Favorite Blog Posts

• Reminders of Just How Different They Are
• Where Did I Put That Book on Motherhood
• This Too Shall Pass

How do you split your time so that all your children get enough attention?

I like to take advantage of when one of the girls are sleeping. I might read, snuggle, watch TV or just talk to them. Steve and I will also split them up to run errands. L likes to help me in the garden while H likes to help me with laundry so they each feel special when we do those things. It's tough but as long as they get a few moments alone they feel that certain special love and attention.

Do have any tips for handling sibling rivalry?

We don't want to spoil them (too bad) but we do try to have 2 of most things that they would normally fight over. For example they both have a bike, scooter, leapfrog so they don't have to worry about taking turns. I try very hard to make them remember and tell ME whose turn it is when they do have to share which is multiple times a day. That way they don't think I'm choosing favorites. We give tons of hugs, love and compliments and always listen when they are talking to us; not whining but talking. We ask them questions so they feel valued and important. We try, also, not to play towards their strengths or weaknesses. We treat them like they can both do anything and encourage them.

Moms of multiples are often experts at multitasking. Have you discovered a shortcut or trick that all moms could use?

I like to use cleaning help aides like the automatic shower cleaners. I'm dying for a roomba, and I have air purifiers. I enlist the girls to help me with laundry and chores. I cut fruits and vegetables as soon as I get them so we have quick snacks and I love the crock pot! I always plan my day so I can make a quick outing and not have to run all over town back and forth. I always have the girls little port-a-potty with me just in case. Nothing is worse than having to make a mad dash to find a restroom. Also whenever a store allows I pre-order my groceries for pick up. I do it with Sam's club and my 2 hour trek is now only 20 minutes. When we do have lots of errands I always take the girls to a park or to do something fun so they get all the wiggles out and therefore behave in the store. Organizing and lists are key. I also have laminated lists attached to certain things so I don't have to think and I don't forget things like a small list attached to my beach bag, diaper bag, play dates etc.