the drain. Expect them to pull apart your newspaper, unroll the toilet tissue, pull out all the kleenex, empty drawers, climb too high, stick cereal in their nose or ears – I could go on and on.
It’s a fun, crazy, hilarious, exhausting couple of years that go by too fast. Keep your camera handy and enjoy the raising twin toddlers rollercoaster ride while it lasts.
