Identical twins behaving badly

[cheryl1965]

Dear Doctor,

I am a mother desparate for some advice!!!  I have 10 year old identical twin girls.  Their behavior with each other is unruly to say the least.  They fight from the time they wake up until the time they go to bed.  They are always making fun of each other, bickering with each other, insulting each other and at times physical with each other. My husband and I are loving and caring people who also have a 20 year old and a 2 year old who are nothing like the twins.  It is taking a toll on our family. I need your help to help me before this behavior escalates even more and to prevent this from trickling down to behavior problems with their friends.

Sincerely,
Patiently Waiting Mom.    

[treazzure007]

This is the case with many siblings whether they are twins or not.  It may continue through teenage years up to adulthood or perhaps just become a passing stage, when they go to a new school (junior high and high school) and experience new surroundings and experiences, they will grow closer and in need of each other and each other's company.

Oh yeah, and do what musicmama suggested too with the spray bottle.  LOL

[musicmama]

I'm no doctor, but I do have some ideas.  We have 2 boys that are 18 months apart.  They are very competative and we have gone through stages where they fought constantly.  Do the girls share a room?  We divided our boys' room so they could have some privacy.  Another tactic I use is a reward system.  The boys get quite competitive at times.  If all else fails, get a water bottle with a spray nozzle, and squirt them everytime they bicker (I got this from "According to Jim").  I don't know how affective it is, but it looks like fun.  Good luck and God bless.