Womb Twin Teenagers
Teenagers who have not been told about their twin may already have guessed.
* If they do know, they will be searching for more information.
* They may want to know how to identify themselves as womb twin survivors.
* They may have a problem with the fact they seem to be different, weird or odd when compared with their peers, who have not shared the same prenatal experience.
Common problems at this age are:
* A preoccupation with death
* Exaggerated response to broken friendships and relationships
* A problem with changes, goodbyes or endings
* Confused feelings about their identity - "I don't know who I am!" they cry.
How parents can help and support a womb twin teenager:
* Recognise that the loss of a twin before or around birth has had a real physical and emotional effect on your child. If your child has reached teen-age and still does not know about their twin, tell them as soon as possible so that can begin to make sense of their strange feelings and seemingly "irrational" beliefs.
* If your teenage child seems to be obsessed with the issue of being a twin, it will be because they want to understand. Be prepared to talk about it and discuss it openly. If that is too difficult, find some books, web sites or other materials that can provide detailed information.
* If your teenager is in therapy and no one has mentioned the lost twin yet, or the issue has been dismissed as "irrelevant" if it is known, then you have a problem. There is a great deal of ignorance about this topic.
Womb Twin can provide ways for you to connect with other parents and learn more about the physical and psychological characteristics of womb twin survivors.
If you can, find a therapist who does understand about womb twin survivors.
