How to Overcome the Foggy First Year with Twins

In battle, soldiers are often dazed or inhibited by the “fog of war”. This fog comes from smoke, explosions, shell-shock, lack of information, etc.

As a parent of twins, you have your own fog of war. This fog is thickest during your twins’ first year.

What do I mean by foggy?

Remember the last time you drove when there was a heavy fog. It was hard to see far ahead or behind your car. You had to drive slowly and were constantly on guard so you didn’t run into anything.

You’ll be in a similar fog with your new twins for several reasons:

You’ll be suffering from sleep deprivation.

There will be no time to relax.

You’ll constantly be taking care of one baby or the other.

Every day will seem like the last.

You won’t be eating as good as you should since you’re so busy with the babies.

If you have other kids, they will be extra demanding of your attention because you, out of necessity, are giving more to the twins.

If your twins were in the NICU, you’ll have logged countless hours at the hospital.

This foggy haze will cloud your judgment and make days quite challenging.

How to Combat the Fog

You can make the first year easier for you and your family. Just be mindful of your body, situation, and family members:

• Plan ahead – as my mother-in-law always told my wife: “plan for the worst, expect the best, and take what comes”
• Stock the freezer with easy ready-to-heat-up meals – for when you’re hungry but don’t have time to cook (which will happen a lot)
• Stick to a schedule – so both you and your twins have a sense of normalcy
• Sleep when your babies sleep – if you are tired, get some rest and let the “to-do” list wait for later
• Eat healthily – you’ll need the energy to keep up with your twins
• Keep logs of vital tasks (feeding and diapering babies) – this will help supplement your fuzzy memory
• Get out of the house – don’t forget to take your wife with you
• Exercise – take care of your body and it will help you with the demands of the first year
• Get a helper to relieve or assist you – an extra pair of hands will make life a lot easier
• Enjoy the happy moments – yes, there will be funny, memorable, and happy moments during the first year. Enjoy them!

The Fog Clears

Don’t worry, it won’t be foggy forever. Just like the sun burns away the morning fog, so shall time and constantly growing twins clear the fog for you.

Keep your chin up and hang in there!