16 kids and wanting more!!!

**Karen** · 10-14-2005, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by ILoveReptiles

Actually, it's both.

I admit I was a bit rude, but this just hit a nerve. It's something I'm very passionate about.

I apologize for offending anyone.

It's okay, apology accepted. Just remember next time that it is better to express yourself calmly and civilly when posting on Pet Talk.

**Logan** · 10-14-2005, 04:54 PM

Whew! I'm so slow in my response that I was in General and my post ended up in the Dog House!!!!

I watched the CNN video, twice, to make sure I was making a proper point.

I know that having 3 kids is expensive. Would LOVE to know what this man does for a living to afford 16! They're doing something right, for sure. One thing I remember from the Today Show this morning is that their grocery bill is in excess of $2000 per month!

This post should not be hostile. It is one family's choice, their decision, and it's making the news because it is interesting news. I like it when special interest news stories like this one hit the airwaves to balance all the other negative stuff that we endure when we watch the news.

I am a Fox News person and watch Fox and Friends in the morning, when I'm getting ready for work. E. D. Hill has 8 kids......is she wrong? I don't think so. I wouldn't want to walk in her shoes, but good for her!

I feel the same way about the Duggan family. Good for them! Those children will grow up to be responsible, good adults if what we're hearing is correct.

Logan (who thinks she is "done" with this discussion)

**Edwina's Secretary** · 10-14-2005, 05:19 PM

I do quibble with the "we don't pay for them." We do. Higher medical insurance premiums....they pay the same family rate as a family with one child - just for an example. "No man is an island" and we support each other...through taxes, insurance, etc in many, many ways!

That said...it is their business. I just feel sorry for the children and cannot find it admirable.

**DJFyrewolf36** · 10-14-2005, 06:09 PM

It mentioned something in the article about the father being in Real Estate so I doubt money is an issue.

I can't judge or say if the kids are happy or not. It seems like it from thier photos though.

Has any of the programs about them interviewed the older kids? I wonder what they have to say.

I wouldn't want 16 kids, but if they are all happy, well adjusted and well cared for I can't see why people need to judge them.

**lizbud** · 10-14-2005, 07:15 PM

I wonder how much money it would cost to send 16 children to college?

**DJFyrewolf36** · 10-14-2005, 07:29 PM

For the 2004/2005 academic year, the average annual cost of a four-year public college is $14,640 and the average annual cost of a four-year private college is $30,295. (Source: The College Board's Trends in College Pricing Report 2004.) The total figures include five expense items: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses

Well, using those numbers as an average, not counting for inflation...

Public College: $234,320
Private College: $484,720

Thats quite a bit of money!

**Scooby4** · 10-14-2005, 07:47 PM

The couple with 16 kids are NOT on welfare. Although some tax dollars may have went towards them considering that the guy was a Senator Representative in his state.

He's going to run again this year after losing last years election. So is it better to have paid the guy's salary with our tax dollars to represent the people of his state instead of supporting him with the welfare dollars of the state?

Remember that 2 of them are sets of twins. One fraternal and one identical. That accounts for 4 of the children there alone. The couple also did not start having children until 4 years into their marriage!

Then they had children about every 2 years between. The usual number people suggest separating children's births.
They have been working on building their 7000 square foot home for 2 years now. The bedrooms are going to be "dormitory" style. So the bedrooms are going to be shared. None of the children are "special needs" and are all healthy. Their living conditions and education is better than what most children receive. They are learning to work together and take care of one another which is what any body could ask of their children.

I personally wouldn't want that many kids but I don't say that someone shouldn't. This isn't a case of having children for the sake of having children or getting a bigger welfare check. This is a situation where there is a loving home environment and each birth is treated like a miracle and blessing. I am almost jealous.

Besides the woman who had the most children had 53 children!!! She lives in South America and is soo dazed that she no longer recognizes most of the kids! She's had several sets of twins and triplets which accounts for the large number. I think she's only given birth 25 times in all.

So 16 isn't so bad after all!!!

**Logan** · 10-14-2005, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by lizbud

I wonder how much money it would cost to send 16 children to college?

A LOT! For sure, Liz, but as many financial consultants will tell you these days, we need to put more responsibility on the child to earn their college education rather than providing it anyway.......I think there is a happy medium in there, somewhere. Just my 2 cents.

**lizbud** · 10-15-2005, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Logan

A LOT! For sure, Liz, but as many financial consultants will tell you these days, we need to put more responsibility on the child to earn their college education rather than providing it anyway.......I think there is a happy medium in there, somewhere. Just my 2 cents.

I'm sure there is a happy medium somewhere Logan.

Maybe I'm old school,
but I've always thought parents should be thinking & saving for college when
the children are still in diapers.I've always been willing to help with at least the first year or two. Those first years are sometimes the hardest for young
people to adjust to new places, setting good study habits, etc.