Two of a kind, I’m talking about twins of course!
Are they though? Is that even really a thing? To some extent, identical twins are “two of a kind” genetically speaking, but does that mean that in every essence of their being they are the same? I guess that would largely play into the nurture vs. nature argument, and that is not a topic I even want to try and figure out today.
For now, just a quick reminder to myself, well and to everyone reading this, that twins does not mean two of a kind!
My guys started out sharing the same space (me!). They were born and share the same birthday with the exact same time listed (seconds aren’t listed and they are exactly 43 seconds apart). They share the same beautiful, baby blue eyes, mossy brown hair, and smiles that will break all the girls’ hearts. That, my friends, is where the sharing and likeness ends.
Much to many people’s disbelief and as much as they love to disagree with me, my twins are fraternal. Blood types tell us that to be true. They are also as different as any other sibling born apart could be.
Liam is all boy. He loves any sport we allow him to play and works hard to be the best. He is rough and tumble. He has strong emotions but can get himself together amazingly well. He is protective and loving. He gives hugs with all of his heart.
Aiden is compassionate. He will stop everything to help a friend who is in need. He talks. No really. As in non-stop talking. He loves hip hop and singing with a falsetto that gave him the nickname of “Pavarotti.” He loves to cuddle and never fails to ask me how my day was. Due to all of his wonderful attributes, he also has everyone wrapped around his finger, and they always seem shocked when we tell them he is mean as a snake when provoked and has no issue hurting his brother if he feels wronged.
These boys cannot be disciplined the same. If I raise my voice at Aiden, it’s enough. His heart is broken and he’s immediately begging me to forgive him. Liam however, could care less. With him, it’s taking away his favorite bear or time in his room to think about things that work best.
Being a mom of twins isn’t always easy, and I find myself at times forgetting to take the time to pour into them as individuals like I do my other two. Yet as easy as it is for me to forget, it’s also advocating for teachers to recognize the importance of letting one move onto different reading groups even if the other isn’t ready (how do you nicely explain holding one back because he might miss his brother or “look for him” is no different than saying we won’t move Johnny onto first grade because he wants to go to kindergarten next year with his sister Susie?). It’s balancing their individuality while also being keenly aware of how strong their bond is, amidst their differences, and making sure it is protected, too.
Twins may look like two of a kind. Sometimes they may talk the same, walk the same, etc. Each one, though, is an individual just trying to figure themselves out no differently than any other kids, they just have a built-in (sometimes lookalike) they get to do it with!
