Hobart families of multiples navigate first school year

Nineteen families across greater Hobart with sets of multiple children recently embarked on their first year of school.

The Tasmanian Multiple Birth Association (TMBA) organised a free event for some of these families, providing opportunities for support and connection before the 2025 school year commenced.

Hobart mother Alesha Hayes said her two boys, Alexander and Tobias, were entering prep and gearing for their first year of full time schooling.

“There are many challenges that come with sending twins off to school because everything is doubled,” she said.

“It’s been a really tough period financially and trying to settle two young boys into school at the same time is really tough.

“The logistics of after school care can be a challenge as there already isn’t that much space for children and we take up two of those spots on our own.

“It’s important for schools to realise that even though my boys are identical, they are individuals so catering for their personal needs and not just lumping them together all the time is really important.”

Ms Hayes said it was important for families of multiples to reach out to others for support.

“We have relied really heavily on our immediate network and have worked hard to source a really dependable sitter as well,” she said.