How do you feel about twins in school? Same classroom or separate?

Amy - posted on 10/29/2010

I don't think that there is a right answer. It depends on the kids, parents, and probably even the teacher. In my experience most schools just assume you want them separated, so you need to start talking to whatever school you want to sent them to as soon as you can.



I have fraternal twins that started school this fall and I wanted them to be in the same classroom. My reasons are:

1. They are fraternal twins and not particularly dependent on one another so I wasn't worried about that kind of thing.

2. Although there is a lot of talk about treating twins as individuals, being a twin is part of their uniqueness. So, the opportunity to go to school with your twin is part of that.

3. I met a man in a grocery store that was a twin and said having his twin brother in the same class at school with him was a really wonderful experience.

4. My husband really likes the idea that they'll have each other for support.



We've had our first conference, and the teacher says that it is working well. Some days they play a lot together and some days not. Often the'll go hours without much interaction and then one will go find the other to just quick check in. I'm glad that we did it but if there is an educational or behavioral reason to separate them later, we'll do that.

Terrika - posted on 10/23/2010

I teach and have twins and I plan to separate them in the classroom. From my experience they become dependent on each other and you have to remember that they are two separate children. Each child needs their own identity. Plus you are asking for competition when you place them in the same class and/or team. Just because it is convenient for you doesn't mean it is the best situation for your children. Just a thought

Pat - posted on 10/22/2010

My boys are now 20, and special ed students. When they started in spec ed preschool program they were together (age 3.5). By the time they started K, the school just automatically wanted to separate them. And I insisted no (they were adopted at age 3 and I believed they already had enough separation issues). They did two years of K. Then at 1s grade the school really forced the issue, and I relented. But for several years after that teachers would tell me the boys would see each other in the hall, or whatever and would always break out of lines to go touch each other (not necessarily hugging, but poking or whatever). Luckily their teacheres were sensitive to their need to check in with each other whenever the opportunity presented itself. Plus they thought it was cute.

Looking back, I think it was time. It helped them to form more relationships with other kids. And they aren't very twin like anyway; very different kids. So it was good to begin to explore their differences.

In high school one played football, the other was the water boy; they both wrestled, they both ran track. So there was plenty of reconnecting time fo them, even though they rarely saw each other during the day. I think maybe at that point they could have used one another's support more. But they both had good high school experiences, so it all turned out fine in the end.

Given your situation with a small school, you don't really seem to have a choice. So I suggest you not obsess over it. Kids are way more adaptable than we give them credit for, and yours will likely do fine if they need to be together thru grade school. Or they'll likely do fine if they are separated.

Tina - posted on 10/17/2010

I have identical twins girls that are 15 now and they arein gr.10 throught school they were only separeated in gr.3 and that was ok, but we never really saw a difference in them changing to who is the stronger one or the other one is struggling, because they always had the same group of friends and they are individuals too remember that key point in making your decissions because it always hard as a twin mom:)

We had finally separeated our twin in gr.6 when they went to middle school and it really was the best decission we had ever made. Remember you know them best and you will make the right choice don't let anyone tell you different.
Tina good luck ;)

Jaye-Charisma - posted on 10/17/2010

I have Identical boys they're in the same class at their learning center I plan to let them be in the same class until Kindergarten or maybe even First Grade but not beyond that because I want them to make their own friends separately (not as the twins), but early on I think it helps with the transition into school.

Sophie - posted on 10/17/2010

At the early age, I would suggest them to be in the same class. At least until they are able to find other friends. Like my twins - a boy and a girl, they are different in terms of IQ, EQ, and behaviour. My son likes to do writing exercises, But my daughter doesn't like to do homeworks. I would be screaming on and off asking her to do her work. My son is a quick learner, so he is in a good class, but it seems after they have been separated, their performance have been decreasing a bit. So, the teacher has to put them back in the same class. I think you should monitor the progress and give a little bit of attention to the one who is being a little bit slow. But not to let the other one feels neglected. You know how they would feel if the attention goes to only one of them...

Deana - posted on 10/17/2010

I have fraternal boy twins. They go to private school and there is only 1 class per grade so they are together. I think it worked really well for Kindergarten, but if I had a choice, I would split them in 1st grade. One is outgoing and fine and the other is more shy and I think he feels a bit left out and would do better without his brother in the same class. I think it depends a lot on their personalities.

Jancie - posted on 10/14/2010

I think it may depend on each set of twins. Depending on how they are together and apart and as you said dependent or competitive! My twins are only 1 so it will be a while before we have to tackle that one. Although I have thought of that before. In my case we are in a bigger school system so the school may be able to have the last say. Good luck!

Teresa - posted on 10/13/2010

I have 3 1/2 year old identical twin boys, at preschool they have been in the same class, but know that they are going to head to grade one in just over a years time, we have decided to seperate them. My husband and I were at loggerheads over this, as he did not want them to be seperated at all, he thought it would be to stressful on them, however, I thought it would be detrimental to their development. However, after one of them ended up in hospital for a week, we noticed how the other child survived on his own, he missed his brother of course, but knew that he was ill. My husband has now come round to the idea that seperating them will be a good thing.
I think each set of twins are different, but you should just take it one step at a time, see how they are coping in the same class and perhaps when they are used to the routine of coming and going, try to seperate them and see how they cope, you will always be able to put them back together again.
I know alot of schools in South Africa don't let you even try to keep them together, so you should be lucky if you are allowed.

LIZ (BETTY) - posted on 10/12/2010

All I can advise is that there is always a stronger and a weaker twin, and I honestly believe that it is good to have them in the same class for the first year, so that they are not in a strange enviroment and also seperated at the same time, however after that it benefits the weaker one to be on their own in the own class and this empowers them to act on their own ability rather than always depending, or relying on the stronger twin to cope for both of them. In the long run they will be individuals who need to be able to depend on themselves to survive in the world. My twins daughters are now 37 years old, they have both had to face many difficulties, and coped well, independantly. I believe that this is due to having to cope on their own as individuals right from the time they were exposed to the world at large.

Hoping that this gives you some incite into the various thoughts.

Deanna - posted on 10/12/2010

I have kept my twins together every year so far (they are 3rd grade), but my twins are fraternal (a boy and a girl). I have felt that it has been fine so far because they do have different friends and some of the same friends. The teachers so far have kept them somewhat separate in class - such as: they are placed in different groups when the class is split up. I have been taking it year by year and asking the teachers for input. I know eventually they will be separated, but so far it has been a great thing.

Mary - posted on 10/12/2010

I have 13yo twin boys. The only time they were in class together was in Kindergarten. After that, they were put in seperate classrooms. They have done very well. It does not seem to have affected them any by not being in the same classroom together. I like the fact that I have twins, but I also like the fact that my boys are able to be themselves in their own class. It has helped them to grow as an individual. I has also been easier on the teacher. There is no mistake who is who with only one (and no hard feelings when one gets called by the others name.)

Antonella - posted on 10/12/2010

My twins are now in yr 5 and have always been in the same class. They have made their own friends (being boy/girl has helped this) and have not asked to be separated. Teacher's suggested it in yr 2 as my boy is a brighter student but knowing my twins I decided against it as they were not reliant on each other even though they would & still do look at for each other. Like any siblings they can be best friends one minute and sworn enemies the next.

JoAnne - posted on 10/12/2010

I have fraternal twin boys who are in Kindergarten. I have them separated (they were also separated in Pre-K), and I think it is the right decision for them. Even though one of the boys would have been independent, the other depends on his brother and uses his brother's decisions as his own. Now they are both thriving. They have their own friends, and even will decide to do different activities when they're at home together (they don't have any other siblings...yet!).

I will, however, put them in the same class together in 2nd grade, when the curriculum varies among teachers. I think this will help with the homework aspect. However, if they struggle with this, I can always separate them again.

Every set of twins is different, so your decision can be based on the individual's personality and social tendencies. And if it doesn't work out, you can always change your mind!

Good luck!

Jacki - posted on 10/11/2010

Wow, alot of different view points and again each one a little different. I have ferturnal twin boys, who are now in 1st grade. They both had speech problems and went to two preshools when they were three, one with me and they were together, the other without me and they were separate. They never wanted to do the same thing in the class with me. When it was parent time they were on different ends of the class and I was monitoring each one back and forth I would go. So when they were 4 they had separate preschool and since then. The most is, I have requested teachers that do the same field trips on the same days and goes to the same places. They have the same homework, and actually have the same reading teacher. I can't wait for conference to ask how they do in the same class. I cannot imagine them ever wanting to be in the same class, the most is I thought about it just for me so I friend have to be at two separate class rooms at parent day. But that's when I ask grandma to help out.

LIZ (BETTY) - posted on 10/11/2010

I have twin daughters, who are now 37 years old. As toddlers and preschoolers they developed a communication between themselves that only they understood. After much deliberation and all the tests, including hearing extra, we had to send them to a speach therapist and we managed to over come the problem. Once they started school, we decided to keep them together in the same class, however after the first two years we were requested to split them as the teachers felt that they were relying on each other too much, and that the more domanent (First born) twin was influencing the other one. We then decided to split then into seperate classes, and have never looked back. They each came into their own personalities, and although they shared friends, they each had their own share of friends too. It has helped them to be independant as schollars as well as adults and gone out into the world successfully, they have had to overcome various wrong decisions and cope with their own lives, but still having the support of their sibling too.

Natashia - posted on 10/10/2010

I have twin 14 month old faternal twin girls. Already at this age they hate to be seperated. When they do go to school though i will keep them in the same class, as to the competion hey if one gets A's the other ones gonna wanna get A+ i see nothing wrong with that.

Debra - posted on 10/10/2010

I am the mother of 14 year old fraternal twins boy/girl I kept them together in Kindergarten then seperated them . they did really well. When they entered sixth grade my boy got behind and was struggling they suggested he stay back. That was a really hard decision. So now I have one in 8th grade and 1 in seventh grade but it has all worked out for the best they are both straight A students and proud of what they have accomplished.

Mindy - posted on 10/10/2010

I have eight year old twin boys and have had them in separate classrooms since kindergarten. They were together during pre-school. For us, it has definitely been the right decision. My boys are competitive and fight like typical brothers do. It would make it hard for their teachers, for their classmates, and for them to not have that individual time everyday.

Dayna - posted on 10/10/2010

i myself am an identical twin and i have 3yr old identical twins when i went to school myself and my sister to start off with were put in the same class and found it was harder for us to achieve as individuals as we would copy from each other and keep to our selves there for we did not have many friends, when i moved house at the age of 7 we were put into different classes and found this to be better, as we both grew in our own ways and had completley different friends, we now are close but still keep our identities as idividuals. when it is time for my boys to start school i wish for them to be in seperate classes so that they can be seen as idividuals rather then as a duo.
hope this helps
dayna

Erin - posted on 10/09/2010

My twins were together in preschool, and 1st grade. (There wasn't enough teachers in 1st grade for me to separate them.) They did fine when they were together, but I prefer them apart so they can develop as individuals. It works out really well for them. I don't think you'll cause any trauma to them by doing it either way, just try it out. If it doesn't work one way, try the other way. They'll be fine!

Connie - posted on 10/09/2010

My fraternal twin boys were in separate classrooms in pre-K and it was quite a challenge for them. They are now in the 2nd Grade and have been in the same classroom since K. They have been doing consistently better, and motivate each other to excel. I'll definitely push to keep them in the same classrooms for as long as they are comfortable and learning.

Ellen - posted on 10/09/2010

We have a sister in law that is a twin. At the time that she was in school the thinking was still that twins will be come to dependent on one anther. Being from a small community the only seperation option was taking one of the twins to another school which would cause more hardship for the parents. Their wish was to keep them in the same class. They are in their 40s and though close not dependent on each other. Individual intersts and life seperated them. They are no different than any other siblings growing up in the same household.
Next generation, said sister in law had twin girls that are now 28 and the same senerio happened with them. When the school approached her and hubby about seperating them there was no question that they would stay together.
We have twin girls and we followed suit. Our girls are now 17 and though very close they do have seperate interests. The natural seperation process is slowly but surely coming into play.
Whether this would be true for identical twins I don't know but suspect it is.

Delta - posted on 10/09/2010

My girls were in daycare together and from that experience of one saying the other wouldn't play or being mean...I've learned frm pre-k that they are unique individuals and they need their own space. They are in different classes and its been great for them.

Sandy - posted on 10/09/2010

I have 14 yr old twin boys. Since kindergarten the boys have been in different classes. They are extremely competitive with each other and in the same way dependent on each other. So for their own growth I kept separated. It has not been a problem because they got to see each other during recess and after school.
Just remember don't do it for you do what is best for the kids! ;-) God bless

Kat - posted on 10/08/2010

When I was thinking about this before my fraternal girls started school this year, I read through so many chats and forums I was totally confused - in the end I went with my gut feeling and kept them in the same class - yes there is a little competition , we think this is good , yes one is at a slightly higher level in reading and maths, she then helps her sister - we didnt have any seperation anxiety, they have made mutual friends but also have independant friendships, it has been much easier for homework and communication withthe teacher and the most important thing of all is they are really happy.
Good luck with whatever choice you make, it will be the right one for you!

Cris - posted on 10/08/2010

We struggled with this and kept them together for 1 1/2 years then separated them. They are in Kindergarten and are doing fine. Being together at first really helped in their nursery school year. They only went half day but took awhile to adjust to school in general. Being together boosted their confidence. Halfway through Pre-K they separated and that was also very nice so they could shine on their own. We have super competitive children and this is truly the best answer for them. I guess I would say that either way has it's benefits and caring parents will make the most of however their twins end up --- together or apart. And if you have the choice, include your twins in on the decision and make the best choice after weighing all factors.

Ramie - posted on 10/08/2010

I have twin girls (fraternal) who just started Kinder this fall. They have very different personalities and have no problem making friends with others, but I chose their first year in their new school to be TOGETHER. Their teacher has them separated within the classroom and she says they do just fine. I think they may be spending too much time around each other, though--cause it seems that when they get home, they argue more than usual. SO--I have already explained to them that when they start 1st grade, they will each have their very own teacher and be in different classrooms. They were fine with mommy's decision!

Jolynn - posted on 10/08/2010

My identical twins were in separate classes from the time they were in preschool. It was suggested to me to separate them so that they could each be their own person. It was a little harder when it came to homework and parent/teacher talks but I feel it was well worth it. I know it is most people's first instinct to want to keep their twins together but what you need to realize is that they are two different people with two entirely different personalities. They may look alike but they are definitely not the same. They do have their own strengths and weakness but they end up helping each other. Together there would have been too much competition with each other. They still saw each other during the school day and everyone knew they were twins so when one got invited to a party the other did as well. Neither one of them felt left out of anything. And they were always there for each other. That is one thing that will never change is the special bond or connection that they have. It doesn't matter if they are in separate classes or not. What you will find out when they get older is that they will really appreciate the fact that you let them be themselves. I started out dressing them the same and giving them the same things but learned as time went on that although we thought it was cute there comes a time where they don't. My twins are now 26. One has her BA in sports management and the other is still in school going for her Masters in psychology. I am so proud of both of them!

Kelleigh - posted on 10/08/2010

I have Boy/Girl twins, but they did go to school with several sets some identical so I was able to observe them through the years.
For my twins, they were seperated in 1st grade and other than the first day anxiety, they did fine and both thrived and did well socially..This is a common practice in most schools that twins are seperated early to allow for the individual growth, in my experiance there is always on dominate twin and sometimes they over shadow the other twin. There was only 1 set of twins were seperating them was hard on both, but I think this stems more from the fact that they both suffered from a lot of health issues and were very isolated from other children for many years to avoid infection ( both had heart problems, that required surgery). In my observation and experiance, the twins with the one exception all did just fine on their own and found a way to be an individual instead of always treated as one half of a whole.

Tina - posted on 10/08/2010

It depends on the children. I put mine in separate classes my daughter tended to play mother hen a lot and her brother became too dependent on her. It gave her a chance to be a kid without worry about him and it made him become a little bit more independent.

Kellee - posted on 10/08/2010

I'm sure this is a tough decision... I've been reading a lot of the previous posters, and I agree with them that you know your twins best, and need to do what will work best for you and your children. I'm a primary grade teacher as well as a mother of fraternal twin girls. I currently have half of two sets of fraternal girls in my second grade class. It really depends on the dynamic between the kids, I think.... some sets of twins do really well being together in school, and some do much better being separated. I know that I don't agree with school districts that take the decision-making away from the parents... Moms and Dads know their twins best, and the decision needs to lie with them. All that to say.....go with your gut! :-) You know your kiddos best.... Good luck!!

Janice - posted on 10/08/2010

I had to deal with this issue also. I had my boy/girl twins in the same class until 2nd grade. We moved and they went to a new school. The principal said they would be in separate classes and Jonathan looked at him with a very serious face and said "we too are twins". He was explaining that they should stay in the same class. We separated them and they did great. In 4th grade I had to make the decision to retain my son. It was a hard decision, but definitely the best decision for him. The twins had a great education. They remain very close.

Nicole - posted on 10/08/2010

I have 5 year old fraternal twin boys. In preschool we kept them together for the first year and then separated them the second year to get them used to being separated. We wanted them to be separated in a school they knew before they went to kindergarten. We asked the teachers they had for their first year what they thought and they also thought it would be a good idea. Within the first month we knew we had made the right choice. My older twin had just excelled by himself, the year before there was no effort from him at all. I personally think he was holding himself back for the sake of my younger twin. They have been in kindergarten for a little over a month now and are doing great. They ride the bus together and see each other at lunch and recess. They each have their own group of friends, but will also play together as a group. They have surprised me in how independent they have become.

I have always wanted them to be close, but to also have their own group of friends. Separating them has helped them do that.

Tammy - posted on 10/08/2010

Well Here is my 2 cents. LOL I have twin girls that are 8. I struggled with this also. They have been in the same classroom since preschool. I do have one that is a little more independent and dominant than the other. However, every year their teachers have said that they compliment each other VERY well. No competition and they are a great support system for each other. They have healthy relationships with other kids at school and each have their own friends. Sometimes they eat together in the cafeteria and sometimes not. So far it has been healthy and ok for them. I am going to continue to do it until about 5th or 6th grade when I will try seperate rooms to get them used to it before JR. high. There they are unable to be in the same class. So it won't be so much of a shock. It is also alot easier on you because you have the same teacher, same homework, same schedule for class activities/helping in the room, same conferences, etc. I feel like they have a special bond that no one else can understand and who are we to break that or try to force them to break it if it is healthy and makes them feel good about themselves. They sleep in the same room and even the same bed even though they have bunk beds! LOL I hope this helps a little bit. Good luck and always go with your gut instinct. NO ONE else knows your kids better than you. You gave birth to them. :)

Tammy

Dana - posted on 10/08/2010

I have 9 year old boy/girl twins in the 4th grade. When they started kindergarten I put them in separate classes because Clay would let Chloe do everything for him and I wanted him to learn some independence. When they started 3rd grade I asked the school to put them in the same class because I didn't want to have to help them study different spelling/vocabulary or whatever test we had that week. I have not regretted it at all and the teachers have not had a problem with it.

Nadine - posted on 10/08/2010

my 7 yr old twins just went into year 3 they are identical .I was tod in first admission that thay world be sepereated i said no chance as twins come into the world together they shoud be together.My twins have seperate personalitys and there own friends so being together was the best option i want them to stay close being seperated as ive learnt from older twins fall apart as they go seperate ways.my advice keep them together they will thank you in the end.

Cristina - posted on 10/08/2010

My daughters are fraternal twins and in kindergarten and in the same class at my request. They are complete individuals and have been since in the womb. It was a hesitation of mine but volunteering in their classroom has shown me that they are individuals there also. They do not depend on each other, have seperate friends and do not compete. This month they both received student of the month and although I am proud of them I have requested the teacher not do that again. I want them to excel at their own pace and still carry their individuality. I do plan on having them in other grades together until they ask otherwise. It makes it easier for me when doing homework. I can help them together since they are studying the same subjects at the same time. I do give them their own time with me alone to read and study.

Mona - posted on 10/08/2010

I have 10yo id girls in 5th gr. Together in K was great, together in 1st was great until we realized that one twin was "cheating" on HW assignments by waiting for the other twin to finish first and she was a bit behind in reading due to that issue (both are gifted students btw); separated in 2nd was great because there were only 2 classes of each grade in our small school so they got to see each other at lunch & recess and the teachers were very close working together anyway so no problems; 3rd grade separated was a NIGHTMARE! The two teachers had totally different teaching styles and 1 twin was constantly jealous of the other who had the much better teacher; I looked closely at the 4th gr teachers and we decided to put them back together as there would have been a similar issue with those teachers and it worked out fabulously. Now they have moved up to the intermediate school for 5th grade and they are in separate homerooms but on the same *team*, meaning that they rotate thru the same classes but at different times during the day so homework, projects, tests, trips etc are all the same so it's easier on me but they have a chance to be independent again although they do see each other at recess & lunch. As others have mentioned, it is vitally important to really know your own kids and weight their need for independence from each other with their need for the comfort of having their twin close by. We need to remember that these kids shared a womb, crib, stroller, lap, etc and it must be a conscious decision for us as their parents to make as to whether they should school together or not. No one should leave that decision up to the school district, and if it comes down to it, I would encourage cyber or home-schooling for those children who would be adversely affected by separation. I would also advise any parent of multiples to find out their school districts policies for that at least the year before the children enter school so that appropriate measures can be taken if necessary. I also want to mention that just because they are in the same class does not mean that they are attached at the hip, my girls each had their own friends & did their own thing at recess & at school events, they also sat apart from each other in class. They just had the comfort of knowing that they were experiencing the same thing at the same time and were only a nod & smile away from each other and that helped to make them the incredible students that they are as they were free to concentrate on learning without worrying or thinking about what the other twin was doing at any particular moment.

Sarndra - posted on 10/08/2010

hi there, my twins are now grown up but i had them in separate classes from when they first started school. they are two people not one, so allow them do do there own thing find there own friends in classes etc. you dont put there younger or older sibling in the same class.

Marci - posted on 10/08/2010

I have boy twins, not sure if they are identical or not, that are in 6th grade this year. I totally understand your dilemna because I went through the same thing. I asked every twin mom with school age kids their opinion. So here is what happened with my guys and I hope it helps you whenever this decision needs to be made!

My boys were together for Kindergarten and 1st grade. I never had an issue with them being toghether per se as the teachers always said it was like they weren't twins but two seperate kids. However, for second grade (after much struggle and pressure from the teacher) they were seperated. Although they did fine in school in seperate classes, it backfired bigtime at home. My boys started having what I call seperation issues at home. They had not slept in the same bed in 3-4 years. They started doing that again and just little things and some bigger things that I felt pointed to the fact they were not ready to be in seperate rooms. So for third grade, I put them back together. End of third grade, same thing again, school asked to seperate them. This time, I was smarter. I asked them (yes mom different classes!) but I also told the teacher my concern and made sure if any issues arose that I could put them back together. They have been in seperate classes since. I agree with what some of the other moms said about the personalities and possible conflict with that but if you can keep them together and let them decide when they are ready...it may work out best in the end!

Best of luck! Regardless, it will all work out in the end!

Melanie - posted on 10/08/2010

Well.. my girls are 12 now. I was asked would I prefer the same class. I said no, they were never in the same class. Wanted to teach them to be independent of each other. So far has turned out great! It is just up to the children and parent's preference!

Carrie - posted on 10/08/2010

I have 6-yr-old b/g twins that just started first grade. We separated them in kindergarten b/c they were together all through pre-school and pre-k. Separating them for kgarten It was the best thing we could have done. The only issues we ever had in pre-k were the twins teasing each other. Because they are boy/girl, they always had their own set of friends in preschool, so were didn't think the separation in kindergarten would be too traumatic for them and we were right. They have flourished apart and they get along so much better when they are at home together.

I do, however, believe you have to decide by your own twins' personalities. I have a friend with identical twin daughters that were separated in kindergarten. One twin was so anxious, they had no idea why she was exhibiting behavioral problems. The were put back together in first and did much better. I think only a parent can know for sure what's best for their children.

Michelle - posted on 10/08/2010

No, however, I stressed more over the prek separation than they did. They school they started at wouldn't allow them to be together...since they stayed home with me until that point I was scared to death for them to be separated. I will never forget their first day, we walked in the school, hugs kisses and they each very happily went to their own class...much relief to me! We've since moved to a different district that has the option for them to be together and I do ask them every year and before I can even get the question out of "would you like to be in the same class this year?" they both say , "NO!" So, whatever works.

Janice - posted on 10/08/2010

As an identical twin, I can say that being in the same class is by far the best. My sister and I were seperated as an experiment and it took only one term for us to be put back in the same class as our work dropped so much. We were always competitve with each other and there was never a dominant twin. We are now in our late 50's and are still very dependant on each other. Nothing wrong with that!!!!!

Michelle - posted on 10/08/2010

I have 8 yr old girls. They have been separate since PreSchool and it has been great. They don't compete in class and come into their own person.

Lynn - posted on 10/08/2010

I have had my twins in the same classroom before and was told that they helped each other too much, so we split them up. whether or not this helped them I am not sure because the 1st year they were seperated.... they really struggled in school. They are dong good now and the only problem seems to be that I can't be 2 places at once! for instance.... our grade school has a parents night and all the grades are at one time - How do I meat with 2 teachers at once? It always ends up that one of them has to stay over so I can meet with them. It is a hard decision, but be sure to weigh alll the options!

Mary Alice - posted on 10/08/2010

I have 20 year old twin sons. They now attend separate colleges. They began school in the same preschool classroom for 2 years, were separated then for K, 1, 3, 4 and together in 2 and 5. It just depended on the teachers for us. When they went on to middle and high school, they ended up in the same classes often because they were at the same level. They remain very close as they head into adulthood. I also teach kindergarten and I have seen twins kept together and separated. I think as a teacher that it depends on the relationship between the twins. Some twins are more equals than others. One thing to remember is that your kids will be okay. This decision is not going to harm them, no matter which way you go. As parents, I think we worry about a lot of choices we make for our children. My advice is to go with your gut feeling.

Lisa - posted on 10/08/2010

I have fraternal twin boys in high school. In the begining I kept them together, but the more dominant twin always "took over". That was when I realized that they should be separated, Since 2nd grade they have been in separate classrooms and it worked great. My youngest twin learned to become independent and spoke for himself. He is a leader and not a follower of his older brother (older by 2 minutes). So, I think it has worked out for us. Good luck with whatever you choose. They'll do fine.

Brittney - posted on 10/08/2010

My twins aren't identical and I have them in the same class room. They are both very independent so for them it works. I think that you as their mom knows what is absolutely best for them as long as you are happy with your decision then you're doing the right thing.