Dad's Guide to Twins Podcast

Separate playdates help each twin build confidence and a unique identity outside of being "the twins" Not every twin will handle solo socializing the same way, and that's completely normal Small, low-pressure steps go a long way for the twin who leans more on their sibling Separate classes can feel hard at first but often become a gift for their long-term independence Your role is to be the facili...

Daytime and nighttime potty training are two completely separate milestones Most kids master daytime dryness months (sometimes years) before nighttime dryness Nighttime dryness is largely developmental, not something you can force Your twins may reach these milestones at different times, and that's completely normal Patience and low-pressure strategies work best for both phases

Teaching one kid to brush their teeth is a project. Teaching two at the same time? That's a whole different level of logistics, patience, and toothpaste on the mirror. But here's the good news: with twins, you actually have a built-in secret weapon. They have each other. And if you play it right, that sibling dynamic can make the whole learning process a lot smoother than you'd expect.

One of my twin daughters developed a fear of the dark around age three. Within a week, her sister had it too. This is the twin parent reality: fears multiply faster than you can buy nightlights. When  twins share a bedroom , developmental fears like monsters under the bed, scary shadows, or loud noises don't stay contained to one child. They bounce back and forth, amplify, and suddenly you've got...

One of the hardest transitions I faced with my twin girls was the day they decided naps were optional. Scratch that. The day they decided naps were for babies and they were clearly not babies anymore. If you're in the trenches of this transition right now, I feel your pain. That sacred afternoon window when both twins sleep simultaneously? It's basically the only thing keeping you sane. But here's...

When your twins start moving, they don't just crawl or walk. They become a force of nature. The term "Twinadoes" is accurate. And just like actual tornadoes, they leave a path of destruction in their wake. Once your twins are on the move, you'll quickly realize that  traditional baby containment methods won't cut it. One baby gate? They'll figure out how to open it together. A standard playpen? Wa...

Twins naturally observe and copy each other, which can fast-track manners and social skills Start modeling "please" and "thank you" from infancy, even before they can talk Twin-to-twin empathy is a unique opportunity you won't have with singletons Consistency between you and your partner is key as your twins will absolutely notice the difference Expect setbacks; toddler twins testing limits is com...

Twins naturally start comparing themselves around ages 4-7 as part of normal development Constant comparison can lock kids into narrow roles (the athletic one, the shy one) Minimize direct comparisons in your language and celebrate each child's unique strengths One-on-one time and separate activities help each twin develop their own identity Focus on personal growth over competition (compare them...

When twins build friendships outside their twin relationship, they will develop stronger individual identities and more diverse social skills. They learn to navigate different personalities, practice introducing themselves (a skill my girls literally never needed with each other), and discover they can be valued for who they are individually.  

That double stroller has been your best friend for two years. But now your twins are getting bigger, more independent, and honestly, wrestling two squirming toddlers into that beast for a quick Target run feels harder than just letting them walk. Except walking means you've got two little people who can dart in opposite directions while you're standing there with exactly two hands. I've been there...

The transition from two naps to one is honestly one of the trickier phases of twin parenting. I remember when my girls hit this stage around 16 months, and suddenly our predictable rhythm fell apart for a few weeks. One twin was ready, the other wasn't, and we found ourselves managing different schedules while also trying to keep everyone from melting down by 4 p.m. Here's what I learned from our...

Let's be honest: even if you think you have an excellent memory, the combination of  sleep deprivation  and caring for two babies will quickly prove you wrong. Those early weeks with twins at home create a perfect storm of exhaustion that makes even the simplest details slip away. Here's the reality: you're responsible for keeping two little humans alive and thriving, but your brain feels like it'...

With twins in the house a big point of contention will be sharing. You might think that the easy way for you as the parent would be to get two of everything. However, this surely won't work all the time and definitely doesn't build character. And as we all know, your job as a dad, of course, is to "build character." Right? This was often the case in our home where one girl always wanted what the o...

One of the challenges with twins is that they get sick.  Sickness doesn't always strike both twins simultaneously . Your twins will catch a cold, get the flu, have a stomach bug, or come down with any number of other contagious illnesses. This brings up the question: how do you keep one twin healthy  when the other is sick ?

We've got identical girls and often rely on their mannerisms and personalities to tell them apart. If you rely on this too, or hope to, be careful: twins switch  personality traits  at will. For example, one of our girls will be shy one week while the other is a social butterfly. Just when you think that is the pattern, they switch and the social standout now cries hysterically with strangers. Go...

Having two newborns simultaneously can feel overwhelming, but establishing a predictable schedule is your secret weapon for maintaining sanity and helping your twin babies thrive. Think of your twins as having a completely blank calendar when they arrive and it's up to you to fill it with the structure they need for healthy development.

Taking care of one child is already going to require a lot of sacrifice on your end, but having twins is automatically going to double your efforts and your financial needs. You can save a lot of money if you know where to shop and what you can get for free (or at least with a discount). There are actually a lot of stores out there that offer discounts and a lot of free stuff for twins if you foll...

Once you find out that you are expecting twins, your mind races with tons of concerns and questions. Whether you've had children already or not, a twin pregnancy brings new unknowns that frankly can be overwhelming. It's time to talk with your doctor.

Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Stephen Dause, father of twin girls. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Finding out they'd have twins just after 24 year old adopted son moved out Concerns and anxiety about sleep and wife's health Going to the hospital twice during pregnancy Choosing a MFM specialist over traditional OB TAPS and TTTS monitoring A...

Hey Dads, it's completely normal to need support during the twin pregnancy. Yes, support for you. During a twin pregnancy, the physical and emotional spotlight is naturally on your partner, but your role, your mental health, and your emotional well-being matter deeply. Here are some ideas on how to maintain your mental and emotional footing during this intense time.

When I found out we were having twins, on of my first thoughts after the initial shock wore off was: "Where are we going to put all their stuff?" Our modest three-bedroom home suddenly felt tiny. But after some creative planning and real-world experience, I discovered you don't need two of everything or a mansion to raise happy, healthy twins. Here's how to prepare your home without drowning in ba...

Fathers expecting twins often have specific concerns that tend to be exaggerated or misguided. You just don't know what you're getting yourself into and that leads to some irrational fears. I know, I've been there. Here are some of the most common fears that you don't need to stress out about.

As a father of twins who's done countless grocery runs, I'm going to share what actually works when you need to brave the supermarket alone with your infant twins. This isn't theoretical advice—these are battle-tested strategies that have saved my sanity during that challenging first year (and beyond) with twins.  

As a father of twins, you've probably heard it all: " Shouldn't they be walking by now ?" or "My son was talking in full sentences at this age!" These well-meaning comments from friends and family comparing your twins to singleton milestones can be frustrating and sometimes even worrying. Let me share some perspective and practical advice on how to handle these situations with confidence.

As a father of twins who has weathered countless "double emergencies," I'm here to tell you that yes, you will survive those moments when both babies need you desperately at the exact same time. Whether it's one spitting up while the other has a diaper explosion, or both wailing for different urgent reasons, these situations are inevitable with twins. Here's my battle-tested approach to handling t...