Copyright 2009 Kathryn Whiteley – http://twinParenthood.com

I’m amazed how frequently we are asked “Which twin was born first?” 

Hear No Evil

In the early months and years with twins, triplets, or higher order multiples, people “ooo and ahh” over them. Many will ask, “Are they twins?” and comment “You’ve really got your hands full”. But as my twins have grown older, we are asked more and more often, “Who was born first?”. As I have watched the competition between my children grow as they get older, I have contemplated the impact of this question upon my multiples.

When I was asked to write a guest post for Mad About Multiples, the official blog of Gemini Crickets Parent of Multiples Club of Silicon Valley, I knew what subject I wanted to write about.

Of all the questions twin, triplet, or higher order multiples’ parents receive with fairly regular frequency, this question, “Who was born first?” is one that can impact the kids’  relationship with each other, within the family,  and on their self esteem.  On the surface, it seems like an innocent enough question – doesn’t it? When they’re infants, they can’t understand the question or the answer and it’s no big deal – right? But, what about when they are little bit older and beginning to understand conversations around them? It is my belief that knowing the answer, and hearing the question asked can make everyone but the first born feel inferior.

Read more on my guest post at Gemini Crickets–>