OBJECTIVE: To observe the way families express themselves about twins using categories related to social practices in order to help health care workers to contribute to the development of the speech of monozygotic twins. METHODS: The study uses the qualitative method, based on a historic-cultural perspective and the evidential paradigm. During 30 months, eight sequential semi-structured interviews were applied to ten families who had identical twins. The interviews began when the diagnosis of the twin gestation was announced to the families and continued at approximately three-month intervals until the twins were two years old. RESULTS: Seven categories were reported by the families during the interviews regarding the development of their twin children - announcement of the twin pregnancy, choice of names, choice of clothes, pattern of speech and identity of each child, as well as general routine and family interaction. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between the development of the language in monozygotic twins and the attitudes and values reported by their families. Families of twins may need specific and differentiated follow-up since the gestational period.
twins monozygotic; language development; Pediatrics; family relations; medical care
