Parent-to-parent advice from infancy through adolescence.

It's Twins is a book of advice for parents of twins which makes use of the resources of those really in the know – parents of multiples. The guide is divided into four main sections; Twin Babies; Twin Toddlers; Twin Kids and Twin Tweens and Teens, making this a book with a long life-span.

The book is a mixture of anecdotes, true-life experiences and question-and-answer sections. Each chapter ends with a ‘points to ponder’, with room for the reader to record their own thoughts and experiences.

Twin Babies

The chapter starts realistically with a look at what might go wrong, for example, a mother leaving hospital before her twins or problems with breastfeeding. However, the issues are tackled in a positive way, with suggestions such as recruiting help from friends as well as a spouse and tips on how to tell newborn twins apart.

Twin Toddlers

This section covers children up to the age of four and covers a range of practical and emotional issues including potty training, twins learning to talk, grocery shopping with twins and twins driving a parent insane! Throughout, the advice is geared to multiples, with the author very aware that twins can be more than twice the work of a single child.

Twin Kids

A chapter of advice for raising twins up to age eleven. There’s plenty of advice on schooling, including separation in the classroom as well as school-age parties and handling homework for two. Again, there are anecdotes and amusing stories from parents who’ve raised twins of this age.

Twin Teens and Teens

The focus is here is on twins aged between twelve and seventeen. There is a list of advantages and disadvantages of being a twin in adolescence, with lots of tips on encouraging individuality, whilst celebrating the differences between twins.

The Author and Contributors

Susan Heim is a mother of toddler twins and singleton teens. She is the author of several parenting titles including Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families [Twins Magazine, 2006] and Oh Baby, 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life for the First Year [Hampton Roads Publishing Company, 2006].

A section at the end of the book introduces each contributor, with information on where she lives and the ages of her twins.

This is a positive and practical parenting guide for anyone who has, or is about to have, twins. The advice given is down-to-earth and the overall tone of the book is uplifting. It makes the parents of twins feel special and privileged, whilst never ignoring the challenges involved in parenting multiples.

Publication Details

Heim, Susan M., It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice From Infancy Through Adolescence [Hampton Roads Publishing Company,2007] ISBN 9781571745316