Finding Her Voice
It’s been such an eye opening experience to be the mother of twins. While all my girls are complete individuals and I recognize and celebrate that, any parent of multiples will say that you really notice personalities when you have two of the same age. After all, they are always with you and most oftentimes, always together.
My Sophia, Twin A, is dominant in every way. Her boisterous and outgoing personality was evident right from the start, even consistently placing herself in front of her sister, in utero. In fact, so much that doctors didn’t even know there was another in there, until a 21 week ultrasound.
Then, she made her mark on the world by literally pushing her sister out during labour {causing quite the emergency situation}. Firecracker, right? Through the years, Sophia has always been heavier, taller, louder and one to always have the attention.
Meet Katelyn. The littlest Roy twin. Smaller, lighter and dainty. Katie is full of feelings and emotion, altruistic by nature and often withdrawn. When asked a question, she checks with her sisters first, follows in their every footstep and does her best to please anyone.
As a parent, and wanting the girls to be all they can be, I do intervene where I see fit. While I foster Sophia’s independent and strong side, I do urge her to think before acting and be more caring when it comes to others. After all, a girl can be strong minded but also know when it’s a time to soften up a little. Instead of lashing out and stomping her feet in rage each and every time, I encourage her to use her words and take deep breaths before acting.
When given the opportunity, I urge Katie to be more independent and make her own choices regardless of what others think and do. When she’s in tears and her heart is literally breaking over hurtful words, I acknowledge her feelings but suggest she relay those to her sister and stand up for herself.
While my twins are still very different to this day, I do see some gaps narrowing. While I have many examples of this, I’ll instead focus on just one …
Katie: Finding Her Voice
Quiet, timid and often shadowed, I first noticed Miss Katie coming out of her shell – with music.
Both girls love their Barbie movies, and oftentimes choose them over others in the pile. They both watch the stories unfold with great interest, yet it’s the songs within the movies that wins their hearts every time.
There’s one particular song that Katie took a massive liking to, from Barbie The Princess & The Popstar. She watched and learned, over and over again. First singing along with the movie quietly and then she became louder.
After a while, she would sing ‘Here I am‘ while playing with her The Princess & The Popstar Barbie dolls. Yet, she would immediately stop and look almost guilty when she realized anyone was listening.
Over time, her voice strengthened and she found the courage to sing loud and to anyone within earshot. She even requested me to take video of her performing, which was remarkable.
It took a couple of years, yet now she belts out tunes all day long, on planes and even among strangers in a foreign land.
Literally, Katie sings all.the.time. When playing with Barbies, she opts to sing words instead of speaking them. Katie sings while she walks, in the car and even as she’s falling asleep. I have to admit to giggling when Sophia is the one telling her to ‘settle down’.
Katie is finding her way. Her strength. Her ability to shine and be the star of the show after all these years.
Here I am
Being who I want
Giving what I got
Never a doubt now
Here I go
Burning like a spark
Light up the dark again………….. Here I Am – Barbie Princess & The Popstar Soundtrack
I have enrolled both the girls in a summer theatre camp, in which they will be in a musical. Katie is showing some signs of intimidation, yet really wants to give it a try. I am so proud.
Sometimes I wonder what my girls ‘will be’ when they are older, and while I know them so well and can predict many things based on years of experience with them – truth is, you just never know.
I encourage it all and tell them often that they really can be anything they want to be.
You just need to find that voice.
Weād love to hear your own #BarbieProject story. Share what you see, hear and feel when your child plays with Barbie! Visit http://barbieproject.com
.
I am apart of The Barbie Project and I receive special perks as part of my
affiliation. The opinions are, as always, my own. . .
That is incredibly sweet and she is a very talented young lady. Who knows, maybe she will be a big super star someday š
You just never know! š
I absolutely love this! What a great project, and good to see they are helping kids find their voice!!!! Too cute!
Thanks Kelsey!
So very sweet!!! My girls love Barbie it’s good to see them supporting girls.
š
I don’t have twins, but I have 5 kids…and we’ve talked on more than one occasion about how amazing it is that not one pair of our kids ended up more alike. They are all so unique. I love watching it. Way to go on your daughter finding her voice. It reminded me so much of my 2nd daughter, who has found HER voice through music and acting as well. I love to see her grow and thrive in that setting! Just yesterday, we were able to celebrate her love of music and theater by having a special birthday date at West Side Story. š
Awe, thank you for sharing Lolli!
Great project, I can imagine how amazing and difficult it is to be a twin. You are doing an amazing fostering their personalities and guiding them to be their personal best.
Thank you Michelle, every day is a learning opportunity!
There’s my morning tear. Incredible story and post, it certainly touched my heart.
Ae, thank you so much sarah!
So incredibly touching, I’m so happy for her. I hope they both rock theatre camp this summer.
Thank you Candace, I hope they give it their all!
I love this. What a beautiful story and this will be such a wonderful memory for you.
Thank you Ellen!
So cute! Your girls are lucky to have each other. My sister and I fought like cats and dogs and I don’t remember playing with her when we were little. We are 22 months apart in age.
Oh, they fight. A lot! lol
In fact, today they pretty much drove me insane. But, that’s another blog post. Hahaha
Awww!!! I have 2 little girls who are 5 years apart and barbies is the one thing they both enjoy playing together. I played Barbies with my 2 younger sisters as a child and I remember many of our adventures with barbies and I love hearing about other little girls who like my own girls have found the joy in playing with Barbie and spending time together
Like mother, like daughter! Same with us Lauren. And do you get down and play Barbies with them today?
I love the video! How precious to hear them sing How empowering is that song! thanks for sharing!
Thank you Ruby! š
I always played barbies, it was such a fun experience š
Me too Kristine, they were very much apart of my childhood!
I love everything about this, Barbie played such a big role in my life! I wish I had a little girl.
Perhaps someday …
That is amazing. I love how different their personalities are. My brother just had twins and already at 3 months you can tell they’re completely different.
It’ll be so fascinating to watch them grow, enjoy every moment!!
Twins (and triplets) run in our family and you know, it’s kind of crazy that all of the twins are SO DIFFERENT!!! I mean, they aren’t anything like their twins at all. I love how you’re helping them foster their own identities and yay for your singing girl. š
It’s so fascinating and thank you!
She’s blossoming through music. This is just absolutely precious!
Thanks Liz!
My kids love Barbies! I will always encourage them to play with them and enjoy them!
š
I love how Katie has been able to find her voice! Every child needs an outlet where they can find their own voice and express their own personality. Music is a great way for me to do just that as well. And i hope my kids each find their own voice too.
It’s a marvel to watch, the beauty of life and growth!
so cute! I agree on the kids needing their own individuality!
š
It’s wonderful that Katie has found her voice through singing- and Barbies! It’s always interesting to see how siblings are similar, and where they are different.
So true Pam!
I LOVE this story. What a great thing the Barbie project is for girls š
Thank you Jen!
My daughter is a singer, too. All the time. She is singing tomorrow morning in the Talent Show but I am unsure how she will do. She sings loud an proud at home but gets shy in front of others. Either way, I’ll be proud of her for trying!
š
Traci
Awe, hope it goes well. I hope she can find her courage and knock it out of the park. Regardless, feel proud mama!!
It’s so amazing to me how different night and day kids can be from the next!
So true. And how they change …. it’s a wonder!
These Barbies hair looks like they have seen better days! Sounds like a great project!
I know, right?! Sign of lots of play!!!
My goodness, do they ever remind me of my girls, (almost 4 and 5), They have the same dolls, and sing the song every single day! They adore their Barbie movies, (almost have them all!)
I think there’s a bit of this story in us all …. š
I have loved Barbie for years… i had a collection of over 200 Barbies growing up and continued collecting into my twenties… I hope that my girls will take over my love
Wowzers! Do you ever break them out and play? More importantly, can I come over and play? ;P
I love hearing stories about twins. Your girls sound like they are incredible little girls. I hope you share their camp experience on the blog.
I will Ann and thank you so much. Sometimes I write and think it’s all just for me and them. I forget just how public this space is sometimes. It’s nice that I can connect with so many through this space. Great to have you here!! HUGS! xo
It’s great she’s finding her voice. That can be difficult for any child but imagine it could actually be a little more challenging for a twin.
Especially one that’s been constantly silent on so many occasions. It’s brilliant to watch her find her courage and shine!
I’ve been doing theater since I was little, 30 years later I’m still addicted. I hope they love it!
Awe, I hope so too! I was never brave enough as a kid so I’m especially proud that they are willing to do something I couldn’t dream of
We are currently in the Barbie stage ourselves. I have 5 kids and they are all so different, I wonder sometimes how did they come from the same parents. š
Ha, exactly!
This is an amazing story you shared. How could you not just fall for little Miss Katie! She’s a doll.
Thanks Amanda! š
How adorable is Katie? I love that Barbie presents positive messages to our girls, you know Chelsea would LOVE to be right there singing with her
Awe, I know she would be! š
My middle two girls aren’t twins, but everyone thinks they are. Similar in size, appearance, and age. But where they really differ is in personalities. Just like your daughters, one is very much more timid. I love how you helped encourage Katie to find her voice. She is awesome!
Thanks for sharing Staci, it’s neat how they are so much the same otherwise!
What a great post, it’s nice to read the story of your twins. I often wonder what my girls will be too. But, one thing is for sure, it seems like you have two beautiful girls. š
Thank you Nancy!! š
I love the different personalities. My kids are like that
š
Just sooo wonderful to hear her belting it out
Thanks Gramma!
My son loves these movies too – I like the messages in them. They are as important for boys as they are for girls! Your kiddos are sure cute!
They sure are!!
I commend Barbie for doing this project. It’s pretty amazing.
I love the conversations happening because of it!
Awww…I love that you not only recognize how different they are, but foster it.
This is so sweet. I think it is awesome when little ones gain confidence and shine.
hello!,I really like your writing very a lot! percentage
we communicate extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to resolve my problem.
Maybe that’s you! Taking a look forward to peer you.
I have twins (boy/girl) plus one too. It’s wonderful seeing them each grow and develop. My twin girl is a strong ruler type, but at the same time defaults to wanting what the other boy twin wants. I’m having to help her find her own interests instead of defaulting to her twins interests all the time. Interesting watching them develop together, yet so differently.