subject: When you are not the twin [print this page] When you are not the twin When you are not the twin
Ok so you are having twins. That is great news. After the initial panic in terms of how you will handle everything a thought recently occurred to me. Quite simply put it was if someone has other siblings and then has twins, what must go though the mind of the non-twin. Now first that is going to depend on the age. I mean if you have a two year old and then have twins, that child is not going to complain. Perhaps a bit of jealousy will be displayed. That though is par for the course.
In fact, I would think that this would happen not just with twins but with any new child. Each child is different but many display anger towards the new child. What I mean is an older sibling perhaps say seven and up. The twins tend to have that untold connection. They say twins can finish each other's sentences and even read each other's thoughts. Now while I do not think that has been proven the case there is I believe there is something to it. So imagine the scene, you are out with your twins sisters for example at your local shopping mall. All of a sudden as you are walking past a clothing store, one of them stops. So far, normal I would say. Well here comes the next part. The other twin looks smiles and walks in. Ok that seems reasonable you say. Then the other follows. Therefore, you naturally follow to. You do not want to be left out of this. You walk in and one of them still not saying a word hands a pair of jeans to the other one. Well all done. They go and pay and one pair of jeans are bought. Now you who were last to the table walked in and saw this. Nothing was said, that is because nothing needed to be said. It was if it was self-explanatory.
Now as someone who sees and lives with twins, well I have seen this many a time. Simply replace the store and jeans and put say a board game, or dinner table. Anywhere really where there is a required action. Next thing you know something happens and you are like wait, what, where. Too late.
Now I am exaggerating the point obviously. However, the point I am making as a parent or even as the twin when other non-twins are around there can be a better relationship between everyone if a more concerted effort is made. The results will certainly surprise you. If you do not believe me, find someone who is either a parent of twins or is a twin himself. Ask them what if the scenario I am painting has ever happened. I am going to say nine out of ten tell you yes, I think anyone involved with twins will benefit from this and can bring to a more harmonious situation for all.
