Duggar Family!?!?

They wind up having at least 20-22 kids before she hits menopause! They are just nuts. And they are in this little world all of their own, it is really creepy I think. They are all homeschooled too - do those kids socialize with anyone besides their own siblings? Of course, Discovery Health and TLC just love to play up the Duggars and now keep showing other families just like that on "Kids by the Dozen". Some people thinks the Gosselins are nuts having 8 kids (though it was really only 2 pregnancies), but these people just keep having more and more. Their monthly grocery bill is probably more than my mortgage!!

There is more to be concerned about then whether this family is financially independent. I don't know if there's any research for this, but I can only imagine that the dynamic created in an 18 person household is not entirely conducive to the proper emotional growth and for the health and well-being of the children. I grew up with 2 siblings in a single-parent household and remember what it was like fighting over our mother's attention. Imagine having to fight 17 siblings! I just can't imagine that a family style such as this is not damaging to the developing psyche of these children, especially the younger ones (the youngest born is 9 months, the oldest being 20 years).

I saw it too and thought they were absolutely crazy. It doesn't even seem to phase the kids anymore, she's just always pregnant. The woman has to be a saint since she is with these kids all day, every day homeschooling, etc. I have to give her credit, but think they're a bit off their rockers. Also, 200 loads of wash a month! I hope they don't have a water bill.

When people say, "We're going to let the Lord decide how many we have", I just shake my head. I had neighbors who were struggling financially so much, she had dark circles and bags under her eyes, and yet this was her philosophy in life also. I just don't get it. If you can't afford them financially, you're not going to make matters better if you keep having kids.

The Duggar's have extremely well behaved children, so they are doing things right, and when you listen to the Mother talk, she is so peaceful, and talks in a whisper. I need some advice from this woman! Again, she's a saint, but I think they're crazy for having so many.

I agree. I have 4 children ages 6, 4, 3, and 1 and I am done. Even with only 4 I feel I cannot spend enough time with each child as personal, alone one-on-one time, there is no way she can feel close to each of her children. I don't know how working mothers do it either, hats off to moms who can work and give their children lots of attention! And after 4 children I can tell you my body would not withstand that many pregancies, I had problems (TMI here) last time after delivery with parts falling out of my body! I have to admit though, my grandmother was the oldest of 14 children, but her parents were Polish immigrants and that was just the way it was 80-100 years ago. I say if you want that many children that is fine, but don't put them on display. At least they are self sufficient, meaning not a drain on society.

yes i think it's crazy too. i don't know what they are trying to prove but i think it is unfair to the other kids more ways than one.. they seem very well behaved (I'm sure there are melt downs) but i didn't see joys of happiness when they told the others that baby #18 is on it's way. Did you see some of their faces. Even mom was a little shy telling them I know she wasn't sure of the reaction from them. They ask some of the kids if they were happy & some said shocked,some said surprised. I guess mom & dad don't care what the children think they just have to live it. I'm sure by the time the kids get out on their own they won't want to get married & have kids they'll have enough of raising their brothers & sisters. I think these people are very selfish & don't consider the kids at all.

The Duggars do not believe in birth control and believe they should have as many children as "God gives them". Personally, they seem like a nice family but the kids are a bit drone-like and their individuality has to be stifled by the size of their family. It's a free country, and as long as they can afford the kids, I guess go ahead. I think they keep having children though because of the media attention. I am sorry, you don't deserve a TV show because you either took too many fertility drugs (Jon & Kate plus 8--a really annoying show) or because you simply don't believe in birth control. They are getting a lot of attention because of their lifestyle.

Since they are putting themselves out there on tv, I think the public has a right to print our opinions. My own opinion: That mother is a total AW~ attention %hore. There is NO way to have enough hours in the day to give those kids individual attention from the parents and especially the mother. It's so sad and pathetic.yeah, blah blah blah the kids are well mannered and clean and they can afford them but for arguements sake, let's forget about all the other issues and just focus on TIME alone and do the math...If each kid gets 30 minutes of individual attention from the mom, there goes 9 hours from her day. Attending to their basic needs would take a great deal of their daily time (sleep,home schoolings, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and just grooming.) Therefore, it is not humanly possible for this mother to give each young child enough direct hands on contact FROM HER NOT HER ELDER DAUGHTERS throughout the day. I really think the parents need serious counseling. Yes, I get the notion that families work togther as a team but making your oldest children act as full time parents is ridiculous. If that was acceptable we would not have child labor laws in this country.

I am not opposed to large familes and realize we all have the freedom to do what we want, but people defending them crack me up, let's be real.. 18 is so excessive!!!

I do enjoy the show Jon and Kate plus 8 and on many episodes Kate is very candid about the struggles of giving just 8 kids individual attention.

I find the publicity they are getting appalling. I also think this need they have to procreate may be some form of mental illness.

I just cannot believe the press these people are getting. What would happen to this world if more people were as irresponsible and had this many children?

That's funny, what a coincidence. I was just watching on tv last night about another family who has 13 kids, and I got thinking about the Duggars. I was gonna check their website today and see if they've been expecting any new additions to their family. I guess now I know! Thanks for the update. Yes, to me it's nuts, but they seem to have a very good hold on things. And once you already have 17, what's one more?! lol

Im really not surprised. She isnt going to stop popping out the babies until menopause stops in. Which I believe is selfish. The older kids are taking care of the little kids! How is that parenting at all? 18 is just too much. We already have an overpopulated world with tons of trash and waste. Why make it that much more difficult?