Adolescence is a trying time for not just the parents of a teenager but also for the young adult himself. Physical, mental and social development happens at a whirlwind pace. Helping two or more children through this transition to adulthood is undoubtedly an experience that will test your limits but will also gratify you. Adolescence is as difficult to navigate through for twins with the support of their womb mates as it is for singletons. But a study suggests that twins in their teenage tend to drink less and be more physically active than their singleton counterparts. Adolescent twins might be a tad bit healthier than their peers, researchers reveal.

Parenting twins through the teen years

Duties of parents who are twins are stressful. At this time, they need to separate themselves from their kids as they struggle to find their individuality. Parents gradually lose visibility as the guardians of their children. They must work hard in order to achieve a balance between the problems and conflicts arising between both the teens. It can be quite draining for the parents but it is crucial to strive to create this balance for the psychological development of the teen twins.

Twins’ privacy and confidentiality

Having a sibling can put your privacy and confidentiality at stake but it is even worse when you have a twin. One twin tattles about the other to their parents and everyone knows everything in the family. Parents must encourage the twins to get comfortable with each other and resolve problems among themselves first rather than involving parents.

Parents must avoid stereotyping

Studies show that parents often prefer the healthier twin or the twin who was born first while teachers find no major difference between the two. Parents should avoid siding with their favorite twin because deciding for you if a child is going to be an underachiever or a troublemaker will automatically damage their self-esteem, self-image and limits their potential.

Coping with the challenges

Coping strategies can help parents save their sanity. Treat all children equally irrespective of the differences they have with you. Teaching your teen responsibility from an early age helps. Praise the twins and appreciate them for the things they have done. Creative problem solving is essential for kids who are very different from each other. A set of rules that work for one twin might not be good for the other. So customize everything for each twin. They might look alike but often nothing is similar except their facial features.

Handling their academic life

Parents’ positive approach to each child’s performance at school is important. Avoid giving negative feedback that might damage the less successful twin’s self-image. Celebrate their success and encourage them towards achieving the goal that ignites their passion.

Dating, friendships and relationships

Forming friendships can be difficult in some cases. Close twins might not be able to handle the interference of a singleton. When one twin is in a relationship, feelings of envy might target the other one. Similarly the twin who is dating might also feel guilty of leaving his or her womb mate alone.