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.