Parenting Information

Fraternal Twin Parenting Concerns

Recommended Book

Available for
Immediate Download


Identity and Your Fraternal Twin

For the most part, throughout this article I refer to a fraternal twin in the singular rather than the plural "twins." This is to emphasize the individuality of each twin. Too often twins are defined only by their being a part of a whole, rather than by their own individual identity. This can be very damaging emotionally, especially during the time children are struggling to establish their own self worth and place in the world.

Treat your fraternal twin as the autonomous, unique child they are. Genetically, fraternal twins are no more similar than their siblings who were born one at a time, and they certainly have personalities all their own. DNA tests can be performed to determine which type of twins your children are - fraternal, identical, etc. Far too often people look too hard for similarities between fraternal twins that simply aren't there - and in the meanwhile, they miss the opportunity to get to know each twin individually.

As a parent, do everything in your power to encourage each twin as they develop their own identities. If one wants to play soccer and the other has a passion for bagpipes, encourage each of them to work hard and excel at what they want to do. You will be doing the twins and the world a gross disservice by pigeon-holing both children into the same activity just because they happened to be born at the same time.

At the same time you are encouraging and accepting the difference between your fraternal twin and her brother, accentuate the similarities. There is no doubt your twins will share a special bond, if for no other reason than that they are growing up with a sibling their same age. The bond that fraternal twins share can be the source of love and support throughout their lives, and you would hate to destroy that by being overeager to make them lead different lives.Dressing Your Twins Alike

When they are little, it probably matters very little what you dress your twins in. But when your fraternal twin starts to become conscious of the fact that she is different than most people, you will need to be especially sensitive to her needs with regards to establishing her individual identity. Simply put, if your children like being dressed the same, do it; if they don't, do them and yourself the favor of letting them wear different clothes.

In the end, as is the case with all children, there is no clear cut answer when it comes to the best way to raise your twins. Learn everything you can from those who have been there and done that, but trust your parental intuition and do what's best for your kids. Finally, remember that "the most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home."

Nick Smith is an internet marketing specialist with an advertising idea for you. For more information about DNA testing for your fraternal twin, visit Genetree.com.

Recommended Resource

Available for
Immediate Download


MORE RESOURCES:

Mom isn't being pushy, she's parenting
Boston Herald
By Nanny Yvonne Q. My teen keeps pushing me for more and more freedom. I am trying to keep track, but it's wearing me out. She says I'm pushy. ...



Diana Boggia: Sometimes a parent needs a timeout, too
Sandwich Broadsider
Diana Boggia, M.Ed., is a parenting educator in Stark County, Ohio, and a Repository contributor. By Diana Boggia A “parent timeout” is beneficial if ...

and more »


CBS News

<p>Parenting Tips From Jon Gosselin ?</p>
CBS News
Yet another book on parenting is coming your way, written by none other than reality TV star and father of eight, Jon Gosselin. According to the celeb web ...

and more »


Ledger: As gay culture discovers joy of maturity, parenting transforms our lives
Toronto Star
Stats are hard to come by, but queer parenting is definitely in the air. Julianne Moore and Annette Bening played lesbian moms in The Kids Are All Right. ...

and more »


Firelands offers free parenting class
The Beacon
SANDUSKY — Firelands Regional Medical Center will be offering the next Happiest Baby on the Block parenting class from 10 am to noon Thursday, Sept. ...

and more »


Angelina Jolie: Change Your Ways of Parenting or Lose the Status of Super Mom
Entertainment and Showbiz! (blog)
Consequently, it will be now important for Jolie to change her ways of parenting. She otherwise will lose the admiration of many followers who till now ...

and more »


New York Daily News

Will Feminists Rally Around Sarah Palin?
Newsweek
Just as attacks on her credibility and intelligence are unlikely to sway her supporters, so sexist attacks on her parenting—or even snipes at her ...
Sarah Palin - a Modern-day Medusa?Media Monitors Network
Impotent, Limp and GutlessFiredoglake (blog)
The Truth about That Dishonest Vanity Fair Palin Story, from One Who Was ThereBig Journalism (blog)

all 299 news articles »


Is Your Ex Brainwashing Your Kid?
24-7PressRelease.com (press release)
Parental alienation syndrome sometimes called "hostile aggressive parenting", involves the alleged brainwashing of a child by one parent in order to turn ...



ANNETTE CLIFFORD: Parenting logic is often lost on our children
Vineland Daily Journal
Sometimes, the PU wonders if the Kid Unit even slightly understands the reasons behind the PU's strange behaviors. There's a reason, for instance, ...

and more »


How can you be an affirming parent to your child
Helium
Good parenting is a much easier skill to watch than to master. One of the keys to becoming a good parent is learning how to affirm your ...
Stepping on childrenThe Swazi Observer

all 5 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006