Twofold

The Singular World of Twins and Twin Studies.

Dr. Nancy L. Segal is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Twin Studies Center, at California State University, Fullerton. See full bio

May 7, 2008, Child Development

Comments on "Fraternal Twins--The Hidden Pairs"

Fraternal Twins--The Hidden Pairs

By Nancy L. Segal on May 7, 2008 in Twofold

Fraternal twins are there--but you may not see them. Read More

I have seven week old

Submitted by Kathryn D. Fishburne on August 5, 2008 - 5:51pm.

I have seven week old fraternal boys. I wasn't due to have them until now. They were seven weeks premature. They have their own individual personalities and are already getting on each others nerves. :)

My twin daughters

Submitted by Carrie Davies on April 10, 2009 - 7:21am.

I have twin daughters of 11 never found out if they are identical or fraternal (consultant thought identical) I've always seen the difference in look and personality but friends, school etc have found it difficult to tell them apart.

I found Dr Nancy Segal article very interesting on the points of school they are now looking to move to high school and the thought of being split up or not going to the high school where all their social network are going (they have been at the same school since they were 4) Its really beginning to affect them emotionally and was shocked to hear them say they would run away. They have always been strong but shy girls they have been together in class and split to seperate classes over the years doing so well at school have their own individual friends but also have lots of mutual friends and socialise well but do love each others company

I wondered if there was any significant study that would back up that twins in school are different and that seperating them to different high school could be detrimental

Many thanks

concerned parent

Carrie

Twins in School

Submitted by Nancy Segal on April 10, 2009 - 8:46am.

HI, Carrie--It sounds as thought your girls have the best of both worlds--a close twin relationship, as well as separate friends.

There is some research showing detrimental effects of separation in young twins, but less work on oder twins.

Dr Nancy Segal.

Twins in School

Submitted by Nancy Segal on April 10, 2009 - 8:47am.

HI, Carrie--It sounds as thought your girls have the best of both worlds--a close twin relationship, as well as separate friends.

There is some research showing detrimental effects of separation in young twins, but less work on oder twins.

Dr Nancy Segal.

Twins in school

Submitted by JoAnne on December 8, 2009 - 2:42pm.

I have 7 year old faternal twin girls. They were together in kindergarten, but 1/2 way through the year I realized they should be separated as one was "blossoming" and the other felt left out.

In grade 1 we separated them. Great decision, as they both "blossomed". This year in Grade 2 is another story. They are still separate, but one is not doing as well. Her best friend was put in another class - which has caused her some trouble. But now I am wondering if maybe she replaced her twin sister with this friend last year? She is the one who blossomed in Kindergarten. I never would have guessed she would have so much trouble & anxiety adjusting. She is my more academic child of the two - but this year she is having a tough time & her sister is beginning to catch up - which is now causing competition issues at home. We have raised the girls as siblings not twins. But now I am second guessing my decisions. Any thoughts?

HI, JoAnne: Your twin may

Submitted by DR Segal on December 8, 2009 - 4:23pm.

HI, JoAnne: Your twin may miss the companionship and security of her friend. If they are competing now it may not be a good idea to put them together. Is there another girl she can become friends with in her separate class? I think I would encourage that.