Special Multiple Behavior

Toddlers and Children have special behavior patterns. Children can behave differently in the most unexpected manner at the most surprising times. As parents you would be faced with situations where you have to deal with your children’s behavior in the best possible way. It has been found that children react to different situations according to what they believe about the situation. This is determined more by their understanding of life, people and events and less by the immediate situation at hand. This is why for parents to successfully stop negative behavior, it is important to understand what the child believes and why. 

This fact applies to multiple children as well. Many behavior issues are related to rivalry or competition among the multiple children, who would tend to compete most of the time than not. Experts have even named it as ‘Twin Escalation Syndrome’. This is the tendency of multiple children to strengthen and expand their behavior in their relationship as siblings. 

You would have experienced this as parents of multiples. For example when one was crying loud, didn’t the other start crying louder than the first? Have you experienced your twins fighting for attention when eating and drinking, maybe getting messier and noisier in the process? Children, especially multiple children, will always fight for attention. But though it may be normal behavior, it should not be ignored. This behavior, however cute it may be, should be dealt with in the same way as you would treat any mischief. 

It is important to manage childhood behavioral problems in a systematic manner. This approach should be implemented every time the child or children displays problematic behavior and it should also be carried out in the same manner by every care giver who attends to the child. It is only then that the child will be aware of what exactly will be the response to his or her behavior patterns. Also, it is an easier and wiser approach by parents as they are aware of how they will respond to behavior, with no need to respond impulsively and emotionally. 

If you find that your multiples behavior of dawdling is on the increasing trend, discourage this by taking the first step of removing distractions. Usually for multiples, the greatest distraction is each other. Divide them when they tend to dawdle, during getting dressed, washing hands or picking up toys. Give clear prompt instructions of tasks to be carried out and set reasonable expectations. But remember how ever long they may take, never do it for them. 

These are just a handful of behavior, specially seen in multiple children. What ever the situation, remember you are not alone in facing such an occurrence with your children. Never hesitate to get assistance from other parents of multiples, as well as other experts on parenting.