Womb Twin Kids Aged 5-8 Years
At this stage, the questions most parents ask are:
* When is the best age to tell my child about their twin?
It is important for your child to know. You must decide exactly when and how but try to be natural and relaxed about it. Do not leave it to another person to tell your child on your behalf, or your child will assume that you never wish to discuss it and it will become an uncomfortable family secret.
* Should I tell the school that my child is a womb twin survivor?
It is important for all teachers and school workers to realise that womb twin survivors are a distinct and recognisable group of children within the school. If you discuss it with the teacher you can come to an arrangement about how the information should be used for the benefit of your child.
Some typical character traits to look out for at this stage:
* An imaginary friend
* A fear of being abandoned
* A preoccupation with mirrors
What parents can do to help and support their child:
* Understand that the loss of a twin before or around birth has a real physical and emotional effect. That means there is a meaning to the behaviour that your child may display and it is not just that he or she is being "difficult."
* Be clear that the lost twin is an important person in the life of your womb twin survivor. You could find ways to make the lost twin into a respected member of the family, by means of some symbol on display in the home, such as a sculpture or a plant.
* Notice anything that seems to indicate that your child has a sense that their twin is still "with them" in some way. That includes an imaginary friend, or an undue attachment to a toy or another child.
* Allow your child to have a surrogate twin. This is not a sign of neurosis or instability, but a necessary crutch, to be used until your child is old enough to walk the healing path for womb twin survivors.
