Admitting I’m a mom to twins usually elicits a myriad of questions: Who was born first? Are they identical? How do you manage?
People are fascinated by twins, especially twin babies. I couldn’t go to the grocery store without strangers approaching me to get a closer look at “the twins.” Sometimes I felt like I was warding off the paparazzi. Now that they are older, no one even knows they are twins since they are a boy and girl and don’t look alike. They also don’t acknowledge each other in school so some people don’t even know they are siblings.
I wrote this top 10 list when they were babies—for me it was a more challenging time to be a parent than now. I still feel this way, but some of the statements are more relevant to when they were little. They are now 17 years old. I would also add to the list that they can help each other with their homework since I definitely don’t remember eighth-grade math equations or other similar school-related things.
10. Only one pregnancy, for two babies—that is two for the price of one in my book!
9. I don’t have to worry about what I look like. Everyone is too busy staring at “the twins.”
8. No one expects me to arrive on time.
7. After having twins, I feel like I can accomplish anything.
6. I only need to plan and pay for one birthday party for two kids.
5. After potty training twins, my fear of germs is officially cured.
4. They have been sharing since they were in the womb—no teaching necessary. OK, this one might be a stretch, but it sounds good, right?
3. Twin discounts. I’m starting to realize a lot of the items on this are money saving related.
2. Everyone opens the door for us.
And the No. 1 reason I love being a mom of twins is . . .
1. Daily affirmations from strangers that my hands are indeed full!
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
