Why wellbeing matters for parents of twins and triplets

Parenting twins or more can be an incredible experience—but it also comes with unique challenges that can take a toll on your wellbeing.

Audrey knows this all too well. As a mum to energetic nine-year-old twin boys, she’s passionate about encouraging parents to be kind to themselves.

She has shared her tips for keeping on top of your wellbeing as a parent. She said it’s important to break the cycle of ‘mum guilt’ and try and look after yourself as much as possible.

Audrey said: “I have a pair of very energetic nine-year-old twin boys, so I know too well how challenging it can be for mums to prioritise our own wellbeing. We run around looking after everyone else's needs, juggling the logistics of work, home and children and we too often forget ourselves in the process."

For Audrey, the pressure of balancing a corporate career with parenting twins led to burnout. "I have experienced first-hand the consequences of putting my own needs and self-care aside for far too long. I went back to work when they were nine-months-old. As mums, we tend to take on a greater share of the mental load. Because of my husband's working arrangements I was doing all the logistics of drop off and pick-ups and commuting. I was still trying to do a good job as I didn't want my career to stall. I think it's pretty common for women to have that 'mum guilt'. I could see I was getting more and more stressed, yet I felt guilty to take time out to rest and relax."

By the time her boys turned three, the strain had become overwhelming. "The cumulation of stress and exhaustion from my corporate job, my commute and parenting, led me to burning out. I started to catch every bug lying around, my hair began to fall out and I developed chronic pain and headaches. I felt completely stuck in a rut and couldn't see a way out."

Audrey, now a wellness coach, wants other parents to learn from her experience. "The multiple element adds a layer of complication. Bonding is more challenging for multiples' parents."

Her advice is simple but powerful: "We need to break the mum guilt. Not taking time to look after yourself has knock-on effects."

Audrey suggested small, practical steps to make wellbeing a priority: "Looking after yourself shouldn't be the last thing on your list. I started to carve out a 20-minute window so I could do something for myself each day, and gradually started to take a little bit of time out for myself on weekends too. This was a challenge as I felt guilty, but also by this point I had realised this not only benefited me but my family too. I also found taking a few minutes each day to reflect and journal incredibly helpful."