Ask the kids!

We often meet so many kids at the park, we just pretend to not know who they are (because we don’t). Hey.. I know we’ve met before, and you always have your brother with you. We’re not so good with names... this is Larla... good morning... what’s your name again?”

Anonymous wrote:I have fraternal twins who don't dress alike and people still have trouble figuring which one is which. They'll either say hi without a name or ask which one it is. They often apologize when they don't know and I say it's fine. It really doesn't offend me, as I hope it doesn't offend other people if I can't remember their kids' names!

Same here. The kids have preferences for colors and styles and they have dressed themselves since about age 3. They clearly look like brothers, but are very different. Still, they are used to being called by the other name. They used to be very distinct "I'm Billy!" but now they just correct the person politely. They will only tell you how to identify them if you ask, but if you ask, they will mention it. I'm the same way. Many people just want to be polite and have no problem being corrected and they move on. If they ask, I'll be glad to mention one or two differences to tell them apart.

My kids have no problem being addressed generically, but will politely correct if you call them by the wrong name.

Dont feel bad. I'm a dad of identies, I get home and dont know how they are dressed that day. Often times I'll see one and say "Hellooooooo....... {pause}" and she goes "I'm {her name}"
My great grandmom was too. My dad said back in the day he talked "for like 20 minutes once in the kitchen with Leona, and I thought it was Irma!"

I have fraternal twins who don't dress alike and people still have trouble figuring which one is which. They'll either say hi without a name or ask which one it is. They often apologize when they don't know and I say it's fine. It really doesn't offend me, as I hope it doesn't offend other people if I can't remember their kids' names!