Twins at School

Twins at school generates much debate.  There seems to be much deliberation about whether or not to separate twins from starting preschool through to the later stages of their education.  Research suggests that some teaching staff feel that separation is beneficial for individual development while others feel that twins should be kept together because it’s natural to them.  Schools that have separated twins are likely to do so to deal with issues such as dominance or reliance of one twin on another.  Schools who keep twins together are likely to do so because there are no reasons for separation plus it’s the parent’s wishes.

Parents of Fraternal twins may not have to think too hard about this dilemma as they are unlikely to face the same issues as Parents of Identical Twins.  First off, fraternal twins don’t necessarily look anything like one another so the frustrations of telling them apart are immediately eliminated.  Boy/Girl Fraternal Twins are likely to have different interests and different friends thus resolving any potential friendship making problems.

The decision should be made after careful observation; spend time watching how they interact with other children.  Do they play only together?  Do they play separately at times? Do they play separately with different children?  How much do they rely upon one another?  If your twins easily separate for play alone and with other children then it is likely either option of keeping them in the same classroom or being separated will work.

If your twins take comfort from knowing their twin is close by or they only play with each other then the decision for keeping them together or separating may be more difficult.  You may wish to keep them together whilst they need the support of one another at least until they are a little bit older and separation wouldn’t be so traumatic for them.  Or you may wish to separate them from the beginning so they become more independent and confident without relying on their twin.