	Parenting multiples
	Speech & language development
	Comparison, Rivalry & Competition
	Individuality
		A model for relationships between multiples
		Too close
		Dominance & Dependence
		Just right - who does achieve the balance and how?
		Download the model for relationships (word format 36k)
	Getting ready for school
	What would you do?
	References

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A model for relationships between multiples

A critical difference between singletons and multiples is the nature of the multiple birth relationship and the impact that it may have on personal, social and emotional development. Central to personal, social and emotional development is the development of the individual and self-esteem. Some multiples are unable to function or develop as individuals, others are so desperate to establish their individuality that they polarise their behaviour so that they are the exact opposite of their twin.

Multiple birth children may be categorised as follows:

"Closely Coupled"	Multiple birth children who act as though they are a couple or unit and are mostly treated by other people as one unit
"Mature Dependents"	Multiple birth children who enjoy their relationship with each other functioning effectively both as multiples and as individuals.
"Extreme Individuals"	Multiple birth children who find their relationship with each other restrictive to such a degree that they may fight, deny their multiple birth relationship sometimes polarizing to opposite extremes in order to establish their own identities.

Multiples who are closely coupled and/or extreme individuals are likely to find school more challenging. Click here to download Model For Relationships (Word Document 36k).

Disclaimer:
Information on this site is based on extensive studies of multiples in schools. However it may not apply to the specific circumstances of an individual family and the authors accept no liability for the way in which the information is used.

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