Fraternal Twin Parenting Concerns
By Nick Smith, Fri Dec 9th

H3>Identity and Your Fraternal Twin

For the most part, throughout this article I refer to afraternal twin in the singular rather than the plural "twins."This is to emphasize the individuality of each twin. Too oftentwins are defined only by their being a part of a whole, ratherthan by their own individual identity. This can be very damagingemotionally, especially during the time children are strugglingto establish their own self worth and place in the world.

Treat your fraternal twin as the autonomous, unique child theyare. Genetically, fraternal twins are no more similar than theirsiblings who were born one at a time, and they certainly havepersonalities all their own. DNA tests can be performed todetermine which type of twins your children are - fraternal,identical, etc. Far too often people look too hard forsimilarities between fraternal twins that simply aren't there -and in the meanwhile, they miss the opportunity to get to knoweach twin individually.

As

a parent, do everything in your power to encourage each twinas they develop their own identities. If one wants to playsoccer and the other has a passion for bagpipes, encourage eachof them to work hard and excel at what they want to do. You willbe doing the twins and the world a gross disservice bypigeon-holing both children into the same activity just becausethey happened to be born at the same time.

At the same time you are encouraging and accepting thedifference between your fraternal twin and her brother,accentuate the similarities. There is no doubt your twins willshare a special bond, if for no other reason than that they aregrowing up with a sibling their same age. The bond thatfraternal twins share can be the source of love and supportthroughout their lives, and you would hate to destroy that bybeing overeager to make them lead differentlives.

Dressing Your Twins Alike

When they are little, it probably matters very little what youdress your twins in. But when your fraternal twin starts tobecome conscious of the fact that she is different than mostpeople, you will need to be especially sensitive to her needswith regards to establishing her individual identity. Simplyput, if your children like being dressed the same, do it; ifthey don't, do them and yourself the favor of letting them weardifferent clothes.

In the end, as is the case with all children, there is no clearcut answer when it comes to the best way to raise your twins.Learn everything you can from those who have been there and donethat, but trust your parental intuition and do what's best foryour kids. Finally, remember that "the most important work youwill ever do will be within the walls of your own home."

About the author:Nick Smith is an internet marketing specialist with an advertising idea for you. For moreinformation about DNA testing for your fraternal twin, visit Genetree.com.