Life with my Sisters

by Emily H. daughter of Lisa Kass H. and Jeremy H. of Brooklyn, NY

(published in SUPERTWINS Volume 8 #1 - September 1996)

My triplet sisters are three almost four. When they were born I was three years ten months. I don't remember anything when they were babies. When people make a fuss over the triplets, I GO CRAZY!!!!! I feel like I want to punch them, but I know it's not their fault. I want to go to Disney World with my mom and dad for two months and then come back and do something special with the whole family.

Sibling Tips For the Supertwin Dad To Be
By Moira Fox, NY

(published in SUPERTWINS Volume 8 #1 - September 1996)

• Set up a special time everyday to call mommy
• Plan special trips (i.e., visit to Grandma's, park or pet store) so there is something new to talk about everyday.
• Before mommy goes into the hospital have mommy tape record her reading some of their favorite story books and singing their favorite songs. Play this tape often, especially at bedtime.
• Set up a date in the beginning of the week for when the child can expect to go visit mommy. Set a sticker on the calendar on this date. Every night before bed cross off that date.
• Lightly spray mommy's perfume on your child's blanker. At night cover them tightly and tell them they are wrapped up in mommy's love.
• Make mommy presents e.g., draw a picture of your trip to the library.
• Buy mommy special presents for your visits e.g., your child's favorite snack to share, mom's favorite meal, hair care products, new pad and flair pens, coloring book and crayons.
• Make a photo album of Mommy & Me.
• Let her sleep with mommy's pillow (unless you need it more than your child).
• Bring a family photo album to your visit with mommy.

An Essay by Jenny K. Age 10
Big sister to Mary, Jeremy & Christopher K.

(published in SUPERTWINS Volume 8 #1 - September 1996)

"Oh, you're the big sister, you must be a big help."

That 's what I hear every time I go somewhere with them. Being the big sister of triplets is fun, exciting, dangerous, frustrating and annoying. It isn't the triplets who are annoying, it's the people you meet when you go out. What they say is"Oh, you're the big sister, you must be a big help," which is incredibly rude, since I don't know them. And the answer they expect is, "Oh, of course", but the real answer is "sometimes". But you can't say that! It's as annoying as having your cheeks pinched by your grandma.

Why I Like Being  Triplet

by Shaun Mills P.

(published in SUPERTWINS Volume 8 #1 - September 1996)

Hi. My name is Shaun. I am an eight year old triplet. I have two sisters. I like being a triplet because that way we can all be in the same grade at school and play together at recess. I also like being a triplet because we all have the same minds and like the same things. Sometimes I don't like being a triplets. I don't like being a triple 'cause when I don't want to do what the others want to, they start to argue with me about it. But if you add up all the ups and downs you will end up at the same place you started with. I like being a triplet.

Making Big Sister Special Too!

by Lois B., OH

(published in SUPERTWINS Volume 8 #1 - September 1996)

When our quadruplets were born and our daughter was 3 1/2, we tried to have an activity (i.e. preschool, library class, mommy and me swimming, etc.) that was Jillian's alone. We treated the quads as a natural occurrence in our family, and our little girl has taken it all in stride. We also posted a sign on our door the day the babies came home from the hospital. It read "Welcome Friends! Please recognize Jillian first, and wash your hands before visiting with the babies. Thank you!" (The sign stayed up for two years!)

Being an Older Sister to Triplets

By Meggie B. (age 11)

(published in SUPERTWINS Volume 8 #1 - September 1996)

I am eleven years old and Brendan, Patrick and Nora are 9 and Colin is 4. I was 2 when Brendan, Patrick and Nora were born. I don't really remember what it was like when they were babies. Our family is different from a lot of my friend's families in that we have a lot more children in our family. When people make a fuss over my sister and brothers I get mad because they get a whole of attention from people and I don't like it. I am good at soccer and running and am on the track team. When I grow up I would like to be a zoo keeper or veterinarian. I like to go running with my mom and to go out just the two of us. When I'm with my dad I like to go to 7-11 and buy candy with him. I also like to bake chocolate chip cookies and cake with him. I like to play with all of my brothers and sister but I am probably closest to my sister Nora. We share a bedroom. The only thing I don't like about her is that she always wants to do everything the same as me.

Sometimes we share clothes and that is pretty good. Nor and I like to play together a lot. Since we have a lot of children in our family there is always somebody to talk to when you need someone and there is always someone to play with.

My friends sometimes make a fuss over the triplets and Colin because they are younger. This bothers me. When my friends want to play with them and talk with them, my mom will tell my brothers and sister to come inside and give me space. This usually works.

When the other children in my family aren't around my parents hug me a lot and tell me they love me. I know that they think I am special by the way they treat me. All in all I like being in our family.

Being a Triplet Sister

By Nora Elizabeth B. (age 9)

I am a triplet. It is kind of weird being a triplet. People always ask me what it is like and I have to say it is weird. I can't explain it. I know it is different but I don't know the words. I guess I like being a triplet but I don't know why. I just like that it is different and special. Sometimes when people make a big deal over my brothers being identical and they call them twins I sort of wish I wasn't a triplet. We are not different from any other family. Just because we are triplets doesn't make us different. We are probably the same. When we meet new people and they make a big deal over us being triplets, I can't understand why. I like to run track and play soccer. When I tell a new friend that I am a triplet she thinks it is cool! When I grow up I want to be a zoo keeper. I like to talk with my mom. Just the two of us. I like to buy candy with my dad. I like playing basketball with my sister and brothers.

My parents make me feel special.

Being the Younger Brother to Triplets

By Colin Manus B. (age 4)

When younger brother Colin was asked what is was like to be the younger brother of triplets he said, "What's the big deal?"