by This question comes to us from Matt, and he says he’s transitioning from a childless lifestyle to instantly being responsible for two little ones. He says he knows that people say, you’ll figure it out, but he wants to know how can he catch on more quickly.
Transitioning to a Twin Lifestyle
It is a big challenge, transitioning from a childless lifestyle to having twins, but frankly not much more of a challenge than if you were going from childless to one child. The learning curve to parenting is a steep one, and everyone handles things differently.
Lifestyle changes are all about expectations — expectations you have, along with those of your family and friends. You need to try to evaluate which of your expectations are realistic and which are some that you could lower. You’ll need to lower the expectations you and others have of you when you have twins.
Talk to as many people as you can with twins and see what are recurring themes that you hear. Those are the things that will help you shape your expectations as well. We found that the first year with twins was a complete blur. You two will be so busy just trying to keep the babies fed, changed and sleeping that all your other priorities will start to fade away.
When you do have downtime, you’ll be so tired and sleep deprived that you will seek rest and relaxation above all else. This reality will mean that you will have to cut things out of your current lifestyle that might not be essential to caring for your twins.
Adapt as Your Lifestyle Changes
The good news is that, as your twins start to grow, they will start to hit milestones that will make your life easier. For example, they will start sleeping through the night, or they’ll start spacing out their feedings, or you can leave them with the babysitter.
You’ll gradually be able to pick up some of your old habits, social events and hobbies that you enjoyed pre-twins. The transition will be a challenge, but the really hard times are only temporary, and you’ll adapt and grow and be amazed at just how much you can do with twins.
This question was originally addressed on the Dad’s Guide to Twins Podcast episode 24: Dad’s Queasy Stomach During Twin C-Section, Transition from Childless Lifestyle, Pack N Plays .
Picture by Nate Davis
