After Ryder and Bryson were born 27.5 months ago, my life was completely changed; sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the very much worse. Still, every time I met a parent of twins, they gave me a knowing look of sympathy and admiration. “Those first two years are hell,” they told me, “but then it gets easier and easier.”
Why easier? Because twins have naturally built in playmates. As the father of these two, I began to see glimmers of this behavior early on. Where other kids struggled to share with another toddler, my boys were conditioned to pass a toy along. They didn’t always want too, but they were much more likely to let a toy go or simply offer it up to their sibling. That’s a nice trait to see in my kids, but it pales in comparison to the sheer joy they take in each other’s company.
For a time, Ryder and Bryson would bite each other out of frustration, but lately this has giving way to delightful sessions of chasing, giggling, and imitation. They run back and forth through the home as they pretend to be kittens or fire trucks or hummingbirds or whatever. They explore together under the table. They look for each other at the break of day. And at bedtime they sing songs and babble together.
I’m certain their days of conflict and rivalry are not over, but I’m also certain that the affection they feel towards one another will continue to grow and develop. There is no need to coax them into giving each other hugs, they readily seek each other out for support and comfort. Sometimes the displays of affection are so intimate, I feel a bit embarrassed to watch. It like I’m intruding on them and I should simply give them a little more space.
Photo: Christopher Lay
