A difficult decision for parents is whether to separate multiples in the school setting, especially when this group of siblings has been living side-by-side since birth. By identifying individual personalities, parents can determine when siblings are best placed together or apart.
What type of relationship do your multiples have?
In Jan. 2010, a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, reported no significant difference in academic scores between twins separated in school and twins who were not. How segregation in school effects multiples emotionally, remains an area far less researched by experts, but parents can get help with their choice by assessing each child's unique character and needs.
To help parents do just that, Twinsandmultiples.org offers a unique perspective on relationship types for parents to use in determining what category of multiple relationship, siblings fall under. This Model for Relationships organizes multiples into three distinct personality groups: Extreme Individuals, Mature Dependents or Closely Coupled siblings. Each model offers its own characteristics which parents can then assign to their children.
For example, Extreme Individuals remain loosely bonded and demonstrate a general dislike for one another; Mature Dependents appear more stable and happy whether together or apart. Closely Coupled siblings, on the other hand, have few individual friends and find themselves happiest in the company of one another. Of course, what the model doesn't answer, is the burning question of "Where can I best place my multiples, to see them flourish in the school environment?" Although a specific answer remains absent, the model is an excellent launching pad for further research.
Parents of multiples push back against individualization
In the Suite101.com article, "Should Twins be Separated or Placed Together in the Same School?", the push towards individualization of multiples by professionals and school officials became abundantly clear. In fact, the Clearing House on Early Education and Parenting, CEEP, suggested that 78% of parents favored separating twins after influences from recommendations read in books, or heard in lectures. Now parents of multiples remain unconvinced on whether this is the right thing to do.
The mother of twins herself, Dr. Rachel Franklin, wrote in the 2006 July/August issue of TWINS Magazine, about her experiences with twin separation in school. She said her twins did well apart, but "repeatedly mentioned how much they miss each other when they're separated."
As a result, adds Franklin in, "Breaking the Barriers: The Secret to Controlling Your Twins School Placement," at Twinsmagazine.com, when the twins moved to a new school, she and her husband decided that until they acclimated, their twins would benefit from being, "physically close together – until we parents agree they can be apart for their own reasons."
Perhaps Dr. Franklin's view is the key?
Franklin's opinion highlights the need for adaptability in the school setting when considering separating multiples. It also encourages parents – who know their children the best, – to evaluate their own situation once multiples enter the school setting. If parents also factor in the Twinandmultiples.org's relationship model, a good basis for school placement is established.
Closely Coupled multiples could benefit emotionally if kept together until they mature. Extreme individuals might find their relationship between one another reaching a better understanding with separation, and Mature Independents will no doubt thrive in either situation. Parents know their children better than any study, and although studies provide a general overview or understanding of an issue, they do not cater to an individual.
Constantly in a state of flux, sibling relationships evolve over time. What was right in kindergarten may require a different assessment in high school. Parents should be supported by a versatile school system that caters to the needs of the individual child. This is the only "individualization" that professionals should advise on. Forcing placements based upon stringent school policy, may in the long term, cause more harm than good.
Parents looking for help on how to approach school authorities can read through these Twins-In-School Legislation Support Letters, available at Twinsmagazine.com.
Sources accessed Mar. 15, 2011:
Nilsson, Johanna et al. "Placement of Twins and Multiples in the Classroom: A Brief Survey of School Counselors’ Knowledge and Attitudes," Jsc.montana.edu; 2010.
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
Join the Conversation