Triple Threat

Triple Threat parenting triplets in the Capital District

Compassion & conversation

The triplets feel deeply and share strong opinions in their own individual ways

The world is an unpredictable place, and we all need a safe soft place to land. My desire to teach my kids how to be good humans and the responsibility to care for the world is something that is supported by Judaism. In the news, there are stories of gun violence, fires across the country, refugees at the border, local flooding and Texas – and you better believe that we talk about each one.

Sitting around the dinner table having conversations with my kids who are developing a moral compass and opinions that can be supported with facts and argued passionately is important, so that when they are on their own, they will know how to have a civilized conversation about polarizing topics. They have such strong personalities and convictions that I have to remember that they are only 13 years old.

Rebecca is her own person. She is not happy with the status quo and has no problem taking her grievances to the appropriate people in charge.

When Rebecca was in elementary school, she was concerned that the milk being served at school was expired and sometimes had spoiled. She set up an appointment with the principal and discussed the situation. Rebecca does not like being told that something must be done a certain way because it has always been done that way. She will study the situation and then go her own way. The new law in Texas rubs her the wrong way. Being offered a free vaccine for Covid-19 and being asked to wear a mask seem like reasonable requests to her because all of humanity is suffering right now. I see my daughter becoming an advocate and a great debater.

Olivia sees the devastation caused by hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding and feels the despair deeply. She sees the forest fires destroying homes and can’t contain her grief. Pictures of refugees in detention centers and encampments with small children are just too much. Olivia wants to fix global warming and the keep the human race from hurting.

As an adult, I can see her strong sense of empathy sapping her happiness, but giving her false information is not going to help. If there is a family in need, she will find items to donate. Our family has had the

by Jennifer Steuer

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attitude that if someone is in need, there is always something we can do to help. Olivia knows she may be just one person but she can make a difference in the community and in the world.

For the longest time I wondered if what happened locally and globally made any impression on Benjamin. I should not have worried. So much of what is going on does make an impression. A few years ago, we saw an orange sign stating “Men at work,” and Ben piped up from the back of the car saying that the sign should say “People at work.” It took me a few minutes to realize what he was telling me.

Male, female or non-binary, Benjamin has your back. Ben has a great relationship with younger kids and loves babies. He knows that a baby grows in a uterus and sometimes women have a miscarriage. He also knows about abortion and what is going on in Texas. Benjamin is pro choice. There are times when the quietest child can make the loudest statement. I hope that Benjamin under-

Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca each have causes and current events they feel strongly about.

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Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca can talk to me about anything. We can debate. We can talk about the good, the bad and the ugly. I want to know my kids as individuals and make sure that they are not always lumped together as The Triplets. Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca are unique. The one-on-one is some of my most precious time, and I love to be alone with them, discovering different facets of each personality. It helps give me a clue about what is important to them and how to connect in a more authentic way. I hope that through communicating they will know how much I love each of them.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 13-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

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