Welcome to the second installment of our twin series. Be sure to check out the first part, “Seeing Double: How the Rise of Twins Affects Pregnancy and Birth.”
When I found out I was expecting twins, I was bewildered—who really is prepared for that? While I had a multitude of concerns during my pregnancy, the question of whether to keep my twins together or separate them for school was far from my mind. Now, however, as my little ones prepare to start preschool, the topic is front and center.
Like many, you probably knew a set of twins growing up—maybe just one pair, or you might have indulged in the Sweet Valley High novels. Through my school years, whenever someone mentioned “the twins,” we all knew exactly who they meant. Today, if you’re a parent with kids under 18, you’ve likely noticed an influx of multiples around you. And you’d be right—twin births have surged by 76% since 1980, with 33 out of every 1,000 births now being twins. This increase translates to more twin students in schools, and, as Lynn M. Gordon, a professor of elementary education at California State University–Northridge, points out, it’s common to find at least one set of twins in any classroom of 25 to 30 students.
My fraternal twins have already experienced multiple pre-preschool sessions, each time finding themselves among other twins. As they head to preschool this September, it’s clear that they won’t be the only twins in their class—likely just one of several pairs.
Educators and school administrators have noted this trend, too. Kimberly Wells, a teacher in New York City and a twin mom, shared her observations: “In Chicago, I had just one set of twins in my classroom for seven years, but after relocating, I started encountering one or two sets each year. It’s fascinating how much the numbers can vary by location and school size.”
Typically, twins remain together during nursery and preschool years. Paula Heitman, director of a nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, mentioned her experience with eight sets of twins in just one year. “I don’t do anything special when assigning classes, but I always inform the teachers that they will have twins in their class.” Eileen Parker, with a quarter-century of experience in preschool education, emphasized that teachers strive to recognize each twin as an individual while also respecting their bond. “We focus on their unique personalities and encourage them to make choices independently,” she noted.
As the twins transition to kindergarten, however, policies often mandate their separation. In the U.S., the majority of schools (80-84%) separate twins, contrasting with countries like the UK (31%), the Netherlands (19-48%), and Australia (23-60%). Gordon’s research indicates that school principals tend to favor separation, with 71% supporting the idea, while only 49% of teachers and a mere 19% of twins themselves agree. As a mother, I find it hard to believe that a school’s policy could override what I know is best for my children.
Many school leaders and counselors lack awareness of the research surrounding twin placement, often relying on personal beliefs rather than facts. There’s a common misconception that keeping twins together could hinder their individuality or create confusion between them, especially for identical twins. Experts argue that this bias in treatment represents a significant oversight when it comes to multiples. As Eve-Marie Collins, author of “Twins and Supertwins: A Handbook for Early Childhood Professionals,” stated: “You can’t make blanket decisions without knowing the child.”
So, should twins be separated? Research suggests that separation does not yield cognitive benefits, and in some cases, it may even lead to emotional challenges for closely bonded twins. According to Gordon, attending kindergarten with a twin can provide a sense of comfort, making the transition smoother. Furthermore, studies indicate that twins in the same classroom tend to be more popular than those separated. Yet, situations where twins may disrupt each other’s learning or display significant differences in academic ability can warrant separation.
Experts like Arce and Gordon advocate for parental choice in this matter. “When you alienate the parents, you’re not serving the family well,” Arce added. The decision should reflect the family’s desires and the twins’ individual characteristics, rather than being dictated by school policies.
As I ponder whether my daughters will thrive better together or apart, one thing is clear: the choice should ultimately belong to us, not the school.
For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts on this topic at Cervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in at-home options for insemination, Cryobaby is a reputable retailer offering syringe kits. For comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination, visit NHS, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, the pressing issue of whether to separate twins for school is nuanced and personal. While trends indicate a growing emphasis on separation, it’s crucial to consider what truly benefits the children involved. Ultimately, the choice should rest with the parents who know their twins best.
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