How Twins Make Decisions: A Developmental Understanding

I have been told, and I have personally experienced, how twins, myself included, have a unique and confusing way of making decisions and solving problems. Idiosyncratic problem approaches are related to twins’ closeness with each other from birth onward. Growing up together and sharing so much time and experiences together makes solving problems very different from single children who often (usually) work solo.

As an example, Mom, who is busy “rushing around,” accidentally gives Twin A more apple slices than she gives to Twin B. Twin A and Twin B fight over this discrepancy. Instead of asking Mom for more for Twin B, they argue, and finally, they decide to share what they have.

Later in the week, Twin A gets a taller glass of chocolate milk than Twin B. Again, the fighting begins, and pushing and shoving and hair-pulling lead nowhere. This time, these twins are not interested in sharing. Grandma sees the encounter and gives Twin B a bigger glass of chocolate milk, which is exactly the same size as what Twin A received. Calmness takes over the twin eat and play area once again.

Fairness and unfairness, right and wrong, is a primary concern of twins. In childhood, whoever is in charge of the double trouble instigators (the twins) tries to make good decisions based on the family rules, which include:

1. Ask the twins to explain what caused the conflict.

2. Give both twins the same........

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