Tips and Tricks for Managing Multiples.

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Handling Nap Time

• Tip: Some kids may not want to take naps during this time period. You can’t force them to take a nap, but you can create a “Quiet Time” that encourages napping! YOU need the rest, they need the down time

• Tip: If you have the twins in the same room, this afternoon nap may become party time. It may be suggested to have them in separate rooms, but this may not work for them. Each child is an individual, each family has a routine or system that works for them, you just have to find out what works for you.

• Tip: The best way to have a scheduled nap is to keep to a routine. Come home each day by 1 and put the kids down in their own home. Have a routine (close the shades, give them a bottle or sippy cup of water to drink (not milk) — let them read in bed or play with a special “nap only” toy. This is a VERY busy, physically challenging time for stay-at-home MOM. You are lifting them in/out of highchairs, cribs, car seats, etc. The bottom line – YOU need nap time! Make it a rule to keep it! You will appreciate it and be happier.

Scheduling

By now your schedule should look like a “normal” person’s schedule – with breakfast, lunch, dinner – maybe a morning snack and/or after nap snack. Bed time should still be fairly regular (around 7 or 8 ) — especially if you established a good routine early (bath, bottle, bed).

Sippy Cups and Straws

• Tip: Once you decide to stop the using bottles toss them in the trash and go cold turkey. You might even try having your little ones put them in the trash and have them say Good Bye to them. It will take a few days for them to adjust, but it will happen! Just stay strong!

• Tip: Stop the bottle as close to one year as possible.

Creative Play Ideas

By this time you will really want to look around for organized playgroups to help burn off some of the energy that you wish you could bottle.

• Tip: Conejo Valley Recreation & Park District offer “Kindergym: Three’s Company” that is available for 1 1/2 – 4 year olds. It is a fun class and pretty cheap. Besides the general gym stuff; there’s a play dough table, circle time, bikes to ride and more. It’s held a Conejo Community Center and you can play at the park after class
• Tip: Attend a CVMOM playgroup (see Member’s Only section) or host one at your house. During the warmer months you can have one in your child-safe backyard.

• Tip: Check out CVMOM Web Guide for educational resources. You’ll find sites like Preschool Express and more.

• Tip: Bring out musical instruments. The part of your brain the for math is in the same area for music so try to develop it early.

Helping Around the House

The bigger they get the messier they get. Its not too soon to get them to help around the house. Really!

• Tip: You know that drawer under your stove that you don’t use or that cupboard or drawer at the bottom of the sink? Put all of their sippie cups, bowls and plates in it – they can play with them, learn to put them away. That way at meal times they can get them for you when you ask. They really enjoy being helpful.
• Tip: As you take the dishes out of the dishwasher get help. example: “Johnny, can you put the plate in the drawer? “Tommy, can you put the bowl in the cupboard? It’s a wonderful opportunity to build their vocabulary. You can also have them help with laundry. Be creative!
• Tip: Chilrden LOVE to feel like they are helping you.  Cut a sponge in half (so that it fits their small hands better) and let them help clean around the house.  I give my kids a small spray bottle filled with a mixture of vinegar and water.  It’s nontoxic, but is also a great cleaner!
• Tip: Before bath time or bedtime get them to help you put the toys away.
• Tip: During bath time, have them help wash their hair, their different body parts. There are small washcloths that they can use – make it a game and they’ll have fun. They’ll even learn their different body parts (arms, legs, hands, etc.)