The Bottom Line
Friedman's book is a unique entry on the parenting bookshelf. It's one of few that gives parents an accessible treatise on the psychology of the twin relationship and offers strategic strategies for parenting twins as unique individuals at every stage of life. However, some of Friedman's views are extreme and not entirely practical for every family to implement.
Pros
- One of few books aimed at parents that focuses on the psychology of the twin relationship.
- New parenting philosophy brings awareness of twins as unique individuals.
- Many solid pieces of practical advice for nurturing children as individuals.
- Covers every stage of parenting twins, from pregnancy through adult children.
- Author is a twin, a mother of twins and a professional psychologist.
Cons
- Some of Friedman's recommendations are extreme and not necessarily feasible for many families.
- Author's perspective as a psychotherapist focuses heavily on disfunctional twin releationships.
- Author sometimes overlays her own experiences as universal to all twin relationships.
Description
- Seven basic tenets of her philosophy are sound principles for parents of twins to bear in mind.
- However, some of her recommendations for implementing them can be extremist.
- Chapters conclude with journal questions to prompt further introspection and personal application.
- Each chapter includes tips for parents of twins of every age and stage.
Guide Review - Emotionally Healthy Twins Book by Joan A. Friedman
Many of the books about parenting twins are heavily concentrated on the physical aspects of pregnancy and the logistical aspects of coping with two babies. Few take such an in-depth look into the psychology of twins and the intricacies of their relationship. Joan A. Friedman, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist specializing in twins, as well as a twin and a mother of twins. That combination of experience led her to develop a philosophy that "parents and others need to treat twins as two separate children who happen to have been born at the same time." She explains the concept of "the twin mystique," and how it impacts the way that twins are perceived by society, and sometimes by their own parents. She outlines seven basic concepts for raising twins, and then applies them to each phase of parenting, beginning with pregnancy and concluding with issues pertaining to adult twins.
