Raising Irish Twins in Korea
When people hear that you have children close in age, they usually react the same way.
“Oh… Irish twins?”
It’s the kind of reaction many parents hear at least once.
Even during pregnancy, I sometimes noticed that slightly surprised reaction from people around me.
Of course, it might just be my imagination.
But many people say that a three-year age gap between siblings is better for a mother’s health.
In fact, it is often recommended that mothers wait at least two years after giving birth before having another baby so the body has enough time to recover.
But life doesn’t always follow recommendations.
And here I am — a mom raising Irish twins.
Our Irish Twins Story
My first child was born in February 2021.
My second child was born in November 2022.
That makes them about 21 months apart.
So technically they are not less than one year apart, but in daily life it often feels very similar to raising Irish twins.
Both children are still young.
My son is now five years old, and my daughter is three.
Raising two small children at the same time can be exhausting, but it also comes with unexpected joys.
The Early Years Were the Hardest
In the beginning, parenting felt extremely intense.
My first child was still a baby when the second one arrived.
That meant there were many moments when both kids needed attention at exactly the same time.
Both crying.
Both hungry.
Both calling for mom.
Those moments could be overwhelming.
Sleep was short, and energy was always low.
Looking back, the hardest period was probably until my second child was around two years old.
Once she started eating regular meals and became more independent, things slowly became easier.
That was when I first started thinking:
“Maybe raising Irish twins is actually manageable.”
The Advantages of Raising Irish Twins
Despite the challenges, raising children close in age has many advantages.
They Play Together
Once the younger child turns about two, the siblings start playing together surprisingly well.
They build blocks, draw pictures, and play pretend games.
Of course, they also fight sometimes.
But they also learn how to share, negotiate, and solve small conflicts together.
On days when we stay at home, having a built-in playmate is a huge advantage.
Parenting Stages Pass Quickly
Another advantage is that many parenting stages happen in one continuous flow.
Diapers, baby food, toddler meals, and bedtime routines all happen within a relatively short period.
Instead of restarting everything again years later, it feels like moving through one long parenting phase.
For many parents, that can actually feel more efficient.
Similar Interests and Activities
Because the kids are close in age, their interests are often similar.
It’s easier to find activities that both children enjoy.
Sometimes they even share the same toys, games, and books.
Even eating out can be easier than expected.
Often the two kids can share one adult menu item together.
Clothes and Toys Can Be Reused
Another practical advantage is reusing clothes and toys.
If the children have similar body sizes, many items can simply be passed down from the older sibling to the younger one.
This is especially helpful with large toddler toys that take up a lot of space.
Instead of storing them for years, they can be used continuously and then organized all at once.
The Challenges of Raising Irish Twins
Of course, there are also clear downsides.
The Early Years Are Physically Demanding
The biggest challenge is physical exhaustion.
The first child is still very young, but the second child also needs full care.
Sleep deprivation and constant attention can make the early years extremely tiring.
Everything Happens at the Same Time
Many parenting moments happen simultaneously.
Both children might want attention at the same time.
Both might be hungry.
Both might cry.
In those moments, it can feel like a parent needs to divide themselves into two people.
Illness Spreads Quickly
Once children start daycare or kindergarten, illnesses can spread easily between siblings.
If one child gets sick, the other one often follows soon after.
Sometimes parents even joke that it might be easier if both kids get sick at the same time instead of one after another.
Costs Can Overlap
Education, daycare, kindergarten, and activities often start around the same time.
This means expenses can arrive all at once.
For many families, this is another challenge of raising children close in age.
A New Phase of Parenting
Now my younger child is four years old in Korean age.
Personally, I feel like this might be the golden period of raising Irish twins.
At this age, children can start participating in independent classes such as ballet, art classes, or cultural programs.
Recently my daughter attended her first class alone.
It was her first time joining a class without her older brother.
She seemed confident, but I was probably more nervous than she was.
For about 40 minutes while she was in class, I sat outside and read books with my older child.
Moments like these make me realize how much things have changed.
Final Thoughts
This story is simply the personal experience of a mom raising two young children close in age in Korea.
Every family is different, and every parenting journey looks different.
But one thing is certain.
Raising Irish twins is extremely challenging in the beginning.
Yet as time passes, there are many moments when you suddenly think:
“I’m actually glad there are two of them.”
The house might be louder.
It might be messier.
But it is also filled with laughter and small moments of joy.
And honestly, one unexpected bonus?
Taking photos of them together is incredibly cute.
What Do You Think?
For parents raising children close in age, the experience can be both exhausting and rewarding.
If you are raising Irish twins too, what has been the biggest challenge or the biggest joy for you?
