Dennis Poliquit a.k.a. “Big Daddy Jake” on Raising Twins

For every parent, raising a child is one whole adventure and even with siblings, no experience is quite the same. What about the experience of raising twins? Twice the challenge but definitely twice the fun, too, as we learn from one dad who, along with his wife, is raising not one, but two sets of twins!

Unexpected News
“We were very surprised when we found out we were having twins! With Joaquin and Jaime, now ages five, they were the first set of twins in both sides of the family,” says 40-year old On Air Supervisor and DJ for Magic 89.9 DWTM, Dennis Poliquit or “Big Daddy Jake”   as he is more popularly known.

Key to Newborn Baby Care for Twins: Planning
According to Dr. John Ong, pediatric intensivist, UST Hospital, Espana, Manila, though there is no required “special” care for newborn twins, the most important thing they need when brought home is planning. “Make the best time you have by prioritizing. Have a schedule for babies like a time for feeding, bathing, exposing them to sunlight, but make time for yourselves, too,” he says.
And plan they did. Dennis relates how he and his wife, Monica, devised a system in their household. “When the twins were babies, we had a system of listing down the feeding and sleeping times of each baby, so we wouldn’t be over-feeding one, and we’d know if a baby was crying due to hunger, sleep or a full nappy. Trips out were always a full production, just by the mere size of our family!”
    
More surprises
As if the first set of twins was not surprising enough, the Poliquits did not anticipate that it was possible for another twin pregnancy. “When we were pregnant with Jessica and Sophia, everyone we knew couldn’t believe it, even our OB-GYN! Two sets of twins, born consecutively, by no artificial means. The percentage of that happening is slim, especially since both sets turned out to be fraternal pairs,” says Dennis.

Click here to read on about the Poliquit family on raising twins.

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Read on about the Poliquit family on raising twins.

Help in different forms
With two sets of twins plus Gaby, their eldest, taking care of the kids has involved other family members. “When our families found out we were having twins, they all shared their used baby clothes and some baby equipment, such as sterilizers, walkers, etc. This helped a lot in our everyday life and expenses. We’re glad this tradition has continued on in our family so now, we are able to share back to other family members,” Dennis shares. He also stresses the importance of teaching the twins to do simple chores and not rely too much on household help.

Managing time and finances: Buying in bulk and in pairs
“In our family, we buy everything by the bulk! Diapers, milk, cereal, breads and our favorite peanut butter are bought in the biggest size possible, so we wouldn’t have to run to the grocery every few days. Clothes, and sometimes toys, are bought in pairs. One of the principles that we’ve taught our older three is the value of money – need vs. want. We’re quite glad that though our kids are still typical kids, asking for toys and gadgets they see in magazines and TV, they know to accept that sometimes we don’t have the means to purchase what they want,” Dennis says.
Hand-me-downs are a big help and they teach the kids the concept of sharing. “We try to teach the kids that if people bless us with their things, we in turn must show grace to others by sharing our things too. The practical side to this is that we don’t really have to worry about buying clothes they’ll grow out off quickly,” he explains.
Despite Dennis working full-time and Monica being a work-at-home mom, family time for them is very important. He tells us, “In their activities, we make sure one parent is accompanying and supporting them. We don’t leave these occasions to the yayas. On those rare times that both of us are unable to be there, the grandparents take over. We have traditions like breakfast outside with pajamas on, and movie nights when we’re all gathered in bed re-watching a favorite movie. Our kids have also learned to respect Papa and Mama’s date nights.”

Similarities and differences
One important parenting lesson Dennis and Monica have learned: “That even if they come in pairs, they are their own individual being.” Both husband and wife encourage the differences in their children's personalities. “So, they grow up as individuals, not as half of a pair or part of a set,” Dennis says.
Even developmental milestones are subject to individual nuances. According to Dr. Ong, “It's easy to make comparisons and be afraid that one of your children is not developing fast enough, but don't panic, each child, even twins, develop at their own pace.”

Click here to read on about the Poliquit family on raising twins.

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Read on about the Poliquit family on raising twins.

Counting their blessings
It is a tough act, but Dennis attributes their ability to get through each day to prayer. Despite the pandemonium of juggling everything all at the same time, the couple always sets aside quiet time with God. This they have taught their kids as well. “It is by God’s grace that we were blessed with 5 children, with two sets of twins at that! Each day, we are finding out his purpose for our family, and it is a joy and honor to raise these kids up in His glory,” he concludes.