“I can’t homeschool because I have twins!”
I have heard this statement from many fellow moms of multiples. However, as a mom of not one, but two sets of twin boys, I feel the exact opposite! One of the major reasons that I choose to homeschool my kids is because I have twins!
Can I be completely open and honest?
While I think my daughter could be perfectly fine in a traditional school setting, I am hugely concerned that my twin boys would be “labeled” in such an environment. While I want them to be seen and treated as individuals, I don’t want one’s strengths to highlight the other’s weaknesses. For example, I know that ALL of my boys are very bright and intelligent. They all excel in different areas! One of my 7 year olds is very meticulous and methodical while the other is quite the free spirit! I don’t want those God-given characteristics to lead to classroom labels such as “the smart twin” and “the silly twin.” Nor do I want my boys to think that those labels dictate who they are!
While I want to avoid labels, I also want my boys to been seen as individuals. They may look alike, but they are not carbon copies! They learn differently. They are interested in different things! They excel in different areas! Because they look alike, it seems quite easy, almost natural for others to clump them together as if they are one person rather than seeing them as two completely different people! They are more, much more than just “the twin wearing blue” and “the twin wearing orange.”
As both their mother and teacher, I feel that I am the most qualified person to ensure that my boys are encouraged to thrive in their diversity as opposed to living under the dictation of labels. I work hard at intentionally accentuating their individual strengths without indirectly condemning their weaknesses. Honestly, I feel that no one is going to have my children’s best interest at heart more than myself! So, who better to teach and train them?
With that said, I am definitely not implying that homeschooling twins is easy. Homeschooling twins definitely presents its share of joys and challenges! However, knowing for certain that my boys will not be labeled by their teacher; knowing that they will be treated as individuals; knowing that they will be encouraged in their own specific God-given strengths…is priceless!
So, if you are thinking about homeschooling twins, but doubtful of your ability to teach them, I encourage you to can your mindset.
“I can’t CAN homeschool BECAUSE I have twins!”
Be sure to visit the iHomeschool Network for lots more bloggers sharing tons of other I Can’t Homeschool Because… topics!
Looking for more information on homeschooling twins? Check out some of my other posts:
