Starting school with twins: managing nerves, routines and tiredness

For Victoria, sending her eldest twins, Seve and Aurelio, to school was both a moment of pride and a whirlwind of emotions. As an excited yet nervous mum, she faced the big milestone with mixed feelings. Like many parents, she had seen the years fly by in what felt like the blink of an eye, and now her children were about to take their next big step without her by their side. Victoria’s story is a common one for many parents of twins: the challenge of letting go and trusting that their children are ready for the world outside the comfort of home.

Her experience highlights a vital lesson for parents: preparing yourself emotionally for this momentous change can be just as important as preparing your children. While it’s natural to feel nervous, knowing that your twins can rely on each other as they walk into something new can ease some of the anxiety. The fact that they have each other to hold hands with during this major change is a comforting thought, and it makes the transition smoother for everyone.

Preparing for the first day

As the start of school drew closer, Victoria made sure to involve Seve and Aurelio in the preparations. The excitement of choosing uniforms, bags, and water bottles helped build their confidence while also giving them a sense of ownership over their new adventure. Labelling everything, a simple task, became a project they could do together, further empowering the boys. Victoria worked hard to keep the experience positive and balanced, ensuring it wasn’t too overwhelming while still fostering their enthusiasm for what was to come.

When the big day arrived, the twins were up early and eager. Victoria, keen to minimise stress, made sure they were the first ones in line, avoiding unnecessary waiting time that could lead to nerves. Watching her boys run into school without a second glance confirmed that the preparations had paid off. They were excited to embark on this new chapter. However, as parents of twins, Victoria also faced the challenge of adjusting to two children hitting a milestone at once. It’s a reminder that the excitement of the big day doesn’t come without its emotional load for parents. Preparing for these milestones isn’t just about the children; it’s also about parents making their own emotional adjustments.

The adjustment period

Although the first day was a success, the aftermath was not without its challenges. Seve and Aurelio, excited as they were, quickly grew exhausted by the change. The twins’ tiredness was evident in the weeks that followed. Victoria realised that she would need to adjust their routine to accommodate the fatigue that comes with such a big transition. Weekends that were once filled with activities were now spent at home, allowing the boys to rest and recover.

Victoria’s experience is a valuable lesson for parents of multiples: when two children are hitting the same milestone at once, it can be a real challenge. Not only are parents handling the excitement of two children growing and changing, but they’re also managing two sets of feelings and reactions. Seve and Aurelio’s different personalities meant they had unique responses to the school experience, and as a parent, Victoria had to be ready to support both. This dynamic is something parents of multiples often experience—balancing the needs of each child while navigating the complexities of their twin relationship.

Building up for the next set of twins

Just as she was getting the hang of sending her eldest twins off to school, the next big milestone arrived. Nico and Rafael, Victoria’s second set of identical twins, were about to start school too. This time, Victoria felt a little more prepared. Having gone through the process with Seve and Aurelio, she knew exactly what to expect in those early weeks. The first month of school was cleared from her diary to give herself the space and flexibility to help Nico and Rafael adjust. She knew that, just like with their older brothers, the twins would need time to settle into their new routines.

The transition for Nico and Rafael was made easier by the presence of their older siblings. The family dynamic helped create a natural build-up to starting school, with plenty of discussion about what to expect in the classroom and at playtime. This positive atmosphere at home helped the younger twins feel more confident and prepared for their first day. Their teacher, who had already asked Victoria how to tell them apart, also played a key role in helping them settle into school life.

Victoria’s experience with Nico and Rafael highlights another important lesson: support from older siblings and family can play a crucial role in easing transitions for younger children. The familiarity of seeing their older brothers navigate school life provided reassurance and comfort for Nico and Rafael, showing how important it is to build a supportive environment both inside and outside the classroom.