I'm an identical twin and I have identical twins, AMA

[Sunnidaze]

Exactly that really. I don't know, maybe it's not very exciting, but AMA if you're interested.

It was a long time ago, but I'm fairly sure we didn't. As soon as you're born you have unique interactions with your environment and that causes you to develop into an individual. I'm fairly sure it would be unusual to get your first period at the same time as your twin, but I guess it's not out of the question.

I'm a mum of identical twins. Recent researches suggests there may actually be a genetic link for identical DCDA twins (where the egg splits early enough for them to have both separate sacs and separate placentas). Scientists believe that genetics have a role to play in the the strength of the cell wall/membrane/whatever it is (I was never very good at biology!) - i.e. the mother may have a gene that increase the chances of the cell split (and therefore conceiving identical twins) and the twins may inherit that and therefore have an increased chance of conceiving identical twins themselves. Even the increased probability is still very small though!

Thanks for the thread OP - it's giving me a fresh perspective on some things, and I hadn't heard about the levels of enmeshment but interested to look further into that!

Are either set mirror twins? My twin and I are. DP not-so-secretly hopes we have a hidden twin in this pregnancy

Whoops missed that you already answered that, sorry!

I've b/g fraternal twin toddlers, and love hearing about twins.
Interesting what you say about "untwinning" them, Eg separating them in school. I must look into this before I have to decide for my twins.

I've enjoyed reading this thread as a mum of 2 year old identical girls, thanks OP. It's really nice that you feel so positively about being a twin. I definitely suffer a lot of extra "mum guilt" about never being able to give each of them my full attention (and patience!)

I'm already getting people telling me that I must separate them at school, as it's so important for their individuality 🙄
So it's very refreshing to see your views on this. I may well quote you next time someone pushes their views on us!

I think previous posters have covered all the questions I'd have asked, but just wanted to say thanks again, your thread has made me smile this morning :)

Interesting thread OP. My twins were separated at primary school which I wasn't happy about. At secondary they asked to be separate!

Not a question, just an observation really.

I dated an identical twin for several years. He and his brother had been sent to separate secondary schools against their wishes. Since then they’ve rejected all further opportunities to split and are still sharing a house in their 40s. Neither has married or had children. They essentially see each other as a literal ‘other half’.

Both are lovely chaps (if a bit strange by singleton standards!) but their separation and reaction to it certainly back up OPs words re: following twins’ lead re: when/if to separate in school!