3 Mistakes To Avoid As A Twin Dad
Becoming a twin dad is a unique and rewarding journey. Twins mean double the joy, love, and laughter for the rest of your life; from the moment they're born to even when you become a senior. Still, the responsibility comes with its own set of challenges and pitfalls because while the journey is filled with the joy of watching two individuals grow and develop side by side, it can also be fraught with the complexities of managing the needs and personalities of two children simultaneously.
So here are 3 mistakes to avoid that'll help you do a good job.
Neglecting Self-Care
If you think that taking no time for yourself is in service of your kids, please think again.
While it's normal to have limited time for yourself due to the constant demands of caring for two babies, you don't want to succumb to burnout and exhaustion.
If you find yourself skipping meals and losing sleep regularly because you're too focused on your twins, take some time for yourself. Otherwise, over time, this will take a toll on your physical and mental well-being and adversely affect your twins in the long run. For example, because children are highly attuned to their caregivers' emotions and energy levels if you're constantly tired and stressed, it can impact the overall atmosphere at home. Your twins may become more irritable or have difficulty sleeping themselves, creating a cycle of sleep deprivation and stress for everyone in the household.
Comparing Twins
Yes, it's natural to want to compare your twins' progress, but making it a habit can be detrimental, even directly leading to unfair expectations and strained relationships.
For example, say one of your twins starts crawling earlier than the other. If you constantly highlight this achievement, it might make the other twin feel inadequate or create unnecessary competition. What you want to do instead is acknowledge and cheer for their accomplishment but avoid drawing comparisons to their sibling and nurturing the individual strengths and interests of each child.
Overloading on Advice
There's absolutely nothing wrong with looking for advice. On the contrary. Still, the thing about advice is that especially nowadays where there's so much information to consume, you will receive a barrage of advice from family, friends, and the internet. Then, trying to follow every piece of advice often leads to confusion and stress.
For example, you read multiple conflicting articles about sleep training for twins. You attempt to implement different methods simultaneously, confusing your twins and frustrating for you. Instead, a better approach is to consult with a pediatrician, for guidance tailored to your twins' specific needs and prioritize their advice.
In all these cases, the key is to find a balance. Prioritizing self-care to ensure you're in the best physical and mental condition to care for your twins, embracing each twin's uniqueness and avoiding comparing their milestones, and being selective in the advice you follow, focusing on what works best for your family.