What family and friends with "singletons" should know about parenting multiples

[fnhowley]

Since I've had my twins in May '09, I've not only realized just how different it is from raising a single child, but how difficult it is for family and friends with children to relate to parenting multiples. With this said, what advice could/should we offer to family and friends to help them better understand what it is like for us? What topics/issues about multiple parenting are important to you?

[Leli476]

The best advice I can give you is bring them in for a day "in the life". Have one person come over and just watch you for a few hours. They can help but until they see it first hand they have ZERO idea. They won't "get" it by just telling them. Good luck.

[bubbelcat]

I'm not sure there is much you can tell them that will make them "get it" but I do think it is a good idea to ask people not to constantly compare them, particularly when they are old enough to understand what people are saying/doing.

[quadfather]

Some folks just will not get it and it does not matter if they do or not. The important thing is you get it and find the groove that fits for you family. Each multi-family is a bit different in composition, strenghts, weaknesses ect. Each kid also very different. Roll with it ask questions of those a bit farther up the learning curve. Be careful about too much "professional" advice and their books and put on a show for noone. That will be a downfall for sure, just ask Jon & Kate!