There is something about twins…and I have been seeing it more and more lately! They just have such a connection, an acceptance of each other, a familiarity…
I have read about the "twin mystique" — the romanticizing of twins that occurs in our society, which affects how people treat them and creates so much pressure for them to be close, to be similar, to deny their individuality for the sake of "the twinship" — and it is very possible I am reading into it, buying into the glamourous "mystery" of twins. I think thats so easy to do, especially as a non-twin (and an only child!).
I do think different-aged siblings can also have a similarly close connection — when you are around someone so much, share a room, share activities, share clothes, share a childhood, this just happens, I am sure. I do see similarly touching moments between Emma and Elsie or Emma and Delia, just not as often, and there is something different — they are not on a level playing field, there is a power or knowledge or maturity imbalance that just changes things, however slightly. With Elsie and Delia, they are the same age, have most of the same abilities, very similar interests, and a closeness that comes from doing so much together, in step with each other, due to constant proximity, if nothing else.
Lately, they have been mentioning the other when they are apart, and it is obvious they are thinking of each other. They are not like some twins I have heard of, who cry or mope when separated — not at all! They do certainly notice, though, and are sometimes pretty excited to be doing something by themselves! I believe strongly in spending time with them individually, taking them out for one-on-one time, and it hasn’t been happening as often as I’d like. As they get older, I hope they will insist on this, and I will try to as well. But we will also cherish the together times, and I look forward to seeing what happens as they grow.
Playing in the fort at Emma’s school
On our hike, Elsie called Delia back to point out and discuss these tree roots coming out of the ground. They examined and talked about them together for a long time.
If you have twins (or are a twin!), what do you think about the "twin mystique"? Are your twins close, and do they seem to share a special connection?
This post is part of the Mom’s 30-Minute Blog Challenge over at Steady Mom. A concept I wish I could stick to more often!
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My girls certainly have something extra special going on, but they’ve never shared a language or had the pain connection.
My favorite special part of the day is when we put them to bed (in separate beds). They wind up in one bed and for about an hour they share stories and talk about their day. We break it up and put them back to their own beds, but it really seems to be their connection time.
Their sister is 16.5 months older and she tends to pick one or the other to play with and she changes daily. I’ve wondered if this is what tends to “break up” the twininess some?
Your twins are adorable!
I’m stopping by through Steady Mom’s 30 Minute Challenge. I hope you’ll do the same! You can find me @ http://sofiasideas.com/