Raising twins is the ultimate adventure in multitasking, particularly when they're toddlers. You might have one twin complaining that she's hungry, the other staunchly refusing to get dressed. Parenting twin toddlers in an organized manner might seem like an overwhelming task, but it is not impossible. With a few time management tips and some friends to lean on, you'll find that raising twin toddlers can be doubly rewarding for you and your family.
Step 1
Accept help. You might be a proud, fiercely independent woman, but as the parent of twins, you'll need to let that go for a while, says psychotherapist Eileen M. Pearlman in "Parents Magazine." When people offer to help, embrace that opportunity. Let friends and relatives know what they can do, such as bathing one twin while you assist the other with potty training, or taking the kids for a walk so you can go to the grocery store.
Step 2
Keep a potty training chart in your bathroom. Potty training is one of the biggest developmental tasks of the toddler years, and it can be difficult with two kids vying for this opportunity. Parenting expert Jan Faull in "Parents Magazine" recommends establishing designated times for each child to sit on the toilet. If the other child needs to use the toilet at that time, have him sit on a potty chair, Faull suggests. Keep a timer in the bathroom to determine when each child's time is up.
Step 3
Get organizational tips from other parents of twins. Kids Health recommends cultivating a network of other parents of twins, not only for emotional support and friendship, but also for useful, practical tips. Parents of other multiples will have a wealth of information to share with you, and they can empathize with many of the situations you face.
Step 4
Spend individual time with each twin. This might not sound like a time-saver, but when your twins are acting out due to a desire for individual attention, it might be just what the doctor ordered, says Joan Friedman, author of "Emotionally Healthy Twins," in "Parents Magazine." To put in this one-on-one time, enlist your spouse or partner to spend time with the other twin. You may find they are less likely to overwhelm you with competitive demands for your time in the future.
Tips and Warnings
- Encourage a synchronized sleep schedule. This might not be possible if your kids have different sleep requirements, "Parents Magazine" says, but if you can, establish the same bedtimes and nap times from an early age.
