Challenges and adaptations (WTP) - Toddler Study 

Within the Wisconsin Twin Project's research on challenges and adaptation, families with children between the ages of two and three are interviewed for the toddler assessment. All families with twins born in Wisconsin are invited to participate in this portion of the study. The purpose of the toddler study is to learn more about early twin similarities and differences in personality and behavior in a variety of everyday situations. Parents are asked to complete a phone interview, mailed questionnaires, and a vocabulary checklist for each twin. Parents should refer to the letter of informed consent for complete details concerning research participation. A brief summary of participation is provided below. Telephone Interviews First, the twins' primary caregiver is interviewed by telephone. The interview includes questions about the twins' physical similarities, behavior and emotional reactions, and language, with questions like, "Shows pleasure when s/he succeeds (for example, claps for self)" and "Does Twin A have a regular name for Mom?" We also ask about basic family information, such as how many siblings the twins have and parents' occupation. Mailed Packet In addition to the telephone interview, parents are asked to complete a packet that includes a vocabulary checklist about each twin and questionnaire about child temperament. One or both parents can fill out their own questionnaire, answering questions like "When Twin A saw an insect up close, how often did s/he run away?"