RE: School- twins parting -

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Regarding your question about separating twins in school...Sara (DS) and Gabe, now 9, were in school together from the time they were three months old until they were six, and even, then, they are in the same school, just different classes and different grades.

When it came time to make the decision that Sara would stay in Kindergarten and Gabe go on to first grade, it seemed very clear that that is what we needed to do; Although, I was feeling sad that they were going different ways, I had a peace about it, as well. I remember asking them how they felt about it and Gabe didn't think he would miss his sister too much--Sara indicated that she would miss Gabe, but knew she would see him at lunch and recess. The teachers shared with me, the first year they were separated, that every time Sara saw Gabe, she wanted to run up to give him a hug--Gabe seemed uncomfortable with that, so after talking with him, we worked out an arrangement that they would give each other high fives.

Now that they are nine--Gabe has his activities and friends and Sara hers; however, just the other night, Gabe had gone to a pie social and brought back Sara a little chocolate pie, because he knows how much she likes chocolate--I believe there is a bond there that I may never fully understand.

I think moms of boy-boy twins or girl-girl twins will have a different journey than mine, as well.

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Marcia

Mom to Sara (DS) and 9 and Lucas 13

[Guest guest]

That was a great idea to work out the high-five! I hadn't thought about that fact that the Non-DS twin may be embarrassed by the ever-hugging DS twin!

And as for staying in the same class -- I definitely wouldn't hold back Sam, nor do I want to push Warren into a grade he isn't ready for -- so separation will most likely occur. Unless we just happen to luck out with a very high-functioning little boy

Suze has responded that her boys stayed in the same class, but both have DS -- so they were fortunate in that regard!

I am so hoping that Sam takes on the "big brother" role, even with them having different classes -- I hope that he develops a protective nature for Warren. I won't force him into that role -- I will let them both evolve into their own personalities!

Marcia -- does Gabe seem protective of Sara? How do his friends interact with Sara? I think you are right that same-sex twins may have a different experience than boy-girl....but siblings have a bond no matter what.

And more questions for all of you out there..... (crazy dumb things that are on my mind)

Do the friends of the Non DS child ever make fun of the DS twin?

How does the Non-DS twin handle that?

What can you do as a parent to help them understand/cope with rude people?

Did you involve both children in Special Olympics -- letting the Non-DS twin become a volunteer? Does/Did he want to do that?

enough already....I just need some realistic ideas in my head instead of my fairytale dreams of everything being just perfect!

kristin, mom to 7-mo old twins, Warren (DS) and Sam

-----Original Message-----From: Rrietmann@... Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 10:31 AMTo: Multiples-DS Subject: Re: School- twins parting - Hi , Regarding your question about separating twins in school...Sara (DS) and Gabe, now 9, were in school together from the time they were three months old until they were six, and even, then, they are in the same school, just different classes and different grades. When it came time to make the decision that Sara would stay in Kindergarten and Gabe go on to first grade, it seemed very clear that that is what we needed to do; Although, I was feeling sad that they were going different ways, I had a peace about it, as well. I remember asking them how they felt about it and Gabe didn't think he would miss his sister too much--Sara indicated that she would miss Gabe, but knew she would see him at lunch and recess. The teachers shared with me, the first year they were separated, that every time Sara saw Gabe, she wanted to run up to give him a hug--Gabe seemed uncomfortable with that, so after talking with him, we worked out an arrangement that they would give each other high fives. Now that they are nine--Gabe has his activities and friends and Sara hers; however, just the other night, Gabe had gone to a pie social and brought back Sara a little chocolate pie, because he knows how much she likes chocolate--I believe there is a bond there that I may never fully understand. I think moms of boy-boy twins or girl-girl twins will have a different journey than mine, as well. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me. Marcia Mom to Sara (DS) and 9 and Lucas 13 Multiples-DShttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Multiples-DS

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori!

I, too, have a 6 1/2 year old and 2 year old twins. All girls. has Down syndrome and , her twin, is like her mother. It's unbelievable just like you said. People ask me what the age difference is between them and when I say they are twins---well, you know!! But, pats on the back if she coughs and of course keeps coughing and it becomes a game. She helps her with her jacket and holds her hand and always keeps her out of harms way in the house. The bond is just amazing.

Thanks for sharing and listening!!

Sherrill

[Guest guest]

Do the friends of the Non DS child ever make fun of the DS twin?

Hi ;

My twins are now 7 years old and I can honestly say that I have never had any friend of Nicala ('s twin) or make fun of (infact everyone knows who is and loves him). I have had questions but never fun made, I'm still waiting for that one I guess. Keep in mind too that is very low functioning because of the autism as well as the ds, he does not talk at all.

I am right now in the process of moving and many of the new neighbours know us already because of knowing who is.....I do not live in a small city either (330,000+). Although I moving to relatively the same area it still really surprises me how many people know who is when I don't know who they are.

, mom to Nicala & ,ds/adhd/autism (age 7) and (age 5.5)Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals