Words are powerful! A few positive phrases can go a long way in encouraging a mom who is feeling insecure about her mothering, is tired, or is worried that she’s doing it wrong. Especially for first-time moms. It’s a scary new adventure in uncharted waters, and even those who love a good adventure into the unknown, can still feel lost and afraid at times.
Even the most confident of women will have moments of panic when twins enter the picture! There are just so many things that you can never prepare for with two little ones. So, if you’re ever wondering how you can encourage a twin mom, or if you’re one yourself, then these words of inspiration are for you!
You’re doing a great job
This was something that one of my twin mom friends told me fairly often when I would go to her with my twin questions and worries. I can’t say how much it meant to me to hear those words from someone who could relate. The truth is that I was (and still am) trying to be the best mom I could, but how would I know if I actually was succeeding? Feedback from other moms, as well as from family and friends, is so important.
If you know a mother of twins who’s just starting out on the motherhood journey, let her know that she’s doing a good job. Coming from another twin mom, this could mean the world to her. Being a twin mom is a uniquely difficult challenge and you can never give too many words of encouragement!
It gets easier
When my girls were newborns, this was something I kept repeating to myself over and over. I had been told by several other twin moms that this was indeed the truth and if I could just get through the first few months (and years!), things would just slowly keep getting easier and easier.
Yes, each stage has its tough and easy parts to it (nothing easy about toddler tantrums!), but in general, the more they can do for themselves, the easier it is for the parents. Some days I was just so overwhelmed with caring for my girls, that I needed to cling to this little lifeline.
That’s normal
I think every parent wonders or worries if their babies are “normal”. They think, “Are my twins the only ones who do weird and crazy things?” Basically, everything my girls do makes me wonder if it’s normal for twins. We all want our kids to be “normal”and even though we may know the truth that everyone is different and unique and should be able to just be their own person, we still compare them to “normal” statistics for growth and development.
All moms want to be reassured that their child’s behaviour is “normal”. If a twin mom is wondering about something her babies are doing/not doing, let her know if it’s normal. Most of the time, we worry about things that aren’t a big deal, and an experienced mom can let us know that we’re freaking out about nothing.
Also, twin moms have a lot of questions about the normality of their own thoughts and emotions. Is it normal to be so freaked out when you find out you’re expecting with twins? Is it normal to feel like you just can’t handle two newborns? Is it normal to feel like you’ll go crazy with trying to deal with two little toddlers at once?
Share your own personal fears and struggles and encourage them that what they’re feeling is natural. Sometimes, we moms just need someone who can relate.
You’re doing a good job, Natasha! Both at motherhood and writing. 🙂 Lovely post!