Membership in a twins (or multiples) support group connects you to terrific resources for both new and seasoned multiples parents.
Learning you are having twins, triplets, or more is very exciting, yet overwhelming news. You quickly realize that you have a lot to do to prepare, and yet, you don’t know where to begin. For others, they’ve been in the trenches a while, but feel the isolation that sometimes comes with the day in and day out care of young multiples. That is where a twins / multiples support group shines.
Top 10 Reasons to Join a Twins / Multiples Support Group
- Information. For most twins clubs, their primary mission is to educate their members. This is the place to come to learn what you need to do to care for twins, triplets, or more, of all ages.
- Understanding. No one can relate to the challenges of having multiples like another family who has “been there done that.”
- Connections. Having multiples is sometimes isolating. Parents of multiples often have their heads down, grinding it out, for at least the first six months. A multiples group can go a long ways to relieving that feeling of isolation.
- Web Resources. Many twin clubs have vibrant online communities. This allows parents to take part with others in all seasons of twin parenthood (some who have been there done that… some who are currently struggling in the first few months).
- Consignment Sale. Often twins groups feature a consignment sale or clothing exchange. These are especially helpful when making your first investment in equipment for raising your multiples. After you’ve moved on, you can select those items in good working condition, clean them up, and pass them along to another family.
- Playdates. Twins clubs often feature age related playgroups. These are great for the kids, but are fabulous for the moms (and dads) — to begin making those connections with other multiples families.
- Member Meetings. Twins groups offer monthly support meetings, where you can interact with other members, and which often feature guest speakers on topics pulled from the struggles of raising twins.
- Direct Support. Many twins groups have multi layered direct support programs — such as:
- Meals provided for new families or those in crisis.
- A “Preemie Closet” — loans of preemie sized clothing so that parents do not need to run out and buy these tiny clothes that are used for such a short time until these tiny babies grow into a normal newborn size.
- Mentoring Program — experienced multiples parents paired up with new multiples parents.
- Events. Twins clubs have great events — where those attending know what it is like, and people are ready to give a helping hand. Moms know that it is difficult to watch all the kids at once, so everyone watches out for each other’s kids:
- Moms’ Activities: book club, get acquainted tea, holiday dinner, mom’s night out
- Dad’s Activities: poker night, sports, dad’s night out
- Family Activities: picnics, parties (harvest, holiday, spring egg hunt, etc.), camping, social events for school aged kids
Twins Club Event - Family Hike
- Lending Libraries. Typically, a twins / multiples support group has a lending library of books on raising multiples. Often, volunteers bring the books to monthly support meetings where parents can browse the titles and bring something home — without making an extra trip to the bookstore.
Joining a twins / multiples group is a no-brainer. Cost is usually very reasonable for a full years worth of activities and support. You can choose where and when you will take part. As with anything, the more active you are — the more benefits you will receive in the form of friendships and support. What’s holding you back? The time to join is now (especially if you’ve just learned you are expecting).
There are great resources online to find a local twins / multiples club in your area, such as the National Organization of Mothers of Multiples (NOMOTC.org). Or, just begin a search for “twins club” or “moms of multiples”.
