to not like my children being referred to as "the twins"

[pjmama]

I'm sure it won't scar them for life but, it is a pet hate of mine! I don't like the idea of them being referenced as a single unit instead of by their names. But then again people refer to their children as "the kids" or "the children" all the time, so I wonder if "the twins" is really any different and I'm just being silly?

[PuppyMonkey]

Yes, you are just being silly. Would you prefer people to call them The Twats?

[flowerybeanbag]

Can't see how it's different from 'the children' or 'the girls' or 'the boys', as long as it's used in the same context as those would be.

[roulade]

I have sisters who are identical twins and they are always called 'the twins' or 'the girls' they don't mind this in the slightest, so imo yab veryslightly u

[Grattage]

YABU

[pjmama]

PuppyMonkey - that wasn't very nice!

[AMumInScotland]

It's no different from "the children" or any other way of describing them as a group. I'd only fret about it if people start treating them as if they had one single personality rather than being separate people.

[pjmama]

Sounds like I just need to get over myself then! Thanks everyone

[namechangerforareason]

I have a cousin who has triplets and even she refers to them as "the triplets". Just words, you will get used to it but if it really bothers you just let people know you would prefer they were known as (their names).
My cousins children all have their own identities and being known as the triplets has never had any detremental impact on them or their self esteem etc.

[LisaD1]

I have twin nephews and we all refer to them as the twins or the boys, it's just laziness as it's easier than saying both names! My family also ask me how "the girls" are when speaking about my children, they're not twins (8 year age gap) so don't see any difference to calling my nephews the twins.

[weebump]

When I was growing up - the youngest in a family of 5 children - myself and the next youngest were constantly referred to as "the wee ones". I didn't mind, as we were very close.

[thumbwitch]

bit silly possibly, as it is a distinguishing feature of them that they ARE twins. It's going to happen a lot so you are possibly going to have to get over it or end up wearing your teeth down to stubs with constant gritting

[violethill]

It's a little annoying but no more than that.

[leonifay]

it wont hurt them, but it is a bit annoying. i was always one of 'the girls' and my 2 brothers were 'the boys' it used to annoy the hell out of me because i was never my own person iyswim. now i do it to my mindees when i just want the 2 girls.

[paranoid2]

YABU but so am I. I dont like it either . My Mum has 4 grandsons and she always refers to my two as the twins but her other two get called by their names. I know it makes no sense to dislike it and I dont mind that much but it always irks me somewhat. Other relatives also refer to them as the twins. I think the word "twins" seems to imply a similiarity thats missing when using "boys" or "children". Another one that annoys me is "They are so different" as if its an amazing fact that there could be more physical /other differences between 2 children who happen to be born at the same time as opposed to siblings born at different times. Different of course if they are ID

[TwoIfBySea]

YANBU, sort of, my dts get that sometimes, having them in separate classes at school helps though but neighbourhood children call them the "twinnies". Dts don't mind it as at least during school they get to be their own identities.

What I do find offensive is when someone asks which one is the bad one. Now that is annoying.

[jellybeans]

I have twins and it never bothered me! More important stuff to worry about!

[womma]

You great big silly billy - get a life! YABU by the way.

[bubblagirl]

i have a twin brother and through out family and friends and other people we are the twins doesn't worry me at all

[KristinaM]

YABU

its just the same as saying the boys/girls or the children

[EllieG]

YAB slightlyU but I can understand it, as I am always aware of that kind of thing, and would probably bother me if I had twins. As long as they are not treated as having a single identity rather than being two individuals they will be OK.

But I think some people are being a bit hard - is an understandable thing

[retiredgoth2]

....I call my twins 'The Monozygotic Urchins'.

Now 8, they are less than enamoured of this moniker.

...I simply tell them shit happens it is a mark of affection.

[lljkk]

My experience (lots!) of id twins is they can easily carve out their own unique niches & identities, they don't need any special help.

[RustyBear]

My brothers (not twins but close in age) have always been referred to as 'the boys' - my Dad still does it and DB1 will be 59 next month.

Oddly enough he has never called me and my sister 'the girls', even though we are even closer in age.

[ramonaquimby]

have 3 girls here and they are collectively 'the girls'
don't mind it