17 Kids!!!

[Catty1]

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.

[elizabethann]

And I thought 7 kids was allot! I couldn't imagine having to share the bathroom with 10 more!

[Sevaede]

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

[pitc9]

Half an hour after their last one was born they were talking about having another one.

I don't get it and never will.
I know that they make all their own clothes too.

[critter crazy]

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!!!

[Donnaj4962]

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. 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!

[petslover]

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.

[sparks19]

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.

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.

[Catty1]

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!

[Edwina's Secretary]

......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.

[lizbud]

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?

[dukedogsmom]

My grandmum had 11 kids, and I always thought that was a big family..

And she did it on her own, which is to really be admired. Not depending on news and tv programs to support the family.

I really don't think it's anything to be proud (or praised ) about.It's a
tremendous responsibilty & then their's the Mother's health to consider.

Can you imagine getting 17 kids really for College?

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.

[Pam]

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.

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. 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).

[jackie]

Are they part of a religious group?

[dukedogsmom]

Are they part of a religious group?

Oh, don't yu know it? Quiverfull. Now why am I not surprised?
http://www.quiverfull.com/articles.php/id20/