No doubt about it, multiples attract a lot of attention. Once they become a part of your family, it's very difficult to remain anonymous in public. From stares to outright rudeness, strangers are full of questions about the most personal, intimate issues, and they're not afraid to approach you!
People have always been curious and fascinated about twins and the special bond they share. While most people know of someone who is a twin or has multiples, relatively few get to experience the true joy of raising them.
Unless you plan to raise your children in a vacuum, you'll have to deal with public attention. Here are some hints for handling the questions and comments without losing your sanity.
Avoid it.
There are some tactics you can employ to disguise your magnetic multiples, or at least subdue their attraction.
- Avoid eye contact and keep moving. It's harder to notice extra babies in a fast-moving stroller, especially if it's a tandem style.
- Consider dressing multiples in different styles; coordinating outfits attract more attention.
- Finally, prepare a short but swift answer that allows you to quickly escape an interrogation session. A negative answer to the pesky "Are they twins?" question stops the conversation in its tracks.[/li
One mom of 7-month-old boys, says, "When someone asks if they are twins, I just say yes, smile, and go about my business. People get so excited when they see multiples and then seem to lose their heads."
Educate.
Use the experience as a platform to educate the public about multiple issues. Many seemingly silly questions are asked out of ignorance. When someone inquires as to whether your distinctly pink- and blue-clad duo are identical, inform them that only same-sex twins can be identical and explain why. Maybe they'll know not to ask next time!
Have fun at the public's expense.
Try these snappy comebacks to common questions or comments to quickly put impertinent interlopers in their place.
Q: Are they twins?
A: No, just two babies born from the same mom on the same day.
Q: Do twins run in your family?
A: Yes, they run up the stairs, down the stairs and all around the house!
Q: How do you do it?
A: Very well, thank you.
Enjoy it.
Like most aspects of raising twins, this "two" shall pass. It doesn't last forever. The rate of public interest is inversely proportional to the size of the children. As twins get older, the questions seem to die down. They may take on more disparate appearances, or they might not slow down long enough for strangers to take a second look! As time goes by, multiples can tackle the questions in their own way. Encourage your children to respond in a way that feels comfortable.
Soon enough your multiples will be reluctant to be seen in public with you; someday you just might find you miss the endless questions and attention they attract!
