Pre-School Separation Anxiety...for MOM!

We have had a lot of discussion about separating our twins in school. I started doing some research. I'm not talking about statistics and what doctors say. Because really, most doctors are NOT the parents of multiples. I was looking for down and dirty mom advice. I read blogs about how great separation can be and ones on the flip side, the horror stories. I linked to my favorite at the bottom.

I've seen separation in my own home and it wasn't pretty...for ME.

They were separated for 6 weeks at the age of 3 in preschool. Their teachers had no trouble. They behaved "normally," and performed as usual academically. The problem was at home. It was as though they came home and became changed little people. As though they couldn't handle the fact that they were doing different things. They argued, they picked fights. My husband and I were MISERABLE!

They were finally put back together and things normalized. Peace had settled in to our home...well, as much peace as one with multiples can have.

Fast forward a year and we're back at making the decision to separate. Our fraternal four year olds now hold each other back. One emotionally/socially, the other academically. They count on each other to fill in the blanks when there is a deficit. While it's cute at times, it's not exactly healthy. I want my girls to have confidence in their endeavors, as we all do.

We're fortunate that they go to a school where they have 4 classrooms from which to choose. We had to think...and fast.

Sure, there was fighting during the previous separation, but they fight more now anyway as they have more opinions.

But they also asked about each other's day. They communicated. They got excited about what the other did. Nothing wrong with that.

They were also unable to tattle on each other. This had it's pros and cons as I had grown accustom to the built in accountability. But maybe now it will give them a chance to branch out to try new things without thinking sissy is watching.

They may no longer share the same best friend, but truth be told, I think they will always be each other's best friend.

So this year, we're looking forward to seeing what happens. We have a window where we can change back if necessary. For now, they will be in classrooms right next to each other. They will have recess and other activities together.

They will have different teachers and different aides, which means extra conferences, different special days and events. These are things I will likely have to get used to anyway. The dreaded different homework, different library day. But that is another article. Fortunately, this is JUST preschool!

Just breathe...and see what this mom has to say.

~Jenny