If you feel as though you've seen more parents with multiples lately, you're probably right. According to an article in the Washington Post, multiple births are increasingly common in the United States. Between 1980 and 2005, the rate of twin births almost doubled (according to the National Center for Health Statistics). Triplet and higher-order multiple births more than quadrupled. So what does this mean on the homefront? Organization and planning. Click below for some helpful tips from the parents interviewed for the article...
thanks for posting this! as a mother of 3 month old triplets, i can use all the help i can get. i esp like the over the door shoe holder idea.
view pyjammy's profile
Take note, mothers of multiples: using initials to designate ownership won't work if you name your kids Jayden, Jaylen, and Jordyn. Which is another good reason to NOT name them Jayden, Jaylen, and Jordyn. :)
view Molly Margarita's profile
I started off identifying everything between my two girls. I've given up. Everything is exchangeable until such time as they're aware that the other one is wearing their clothes. I feed them solids at the same time, out of one bowl and using one set of cutlery (which I eventually use for myself, too) unless one is badly ill. Common cold? They can share it--it's easier for me if they're sick at the same time.
I'd caution against over-organisation. It's easier to put toys away in one big tub than having to segregate them into smaller allocated spaces. As the kids get older, I'll probably organise around what will enable them to be self-sufficient--shoes, hats, socks, etc.
The most important factor for my sanity has been synchronising feeding and sleeping times. When they're in bed at the same time, I can get things done during the lull. I've even managed a soak in the tub--twice! :-D
view Kat's profile
I'm with you you - I've pretty much given up on staying organized. I actually contributed to that article, and when I read it I was kind of intimidated by all of the organization plans. I think when it comes to multiples (I have a 3 year old and 1 1/2 twins), you just have to start with some kind of a plan, but be open to constant revision. And separating cups/bottles? Hah! I tried to do that with the twins' pacifiers when we first brought them home and it lasted about a week. Once the kids are toddlers you lose a lot of control over their minute to minute activity. I can leave the room for 30 seconds and then come back to chaos. The suggestions that people make (and we all make them) are really just a starting point. The only way to stay sane with ANY children in the house is to try to stay on top of the laundry and the dishes and keep a good sense of humor.
view 3under3's profile