Multiple Bond

By: State Senator Dennis Frederickson

 

Your editorial, “Micromanaging Multiples” in the April 21, 2005 edition of your newspaper perpetuates a lack of understanding about the unique bond between twins and multiples.

 

Twins forcibly separated, against their will and against the wishes of their parents by school administrators, experience emotional and mental trauma. This trauma affects their learning in school and their happiness at home.

 

A school administrator wanting to separate twins in school is not unusual. This bill struck a chord among parents of multiples prompting many to contact my office in support. I have had individuals from Texas, Georgia, and Illinois writing in support of, and monitoring, this bill.

 

Research from academia confirms the parental instinct that twins should not be separated against their will. Nancy Segal, a University of California professor and national authority on twins, stated in a letter, “The twin bond is unusually close….. Being with a friend dampens some of the difficulties in separating from the parent – so it seems unfair to ask twins to separate from their parents and from their twin.”

 

There is an old saying that “Mother knows best.” In this case, it is supported by university research. This bill will guarantee that the twins’ parents will make the decision on what is best for their children.

 

Senator Dennis Frederickson (R – New Ulm), a 25 year member of the Minnesota Senate, represents District 21, is the father of fraternal twins, and the author of this legislation.

 

Contact Information: 139 State Office Bldg, St. Paul, MN 55155; 651-296-8138; sen.dennis.frederickson@senate.mn

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