[Awitt]

Looking for some ideas to ease the transition of twins toddlers into our home. They just turned 2 and we are just starting transitioning visits. Any help would be appreciated

[lambeausam]

Find out as much as possible about their likes, dislikes, fears, etc. If they have a favorite snack, bring that to the visit. If they like a certain character such as Bob the Builder or Blues Clues, bring a book (or two since there are two children) with that theme. Best technique for visiting - get on the floor and play!

Enjoy!

[Awitt]

Thanks lambeausam!

[DreamsDoComeTru]

My hubby and I have transitioned 2 toddlers (sisters) and we used video tapes of our house, our cat, family, neighborhood and anything else we could think of. When they came they recognized our car and our house right away. We also recorded ourselves reading books and singing to them so the foster parents could play them and they would get used to hearing our voices. We talked to them on the phone. We also made sure we used the same lullaby music they used in their foster home when they came to live with us. We sent them scrapbooks with all of our pictures and pics of our house, church, etc. so they could look at that until transition time. Our daughters transitioned very well and made themselves right at home. Our oldest was 2 1/2 when we transitioned her and 5 months later we transitioned her sister who was about to turn 2. I hope this info helps. Good Luck.

[hippiechick]

Here are some ideas. They may or may not apply to you:

1. If they have any security items, like a blanky or stuffed animal, be sure to bring those items to your home with them. Even if they don't have a security item, take familiar toys and clothes home with you.

2. Find out their preferences--for how to calm them down, how to put them to sleep at night, what foods they like, etc. Then use those favorites

3. Take advantage of the fact that there are 2 of them (assuming they have been placed together previously)--Allow them to sleep in the same bed if they wish. Do not separate them during those first few months. Let them always be in each other's line of view/hearing for awhile. Respect their relationship--they they, for instance, always clap after mealtimes or babble to each other as they go to sleep, don't attempt to break these routines (unless they are unsafe).

4. Establish a set routine right away. They will be more secure if they know what to expect next.

5. Do not overwhelm them with a lot of visitors. Family and friends will wanna meet them, but have them keep their distance until the twins get more used to you.

6. Let them know that home is home. For those first few months, don't have them spend the night anywhere but in their own beds at home. Don't immediately go on vacation or have them spend the night with grandma. Save these things for later.

7. Let them explore the house--not that they should be sticking their fingers in light sockets or overturning plants! But if they want to know what's inside a cabinet or in a drawer, let them look. And talk to them about what they find.

Those are things I could think of. I am actually a birth mother, but I work with kids in foster care, so this kind of thing comes up all the time...