Encouraging Individuality in Twins/Multiples

Parents of twins and other multiples often feel pressured to instill a sense of individuality in their children. They may be dissuaded from doing anything that elevates their multiples' unity -- such as naming them with similar names, dressing them alike or keeping them together in the same class once they start school.

It's my opinion that most multiples will create an individual identity for themselves as they grow up, whether their parents like it or not! We can't control our children's sense of self, but we can encourage it. And certainly we, as parents, want to do as much as we can to support them as individual children. With that goal in mind, here are some suggestions for cultivating a sense of individuality in each of your multiples.