How Early Would You Guess Sibling Rivalry Begins?

I was thinking back to being pregnant with the twins and remembering all the different comments I heard:

"Once they're out you'll wish you could put them back in." (so not true)

"They're a lot easier to take care of when they're in there." (maybe true for other people besides the pregnant woman)

"When they come your life is going to be crazy. Your not going to be able to shower or eat or do anything. You'll be freshening up with wet wipes and your new hair do will be a pony tail. Take any help that is offered. The first year is going to be crazy. When they turn 1 is when you'll really start to enjoy them." (This was told to me by a woman who had twins. Maybe my babies are really good or something because life just wasn't as hectic as she made it sound out to be. I started to really enjoy them at 6 months and I can't say that I feel the first year was over all crazy. It was hard, I lost my temper and got more upset with a baby then I ever thought I would, but those were just moments they weren't life.)

My personal favorite however is:

- "When they turn one they'll get really cute, and you'll really enjoy watching them interact with each other. This is when having twins is nice because they play with each other and are each others best friend." (I'm afraid I have to disagree again. Though cute they are get along they don't. Now people tell me, "They will." Right now I gather that will be sometime after they move out.)

They hit, scratch, push and bite each other. And one is getting really good at leaving an impression on his brother.



But don't be so quick to pity this child. This is not the bitten arm of an innocent boy. I'm afraid both boys are equally to blame for the latest in baby brawls around here. This one makes his brother cry by stealing toys from him. And the bites are usually his retribution.

The fighting actually started when they were 6 months old. Before you even knew what was happening innocent playtime had resulted in scratch marks.

When I found out I was having twins I told myself I would take each boy out for his own "Me" time with mom or dad (or both). I just didn't expect it to be so necessary so soon. Yes at 6 months old, when the fighting began, we'd find a way to separate the two for a date with Mommy- or Daddy- and it actually seemed to help a lot.

Back then it was just a happenstance trip to the store, but we've since improved the practice.



The boys have been at each other for a couple weeks now. And I don't mean on occasion I mean almost every waking minute.

So on Wednesday, my little boy packed his bags and spent an evening with Grandma and Grandpa.

My big boy packed his fish stick dinner and went to Dairy Queen with Mom and Dad.



He was so happy to be out on his own you could just tell.



Mmm. . .ice cream.



Though sibling rivalry is definitely expected and there's no real way to end it, these little date nights really seem to improve the situation. You can see a definite difference.