I'm the parent of identical-twin boys. I've tried for them to develop their own identities and not be considered the same person.

• I've always dressed my twins differently and encouraged them to pursue different interests.

• As the boys grow older, they become less alike and appreciate being treated as brothers, not clones.

• It can be challenging to ensure they become their own individuals.

After a visit to the obstetrician at 12 weeks, we were told that there were two heartbeats instead of one. It was a surprise because there were no twins in the family, and we felt totally unprepared.

After finding out the news, I went to work and was speechless for the rest of the day. My coworkers kept asking me what was wrong, but I couldn't tell anyone yet.

Charlie and Thomas were born prematurely and, between them, weighed the same as an average-sized single baby. They were forced to spend the first week of their lives in a special-care nursery, and I could see their bond even then.

They wanted to be side by side at all times, and when hospital staff had to take Charlie away for some extra tests, he and Thomas were unsettled. Neither would sleep until the two were reunited. It was an anxious time leaving our tiny babies behind at the hospital, but we were glad they had each other for comfort.

In the hospital, it seemed that I was the only one who could tell them apart

To me, they had differences, which — though subtle — were noticeable. However, the two boys seemed identical to all our family and friends. People constantly asked if we would mix them up and if Charlie would become Thomas and vice versa.

At that time, I was determined that they would develop separate identities and not be considered the same person. I didn't want them to be known as "Copy" and "Paste."

Many of the early gifts we received for the boys were both of the same

While we were grateful to receive presents for the boys, we decided never to dress them the same. Charlie wore green, and Thomas wore blue — this helped people tell them apart. I pushed for brown to be the color for Charlie, thinking that Charlie Brown would make it even easier, but the fashion options were limited, and so it was green.