We’ve all heard the added difficulties of having twins (or more). They’re more expensive. They’re “double trouble”. You’ve likely heard them all.
People aren't wrong. Multiples are more expensive! Having two consecutive singletons still requires two costs, two daycare bills, two colleges, and so on, but the bills aren’t incurred simultaneously. That double bill can be daunting if not insurmountable. More immediate debt leads to added interest payments. You don’t get the hand-me-downs of an older sibling. You don’t get the older siblings help with the new baby. Also, one reason there are more multiples in the world today is improved fertility treatments. Those aren’t cheap, let me tell you!
These are just some of the struggles of multiples. Disadvantage is a harsh word because they’re your babies, and you love them. However, logistically and monetarily, it’s an apt word.
However, for new and expecting parents of multiples, parents of singletons, and anyone else not already in the know, having multiples also comes with some incredible advantages!
Built-in Playmate
When you have twins or more, they instantly have a best friend to play and experience life with.
This will often lead to you, the parent, not having to constantly entertain them like you would a singleton. I say “often” because many times your babies will happily play with each other for hours, while other times, you’ll get hit with them BOTH saying your name an infinite number of times. So, this perk can really go either way, but often lands in your favor.
Furthermore, the love shared between multiples surpasses what many know. They’ll know their siblings longer and better than anyone else.
Socialization Socializing your kids is essential for them to fit into the world without be extremely self-centered. They need to think of others. They need to share. What better way to learn these rules of life than by having to do them from the moment you’re born?
Mentalhelp.net suggests socialization is the key to developing healthy, caring relationships throughout life. Your little ones get a head start!
Reassurance and Confidence
Many children get scared and uncomfortable in new situations, such as the first day of kindergarten. How much easier would these situations be if you always had at least one familiar face?
Safety
The buddy system is used by many people and organizations to help kids from getting lost or worse. Multiples have this concept by default. They’re less likely as a duo to get lost, taken, or bullied.
Same Activities
With different age siblings, parents find themselves running all over town for different teams, different activities, and different friends. With twins, it’s often easy to sync them up to the same sports, same activities, even the same friends. You want to encourage individuality, of course, but you’ll find your multiples have similar likes more times than not. Many times, if you’re into it, they’re into it.
I do soccer and scouting with my twins. I am a coach and a den leader. Sound busy? Sure. Going insane? Not so much, because imagine the alternative where I’d be split 4 ways instead of just the 2 activities.
Toys
One really cool thing about twins is that when they like a particular toy line, they can get most of the toys without a huge cost to you! Family and friends get both of our boys birthday and Christmas gifts. If they both like a particular show or movie that has toys associated with it, their gifts usually reflect that. If each kid gets a separate toy from that same show or movie, then they’ve doubled up their fun. The end result? They won’t be playing with only Leo and Raph from the Turtles. Nope. They’ll have Mikey and Donny too!
Cost savings don't happen often with multiples, so enjoy the little saves where you find them.
Beating Infertility
Fertility treatments can get quite expensive. So, if you have to go this route, it’s nice to get 2 out of the deal! It was very expensive for us, we wouldn’t have been able to do it a second time and definitely wanted two children. Luckily, that’s exactly what we got. We call ours the “BOGO twins”.
So, next time you’re hit with a big bill because you had to pay twice, remember that every situation in life comes with advantages and disadvantages. You have to get past the bad to enjoy the good. With all the love that comes with multiples, there’s plenty of good to spread around!
Be sure to check out our other parenting advice.