How to Deal With Twins and a Toddler

Parenting twins is no easy task. Add a toddler to the mix and you might think you have a recipe for disaster. Never fear. Parents in this situation need not look at their lives as fraught with daily conflicts. Instead, consider the limitless playful possibilities and abundance of love that exist with your three wondrous children. Although life with twins and a toddler is difficult at times, dealing with your children should be a joyous endeavor.

Instructions

    • 1

      Recognize and develop a sense of individuality in each child. Dealing with three kids, especially when two of them are twins, often means lumping them all into one category. For example, if you have three boys, it may be easier to design a sports-themed bedroom to share, not taking into consideration each child's individual likes and interests. Spend time individually with each child every day, avoid dressing them in identical outfits and promote separate activities such as sports, dance or art.

    • 2

      Create activities and games that all three kids can take part in. Although having twins and a toddler may seem to be a lot to handle at once, think of the possibilities of having built-in playmates. Older twins in elementary or middle school can take a more "babysitter-type" role by heading up games or pretend play scenarios. Twins that are closer in age to the toddler can join in play-time fun. Supervise finger painting projects, outdoor play in a grassy area or even a pretend tea party.

    • 3

      Plan age-appropriate rules for all three children. Rules for the toddler may include sharing, no hitting, no biting or use an inside voice while in the house. Adapt these rules for the twins to fit their specific age. Make sure that one rule is to include everyone in play. Set clear consequences for breaking the rules such as if you can not share the dolls with your sisters, then you will go on time out for three minutes. Discuss the rules with all three children using words that they understand. Remind the children of the rules as they play or during daily tasks.

    • 4

      Enlist everyone's help in clean up. Three children can leave quite a mess. Even a toddler is capable of picking up toys and putting them in a bin or box.

    • 5

      Set up a mini at-home mentoring system. Many school classrooms rely on older children to help younger kids learn and develop. Ask older twins to look out for a toddler sibling and model appropriate behaviors.

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