Often I get asked “How do you do it ?” when people refer to raising twins.
My response is always: “Well, I don’t know any different.”
And that’s the truth.
And like a lot of other life situations, we work with what we’ve been dealt with. Period.
However (and this is a BIG however), when this house is plagued by sickness, the dynamics change drastically.
And I don’t cope very well.
Actually, I lose the plot.
Little K has had a wheezing cough for almost a month now. Last week, our GP prescribed him with preventer medication.
His cough got worse.
He’s now on preventer medication and ventolin.
Oh, what joy that has been.
Trying to force a cylindrical plastic tube over a 17 month old toddler’s mouth and nose ? And then squirting some sort of unidentifiable stuff into him ?
Trust me. It all gets very tricky.
Of course, in no time, Little N has also caught it.
The reaction has been different.
No wheezing cough but a runny nose that is so disgusting he looks like he’s constantly got two green caterpillars hanging above his lip. Lovely.
And of course, Little N is like his mum – a complete princess when it comes to being sick.
A small swipe across his red raw nose with the snot rag; A thermometer in the ear; It’s all a major drama.
This is all another phase. I know.
I have two little people of the same age. Having no clue what’s going on with their little bodies.
Unable to communicate how crappy they feel. (Except for the incessant crying, wailing and screaming, of course).
Unable to settle at night because they have so much mucus and other goober stuff coming out from all ends.
There is a small inkling that they both know something’s up.
To soothe him from his medication aftermath, I sit down and give Little K some big cuddles, rubbing his back.
Lately, Little N has started to come up and started patting his brother’s back too.
“Don’t worry, Buddy,” he seems to be saying.
“We’ll get through this…”
Sometimes, my weary mind tells me I need to just leave the kids with Hubby for half an hour.
Just get out. Go for a walk. Clear the head.
But God help me if I come across someone that asks me again, “How do you do it ?”
I am sure to clobber them.
Lulu says
I think whine away!
When people tell me they don`t know how I do it I say “Neither do I” which is the truth- I have no idea how we get through some days and all come out the other end alive sometimes.
Sick kids are so hard. I feel for you! Touch wood we have been okay recently apart from Noah`s exzema flaring up but come to the cooler months again and I will be stressing I am sure.
Fingers crossed you don`t get what the boys have.
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Lulu !
Your reply is the other one I use 🙂
It is remarkable how we get through it, isn’t it ?
Little K has eczema, so I totally feel for your little Noah. Especially with the summer weather over there. It can be brutal.
And yeah, I forgot to mention…I’ve caught it too *sigh*
Nay says
Gah, having one sick child is hard enough. I can’t imagine what it would be like with 2 – twins or not!! I bet it’s even worse that you are now sick as well…I hope you all start feeling better soon.
Leilah has had a cough and runny nose for what seems like weeks now. It’s just not getting any better. Thankfully though it’s not affecting her overnight though.
I understand what you mean about your comment, ‘I don’t know any different’. I know this completely different but just not having a support network or a baby sitter at the drop of a hat is something that I have just had to deal with from the start.
Twinisms says
That’s such an irritating question! I just do it, you would too. It’s not like you would not take care of one of your children…so annoying.
Indeed, a half hour or so to yourself is necessary and perfectly reasonable. Sick multiples is the worst of the worst as far as I’m concerned. Take a break.
Hope the
Miss Pink says
I think people mean it as a compliment. Like instead of saying “You are doing so well with 2 little ones” they say “I don’t know how you do it”.
And that’s just it, you do it because you HAVE to. You know no different, there’s no other choice, and they would do the same if it were them.
MummyK says
I really don’t know how you do it. My child gets sick and I’m a wreck. You’re a survivor. Plus you’re doing a marathon! I am too scared to even sign up! I am such a chicken compared to you, woman!
jessnewmansahm says
Oh sweetheart people don’t think! If I had a dollar for everytime someone said ‘you have your hands full’ I’d be a rich woman!
It’s always hard when kids are sick, and asthma is the worst. With four kids when one gets sick at least one other gets it so I often have two sick at the same time. Just do whatever gets you through the day and hope that when tomorrow comes they will be better. You’re doing an awesome job!
mummytime20 says
Sending big squishy hugs your way.xxx
Deb Wild Hope says
I agree with Miss Pink, I think people mean it as a compliment. Or a reflection on them and their feelings of not coping. But the point is, I hear you! And feel free to whine away! I can only imagine that being a mum to twins is an exhausting and HUGE job. And you’re fabulous at it. You’re an awesome mama! Big hugs! xxx