Although we’ve never actually had twins – neither biologically nor via fostering – we have had two babies for most of the past year and a half, so we thought that we would share some of our best advice and tips on either having twins or fostering twins on this week’s podcast episode.
The biggest thing we’ve learned is that it takes time (our experience has been 4-6 weeks) to establish a comfortable rhythm and routine, so be patient, and give yourself (and those around you) a lot of grace.
We also recommend finding creative ways of keeping track of things. Setting up different stations around your house (such as a feeding station and a diaper-changing station) and using an app to keep track of when each baby is fed, sleeps, has their diaper changed, get their meds, etc. can really help when you are sleep-deprived and caring for multiple babies — especially if one is medically fragile or has special needs.
On a somewhat related note, we also share lessons learned from a recent trip that we took to Colorado Springs and how we encountered some unexpected obstacles due to having two little ones, so yes, even traveling via plane is going to be different if you have twins! Having two babies at once can feel overwhelming at first, but we promise that you will get into a comfortable groove! It will get so much easier over time, and it will even become natural to you.
Have you had twins or two babies who are almost the same age? If so, I’d love to hear your best tips and strategies!
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In This Episode:
[2:39] – We just got back from a quick trip to Colorado Springs!
[4:00] – Learn why we couldn’t sit together on the plane.
[5:35] – Jesse shares what he learned from our recent trip.
[10:04] – We both share what we’re reading, plus some fun emails/messages from listeners!
[16:13] – We answer a question sent in by a listener about why we don’t book Airbnbs when we travel.
[19:26] – Now let’s talk about our best advice for raising twins…
[21:03] – Expect it to take at least a month to establish a comfortable rhythm.
[23:11] – It was helpful for us to set up different stations around the house.
[24:56] – I recommend keeping a log of when each baby eats, sleeps, has their diaper changed, has medicine, and so forth.
[27:25] – Give yourself and others grace!
[30:18] – You will eventually get into a groove.
[31:04] – The most important thing for us is relying on God and getting to see Him be so faithful!
Links and Resources:
- James Patterson & Bill Clinton – The President Is Missing
- James Patterson & Bill Clinton – The President’s Daughter
- T.J. Menn & Jenn Menn – Faith to Foster: An All-American Story of Loving the Least of These
- Hoopla – Website
- Libby
- Huckleberry: Baby & Child
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]
How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show
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Having helped raise both my biological son and stepson (same age) along with our other children, here are a couple of hints. Each child is a complete human being, so honor and respect them as an individual instead of thinking of them in mass -lol. By listening to them and hearing their internal voice, you will be able to encourage them to grow as a person, instead of creating busy work and activities because you think you should. Recognize that when they do well or don’t, you are the same parent. One child’s shortcomings are not a reflection of you. And neither are their accomplishments. So celebrate them and feel confident in giving them your love in respect and healthy limits in their daily lives. Stop trying to treat each child as the only child. When you parent to more than one, it’s okay to set limits for yourself too. Give yourself time and attention too. When you run ragged trying to be everything for your children you do them a disservice. They learn to love themselves through the model of how you respect and love yourself. Enjoy the moments when they DO get along. One day they will lead seperate lives with their own families, but these bonding moments will remain in the memories for a lifetime. And if you need to divide the workload, the celebrations, whatever it is, that is okay. More than just asking for help, it’s about honoring that you are more than a parent. You are a person. You do your best, and then allow them to receive help from others that love them. This isn’t about your shortcomings. This is about them learning to find emotional stability outside of just you and knowing how they can ask for help too.
Thank you so much for sharing!