School is underway for most families and for a parent of twins or multiples starting Kindergarten, this can cause some serious anxiety. For the tiny humans and the parents.
Something that families of multiples have to deal with that other families don’t, is the decision to separate their multiples or keep them together when they enter Kindergarten. If you’re even given the choice. I wasn’t
I was in a panic when I learned that our school automatically separated multiples. I googled, I talked to teachers, other Moms of Multiples and decided that splitting them up was going to be the absolute worst thing ever in the world. I wasn’t against separating them eventually, say 1st or 2nd grade. But to me, Kindergarten seemed to be to soon. All I could think about was all of the changes they were going to experience and how overwhelming it would be for them. A big new school, going all day, every day of the week and doing it all while being a part from each other, for the first time in forever.
At one point I even considered petitioning the school board to keep them together. I was thisclose to becoming “that” Mom. But some how I was able to get myself in check and I’m so thankful that I did because not being together in the same class was actually a very good thing for my girls.
I’ve read articles that stated many sets of twins look back on their separation as a traumatic experience, but from the Moms that I’ve spoken with and with us, it just wasn’t the case. We also prepped our girls heavily for what to expect, so that on the first day of school there were no surprises. They knew where each others classroom was, and thankfully would see each other in the lunch room and on the playground.
It was a very cool experience to watch them grow as individuals throughout the year. They developed their own friendships and became more independent. The one who was typically more comfortable letting her sister do the talking, came out of her shell. They developed their own interests and didn’t just give the same answer the other one did when answering questions about what they liked most about their day/class/activities.
While I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, be prepared for some obstacles. Teachers are all very different and have very different teaching styles. While the curriculum may be the same, the way it’s presented in class may be very different. Homework loads can vary and the way they discipline may not match up. Class parties x’2, that are typically at the same time can create conflict, especially if you’re a parent that likes to get involved. Bonus pressure if you have a singleton also in school and you have to split your time 3 ways. Field trips and birthday parties are tricky, and if you can figure out a way to keep up with which friends belong to which twin, please… Let me know! I never did manage that very well.
All in all our experience was a positive one and I hope that continues to be the case. So, if you’ve sent your multiples off to separate classes this year, take a deep breath, Mama.. They’re going to be ok.. If not better for it in the long run!
