Twin-tuition…

Recently, a good friend sent me an email suggesting some great ideas for future blog  posts.  One topic she wanted me to cover was how the twins communicate without being able to talk yet.  She asked whether that old myth about twins being able to read each other’s mind is true.

For me and my twinlets, I’m discovering that it’s not so clear cut.

They definitely understand each other’s existence.  They are also very much aware when the other one has been taken away to another room or has wandered off down the hall – out of the other’s sight.

"Ship Ahoy !"

Then, there is a more complex factor to the equation.  As they are independently developing their own distinctive personalities, they still mesh this with constantly checking that the other one is nearby.

The other day, Little N was lying on his back, having a bit of a daydream on the lounge room floor while Little K was in another corner playing with some blocks.  Both happily engrossed in their own activity.  After some time, Little K comes along and jumps on his brother’s tummy, playing horsey on top of him.  Surprisingly, Little N wasn’t even bothered.  They were both actually having a bit of a giggle.

Then there’s their own private powwow that reminds me of “Marco Polo”

For those who aren’t familiar, it’s a children’s game that’s best played in the pool.  (An enclosed park or field also works well).  The person who is “it” has to be blindfolded or close their eyes while the other players  are scatttered around.  When the person who is blindfolded calls out “Marco”, the other players have to answer with “Polo”.  By trying to guess where those voices are coming from, the objective of the blindfolded child has to try and tag one of the other players whose has to avoid being tagged.

"Marco !" "Polo !"

The boys have their own version.  From memory, I think it started when they were around ten months.

On family outings, when leaving the house, Hubby and I would carry a twinlet each to the car, usually with one of us ahead of the other.  Whether he was ahead or behind his brother, Little K – the younger but bigger twin – will usually start the conversation:

Little K: “Yayayaaa, baaaaaa !!!”

Translation:  “Dude,  I’m right here…Don’t fret !”

(Looking over at his brother…sometimes pointing)

Little N: “Dadadadadaaaa !!!  Wawawaaaah !”

Translation:  “Gotcha.  Where do you think they’re taking us ?”

(Not even looking to see where the voice is coming from)

Little K: “Babababaaa !”

Translation:  “Ooohh…hopefully it’s that park with the cool slide  !”

Little N:  “Dudududududu !!  Dah !”

Translation:  “Awesome !  Okay, see you in the car…”

"Get your motor runnin', Head out on the highway..."

So, perhaps this is how the twin-tuition starts.

Making sure that your constant is never too far away.  Or if he is, knowing exactly where he is.

That from the earliest stages of life – well before the spoken word – the only person that you can mutually communicate with is your twin.

A very exclusive club, indeed.