Discipling My 4-year old Twins

I am new to the site. I am a single mother of 4 year old twin girls and an older 6 year old daughter. My twins are so high energy and often seem out of control! From the moment they get up in the morning they're on the run and lately have been very difficult to discipline. This has also been affecting how they perform in preschool. It's almost as though they feed on each other and "egg" each other on. They pester they're older sister constantly. If separated, they are completely different and so easy. Their pediatrician says they are not hyperactive, but normal, energetic children. Is it common for twins to be such whirlwinds?! My frustration level has been quite high as a result! Has anyone else had this experience? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I hear ya. I have 4 year twin boys. Yes they do feed off of each other. And yes they are like totally different boys when it is just one of them. Sometimes I feel like I got cheated out of enjoying their toddler hood, because it has been so difficult. I can't help but feel like it would have been totally different with just one. But I wouldn't trade them for anything. No suggestions. just someone to say I feel your pain and totally understand.

 

Hi MamaBird! Welcome to Twinstuff - there is a LOT of wisdom on this board! Your kids sound normal to me! I lokk forward to getting to know you!

 

QUOTE(my2boys @ Sep 24 2007, 10:20 PM) [snapback]421655[/snapback]
I hear ya. I have 4 year twin boys. Yes they do feed off of each other. And yes they are like totally different boys when it is just one of them. Sometimes I feel like I got cheated out of enjoying their toddler hood, because it has been so difficult. I can't help but feel like it would have been totally different with just one. But I wouldn't trade them for anything. No suggestions. just someone to say I feel your pain and totally understand.


I agree with this too.

My boys are out of control A LOT!

They need to be busy all the time and focus on a project or something fun that expends energy at the same time.

It is hard and I use time-outs a lot and I take away favorite toys.

A great book is 1-2-3 Magic. It does work, but they are still crazy together! Good luck and welcome to TS! :sign0016:

 

My boys are only 2.5, but they do this too. The feed off each other, and are SO WELL BEHAVED when they are apart..lol. Hang in there momma...I cant imagine going at it alone, and that adds to your stress Im sure.

Welcome to TS, you will really love it here!

:sign0016:

 

Absolutely normal, mine can be maniacs. :banana: :banana: I have a really difficult time, because my oldest boy is a young teenager and picks on them and they pick back. Sometimes my house gets like a pen full of monkies.
I have recently instituted the hand folding rule with the twins. I did this with my older son when he was about 4 and it worked. It has made a world of difference with my twins, too. When we are in the car, especially on short runs, they have to fold thier hands together and keep them in thier lap. It calms them down in an amazing way. We are now using it when we are at the doctors office, when we are at the table, even when we eat dinner. Whenever they get toooooo wiggly, they have to lock thier fingers together until they can sit still. It is so simple but really helps. I used to teach school and one of my conference leaders suggested this for kids in our class, it is amazing and I adapted it for my kids. Works very well once they get it down. It also saves my sanity because I don't have to keep saying-don't pinch-don't scratch-don't hit-don't squeeze-don't touch-don't lick-don't slap-don't poke-etc, etc, etc.... I just say hands in your lap, folded together and magic! :a_smil09: