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I was just watching the Today show and this family has an colossal 17 kids!:eek: They ranged from 9 weeks to 19 years old. And you should have seen their pantry! Its an grocery store! When they are at the real grocery store, it takes 7 carts to fill up their pantry. And their mom home - schools all of them! Everyone should have saw it, it was amazing.
Is that the one where they built their own home? If it is, that means they had another kid since building the house. :eek: There was a special on the TLC Network showing them building the house. All the kids helped actually build the house.
All the children's names start with the letter J as well.
I find nothing admirable in what this couple has done. On the contrary.
Where the heck does the money come from? I saw the show when they had "only" 16 kids. I just did NOT get it.
Yes, i believe that was it but they had them visit Today in NYC. And the house was completely built.Quote:
Originally Posted by Taz_Zoee
Amen, Edwina! I don't understand the fascination/worship of people like this. What's so admirable about people who refuse to use birth control? As pointed out in another forum, if they want so many kids, why not adopt some instead of contributing to overpopulation? And don't even get me started on home skooling. That makes them even more unrespectable. Poor older kids proabably babysit in their spare time. As for money, why it comes from TLC, of course.Quote:
Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary
I know one family with three kids who are home-schooled; thank goodness both parents are educated and disciplined - the kids are great.
But too often, you can tell the HS kids by their lack of discipline. Sad.
And I thought 7 kids was allot! I couldn't imagine having to share the bathroom with 10 more! :eek:
The Duggar family. They have had several specials on television. Their first one was filmed when they were having their 14th, I believe. They could not support all their children (and everything that entailed!) so either by TLC and/or the community the couple got a new house complete with all the stops.
Here is a link to the online version of the story, with a clip.
Duggar
Half an hour after their last one was born they were talking about having another one. :eek:
I don't get it and never will.
I know that they make all their own clothes too.
I cant even begin to understand why people will have so many kids. Heck i stopped after one! I am broke constantly cause of my son, medical, dental, vision, clothes, sprts,food ect.... I cant even imagine how much money it costs to raise 17!!! Phhhhttttt.....no thanks!!!
I understand what some of you are saying, about their bringing more kids into the world while others are waiting for adoption. However, I have to say, I do admire them in that their kids are all very well behaved. The older ones act as a "buddy" for a younger one. (Each "pair" is an older child with a younger child".) While that may seem like babysitting to some, I see it as a form of teaching each child respect and cooperation and responsibility.
From the specials that I have seen, they do not have a lot of toys/gadgets that most children have. To quote the Dad in one of the specials.... "They buy used and save the difference." And, according to him, they always pay cash for everything. HOWEVER, I have NO idea how he can make enough money to feed and clothe that entire family. :rolleyes: :eek: So I am certain that TLC has helped them immensely. It took them many years to build their current house since they paid cash AND built it themselves. However, there was a special on TLC of them finishing their house and suddenly there was all new furnishings and I am certain that was all a gift from TLC and their sponsors!
As you can tell, I have mixed emotions about this family. On one hand, I admire them for their organization skills and their parenting. On the other hand, I keep thinking, "enough is enough" already! :eek:
I have been keeping up with this family's story for awhile. I find it amazing that their kids are all so well behaved. Heck, I see people with one child that runs and screams everywhere. I just don't know how they do it with 17.
I wouldn't want 17 kids, but more power to them.
They seem like a happy family too.
:eek: Better them than me!!
As long as they are all happy, its cool by me. Like my mum told me: "If only we were that organized!"
Its their life, and if this is how they want to live it, more power to them! :)
My grandmum had 11 kids, and I always thought that was a big family..
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catty1
I agree.... there are plenty of really good homeschooling programs out there to help get parents started and I know many homeschooling families and those children aren't "missing out" on anything and they aren't poorly socialized like some people assume homeschooled children are. I will be sure not to come and post here if we decide to homeschool.
As for 17 kids.... YIKES. Not for me lol. We would prefer two maybe even three children but we will see how this delivery goes before I commit to THAT LOL.
I just think it is admirable that with all the parents out there that can't keep one child under control and teach them respect that this family has managed to have 17 respectful well raised children.
Sparks - I think more and more people are deciding to homeschool, with increasing drugs and violence in the public system.
I think if it were better funded, standards could be formalized a bit more.
If you do decide to homeschool, it would be fascinating to learn about it along with you! :)
......even if I thought they could support all these children without ANY assistance (which I don't believe for one minute) imagine what it would to this planet if everyone had 17 children and each of those children has 17 children and each of those children and so on and so on.
The same as cats and dogs who are allowed to breed too much.
I really don't think it's anything to be proud (or praised ) about.It's a
tremendous responsibilty & then there's the Mother's health to consider.
Can you imagine getting 17 kids really for College? :eek:
And she did it on her own, which is to really be admired. Not depending on news and tv programs to support the family.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chilli
Someone else will more than likely foot the bill for that, too. I guess she's just going to keep breeding until her body gives out on her. Then she'll have all those kids to take care of her. As for all the kids, she's not thinking of anything else except what she wants. Who cares how many thousands of Pampers, etc go to the landfills. I read that the count was 90,000. It's all about her. It disgusts me. And there's no way she can be schooling them all properly. There's just not enough time in the day.Quote:
Originally Posted by lizbud
I do think overpopulation is a problem.
I also think that people should be able to do whatever they want to do with their own lives, as long as it harms no one else AND they can pay for it themselves.
So, I suppose, as long as they are not asking for hand-outs or getting welfare, it's no one else's business but theirs. It would REALLY irk me if WE were supporting seventeen kids with our tax dollars.
I, like others mentioned, simply do not understand why the public is so fascinated with stories like this. If they want to have litters of offspring, so be it, but let us not glorify the choice.
17 kids... They have a few more to go to catch up to my high school French teacher. OMG, where do they all come from? Yikes. :rolleyes:
I went to school with one of the guy's sons. Nice enough kid... strange family.
I'm not even going to get on my soapbox.
What is the problem with them having such a big family? It's their choice, and all the children look very well-cared for and happy. I see nothing wrong with that.
They don't need admiration, quite, they could easily opt not to broadcast their family life. But the fact is it makes good television and people, being inquisitive in nature, are always going to be intrigued by such stories. I don't find them particularly fascinating, but I find how each sibling helps each other out in education and housework very endearing. How many families do you know of with one, two or three kids who are as well-behaved and organised as the Duggars? I am certain my brother and I have, and will never, work together as dilligently and as maturely as those kids!
It may seem very odd to see such large families now, but remember that in our grandparents generation, the majority of families had well over 5 kids, many into double figures. True, perhaps not all survived childhood, but my grandmother can recall her uncle being from a family of 16, and her friends coming from families of 10+. The world is over-populated, yes, but I doubt that their example is really going to catch on in the developed world. http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif
Agreed Sparks. I am not their judge and neither is anyone else. Last I checked we had freedom to do as we please here in this country and that includes having large families if we want. Personally it would not be for me. :eek: I feel it is much the same with people who have multitudes of pets. In both cases surely there isn't much *one on one* time with either the kids or pets in such situations. I would rather watch a program such as this than some of the shows which almost glorify dysfunctional families (druggies and the like...not mentioning any names here... cough cough).Quote:
Originally Posted by sparks19
Are they part of a religious group?
Oh, don't yu know it? Quiverfull. Now why am I not surprised?Quote:
Originally Posted by jackie
http://www.quiverfull.com/articles.php/id20/ :rolleyes:
My grandmother had 14 kids but 2 died at birth but she suported them all on her own and it was always the children come first she would do whatever she had to do for them.
Justin
I know a bunch of people who were homeschooled, and who had a hard time getting the hang of the Code of the Playground (might makes right, lying's cool if you don't get caught, ridicule the one the others ridicule or you get ridiculed yourself, etc.) because they were raised with stuff like the Golden Rule instead. One thing they've all told me is that summer activities, like sports or drama, and Scouts/Guides were integral to their development, because they could find "translator" buddies who could help them avoid the worst abuse and come through with integrity.
It's true that homeschooling is becoming more popular among those who are afraid to send their kids to public schools because of drugs and violence, but can't afford private school. Because of that, there are lots of parents' groups, online and local, springing up where homeschooling parents can share ideas and resources and moral support.
But it's also compounding the ghettoization of public school unleashed (at least here in the USA) by the No Child Left Behind legislation, and concentrating the low-income kids with health and social challenges in schools that burn through teachers like matches, moreso because it's young, inexperienced teachers who have to prove themselves in the trenches before they can get a job in a safer school where they can teach instead of just put out fires. Few make it that far before deciding to switch careers.
So, I guess, homeschooling's a good option if you can manage it, but make sure the kids get to play with hard-knocks kids too... and that, if they want to be teachers, that they put in boatloads of volunteer hours in a nice PRIVATE school so they'll have an in when they graduate! :(
Except get married and/or raise a family if you are gay.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pam
If this family would be black or hispanic...would it make as good a television show? Or would the response be..."why do those people breed so?" I hear that about families a lot smaller than 17!
Once upon a time large families were important. You had high infant mortality, needed more hands for the farm, needed the kids to support you in your old age.
Now a family this big is a drain on the planet and society.
And I am free to find it disgusting! :) :rolleyes: ;)
The truthfulness of that made me LOL! I could just picture someone tut tut tutting about "the immigrants who pump out babies to get more welfare".Quote:
Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary
I don't see why anyone has a problem with them having 17 children. I watched their video interviews, and honestly, I feel they are a beautiful family, with well-behaved, and very responsible children. If they're happy with it, and are taking care of their children, well, then what's your problem??? The parents taking care of that many children, the kids working together as a team...running such a large household successfully, I do think that's admirable.
Besides, no one has the right to condemn a husband and wife for having as many children as they want. Most people want 2 or 3 or 4, and that's perfectly fine, but if someone wants 10 or 12 or 20, if they're responsible and take care of them, and all of those children are well-fed, cared for, loved, then it really is no one's business to condemn them. Did they tell you to have 17 kids? No. Are they your 'kids'? No. Then really, what is everyone's problem?
And Catty, about homeschooled kids lacking discipline, you are completely wrong. In fact, it is usually the other way around, though I do not like to generalize and know there are good and bad kids both in public school, and 'home school'. My brother and I were homeschooled for the majority of our school years, and I grew up knowing many homeschooled kids. We used to go on field trips together, had picnics together, did projects together, and to be honest, it was truly a wonderful experience. I wouldn't trade my past for a chance to attend public school for those years for a million dollars. I had my parents' love at home. I got daily trips to the park for play time and exercise. I got to learn 'fun' things along with school things. I got to socialize more with discipline kids, and never got teased or bullied. Most of all, I developed a really close bond with my family, that is still there with me today. Again, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Would I homeschool my kids? I don't know. It all depends on the situation when I have kids, but I truly admire and appreciate the time and effort my parents took to do it for me, and I appreciate it even more today, after growing up.
Hi, PCB - I was speaking mostly about the public's perception, and said it the wrong way.
I worked in a store a few years ago, and this man and his son left after coming in for a while.
My boss's mom (family business) asked me if I knew how to tell kids were home-schooled. I said how?
She said they were undisciplined.
Over the years, I came to know this family, and their adopted son was ADHD. After every natural method in the world, and biofeedback, they finally tried Ritalin. It worked like a charm! And he never was homeschooled.
However - with what my boss's mom said, obviously homeschooling doesn't have a good reputation "out there". I hope that has changed over the past few years.
I disagree PCB. I feel I have the right. I am a citizen of planet earth. That gives me the right to condemn them (not forbid them...)Quote:
Originally Posted by popcornbird
We are seeing more and more each day how limited are the resources of this planet.
I see nothing admirable in over-breeding...dogs, cats or people.
"The Duggars do annoy me more than other quiver full families. Probably because they are pimping their lifestyle on TV for money and publicity. It bugs me. I admit it fully. Especially when you throw in their tax-exempt status. (I really do need to start worshiping Mighty Mouse and form my own home-based church so I too, can enjoy this little benefit) It just sickens me. They pimp themselves to a world that they don’t even approve of. How much more hypocritical can someone get?
I don’t have a problem with the stereotypical gender roles that they adhere to.** I don’t even have a problem with the Little House on the Prairie wardrobe. I have a problem with a group of hypocrites who are pimping themselves on national TV…not only for the money because it is individual people’s choice to watch the show or not, and if people don’t want to watch, then they wouldn’t be on, but also the whole political aspirations of Jim Bob being furthered by this. So, it’s okay to appeal to the outside world of which they don’t approve, as long as it furthers their crazy aspirations? Either stick to the lifestyle and live it, or admit that they are a bunch of hypocrites. Other quiver full families don’t attempt to mainstream themselves. They know it’s their personal choice, don’t seek public approval, and just continue on.
And I really have a problem with children raising children and taking care of the household, while mom sits on her tush cranking out the next one. I get no impression that Michelle is a hands on mother after those children hit 3mos. old. Once they hit that age she hands them off and starts working on the next one. It’s sick. The human body wasn’t made to handle it either. She’ll be dead by the time she’s 50, and her uterus will be gone long before then. It isn’t healthy, nor something to aspire to."
Taken from here: http://www.cynical-c.com/?p=7433
The point I was making about homeschooling is the mother doesn't do most of it. It's done by one of the siblings. I can't find the article I read earlier but it was quoting Jim Bob about their daily schedule. I pity these kids when they do get old enough to have to go out into the real world (if they're lucky enough to escape.
http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics...wp/duggar2.jpg
Living there would be like being stuck in vacation bible school. They haven't even been given the chance to be their own persons and have their own views of the world. They're all doomed to live the horrible life their great parents have decided for them.
Yeah, they're debt free. That's because of all the handouts. Yeah, it's their business how many kids they want to have. But don't expect TV shows, etc, to pay for them and companies to give them free things. My problem with all this, besides the earth situation, is that they are exploiting themselves to and for the public. That's why I picked that post out. Pretty much sums it up for me.
**I do have a problem with the females roles, though.
Amazing to read all the posts on this family. I don't understand why anyone would have a problem with a couple having 17 or more children. It wasn't that long ago that our grandparents were doing the same thing.
I don't understand all the anger. It really is none of anybody's business but their own how they live their lives. They aren't hurting anyone, the children all look healthy, well fed, clean and very polite and respecful. Also very well behaved which is a rarity these days. Being home schooled isn't new, it's been around for years. If I were raising my kids in today's world, I too would home school them.
The family reminds me of "The Sound of Music". I wouldn't want 17 children myelf, but to whoever can handle it, more power to them. To say they are damaging and polluting the world or the earth is ridiculous. The family probably recycles more than your average family who throw pop cans and empty snack packs all over. They don't own dogs that poop all over while owners walk away and leave the mess there. They don't throw coffee cups and water bottles all over the earth like most people do. And you can be sure they don't pollute with cigarettes or liquor bottles.
I don't think they are exploiting the tv and radio shows,it would be the other way around. If something sells, the tv companies want it and are willing to pay for it. The newspapers all want the rights to the story and are willing to pay for it. If the family can make money by agreeing to do shows and interviews I see no harm in it.
I'VE BEEN BOO'D :cool:
Guess the 90,000 diapers used don't have anything to do with pollution, then.Quote:
Originally Posted by mike001
Quality of life issues aside, intentionally having 17 kids is irresponsible, given what we know scientifically about human overloading of the planet. But if their religion forbids them to heed scientific evidence, there's not a whole lot anybody can say, so long as they're actually footing the bill for their huge brood (even if it's just by fleecing parishioners, because even that is a sorta-kinda free will... well, maybe...)
Love, Columbine
Does anyone know without a doubt that they are using disposable diapers?
Maybe it has nothing to do with religion, maybe it has to do with love for children.
If we bring religion into it, the Bible states God's own words: Go forth and multiply.
I would hate to put my nose in anybody's business or their bedrooms.
If having so many children is so wrong, why is it right for every Tom, Dick and Harry to breed litter after litter? Dogs and cats take up space, eat, poop, make noise and take up space. We wouldn't chase all dogs and cats off the planet would we?
It's not.Quote:
Originally Posted by mike001
No, we'd take as many of them as we could to the vet and get them spayed/neutered. And if enough of us did it, pretty soon every kitten or puppy would live with people who could take good care of them, maybe even take them to obedience school.Quote:
We wouldn't chase all dogs and cats off the planet would we?
Love, Columbine
Sara you can't be serious. First of all gays get married all the time in this country and are raising families every day. I fail to see any connection, however, with the topic posted.Quote:
Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary
Regarding the drain on society, it appears from the article posted by Dukedogsmom that the father is handling things quite well on his own with no help from the government or TLC as others thought.
Of course you are free to be disgusted but I don't imagine the Duggers care one little bit.
I am not condoning pumping out a child every year. I find it hard to believe that anyone would want to do that. I do, however, have a problem with others who think they have the right to judge others who might want to. How is it harming you and why do you care? :confused: :rolleyes: