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Help Is on the Way!

Getting the Support You Need to Raise Twins

By Lisa Marie Metzler

"We still make it a habit to call each other if we are going to the store, or running an errand, to find out if there's anything the other needs," London says. "Those small things can really be a big help."

A trusted teen neighbor can be a great help as well. Try making arrangements with her to come over to watch the twins while you stay in the house. Take a nap, relax in the tub or just enjoy some quiet time in your room. Having a teen babysitter in the house is reassuring, because you can intervene if any problems arise. And finding respite from the demands of twins for even an hour goes a long way toward maintaining your sanity.

If you do need to leave the house but don't feel confident enough to leave both infants with a babysitter, then leave one baby at home and take the other baby with you. This will make a shopping trip less stressful for you and provide some individual bonding time for your baby.

Bartering, once the hallmark of a bygone era, still has practical application today. With a little creativity, you can trade services to get your daily doses of laundry and cooking done. For instance, if you love to sew and if you have a friend who loves to cook, try trading skills. Trade mending for meals. You'll save on the hassle of shopping for meals and the tim it takes to prepare them. When you're able, you can return the favor by doing some mending or altering for your friend.

London offered to work as a part-time church secretary. In exchange, the church would pay for the twins' daycare bill. She also made arrangements with her neighbor for trading babysitting duties. They would take turns caring for each other's children so no money would have to be exchanged.

Want to see more?

• Double Duty: Finding the Right Daycare for Multiples
• Two at Once: Becoming a Parent of Twins
• You Can Do It! 10 Secrets to Surviving the First Year with Twins
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

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