Does the Hive watch Jon & Kate Plus 8?

[unsinkable]

If so, what do you think? An extraordinary family trying to live life OR an extraordinary family being exploited by the parents?

:confused:

[nukeswife]

I watch and I recently saw the family on Oprah. They mentioned the whole reason they did the first special was because they literally had people trying to peek in the windows wanting to see what they did and how they handled things.

I don't think they are exploiting the kids. They seem like a very nice, normal loving family.

[MelissaD]

I've seen it a few times but the Mom drives me nuts!! She talks to her DH like he is a dog and she really whines about her kids A LOT!! I feel bad for any kid that is put on a TV show; even kids deserve privacy.

Melissa

[Holly IN]

I watched it twice. I had to quit. The mom drove me nuts too. So selfish, whiny and treats her dh like a dog from my viewpoint. I feel so sorry for the kids and dh. It really made me sick as to how she treated everybody. Of course she makes excuses but....HELLO those kids will remember her for the way she is. So sad!:(

Holly

[Mary H]

I have watched but can't stand the way she teats her dh. Slaps him and everything!! Come on now, even if that is what you like in the bedroom, don't show it in puplic!!!
jmho
mary H

[cin]

Same here. We tried to watch it once and didn't get past the first 5 minutes of the show. DH and I both were astonished at how she talked to him. MY dh said if I ever talked to him that way there would be BIG trouble...I said well, that's just ONE of the many reasons we don't have *8* kids :D

[astrid]

I feel badly for those kids. One of the older twins is really whiny and grumpy, and I can't help but think it's partly because that's what's modeled. I've heard the little girl make statements that really seem like they came right out of the mother's mouth.

Maybe the're really different off-camera, but from what I've seen, there's a really negative vibe going on there.

[astrid]

....I should mention that I've only seen a few episodes. It's all I've been able to stomach.

[Shannon831]

I'll be the voice of decent. I love that show. I think they are a real family, and I totally get them. I don't think they're exploiting their kids and I don't think she's awful.

[Jenstet]

I enjoy the show. I think they have a quirky relationship and she wears the pants as far as the kids are concerned however I am reminded of my own grandparents and their "bickery" realtionship. (is that a word?bickery) She has a high octane life with those young children but manages to keep things in check. I think the sweetest moments are when they are talking about their day, you really can see the love they have for each other. Jon has such a sarcastic and dry sense of humor, I love him. Real people with a crazy life doing the best they can. I DIG IT!

[j.griff]

I like the show, don't think they are "exploited", and I think it's funny how the couple get along with each other.
Sometimes she bugs me, but I always laugh- she's just a control freak. I think it's great that she can so freely express herself too. What really tickles me is when she tells him what to say on camera- "You don't say that!" or "I don't think you're supposed to say that on camera." or something similar. I don't know, but I bet she picks out his clothes, LOL. I think they are a cute couple though, and I'm SURE people would find MANY MANY things to complain about me and my DC if we were on a TV show. ;)

[Mom2jnb]

I watch the show weekly. I admit in the beginning I thought she was a little harsh on Jon. But, I think if you watch the whole situation, remember there is tons of editing and then as another poster said watch their interviews about the day you see they truly love each other. I do not think they are exploiting their children. They seem well adjusted and happy. They are a good solid family and I will watch the show as long as it is on.

JMHO,
Alison

[Quiver0f10]

I watched it once. They had gone Christmas shopping ( with all the kids!?!?!) and she was YELLING at him in the store. Me and Dh just sat there with our mouths open LOL. One time was enough for us.

[Jennifer in MI]

I also like this show. I find the mom very real. I think the way she treats her dh is just because she's in a large family and she's a control freak and just wants to get her point across quickly and loudly! LOL Yes, she could say it nicer, but they joke about it later on. He gives it right back to her too. They had a show about how they communicate - it was funny!

I'd hate to see myself on tv and see how I really act!

[Jill, OK]

..."Why would I want to relax and recuperate from caring for my five kids, in the evening, by watching someone with 8 kids, and a house that's even crazier than mine?!"

:o)

I find it fascinating, but not regularly. (I'm kind of a voyeur, though; I love those books that have homeschooling days in the life, etc...I just like peeking through the windows of others, I guess. Not literally, of course...;o)

[LG Gone Wild]

:o Dh doesn't like her. He grimaces and calls her a fussy b$%^h. The first season, she was really awful but it seems like she is trying to tone it down.

What I get from the show is that the wife is all consumed by the kids and that there isn't anything else about her. I get why but it reminds me of how not to be and not to have six kids at once.

[EarleneW]

I love it! I did think she was a little harsh at first....but once you watch it you just kinda start to realize she's not that bad. I love the show.

[Bess]

I've not seen the show (no tv here) but I've seen clips with interviews with them online and clips of the show. Boy, I really think the mother is rather annoying. From the clips, she seems like a very domineering, take center stage type. I just found her personality not to my liking at all. I don't think I could watch the show in full because of it.

[melissel]

I watched it once. They had gone Christmas shopping ( with all the kids!?!?!) and she was YELLING at him in the store. Me and Dh just sat there with our mouths open LOL. One time was enough for us.

That's the one I saw too. I felt bad for him, but then there was the part of me that is reminded of my own DH, goofing off and dawdling with the kids and chatting on the phone while I'm trying to pack us ALL up into the car to get ready to go to HIS mother's house...and I feel for her too!

I also like this show. I find the mom very real. I think the way she treats her dh is just because she's in a large family and she's a control freak and just wants to get her point across quickly and loudly! LOL Yes, she could say it nicer, but they joke about it later on. He gives it right back to her too. They had a show about how they communicate - it was funny!

I'd hate to see myself on tv and see how I really act!

Ditto.

..."Why would I want to relax and recuperate from caring for my five kids, in the evening, by watching someone with 8 kids, and a house that's even crazier than mine?!"


But THIS is the real reason I don't watch the show. I find that it stresses me out because most days our life is pretty hectic. I just can't handle someone else's family stress, LOL!

[Sandy in Indy]

I watch it and enjoy it. Kate can be caustic at times...but I probably would be, too, if I were trying to deal with the pressures she's under every day. I can't even imagine--even after watching the show--what it must really be like to deal with 8 kids, 6 of whom are the same very young age, day in and day out. You'd have to be super organized and anal to get anything done. (Like take a shower yourself.)

I recently saw a "behind the scenes" show, which was very interesting. I think the kids benefit from having all those extra people around!

[LaMere Academy]

I watch them occasionally and my dd 12 loves to watch it as well. I think they're a neat family...I really like the dad and wish I had the mom's energy!

[GothicGyrl]

I do not think they are exploiting the kids one bit, but I also can NOT stand her. She's whiny, MEAN, witchy, a brat, just plain rude to John and downright ornery to those kids.

I mean, I'm not saying it is easy raising 8 kids--I am quite certain it is not. I am quite certain their house is hectic and tiring and I don't judge them based on that.

But I feel sorry for HIM because of the way she treats him--the way she talks to him, the way she just assumes he will give her anything she wishes right when she says she wants it.

Like I was watching the remodling of the kids rooms episode, the one where they got all new bunkbeds and such. He was upstairs doing ALL of the work with one friend (because it was all she allowed him to have help) and she had the nerve to *w*itch him out for NOT watching the kids, so she could cook dinner.

Excuse me? He's remodling your house you *w*itch... he's got power tools and other dangerous equipment around him and you expect him to not only finish the room on YOUR time frame but also watch the kids while doing so ---just so you can cook dinner?

No--I do not like her one bit.

[mommybee]

I don't know, but I bet she picks out his clothes, LOL.


Actually on one of the episodes he was helping her to buy clothes. She said he has better style than she does and she would much rather stick to brown, black and grey. She said she always shops with him because he knows what looks good on her.

I love the show! My husband and I have a relationship that can be bickery at times and it's how we communicate, especially when I am trying to control situations. I see love from them and he does tell her often when she has gone too far and she apologizes.

[Tracey in TX]

As A HOM (higher order multiples) parent, I'm familiar with the show. I remember when Jon came to a triplets+ board professing to be a twin dad, expecting sextuplets. Many people thought he was joking. That was a long time ago!
I loathe the show, though. Thrilled that they're now able to afford a better lifestyle, but can't stomach Kate and her controlling mannerisms. She grates my nerves and runs her home like a military camp. I'm much more laid back and find the show to be stressful.

It's rumored that they make approx $12K/episode. A quad friend had a DH program on her birth and was paid. It's common to make money for their sacrifices (would you want a camera crew watching your every move a few days a month to be aired on TV? ugh).

[JFS in IL]

we call it the "train wreck" :rolleyes:

They had a show last week where they told how the crew was there about every day...and showed how professional lights for tv filmming had been installed throughout the house! OK - I can not help but think of the Dionne quints. The big difference here is the parents and older sibs are on display, too. That said - can't help watching it!

Kate, in my opinion, is an OCD control-freak who does make life harder than it needs to be for herself.

[Miss Peregrine]

Like I was watching the remodling of the kids rooms episode, the one where they got all new bunkbeds and such. He was upstairs doing ALL of the work with one friend (because it was all she allowed him to have help) and she had the nerve to *w*itch him out for NOT watching the kids, so she could cook dinner.

Excuse me? He's remodling your house you *w*itch... he's got power tools and other dangerous equipment around him and you expect him to not only finish the room on YOUR time frame but also watch the kids while doing so ---just so you can cook dinner?


Actually, she wanted to keep them on their nap schedule and he wanted to keep working through the nap and just let them stay awake so he could get it done. I understand both sides. Because my DH and I are just like Jon and Kate.

We laugh about it because we are just like that.

I like the show and like seeing a real mom not an icky, syrupy sweet, robotic family :)

[GothicGyrl]

I like the show and like seeing a real mom not an icky, syrupy sweet, robotic family

I understand and even agree. I would prefer that to something like the Duggars any day. BUT she's just mean.. I understand editing and all that, but c'mon, she can be a real witch to him...and even as grubbery as I am, I'm not that bad, so it gets me. ;)

[sdWTMer]

As for us, we don't have a tv -- so that would be a "NO." Never heard of it either, until now.

[Tutor]

I do not think they are exploiting the kids one bit, but I also can NOT stand her. She's whiny, MEAN, witchy, a brat, just plain rude to John and downright ornery to those kids.

I mean, I'm not saying it is easy raising 8 kids--I am quite certain it is not. I am quite certain their house is hectic and tiring and I don't judge them based on that.

But I feel sorry for HIM because of the way she treats him--the way she talks to him, the way she just assumes he will give her anything she wishes right when she says she wants it.

Like I was watching the remodling of the kids rooms episode, the one where they got all new bunkbeds and such. He was upstairs doing ALL of the work with one friend (because it was all she allowed him to have help) and she had the nerve to *w*itch him out for NOT watching the kids, so she could cook dinner.

Excuse me? He's remodling your house you *w*itch... he's got power tools and other dangerous equipment around him and you expect him to not only finish the room on YOUR time frame but also watch the kids while doing so ---just so you can cook dinner?

No--I do not like her one bit.

I had to stop watching because I couldn't stand listening to the mom anymore. I was actually yelling at the TV. Not worth it.

[Jill, OK]

...confrontational at all, just an out-loud muse, if you will (wink), but...isn't it possible that both the Duggar mom (that GothicGyrl references) *and* Kate are *both* 'real' moms?

I hear folks say that a lot, "Well, at least she's *real*...", and I can't help but feel badly for those 'syrupy' sweet gals, that might not be pretending, at all.

Some people might actually be like that.

(Not me, in case anyone thinks this is personal, lol. I'd *like* to be a little more syrupy...but it's not the case. I just know that there are friends of mine that are sweeties, and keep their cool, and those that blow and have the occasional meltdown. Both are showcasing their 'reality'.)

Again...*not* arguing with anyone, just questioning the use of the word 'real' as a synonym for 'snarky'. (And I'm just quoting others who have used the word in description of Kate; I haven't watched it enough to remember her attitude, I guess. Either that, or it just looked normal to me and I didn't notice, lol. ;o)

[Miss Peregrine]

I don't see "real" as a synonym for "snarky" I see it as letting us see the good, the bad, and the ugly;)

[GothicGyrl]

I don't see "real" as a synonym for "snarky" I see it as letting us see the good, the bad, and the ugly;)
Exactly. Sure, Michelle Duggar IS real.. there is no doubt about that and she's as real as we see as well. But "Real" to me is as Crunchy says--the good, the bad, AND the ugly.

And even though Michelle Duggar is real, she isn't REAL--they don't let the bad and ugly show through. I don't doubt that Duggar is sugary sweet and that's just how she is. But she's too sweet and it does come across as fake (even if she isn't faking)..

Just once I'd like to see ONE of the Duggars have a normal, run of the mill, meltdown. Not even the baby has one and that's just hard for me to fathom.

It has nothing to do with snark at all.

[j.griff]

ITA! :)
Exactly. Sure, Michelle Duggar IS real.. there is no doubt about that and she's as real as we see as well. But "Real" to me is as Crunchy says--the good, the bad, AND the ugly.

And even though Michelle Duggar is real, she isn't REAL--they don't let the bad and ugly show through. I don't doubt that Duggar is sugary sweet and that's just how she is. But she's too sweet and it does come across as fake (even if she isn't faking)..

Just once I'd like to see ONE of the Duggars have a normal, run of the mill, meltdown. Not even the baby has one and that's just hard for me to fathom.

It has nothing to do with snark at all.

[Mom2boys]

I got the impression that they are doing the show for the money. On Oprah they said at the time they filmed the first special, Jon was unemployed. When the series first started filming, Kate was working every Saturday as a nurse, but has since quit.

I think the show is fascinating in that her house is cleaner and more organized than mine, and I only have two kids. But I am appalled by the way Kate speaks to Jon.

[Jill, OK]

...some folks just probably have more 'bad and ugly' than others, lol.

I've seen a Duggar show where a preschooler threw a fit...but he got over it pretty quickly, and life went on. Don't get me wrong, the Duggars lifestyle is absolutely not my cuppa, and my older kids have snickered about what a reality show about *our* home would look like (we had a lot of fun when they showed the dad just saying something like, "Well, gosh!" when the van broke down shortly into a road trip...*our* dad would have responded much differently, lol).

But...there's always the possibility that they really do have a calmer, sweeter household than I do. ::Shrug:: Doesn't make their reality any less real, just means mine is different.

The only reason I say this is because I know it's true in real life, so it's distinctly possible that it follows that reality shows would be similar. Some folks just might be sweeter than others.

[Jill, OK]

...true confessions, I'll admit that I like shows better where the folks exhibit more 'good, bad, and ugly' behavior, but it's not because I think it's more 'real'; it's because it makes *me* feel a little less alone, in *my* 'good, bad, and ugly' behavior, lol.

But I also like to see someone living a style that's different, occasionally. Maybe to be challenged, or maybe just to compare.

(I like the 'good, bad, and ugly' shows in greater doses, though. :o)

[Amy in Orlando]

...true confessions, I'll admit that I like shows better where the folks exhibit more 'good, bad, and ugly' behavior, but it's not because I think it's more 'real'; it's because it makes *me* feel a little less alone, in *my* 'good, bad, and ugly' behavior, lol.

But I also like to see someone living a style that's different, occasionally. Maybe to be challenged, or maybe just to compare.

(I like the 'good, bad, and ugly' shows in greater doses, though. :o)

I'm with you, Jill. I'd never seen Jon & Kate until the past week or so when we've all be miserably sick. I LOVE to watch tv until all hours when I'm sick. She's mean, for sure. But they seem like they work it out in the end. I've watched the Duggar's too. I couldn't even play-act to be that gentle and kind and I'm fairly certain my kids couldn't do it either. I guess I take comfort in the fact that we're somewhere in the middle of these two families.

Honestly, though, I cannot imagine having a film crew in my house for a few hours much less day after day. I guess I would if it paid the bills, though. Maybe. I dunno.

[StaceyinLA]

There are times when I think she's a bit overboard (VERY OCD), and certainly I think the kids are extremely demanding (yes, the one whiny twin is aggravating, and the little ones are just so LOUD!!!) I love that they have the relationship they have and don't pretend to be something they aren't just because they are being filmed. I'm sure there are times when she watches film that she cringes at how she sounds, but hey, I'd probably be like that too (and am many days)!! I just like seeing how large families do things - it's fun to me. My kids aren't little anymore either so I guess watching it for me is a different situation than those who listen to little ones all day.

As far as comparing Michelle Duggar, I think the difference with the Duggars is that we only see what they WANT us to see, truly. I mean the cameras aren't literally following them every step of the day. They can pick and choose the good, bad and ugly and I think they leave out any bad and ugly. Jon and Kate just lay it all out there for us to love or leave!

If you really want to know who I love to watch shows about, it's the original Dilley sextuplets. THAT is a set of parents I have the UTMOST respect for. They have raised their 6 BY THEMSELVES since the day they came home. The mother is organized and truly seems to love and enjoy her children. There is reasonable discipline going on, and the parents are just very in touch with the kids' lives. I remember them talking about not having help at all with the babies/toddlers and saying that they knew they would have to be held accountable for the influences their children had, so they wanted to be the only influences (not exact wording, but it was quite impressive anyway).

I am always frustrated by the fact that people have multiples and so many people come in and out of their lives helping to feed, diaper, and care for them. I know it's a tough job, but I just can't see handing over the care of ANY of my little ones to others (and I have a friend with quads who was the same way and they have done a GREAT job with theirs). I just have a TON of respect for the Dilleys because of the job they seem to have done with their children. I hope they have another "update" soon.

[Amy in Orlando]

Stacey - I agree with you about the Dilley's. They are awesome. I remember I had a friend who had kids my ages (a 2 year old and a set of new twins) when the Dilley's first came into the news. She and I were on the phone the night 20/20 or some such show showed the dad just dumping the snacks onto the carpet for the babies and the two of us cheered. It was so REAL.

I will say having a 14-month old and newborn twins was an EXTREME challenge for us - physically, financially and mentally. We did it, but it was a rough, rough, rough year. I cannot imagine coping with more than that on a day-to-day basis without some form of regular help for at least a year - and the Dilley's had that.

[Jenstet]

I have a hard time watching the Duggars too. She is just a little creepy to me.

Have you ever watched "Kids By the Dozen"? LOVE that show. Each show is about different families that have 12 or more kids. There was a family from Massachusetts that I liked.

[lynn]

The one thing about the duggars, I don't know could be good or bad. I don't see her interacting much with the kids. She goes into the kitchen and the older girls are working, getting their "buddy's" dinner, sitting them down, getting them dressed. Now I understand why their home is run on the buddy system but I may have missed something because I don't remember seeing her interact or take care of the children except for babies. She appears to have the role of headmaster or something like that.

[Kari C in SC]

I watch the show weekly. I admit in the beginning I thought she was a little harsh on Jon. But, I think if you watch the whole situation, remember there is tons of editing and then as another poster said watch their interviews about the day you see they truly love each other. I do not think they are exploiting their children. They seem well adjusted and happy. They are a good solid family and I will watch the show as long as it is on.

JMHO,
Alison

I totally agree with this. I first started watching awhile back. In the beginning, I HATED how she talked to her dh. I just couldn't believe it. Over time, I came to realize that is "their relationship" and they do seem fine with it. The other thing I realized is that I have JUST ONE three year old. He makes me nuts on the best of days. I cannot imagine or even fathom having 6 of them. Seriously, I have no idea how she does it. I would be a crabby, whining wreck too. Heck, now that I think of it, sometimes I am a crabby, whining wreck with just my kids! LOL! I think she seems to deal with what God has given her the best way she knows how. If she were relaxed, her house was a mess, her kids ate all processed foods, her dh ordered HER around - people would be criticizing her for that. She really can never win everyone's approval. Nobody can. As far as exploiting the children, I think they seem to have a good balance. I have no idea what I would do in her situation, so I can't really judge what she does.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I figure Kate is trying her best, just like I am. She's quick to admit where she falls short, nurtures the kids with good food and large doses of understanding and kindness, and I'll bet she's a kickass nurse. I'm just glad nobody is watching me like that.

I can't watch the show on a regular basis, though.

[Riverfront Headmistress]

I figure Kate is trying her best, just like I am. She's quick to admit where she falls short, nurtures the kids with good food and large doses of understanding and kindness, and I'll bet she's a kickass nurse. I'm just glad nobody is watching me like that.


I think this is a fair assesment of her. Jon and Kate is a favorite in our home - in fact, I see alot of myself in her (and Jon in my husband). They are so young with so much responsiblity - honestly, who am I to judge how much money they are earning per show...they need it!

[Just Me]

My dd and I love to watch Jon and Kate, as well as the Duggars. I always feel really bad for J and K, because it seems that there is not much extended family involvement in their lives. Even in the Christmas and Birthday shows, there are no Grandparents. So, I get the feeling that they don't have family support, but a lot of friends who do help out. I really think that Kate feels that she needs to "prove" herself in some way - we can take 8 children to Disney World, we can Christmas shop with all of our children in tow, we can shop for furniture with all 8 kids...etc.

All in all, I do respect her, although I wish she were nicer to Jon. :D

[GothicGyrl]

The one thing about the duggars, I don't know could be good or bad. I don't see her interacting much with the kids. She goes into the kitchen and the older girls are working, getting their "buddy's" dinner, sitting them down, getting them dressed. Now I understand why their home is run on the buddy system but I may have missed something because I don't remember seeing her interact or take care of the children except for babies. She appears to have the role of headmaster or something like that.

This is the one thing that bugs me. Right here. Let me add the clarifier/qualifier/addendum that I KNOW these shows are heavily edited and I KNOW full well that this is their lifestyles/beliefs and NOT mine. I KNOW THIS.

But she just seems disconnected somehow. I understand 17 kids is hard (heck, as we've said, even our own two are hard) but she just does not seem "part of" the family--like a headmistress almost, as Lynn said.

I'm going to be flat out honest with you and just state that I don't like the fact that they have 17 kids. HOWEVER, they do have all they have with zero welfare, everything is paid for and no debt--so I cannot say anything bad about them other than "I don't like the 17 kids part". Believe me, I have defended them on many different messages boards more than I have chastised them. I just think 17 is too much for any one women to birthe.

BUT...that said--the whole reason I brought her up was just show the difference in her attitude and Kate's. Michelle Duggar is really real, but she's just not REAL. That one episode of the kid melting down and then getting over it quickly--I saw that. And it is isn't "normal" (at least not to me). Even *I* don't get over a meltdown that quickly.

The buddy system in their house works, which is a good thing. But I can't help but feel sorry for the girls for being what does truly come across as "primary caretakers" of the kids and I can't help but feel some pity towards Michelle because all it seems like she does is smile sweetly and birth babies.

This is just me. It doesn't mean I don't like big families, it doesn't mean I don't like (g)you who might have a big family--it just means because they put themselves out in front for others to see, it makes me feel squicky. I'm glad they started airing that show about larger families and started showing families other than the Duggars because we were kind of getting saturated with them and at least those other families appear "real".

kwim?

[JESSICAinMD]

I'll be the voice of decent. I love that show. I think they are a real family, and I totally get them. I don't think they're exploiting their kids and I don't think she's awful.
I like the show too. They seem like real people with flaws. I don't think that they act fake for the camera.

[Kelli in TN]

The one thing about the duggars, I don't know could be good or bad. I don't see her interacting much with the kids. She goes into the kitchen and the older girls are working, getting their "buddy's" dinner, sitting them down, getting them dressed. Now I understand why their home is run on the buddy system but I may have missed something because I don't remember seeing her interact or take care of the children except for babies. She appears to have the role of headmaster or something like that.

I am so glad to hear someone else say this. As a mom who expects a lot of help from the oldest I have at home, I still think the Duggars are just over the top. My 17 year old is extremely helpful and often helps with meals and siblings and housecleaning, but that girl deserves to be a normal teen too. I work hard to protect her from being "junior mommy" and make sure she has her own life and interests.

Even though I secretely want to forbid her to have her own life and instead live with me forever as my personal asst. ;)

It just seems like those Duggar kids have no life of their own. Everybody ought to have the chance to be their own person.

(And surely we can be modest and dress according to our convictions and still be somewhat stylish, but I digress)

[Mrs Mungo]

I enjoy the show. I think they have a quirky relationship and she wears the pants as far as the kids are concerned however I am reminded of my own grandparents and their "bickery" realtionship. (is that a word?bickery) She has a high octane life with those young children but manages to keep things in check. I think the sweetest moments are when they are talking about their day, you really can see the love they have for each other. Jon has such a sarcastic and dry sense of humor, I love him. Real people with a crazy life doing the best they can. I DIG IT!

I agree with this. I have to admit....one of my best friends is almost *exactly* like the mom on the show. It's hilarious how similar they are. They are just high maintenance women. You'd have to know my friend and her equally sarcastic husband to see why it worksthe way it does.

I agree with lynn about the Duggars.

I also agree with Jenstet about that Kids by the Dozen show. I love that show, it's really interesting seeing how *different* all of the families really are.

[StaceyinLA]

Though I have NO issue with large families, I really think it is unfair to have a family that large and have everyone else doing all the work. It's nice to train our kids up with responsibility, but really, are they the ones making the choice to reproduce here?

The saddest part to me is the one, poor girl who has to do all the laundry!! That is NOT a single person job.

I can't help but wonder how many of them will go on to have large families of their own.

There are certainly lots of pros to having a house full of kids (lots of love, lots of activity, never a dull moment, lots of hugs, kisses, cuddling, etc. and a wonderful legacy are just some I can think of), but I really hate to see the moms just basically being baby machines and not interacting with their children on any type of normal level.

Do we possibly think she is breastfeeding those kids for any length of time? She has them awfully close together to be doing any exclusive breastfeeding. No really my business, but I was just pondering that...

[StaceyinLA]

they definitely stated that they never had help when they brought their kids home; that they have done it alone from day 1. I know it was mentioned above that they did for a year, but that is not what they said on the last show of theirs I watched.

[Mrs Mungo]

Do we possibly think she is breastfeeding those kids for any length of time? She has them awfully close together to be doing any exclusive breastfeeding. No really my business, but I was just pondering that...

I'm pretty sure she has stated that she weans the babies at 6 months to a bottle so she can get pregnant again. Which...doesn't seem like following God's plan to *me*.

[StaceyinLA]

I'm not condemning those who choose to bottle-feed (though I will ALWAYS be a bf proponent, and certainly feel it is what God intended), but I think someone who is claiming to allow the Lord to give them as many babies as He chooses, but, at the same time intentionally not doing what God intended in caring for the ones she has, doesn't seem very right to me.

I love early toddlerhood so much that I wouldn't want mine to be that close if I could help it. I remember when I got pg with #3 and #2 was only 11 months old. I cried and cried. I wasn't ready for #2 to NOT be the baby...

[Kelli in TN]

I'm pretty sure she has stated that she weans the babies at 6 months to a bottle so she can get pregnant again. Which...doesn't seem like following God's plan to *me*.


No way!! Seriously? No way!! That is crazy. She said that?

Gosh, nursing is the fun part! Pregnancy is the not fun part. I stretched nursing out as long as I had a willing nursling!!

[Kelli in TN]

I love early toddlerhood so much that I wouldn't want mine to be that close if I could help it. I remember when I got pg with #3 and #2 was only 11 months old. I cried and cried. I wasn't ready for #2 to NOT be the baby...

My last two are 22 months apart and I had the same reaction when I found out I was expecting.

And my doctor was not thrilled that I refused to wean the current baby while carrying the coming baby. I weaned her about midway through the pregnancy.

[Mrs Mungo]

My last two are 22 months apart and I had the same reaction when I found out I was expecting.

And my doctor was not thrilled that I refused to wean the current baby while carrying the coming baby. I weaned her about midway through the pregnancy.

I was nursing the elder when I got pregnant with both of my younger two. I was so concerned about weaning the third since the older two basically weaned when my body switched back to producing colostrum. However, one night when he was getting ready to nurse he said "yuck" and never looked back. LOL

[StaceyinLA]

It was pretty much the same with mine as I had a serious drop in production around the 4th-5th months of pg. So, sadly dd#2 weaned around 15 months. It didn't seem to bother her much, but it did me!

DD#3 was right at 2 years old when my milk supply really dropped during my 4th pg. She weaned and started sucking her thumb (she had never sucked it or a pacifier or anything before that).

I hoped to nurse baby 4 for a while since I knew he'd be the last. He weaned himself around 16-17 months. I didn't really see it coming, but I sure missed it when it was gone...

I think that's the one thing I REALLY miss about having babies. Oh I'd love to experience the whole homebirth thing again cuz it was so awesome, but it's the nursing that was really special. I wanted to adopt and relactate so badly, but, alas, it doesn't look like that will ever happen.

[M&M]

I saw her comment somewhere that she has an early return of fertility while nursing.

[Mom2jnb]

It says in the beginning of the show that she had infertility issues and they had to have fertility treatments for both pregnancies.

They were trying for just ONE more when she got pg with the 6.

Alison

[Tammyla]

I don't get much screen time in, but think the kids are cuties. :eek:

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

It says in the beginning of the show that she had infertility issues and they had to have fertility treatments for both pregnancies.

They were trying for just ONE more when she got pg with the 6.

Alison

Alison, the conversation has veered from Kate's situation to the Duggars'. :)

[Diane]

I agree that Kate isn't the sweetest with her words sometimes, but you can tell she loves Jon...I personally REALLY like the show. She is totally hands on. To me, she is a normal Mom with flaws like we all have.
I have gotten many meal tips, etc...from her and I only have two. :)

[Mom2jnb]

Alison, the conversation has veered from Kate's situation to the Duggars'. :)


OOOOPPPSS that is what I get for trying to do 10 things at once. :)

Sorry about that...
Alison

[M&M]

The one thing about the duggars, I don't know could be good or bad. I don't see her interacting much with the kids. She goes into the kitchen and the older girls are working, getting their "buddy's" dinner, sitting them down, getting them dressed. Now I understand why their home is run on the buddy system but I may have missed something because I don't remember seeing her interact or take care of the children except for babies. She appears to have the role of headmaster or something like that.


Unlike some of the other specials mentioned, I understand that Discovery only films a few days with the Duggars. It really isn't filmed as a day in the life/reality type show. You really see very little interaction with the family as the narrator takes you through the show.

I have 5 dc and I have them pair up to tie shoes, hold hands when we are out, hlep with chores etc. I still interact with my children. I would give Michelle Duggar a little more slack as we really don't know what the dynamic in thier house is really like.

[mommybee]

I have 5 dc and I have them pair up to tie shoes, hold hands when we are out, hlep with chores etc. I still interact with my children. I would give Michelle Duggar a little more slack as we really don't know what the dynamic in thier house is really like.

Well you have 5 and she has 17! So I don't really see those as alike at all. I can see the necessity in pairing up and helping out. My oldest does breakfast every morning for the little one and does a lot of other things to help me out, but I guess I just can't see how she has time to spend with all of them. I only have three and can't get it all done. That seems to me like the older children would have more than the normal work load for a family member.

[Scarlett]

Wow. Didn't read the whole thread, but the first page was mostly full of people saying that Kate annoys them. :( I have watched this show occassionally, and watched 2 episodes last night with ds8. I love it. And the funny thing is it was JON that annoyed me at first. I thought he had a very sarcastic and condescending tone toward Kate. Now that I've watched more episodes, I feel they are just a real family. I loved the scene last night when Kate was fixing the hair of the 3 yo girls who was being a little spacey acting. Kate just stopped and stared at her and said, 'who are you?' The kids clearly LOVE both their parents.

I think they are real. And I don't think the kids are being exploited. I imagine they are a spectacle every where they go anyway. Why not make a little money while you go on with your life.

[rockermom]

but I bet she picks out his clothes, LOL. ;)

Oddly enough, I did see an episode where she admitted he has to go shopping with her to pick out her clothes because she has no fashion sense.

I like the show. They seem to represent a real family faced with real everyday issues of being a family. We don't always treat each other with respect and we're not perfect spouses/parents.

....well, except for me (sarcasm, don't attack me!!!)

I wouldn't want to be in their shoes as far as the multiples.

[Kim in Appalachia]

I think the show is well done. It shows a real family dealing with an "unreal" or "unnatural" situation. Women don't naturally have 6 kids at one time! It is hard, and I find it facinating how they cope. I also think that it will be a neat thing for the kids when they are olde. They can watch it and see all their parents went through for them. I don't think the show is done in a way the "exploits" the kids.

Of course, I don't always like how the mom, or even the dad responds, but it is real. No family is perfect, and they are not pretending to be. I can't imagine having a camara on our family, showing the world our every weakness or shortcoming.

Ii haven't seen every episode, but I watch it when it happens to be on and I'm grading school work. It beats the other stuff on TV.

Kim

[Stacy in NJ]

I like the show, too.

[Darcy from LWM3B]

I think those who only watch 5 min or even just 1 episode aren't giving Jon or Kate a fair chance. They adore each other. She may not be the sweetest-tongued girl on the block but she loves those kids, she's wild about Jon. Jon isn't treated like a dog, and they (on numerous occasions) have addressed their criticisms about the way they communicate - quick and to the point, a little abrupt, often loud - as a response to the stress level.

Gracious I had 1 preemie and only 3 kids. She had 6 very premature babies, and toddlers at the same. I can't even imagine how they manage. She is actually better about feeding her 8 than I am with my 3. She doesn't cut corners just because there are so many of them. I admire that... I am guilty of using the drive-thru as an easy way out more often than I'd like.

I can't watch the Duggars for the reasons already mentioned. She may actually be that Stepford-ish in real life, but it just seems so contrived for TV. It doesn't seem real at all. She reminds me of the way one behaves in front of ones' grandparents, or church elders... or a TV camera. ;)

I love Jon and Kate for all their perfectly lovable imperfections...

[*anj*]

I like the show and like seeing a real mom not an icky, syrupy sweet, robotic family :)

I'm watching it for the first time right now. I do hear a little bit of bickering, but nothing over the top. Yeah, they kind of sound like us: a little overwhelmed, a little sarcastic, a little edgy. And not perfect, nor are the children. I feel more "at home" watching them!

[AmyinPA]

I'll be the voice of decent. I love that show. I think they are a real family, and I totally get them. I don't think they're exploiting their kids and I don't think she's awful.

I find the mom and dad really playful in their treatment of each other. The mom slaps the dad but from what I can tell it's totally in jest. Gosh, I punch my dh all the time for fun (trust me, it's for fun, I couldn't hurt the big guy if I tried). I think the mom definitely has the stronger personality but then again, she's managing a lot at home so maybe she has to.

Anyway, I'm pretty sensitive to wives respecting their husbands, and I really didn't find her disrespectful at all.

BTW, I've only watched it three or four times. But on a whole, the family seems to really love each other.

[pmegan]

I watched the show for the first time last night, and I have to say I was really disappointed. All I've heard about this show is what a shrew she is, how mean she is to her husband, how mean she is to her kids, etc. But I thought that she was very funny! A bit acerbic, absolutely... but the husband gave as good as he got!

And it was never NASTY: it was just the sort of real "I love you and you love me, which means we can say what we really think and don't have to sugarcoat it" that a lot of couples have in the privacy of their own home. I saw the Valentine's Day one and the clothes shopping one, and thought they both seemed like people I could really hang out with.

And the kids are soooo cute. While the jury is still out on how much fun it is to parent sextuplets 24/7, imagine how much fun it must be for those kids to live in a ready-made daycare center full of playmates!

[Julie in CA]

I hate watching it! I just felt horrible watching the episode where the sil gave the little kids gum, and then Kate told her little guy she was throwing away his bear "lovey" because he got gum on it. I'd like to think that I wouldn't crush my 2yo over a childish mistake, and I was really annoyed by the way she called the sil and chewed her out about giving the kids gum. I'm thinkin' she's pretty lucky anyone is actually willing to babysit such a large crew!

I also admit to finding one of the older girls just absolutely...(I don't think I can put what I'm thinking...)
Maybe some professional help would be in order, because the self-centered-ness seems pretty extreme. Whether or not the cause is a lack of attention from the parents or not, the world does not need another person with that particular personality. While I've heard J & K mention that they realize there's a problem, I've never actually seen or heard them address the behavior in any substantive way. If there's work being done on that situation that is not shown on the show, I'm glad, but maybe it would be in the best interests of that particular child's character to not have the family intruded on with tv cameras.

-Just my .02...

[5webblets]

I too enjoy this show... but my husband can not bear to have it on if he's within 50 feet of the t.v.... Kate drives him nuts!
I don't agree with everything they do, but hey... I bet she wouldn't agree with all I do either!
Lindsay

[Momto5]

OK, I don't have a working TV so I went online to watch some of the show. What I found disturbing was the obsession of some of the people on the web with those kids! There are videos for some of the kids where people have cut and pasted parts of the show together and put them to music. There is also a lot of labeling of the kids by these internet people such as "She's the rebel" "She's the princess" etc.

Perhaps its harmless but some of it was creepy. Now - mind you - I'm not accusing the parents of anything negative and I don't know how much it costs to raise those kids so they are doing a TV show but - I hope that as soon as they are financially stable, they quit and that the benefits will be worth the costs.

Just my 2 cents.

[EKS]

I really can't stand that show. Some of the others about large families are good, but that one drives me nuts.

[muffinmom]

that Kate and Jon seem to be nicer to each other the last few episodes? I watch very on and off and just caught a few recent episodes. Both seemed to be less tired and crabby and much kinder to each other than they once were. It showed in their eyes...and their tone.

Maybe they got counseling. Or some sleep.:)

[Melinda in VT]

that Kate and Jon seem to be nicer to each other the last few episodes? I watch very on and off and just caught a few recent episodes. Both seemed to be less tired and crabby and much kinder to each other than they once were. It showed in their eyes...and their tone.

Maybe they got counseling. Or some sleep.:)

Or the sextuplets have turned three and life is getting a bit easier. :D

It was when our twins turned three that DH finally stopped saying, "Do you think we could put one of them back in for a year or two?"

[lv2sing]

Who are these folks? I have never seen the Duggars either, except in the newspaper.

Ronda

[Ishki]

I cannot stomach this show although I haven't watched it for some time. I thought the wife was very rude towards her husband; it didn't appear to be 'in jest' to me. Plus she constantly complained about her kids. I feel sorry for the children. I would be so hurt to think that my mother complained and whined about me with her friends, let alone on television.

But then I can't stand those nanny shows either. Not that I don't children need discipline; just that even children have a right to privacy and to be disciplined in private.

Janet

[Mandy in TN]

On Mondays I would do art work with 4 groups of kids (over 60 kids total) and then come home and watch Jon and Kate. It always helped me unwind.

I like Kate and I like the little, loud fit-pitching twin. In order to have a functional relationship some men need to be married to women who tell them exactly what is wrong exactly when it happens otherwise they just won't notice.

This year my 14yo ds and I talked about what he wanted in a wife. He knows how to clean. He doesn't like food. He said that he needs a wife who understands that he is clueless and lets him know what's up. My son has zero empathy. You just have to tell him and don't beat around the bush. He doesn't like hint dropping. If a woman were to pout, cry or hint drop that something was wrong, this would irritate my ds much more than a woman who just told him to grab a child and help at the exact moment that she needed the help.

I have often thought that Jon is like my 14yo. If Kate didn't get in his face and tell him what's happening, he may never notice. When the little foot-stomping twin comes on the screen, I smile and think alright here is my dil.

Mandy

[skissugar]

i think she is just straight forward. she has said many times with 8 kids she doesnt have time to be cutsey and skirt around things. She has to get to the point, even if that means being loud and scowly sometimes. They were on a local morning show today of ours and it was brought up about her being mean towards him and him always looking mad in the series. He said hes not, its just the facial expression he has. And they may seem like they bicker alot but the cameras are in their home 3-4 days a week and they really do edit out alot. both them were kidding around how they only argue every other second and they make sure that the non argue seconds dont hit the air lol.. I think because they are doing the show and the show gets edited so much, you really only see what will "sell" the show. With j&k +8 it is the bickering.. with the duggars its the "niceness" It is all the way tlc wants you to view them. I think they are doing the best they can with kids the ages they have. We could sit here and nitpick them all day long, but really we are not in their shoes.. unless you have the same number and ages of kids she has. And for her comments on her kids, i really feel it is all in the editing. She loves her kids more than anything else in the world, she is probably just so tired and stressed most of the time that things come out of her mouth.. im sorry if any of you feel it wrong to complain about your kids... cause i do not find it normal if you dont complain lol.. I complain at least once a day about something with my kids.. but always change my mind a few minutes later lol.

[Miss Peregrine]

I'm sorry but that hair transplant episode was just...:ack2:

Embrace your inner baldness and just shave it for pete's sake!

[newbie]

My favorite show.

Jet

[Trivium Academy]

I think they are an ordinary family with extraordinary circumstances. I watch it but it's not a "I can't miss" show.

[Heather in NC]

That show bugs me.