Yes, I know it’s Wednesday, but I sooooo love taking part in the Twin Tuesday meme that I thought I’d just go ahead and post it late.  It’s not the first time I’ve posted late, and it certainly won’t be my last!….

TwinHappyJen from Twin Happy was late in posting her Twin Tuesday post yesterday, as she had taken her twins out for the day, then she fell asleep, exhausted, on their return!  LOL.   Jennifer and her lovely daughters live on the other side of “The Pond” so the time difference meant that it was after 1am here in Scotland when she posted.  I was tucked up in bed, fast asleep by then! 

This week’s QOTW:

Do you buy two of everything for your twins? Or do they share certain things?

We have always bought the girls one each of small toys and treats, and just one of larger items to share.  We’ve been doing this since they were babies, and we still do it now they are approaching their sixth birthday.  Family and friends have followed our example for Christmas and birthday presents.

When they were babies we only had one baby swing and one baby walker, which they would take turns to use. To be honest, the decision to do this was based, in part, on a space-saving exercise, as much as it was a conscious decision to teach them to share.   Soft toys, dollies and doll’s prams were bought in twos.  Books, DVDs and puzzles were not.

When the girls were two, we asked our families to pool together to buy the girls some outdoor equipment for our garden.  The girls were delighted with their triple swing set, slide, double trampoline, sandpit and playhouse.  This collection has been added to over the years, with another larger slide and a seesaw.  They share these outdoor toys, not only between the two of them, but also with their friends (particularly their best friends who live next door).

One Christmas, Santa bought them a doll’s house.  It was a huge doll’s house, standing taller than the girls.  Santa had also bought them a Barbie each (similar, but not the same).  The girls have played well together with this doll’s house over the years. 

In recent years, I have tried to encourage a little individuality in my girls.  Therefore, when they are asked to choose a small toy, treat or item of clothing, they can pick a different item from that of their sister.  We do, however, insist that the item is of similar size, value and quality.

Last Christmas, Santa brought the girls a Nintendo DSi console each (in different colours) and a selection of games to share.  Friends and family also bought the girls a selection of games to share.  They have managed to share their games quite happily most of the time.  However, they have been known to come running to me whining,

“Mum!  NAME has had the WHATEVER game for a very long time, and won’t let me have a shot!”

In March, Rachel won £50 at the School Spring Fayre.  Hubby and I suggested she use the money for a share toy for both her and her sister to enjoy.  She agreed.  Both girls discussed what they would like to spend the money on, and it was unanimously decided that they would like to buy Mario Kart Wii and a couple of games for their DSi consoles.

Having observed the singleton children of friends and family, I can honestly say that my girls are far better at sharing their belongings than other children.  I believe this has a lot to do with them being twins and having to share everything from such a young age (even Mummy’s time).  However, I do give credit to their good behaviour too.

You can read my short one minute post on my twin daughters’ relationship here:

One Minute Writer: Relationship