Introduction to the Twin Phenomenon

The birth of multiple babies have become far more common these days. In fact, there has been several mothers out there who have given birth to as much as eight (octuplet) babies at one time. It therefore gives a whole new meaning to the twin phenomenon and such cases like that inspire researchers to try and find out more why this happens in the first place.

What is the Twin Phenomenon?

The twin phenomenon is baffling and intriguing at the same time. It is no wonder it has inspired a lot of experts to study this phenomenon since there is much to discover. But even with a huge number of research publications already out, there is still a lot that has yet to be known.

Mothers pregnant above the age of 30 can increase their chances of giving birth to twins, or even multiple pregnancies. On the other hand, modern technology has now enabled methods to use Clomid, which is a type of drug that induces ovulation, to conceive twins.

Myths on Twins

Are you knowledgeable about the twin phenomenon? Or do you believe in some of the most common false misconceptions or myths about it? Make sure you learn more about the facts below by debunking some common twin myths:

•    Some people believe that the side of the father's family will increase the chances of a parent having twins. In reality, if the mother's side of the family has history of twins, then you can increase your chances of having fraternal twins. However, this is not true for all generations in the family since there is a possibility that one generation is skipped until the next will produce twins in the family.
•    Unlike fraternal twins, identical twins do not rely on family history but is completely randomly developed. This further explains the phenomenon that identical twins are quite rare.
•    Another common myth surrounding twins is that mothers can perform pre-conception rituals or rely on genetic makeup to produce identical twins. Truth is, there is nothing you can do to produce identical twins and happens naturally through the conception process.

Identical or Fraternal?

One of the biggest questions that people ask when finding out about the twin phenomenon for the first time is: what is the difference in fraternal or identical twins? A lot of people think that these two are the same and interchangeable. However, there is a huge difference between each one.

Identical twins is conceived from a single egg cell that divides to produce a mirror image of itself. As a result, you can produce two individuals containing the exact same DNA. Although identical twins is made up of the same genetic material, not all identical twins are completely identical and will have a few differences even in their physical features.

In the case of fraternal twins, there are similarities to the physical appearance. However, the DNA composition is different and develops using two separate eggs instead of one.

Ongoing Study on Twin Phenomenon

More studies are currently being conducted to provide more explanation to this phenomenon. To be specific, modern technology is being utilized to help mothers who want to have twins by developing methods for inducing twin pregnancy.

IVF and Clomid Fertility Drugs are two leading options for anyone wishing to have twin pregnancy. There are several natural wonders and mysteries that surround this phenomenon, while also enabling parents to give twice the amount of love for their kids.

Influence of Nature/Nurture to Twin Studies

Siblings and Twins

Siblings have the same genes, which is also responsible for physical and other similarities, albeit the fact that the physical is the most obvious. In fact, these physical similarities is responsible for identifying two individuals as siblings judging on their looks and appearance. Brothers and sisters will therefore share a lot of similarities that link them to each other.

In an effort to better explain the difference or similarities between siblings and twins would be to consider it next to the existing nature/nurture debate. The closest example of this debate would be to determine the impact of heredity against surroundings. You can find out more about how the points raised in the nature/nurture debate will impact one's understanding of twin development and interactions.

Introduction to Nature/Nurture Debate

A lot of researchers and scientists have done extensive research on the concept of nature/nurture. In fact, lots of researchers have attempted to showcase that nature or heredity has a bigger impact on shaping one's humanity.

The twins are perfect example used for studying the impact of surroundings despite the physical replicas for two people (twins). However, studies are ongoing to determine what percentage of the genetic makeup contributes to one's personality trait and intelligence.

How does Nature/Nurture Apply to Twins?

The number of studies indicating that the environment has the biggest impact in determining one's individuality is overwhelming indeed. However, each twin are exposed to various environments and different circumstances that result to differences in personality as each twin grows up. This explains why despite the similarities in genetic makeup, each twin are distinguishable from one another although these differences are not evident until they grow up and become exposed to different circumstances.

Behavioral Variability in Twins

To better understand behavioral variability in twins, it is important to consider the “Five Factor Model of Personality” of psychology and is considered as the most universal method of understanding similarities and differences in personality. These five traits in question include extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

According to experts, two of these traits are commonly influenced by genetics – neuroticism and extroversion (nature). Meanwhile, agreeableness is a trait influenced by the environment (nurture). However, behavioral variability is both influenced by heredity and environment.

What Makes Twins Unique?

To conclude, both nature and nurture has its own equal measure when it comes to establishing identity for twins to make them unique from each other. From the time twins are conceived, they are granted the opportunity to grow up in certain ways that they desire for themselves. In the years that follow, only a twin has the ability to shape their own lives according to how they like it. The environment in which twins live in has an undeniable amount of power to help shape the way twins think or perceive themselves.

However, your genetics will also predetermine that during birth. That genetic blueprint is what ties you with your twin brother or sister, and your family. This is indeed a comforting idea for twins to know that although they are built within the same genes, they have a unique pattern to them that enables twins to establish their individuality.

Fraternal and Identical Twins – What is the Difference?

There is a huge misconception that people have about having twins. They all think it is the same as caring for a single child, only that you have another one to take care of such that it feels more like raising two children at one time. However, twins have special needs that parents must fulfill and the ability to provide for that will start off by learning about the different types of twins and their unique qualities.

To get more details on the different types of twins, you can read more details below.

Introduction to Fraternal and Identical Twins

You have to understand that twins are two separate individuals instead of a single unit. Hence, it is not like raising two of the same single child since each one have their own unique personalities and needs to them. Parents must therefore juggle caring for two individuals at once and this is not an easy task.

This is made further complicated by the differences with fraternal and identical twins. They might showcase similar physical looks, but there are other factors that shape their attitudes and interests. This explains why interaction of twins is difficult to decipher. At one time, they can have the closest bond, in another they could be each other's worst rivals.

There is an equal amount of similarities and differences with both set of twins (fraternal or identical). For starters though, it is best to get started on identifying what these unique qualities are.

Qualities of Identical Twins

There are a few basic qualities that you can use to identify whether a set of twins are identical. First, they are always of the same sex. Second, they have a similar appearance in terms of physical looks. Third, they were developed inside the womb within a single placenta. And finally, they each have similar blood types.

Since identical twins develop from the same egg, they are expected to have a stronger emotional bond than fraternal twins do. In fact, identical twins have their unique twin connection and language that only they can comprehend.

Qualities of Fraternal Twins

The next, and more common, type of twins would be fraternal twins. These twins can be of the same sex or different (meaning, a boy and a girl). Their appearance could be similar with one another but not exactly identical. They develop from 2 placenta, 2 amniotic sacs, and 2 chorion bags. They could have the same blood type, but this is not always the case with all fraternal twins.

Since they develop from 2 different eggs, the emotional bond between these twins are not that strong. However, they will have a wide range of similarities and are easier to establish their own individuality that would set them apart from the other twin.

Challenges of Raising Twins

The complexity of the nature of twins and how they interact with one another as they grow up all contribute to the challenges that parents face while raising twins. Being able to identify the differences between fraternal and identical twins are is a good start. You can therefore foster the need to help each twin interact with the other, while also allowing them to explore their own individual personality and be molded by nature.

Commonly Asked Questions About Fraternal and Identical Twins

Are having twins hereditary? Is it possible to use modern medical intervention to induce twin pregnancy? What is the difference between fraternal and identical twins? Fairly common questions asked by those who are new to the idea of having twins. These questions are often asked over and over again, but the shroud of mystery has not been completely pulled off.

To get more answers to any questions you might be having, you can get the answers below.

Does the concept of Nature/Nurture impact growth of twins?

To some extent, yes. However, the personality traits and physical features of twins (whether fraternal or identical) are determined by nature, or their genetic makeup. The splitting of the egg during ovulation and the DNA composition are what determines whether a twin is considered identical or fraternal.

However, nature plays an important role in enabling each twin to establish their individuality. This will expose them to various circumstances and environment as they grow up to nurture different personality and identify their career paths in the future. Both nature and nurture in the concept therefore play an important role, with the difference in that nature is predetermined and nurture is altered.

Aren't fraternal twins identical, too?

Fraternal twins are completely different from identical twins. The latter come from the same egg and have the same DNA. Hence, it is not appropriate to refer to fraternal twins as identical twins since they are conceived differently and have unique set of features.

How common are fraternal twins?

As compared to identical twins, fraternal twins are far more common. According to statistics gathered by researchers and twin experts, they make up about 2/3 of the entire twin population. Fraternal twins can be of different sex unlike identical twins. In addition, heredity could play a crucial role in impacting your chances of having fraternal twins, especially on the mother side of the family.

Is it safe to use medical intervention to induce twin pregnancy?

Researchers have done extensive research on the phenomenon involving twins in an effort to explain how it happens and how twins are conceived. Their research efforts have provided them with a good amount of knowledge on what methods to use to induce pregnancy, which they use to develop technology for mothers aspiring to have twins.

How difficult is it to raise twins?

It is admittedly not easy. There are certain challenges to raising twins that is completely different from raising a single child. Many would refer to twins as miracles and a blessing, such that they need special attention and care. It is indeed not the same as caring for two different children, unlike most would assume. But all the hardships are worth it knowing how you can foster such a mystery.

Even after answering all of the above questions about fraternal and identical twins, it is still not enough to fully understand the miracle of having twins. This is a phenomenon that is understood and experienced only those who have twins themselves, or families whose children are twins, irregardless of whether they are fraternal or identical.

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Surviving the Household of Twins

Having twins or two babies at one time indeed sounds like great fun, but it is actually harder than most people think. It is therefore important that you get all the help and advice you can get to surviving the struggles of having twins for you to truly enjoy the company of your little ones at home. Interactions of twins also develop as they grow older and it is considered a great feat for any parent to enable them to grow up healthy.

Parenting twins is a 24/7 job such that you need to be involved at all times to provide for their needs, whether emotional, physical, or psychological.

Plan Ahead During Pregnancy

As soon as you find out that you are having twins, then your preparation begins right there and then. In fact, experts advise that you begin preparation sooner than when you are having twins as compared to having just a single baby. It is believed that twins typically come out earlier than when you have a single baby, such that 2 out of 3 twin pregnancies are born prematurely.

It is therefore important to schedule your motherhood or pregnancy classes earlier to ensure that you won't have to miss out on any vital information in case you were put to bedrest early.

First Year of Having Twins

The first year following the birth of your twins is the most challenging and difficult phase of your child rearing stage. Thus, this is where you must really focus on improving your parenting skills to ensure that you can provide maximum care and attention to your children's needs.

Although this is often a manageable task, new parents to twins might be overwhelmed with the task in hand. Allow yourself the opportunity to relish in the emotion that this experience has to offer so you can better tackle the task that faces you ahead.

Tips for Surviving the First Year

There are a few basic tips that parents, especially mothers, need to keep in mind to successfully overcome the challenges of the first year of having twins:

•    Always come up with a backup plan if you plan on breastfeeding. Some mothers are unable to produce enough milk to feed their hungry babies, which is inevitable if you have twins. This will ensure that you can go through this process with ease and prepare you for the situation ahead.
•    You can seek help from relatives, friends, family members, or a professional nanny to sort out caring for your twins. You will certainly need the extra hand, especially if your husband is away for work during the day.
•    Share the parenting duties with your husband. Since there are two babies to look after to, an extra person to provide help in caring for the babies is surely a major relief. In addition, you can maximize the opportunity to bond with the twins.
•    Enjoy the baby stages. Sometimes parents are overwhelmed by the duties of caring for twins such that they fail to realize it works out like any other parenting job. So, learn how to play with your kids and enjoy the little milestones they achieve along the way.

Benefits of Twin Child Care

Once you see your twins interact with one another as they grow healthy and happy, there is no better reward for all of your hardships than that. Your ability to come up with a parenting plan and clear schedule will therefore give you an advantage such that you can spend more time frolicking with your twins and watch them grow.

Parenting Tips For Twins Interaction

There are several challenges that go with having twins. Aside from establishing a healthy communication and interaction between both twins, the parents have the most challenging job in all of these. As if fostering the growth and development of one child is not enough, imagine the difficulty of the task that lies with two children to look after to.


Below are some of the tips to help you get started on establishing better interaction between your twins and helping them grow up healthy,

Work as a Pair


Parenting is a tough job, especially if you have twins to look after. Hence, it is important that both parents work as a team. Having an extra hand to sort things out when it comes to looking after the kids is truly a major relief for either parent. It is not wrong is one of the parent, either the mother or father, takes over majority of the task of caring for the twins but it is important that each make their own contribution.


It is also for the benefit of both twins since they get to interact with the parents and foster a closer bond with their twin. The work of caring for your twins might have been doubled but it also means more fun if everyone would cooperate.


Set Individuality Between Each Twin


Another obvious but often neglected parenting tip that all parents need to remember when caring for their twins is to let each twin establish their own identity and individuality. There are several aspects concerning this, such as the choice of names, the way they dress, and the kind of activities they are involved in.


Some parents might find it cute to give their twins similarly sounding names, but this is not ideal since it might lead to confusion and inability for each kid to establish their individuality. It is also not advised for you to force your twins to do things together since each of them might have passion different from the other. Instead, support where their passion lies and relish in the fact that each of them have individual identity.


Accept Help


Parenting is admittedly not an easy job. So, it is completely acceptable if you seek for help. Whether from your husband or wife, a friend, in-law, or even a professional. As much as you want to be completely hands-on when it comes to caring for your twins, it does not hurt to accept help some other times. This is also a practical decision on your part since it enables you to attend to other equally important things while ensuring that your child is well taken care of.


Promote Interaction


Aside from giving your twins the freedom to choose their own identity and interests, you must establish the opportunity for each one to interact. There is nothing quite like the bond of twins having lots of similarities. Hence, you need to establish an environment within your home to foster that interaction between each of them. In addition, interaction must not only be limited between twins, but parents must also be involved to strengthen family ties.