People question Duggar family’s choice in having so many children
January 3rd, 2010 - 11:30 pm ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt ( 96 comments )
Arkansas, Jan 3 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Duggar family which stars in popular TLC program “18 Kids and Counting”, welcomed their 19th child last year. Their daughter was born around 3 months premature and is nestled in the Intensive Care Unit since her birth. She is said to be in a stable condition though. To spend the festive season, the whole Duggar clan shifted to Arkansas, so that they could be near to the newest member of the Duggar clan. Now with their 19th child in place the name of the program would have had to be changed to “19 Kids and Counting”.
However people who watch the show and even those who don’t are questioning the wisdom behind having so many children. Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar head the Duggar clan. Even though both of them became grandparents last year, still they are having babies, all the same. They had welcomed their very first grandchild named Mackynzie Renee Duggar in October last year into their huge family. She weighed 8 pounds and is 19 1/2 inches in height.
Mackynzie Renee Duggar is the daughter of Josh Duggar, the eldest of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s 18 children and his wife Anna, who got married on Sept. 26, 2008, at the Buford Grove Baptist Church in Hilliard, Fla., after meeting at a home-schoolers’ conference in 2006. Even after becoming grandparents Michelle Duggar went ahead and gave birth to her own daughter.
It has been debated non-stop on the Internet whether Michelle Duggar is a good parent or she just likes having children all the time. Numerous people have spoken against Michelle for the decision of the Duggar clan to have more and more babies. They feel that babies need care and constant on hard supervision along with love of the parents. And with such a huge brood, the love and the care is sure going to be shared.
- First Duggar grandchild makes a grand entry - Oct 10, 2009
- Jim and Michelle Duggar welcome their first grandchild - Oct 12, 2009
- Duggar family welcome their first grand-child - Oct 09, 2009
- Duggar Family Welcomes The First Grandchild Of The Lot - Oct 10, 2009
- Duggar Family Expecting Another Baby in 2011 - Nov 11, 2010
- Duggar baby no. 19 Josie Brooklyn is under constant surveillance - Dec 22, 2009
- Duggar Family all set to welcome another baby in 2011 - Nov 11, 2010
- Duggar boys save a little girl's life - Feb 04, 2010
- Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar: '19th Duggar baby doing well' - Jan 29, 2010
- US 'supermom' gives birth to 19th child - Dec 12, 2009
- Baby Josie Duggar From '19 Kids & Counting' Finally Goes Home! - Jun 30, 2010
- Duggar Baby No.19 Spends Christmas With Her Family - Dec 27, 2009
- Two Sons Of Duggar Family Attempt To Save A 6-Year-Old - Feb 04, 2010
- 19th Duggar kid - Josie Duggar healthy enough to go home - Apr 07, 2010
- Duggar Family Welcomes Child No.19 - Jun 30, 2010
Tags: brood, duggar family, festive season, grandparents, having babies, having children, home schoolers, intensive care unit, jim bob and michelle duggar, jim bob duggar, love, parents, program 18, renee, stable condition, supervision, tlc program, wisdom
January 4th, 2010 at 1:25 am
We need to stop giving crazy people TV shows- it just encourages them!
January 4th, 2010 at 2:47 am
I wish people would STOP questioning the Duggars on their number or children. My grandparents were NOT crazy but had 17 children. My Dad was the 17th. If they had birth control, I would not have been here. I have contributed to America and the world. My son is in the military and serves this great nation. My grandfather’s parents had 23. They provided Doctors, lawyers, and some politicians. Thank you to all of you that think all big families are living off welfare. We did not, and neither do the Duggar family. My family worked hard farming, and feeding the rest of you…
January 4th, 2010 at 3:57 am
There’s money in more kids and TLC and the Duggars know it. What a story line this makes. Every tabloid and magazine will pay big bucks for the first picture of little Josie. I do not have a problem with large families, to the contrary my mother came from a very large family. However, when multiple pregnancies endanger the life of the mother and/or baby then enough is enough. A baby needs the love and attention of both parents…..not the “buddy system” that this couple has put into place. This pregnancy is a wake-up call for these people….they have 19 lives that they are responsible for and there is no way that they can give each child the attention and love that they need. Michelle even alluded to this on one of the shows…..hence the buddy system……I think their nuts……but that’s JMHO
January 4th, 2010 at 6:18 am
I’m sure that when the Duggars started having kids 20+ years ago this TLC show was the objective. Every pregnancy has its risks whether its the first or the last, and I’ve heard nothing that says her multiple pregnancies are the reason for the premature birth. I’m a parent and my love for my children is not finite. The implication that because there are so many children it limits the love and attention the parents can give is silly. I’ve watched the show and the interaction between parents and children and between the siblings. I’m convinced that these children are being raised to be responsible, productive members of their community. They aren’t the spoiled, self-centered children that I’m so sick of seeing glorified every time I turn around in my community or glorified on television or in magazines. The Duggars are doing a fine job raising their children and could teach us a thing or two.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Please stop talking badly about this family. They are kind hearted people. Yes they have 19 children and I am sure at her age will be her last. They trust in a higher power as I do and that is Jesus Christ. Let them raise their family they have never asked for help….maybe we can learn how they trust God for everything in their life. I was the youngest of 5 and my older sibilings took care of me so how is that different than their older children helping to care for the younger ones. I pray Daily for the Duggars especially Josie and that what the world needs to do and stop anolizing this family they are a Godly family and they are doing God’s work.
January 4th, 2010 at 8:05 am
The Duggar’s are excellent parents, raising children who are respectful, well behaved and intelligent. And most of all it is very evident that they love each and everyone of their children. These are the type of people that should be having children. It is easy to comment on the internet about how another family chooses to live. It’s another thing to prove your qualified to make such judgements. Are they living the way that I would like to live? Would I want to try to raise 19 kids? No way I would loose my mind. But, when looking at the character, respecfullness and the decisions their kids make and the success of their oldest is having in his young adult life, I can only hope to do as well with the fraction of kids that make up my family. I am ashamed of how people are acting and treating people that they don’t even know and would like to ask simply “If this is your example of character, how are your children going to fair as adults?” Such criticisms should be kept to yourself.
January 4th, 2010 at 9:12 am
The buddy system worked for my grandparents too. My Dad’s older sisters and brothers helped to care for the younger brothers and sisters. Actually, they had 17 children and none were felons… They learned to share and care for one another. Juanita mentioned that when multiple pregnancies endanger the life of the mother or baby, well in case you didn’t notice this wasn’t a multiple pregnancy. She didn’t have 8 children or 2, she gave birth to one. Each one and each pregnancy are different. I have none and with the first pregnancy I had toxemia. I had problems in which the Doctor at the time told me if I were planning a large family, I might want to rethink. God blessed me with another boy 3 years later, then after 2 micarriages and fertility surgeries, I had another boy. I had another miscarriage and have another now. The Duggar family are blessed. I have a cousin that had two preemies, one about 16 weeks early and he is doing good, the other about 7 weeks early and she is doing good. We trust in God, we get what we get and we have faith the He will take care of us and our children. Their children seem to be well behaved, not problemed or scared by having so many siblings, most of these families share, make great spouses because they can deal with other people and become great people in society. So, I do not think we should question their choice. It is their choice. Should they question our choices on how many children to have? Of course not. Most of their 19 are not multiples… After working in labor and delivery, I am amazed at how many people still get on and say they had multiples. They have 2 sets of multiples. This was a single birth… not a multiple one… They have many children, but a multiple birth is one in which more than one child is being born during one pregnancy, like the Octo-mom or Kate having 2 sets of multiples (one set twins and one set of 6)….
January 4th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Juanita said this pregnancy is a wake up call. Just because Michelle Duggar has had 19 children. What do you say to the lady that has her first and it is 16 weeks early? This is just something that happened. I too had gallstones during my last pregnancy. I too had pre-eclampsia. My baby was only 5 weeks early… Now, this did not have anything to do with how many children I’d had, or if I should have had children. It is what it is. I took care of myself, it happened. Would I have done it again, sure. God took care of him, and me… All we have is prayer and faith. That is what we need to be reaching out to the Duggar family with. Not placing blame on a parent because they have been richly blessed with children. They take care of their children, love their children, do not abuse their children and raise their children in the way of God. Seems to me they are handling their family better than some with small families….. God Bless and pray for the baby and mommy…
January 4th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Anyone who has anything negative to say needs to stay away from me. the duggars are truly the real thing. they have the true faith that we all should have. Whatever you all say still makes me say that most of you don’t understand the true meaning of family. Family sticks together no matter what happens. And they pull fo the underdog
January 4th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
To those of you who question the Duggar’s parenting skills obviously haven’t watched the show. Those kids are all well behaved, happy and smart! I don’t know if there is anything those kids don’t know how to do. When things start getting really bad in the world, I’ll be trying to be close to them.
January 4th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
LEAVE THE DUGGARS ALONE! If you know WHO they ARE then you wouldnt question shit. At least they can aford and love thier children. At least thier children are well mannerd, respectful, smart, and have strong faith! Unlike half these bulshiters who talk crap about them!
January 5th, 2010 at 3:12 am
“Numerous people have spoken against Michelle for the decision of the Duggar clan to have more and more babies”
Who’s decision is it for her to have babies? OURS??? I don’t think so!!!
It’s her life, she can have as many as she wants.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:54 am
I admire just about everything about these parents and the family.
January 6th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
im tired of so and so had 17 kids I come from a two siblibng family and we were well behaved. My first pet peeve,What worked 100 years ago doesnt mean it works today. No one talks about the negatives of this smany kids. A dead mother is of no value
‘God’ also gave you a brain to use. Wake up in 21st century America. Does 19 kid smake you a better ? NO Many of us cant have kids or dont want them but are looked down on and judged just as harshly.aarin, may, Maybe the world will leave them alone when the Duggars and ultra Christian stop judging everyone else who lives diffrently.They are no more qualified ot judge me. This isnt Christianity to me and presenting a dangerous idea to the modern youth.
May,Joanna,Paula how do we know if the kids are well behaved all the time. We only see a small part of their lives on TV. Google Gothard and Fundamentalist. You will see why they behave. Bad behacvior happens in all walks of life. Dont Think for a minute kids of so called Christian fmailies are prfect all the time.
January 6th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
And I agree Shirley if you have nothing to positive to say about how I live my life then stay away from me. Im almost 40 and no kids It works two ways.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:39 am
There is no way that these children are being raised solely by the parents, rather the older children are likely doing a lot of the parenting. It’s not uncommon but it is certainly not fair to those kids. They aren’t the ones who chose to get pregant.
In any case, each pregnancy is risky, anything after pregnancy number four is getting riskier and riskier. The human body is not meant to have so many pregnancy. Having so many babies is certainly hurting Michelle but in the end, it is her and Jim Bob’s choice when they stop having children. I just hope Josie pulls through and that Michelle doesn’t die in child birth the next time. No one is capable of being a good single parent to so many small children, too much would fall through the cracks.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:09 am
I agree A Roddy and Shirl about positive things to say. First, I am grateful that there are those that do have large families. I, too, came from a family of 2 siblings. We are great people. However, my grandparents had 17. and R Thompson, the responsibility placed on older children to help with the younger ones build character. The older children usually are well disciplined, they learn to take care of not just themselves but others. Isn’t that what life is about? We have so many children that are selfish, they are 20 and 30 and can’t take care of themselves much less take care of another. I have a 34, 31, 20 and 3 year old. My older two helped take care of the 20 year old when he was small. They were 14 and 11. I ran them around to baseball games, football games, helped with school projects, and they aren’t suppose to help me with the little one? Well, if they wanted to get things they wanted, then we have to be family. Families are to help each other. My aunt had a large family and she is passed away, her children are in their 60’s and 70’s. To this day, if one needs help, they ALL pull together to help the one that needs. If we had this in small and large families, we’d have a great world. My grandmother didn’t pass away from having children. Most of the family have lived till their 90’s. I personally feel that the right to have 20 or the decision to have 1 or 2 rests in the couple that is raising them. We should not be so judgemental about those having or not having until we have been in their home or walked in their shoes. Michelle often says that THEY believe a certain way, and never has said that everyone should do this. They are blessed and they are doing a great job. God bless them. God Bless those that can’t have children and want them. God Bless those that don’t want children. and after working in labor and delivery, and working several years in the school system, God bless those that teach their children responsibility. God Bless the children that become responsible because it isn’t easy to teach when they have their own tv, their own rooms, their own cars at 16 etc…NOT impossible but more difficult. Because I am positive about the Duggar Family does NOT mean I am not positive for the small family. Both can be great…
January 7th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Yes, it’s their right to reproduce but you have to look at the larger picture. Let’s compare the Duggar family carbon footprint to mine own. I have one child. They have 19. Think of the impact that has on our planet!!!
I don’t think it’s fair to make older kids take care of younger ones all the time. How much quality time does each child get with Mom and Dad? God gave us brains to procreate with some common sense. All things in moderation. Instead of increasing their family naturally why not adopt? There are thousands of kids who would thrive with such a loving family. The Duggars are VERY selfish.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I commend the Duggars for being great parents. I used to work at DSS in the Food Stamp program and saw MANY single mothers with 8 or 9 kids by the time they were 24 or so. Nobody seems to complain about these welfare queens, but yet complain about good, honest, hard working folks having kids that they can afford. As far as I know, the Duggars are not on any type of welfare. We should be outraged at the welfare queens, not the Duggars. Praying for the Duggars and Little Josie. May God bless them.
January 7th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I think the Duggars are wonderful people. They are not “crazy”… just different than the main stream, and that’s a good thing. People don’t understand the dynamics of a large family. There’s no such thing as spreading the love too thin. The love grows along with the family. This is not some Octomom stuff. This is really how a healthy family functions. The older children learn so much from helping out with the younger siblings. The kids are well socialized, physically and mentally healthy and well balanced. Kids like this do not grow up to be self-serving people with unrealistic relationship expectations. So why do so many people have a problem with them? Because it gets under people’s skin that do not have the same beliefs as the Duggars do concerning family size and birth control. My family prays for the Duggars and encourages them. I am thankful that TLC gives them equal time on TV. It’s so nice to see family decency on the tube. It’s almost unheard of.
January 8th, 2010 at 1:55 am
I am amazed that folks would complain about the number of children the Duggars are raising the parenting methods they are using. Most folks don’t seem to have any problem placing their children in daycare for 8 to 12 hours per day. Who do you think is raising those day care kids? To say the Duggars did this to get on TV is crazy- they don’t even own one. The kids seem quite well adjusted to me.
January 8th, 2010 at 5:38 am
My view on this subject is she is now 43 years old imagine by the time Josie is 19 years of age she is probably going to ask her parents if and I mean a BIG if they are still around what were you thinking on having more and more children. My mother was in her 40s when I was born so was my dad he was almost 50 someone asked me if I would consider having another child now that I am in my 40’s my answer is a very profound NO because by the time that child would graduate from high school I would be in my 60s there is no way in heaven that would happen to me.
January 8th, 2010 at 8:54 am
I think the Duggar’s are amazing. If you have watched the show, you should see how well taken care and loved each and everyone of those children are. For the critical, how many of you sit your children in front of a computer or TV for hours a day? How many of you home school your children? Who leaves their children in daycare while you work outside the home,if you are married? Should everyone have this many children? No. How many of our children will be able to say, I was home schooled, did not watch TV, and helped my dad build the house we live in? Sounds like something these kids will never forget. Someone made a comment that the Duggar’s are having more children to get high ratings. How dumb! This family was about to have their 14th child when the show first began to air, so I highly doubt that is the reason they have so many children. Obviously they wanted many children with or without this inspiring show.
January 8th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Rainyalaska, I am wondering if your one child goes to daycare or ever has? Do you homeschool your child? If your child is/or was in daycare, you are allowing/ed someone else help you raise him or her. If you don’t/didn’t homeschool, you aren’t aware of what strangers are/were teaching your child. Just some things to think about.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
i love watching the duggar family on TLC. i appreciate their values. but i think they need to look at this things realistically. 20 kids is alot. i have high hopes for little josie. i wish her a complete recovery. i believe they need to draw the line somewhere. what if something were to happen to michelle. thats a trememdous responsiblity. its none of my business but i think they have enough children. let the grandchildren be the stars for a while.
January 9th, 2010 at 1:31 am
I love watching the Duggars. I think it’s great that they have such great morals and have high religious values. And the way I see it is that if they can afford them let them have however many kids they want. They are debt free and not on any goverment assistance.
The only issues i have with the duggars are that (from what i read) they dont teach their children about other religions, thus im not sure how their tolerance would me to someone like me (wiccan) And also that they do not date out of their race because they want to keep their blood line pure. I hope that what i read was completely wrong. Because if they so strongly believe that god picks your spouse for you… well what if he picks someone who is lets say latino, asian, black? And what would the parents do to a child that has decided that their religion is not right for them. Or even if a girl decides to wear (gasp) PANTS! One of the episodes the girl said we can wear pants if we want to. Then it cuts to the parents saying that “we as a family” chose their dress code. I would just be interested to know what would the duggar parents do if one of their children chose diffrent then the family.This is all based on what i have read on wikipedia.
Other then that I have no problems with the Duggars having so many children. I just question what if….
January 9th, 2010 at 3:38 am
This family of so many has one thing that many people who question them do not and that is an amazing family closeness and religious upbringing that has enabled them to function in a really amazing way. This is the way this family is meant to be and they do a wonderful job raising their children. We all can make decisions about how we want to raise our children. If you don’t agree with them then don’t follow in their path. Make a different example to those around you. I, for one, struggle with only three kids but greatly admire how good and happy all these kids seem to be. Would never be able to do what this couple has done but admire how they went about doing it.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:40 am
I am the sixth child of nine. My mom and dad wanted to have 12 kids but were blessed with only nine. Comming from a large family has alot of blessings and I support the Duggers and their valuse. Keep them comming Duggers. Baby Jossie and your family are in my prayers.
January 12th, 2010 at 8:01 am
I think it is wonderful that the Duggards have another baby sister. Who knows what God has planned for Josie and her brothers and sisters.Every child is precious in the eyes of the Lord. I give my Congratulations to the Duggard family from Victoria, Australia and will pray for them and little Josie.
January 15th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I think Jim Bob should get a vasectomy. I watched the show last night when they announced she was pregnant again. He said it happened on Father’s Day and what a great present that was. While he had that great big smile, Michelle didn’t look all that happy to me.
January 15th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Too many kids, is too many kids not matter how you count ‘em up.
If Michelle get’s pregnant again after this MAJOR complication with her own health and the health of her new baby; she needs to get psychiatriac care.
Enough said!
January 16th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I think that God has blessed them and that every life deserves a chance. Also,they support each other and ALL of those children are happy, intelligent and well behaved. They are not in debt as many of the rest of us with one or two children are either so what is the problem? As for any other comments, if you cannot be supportive then don’t watch the show and ignore them- what they do doesn’t impact your life at all.
God bless you Duggars! I use your recipes, make my own laundry soap and have learned many lessons about spending, saving and enjoying my own 4 blessings from God from all of you. Thank you.
January 16th, 2010 at 10:57 am
This family is not on welfare, so negativity is a sign of ignorance. Jim Bob CAN afford a large family,WITHOUT the TV show. These are two HIGHLY intelligent parents. They have been business entrepreneurs for twenty years. Because of their hard work and due diligence, today this family does not need to shop at a thrift store–it is by choice. Priority has a ladder. For all the haters, contact AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon et cetera and ask how much they pay the landowner to rent a plot of land for just one cell tower. You should be so lucky as to have 19 children.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Do NOt Let Those Who Live In Glass Houses Throw Stones.!!!!
Look at yourself and your faults and leave others alone.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
When a Mothers health deteriates//stop birthing.
Who will look after all the very small children.There are a significant amoount of little ones that need Michele. Not the siblings to raise them¬ a buddy system. Yes I am a christian,do U believe God would deliver Your baby ahead of time. My God is the same as yours and I do not believe that.It is a simple fact.God gave us brains,use them for your family.Not to have more of the same health problems/God Bless.
January 18th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
I think this constant bashing of them needs to stop. They are doing what God wanted them to do, and you guys are bashing them for it? Come on! That is ridiculous. How would you feel if you were in this situation and people were constantly second guessing you? You would feel like crap. The Duggars do not need your hateful comments. They need all the prayers and hope they can possibly get.
January 21st, 2010 at 2:45 am
Actually the duggars have a smaller carbon foot print than most even with there large numbers. They arn’t wasting they reuse thing like clothing they don’t buy new they buy used and they travel together most of the time as you see on their TV. Series. They are good Christian people who love everyone of their children. And its not the publics place to judge them. Their children are raised in a loving home full of stability which is more than I can say for many children today. The children are learning to serve others and no be all about me me me.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I would like to say to all those judgemental people out there…….the Duggar children can out spell any of you! So before you bash the Duggars, you might want to hit the Spell Check Button!!!!!
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Pat White……well your questioning god delivering a baby early? Wouldn’t you question it if he didn’t??? I forgot you would be saying god had a reason, yes he did and that’s why the baby came early. God Bless the Duggars!!!!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 10:56 am
I am the 6th of a family of 12.
Yes there are positive great things about a big family but there are positive things about moderate/small sized families too.
We were aloving family with 2 parents and SIblings who raised siblings or were raised by siblings.That is one of the problems I have.Way to much responsibility for the young ones to be parents.
We had a group mentality and if you wanted something the ‘group’ did not want you knew it.
If you are a quiet child that needs quiet….sorry the group likes noise. Your a big family.
My mom was catholic for 7 kids then had a nervous breakdown(7 kids in 8 years) When she told her priest she wanted to use birth control he told her God has opened her womb to have children for him?!? Thanks good ol God.. SHe left the church and slowed to 5 more kids in 10 years. We heard every comment under the sun about my parents sex lives…I did not get them all but now I do!
I learned what a tax deduction was when I was 12 years old…
SOmeone sent us a card for baby number 12…
“COngratulations on the production of your newest tax deduction”
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:56 pm
White people make up only 14% of the world poplulation. The world definitely needs more blue/green eyes people so let them have as many children as they can!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:41 am
I say we need just to pray for them and they decision they make. I know of a family that have many kids and yes the older ones help out but in many ways at times is that bad, so many times our kids are caught up in video and other stuff and have forgotten what family is, so it there kids act up what kids dont, but let encourage and if you dont like what they are doing pray that God will give them the answer cuz he can also be the one that stops them of being able to have more, I am not God and know many that do not stop, I had my 4th at age 39 and was really sick on IVs at home and all and knew I could not do it again plus had a husband that was not helpful like I needed so I feel God gives us brains and if I am wrong I have asked him for forgiveness. But lets be glad there is something positive on TV something with godly values and pray for them. God be with the Duggars and give them clear vision at what their life enstores. Amen
January 26th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I dont think they should have that many kids.It doesnt matter how well behaved they are.If she wanted to lay up there and have all those kids then she should care for them.Its not fair to make the older kids take care of the younger ones.And ok they may not be on public assistance TLC pays them very well i know around 70,000 per episode.They are boring and milking TLC.Michelle needs a hysterectomy shes pitiful its time to let Josh have kids.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
For you Julie you are racist go hang yourself Hitler is long gone.
January 26th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
great to see another side of america, far better than the usual spoiled plastic kids we see on barney etc. im one of nine and we adore each other and our parents. we have all grown up to be doctors,accountants,lawyers etc if people think we not entitled to tax benifits when we were young should we be exempt from paying tax now??? i pay over 50%.so many people i know whose parents spoiled them in small families couldn’t even be bothered visting their parents now. it seems to me muslims are very willing to have large families to fill up aging europe and america and fair play. p.s if your worried about overpopualation everybody is just as entiteled to be on this earth as the next so get rid of yourself first.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:11 am
ms lynn, TLC approached the Duggars to produce this show. TLC is well aware of what their budget is. If you think they’re boring then don’t watch the show. For those who are worried about “over population”, you need to realize that only about 10% of the planets livable space is occupied. That means approximately 90% of the earth’s livable land is available for human’s. I would be interested how many people who oppose Michelle & Jim Bob from having this many children call themselves “pro-choice”. For those who are in the group and criticizing the Duggars need to rethink the label and perhaps change it to what it really is pro-abortion.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:05 am
I think the Duggars have reached the limit on children. Having a large family is great. I came from 5, my husband from 8. We both had siblings in there teens when we were born. Neither of our parents thought about our older sibling being responsible for us. They had us, they raised us. Sure, helping out is one thing for the older siblings but being responsible for the child is another. Not being able to be a child or preteen because you are running after a sibling that is your “buddy” is unfair. Has anyone really ever asked, and I mean really asked, the children how they feel about it. From my seeing each time the Duggar parents tell the kids they are having a baby all the children get this blank “oh please not again” look on there face. Ok, so the Duggars are not on assistance. Good for them. Several large families aren’t on assistance. But those families are also doing it on there own without throwing there children in the spotlight of American TV. They are doing it without making several thousand per episode that shows on TV. I see nothing different about the Duggars than I do other large families. Why aren’t those large families on TV? To me, it’s because they aren’t a baby making factory. They have the right mind to say enough is enough. For everyone that says these children are well rounded, responsible etc children. Keep in mind people. You watch only 40 min of them on TV. That 40 min has been edited and edited to make you only see the glamour. To each their own. I’m just darn glad I’m not in the family, around the family, are one of the children in the family. God will love us all, and you don’t have to have 20+ kids to earn that love.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:08 am
My mother was the first of 9 kids. Her youngest sister is just 3 years older than me and my mom was 32 when i was born. It is God’s will how many children you will have. So for all the people out there that says they should not have anymore children should go and read the Bible. If you only have one or two children then God thought that you could only handle that many kids. We should all wish to have children and a spouse with the falues they have. God is always Right!!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 6:26 am
Kristin: Wouldn’t it be better to be “crazy” than an idiot. You wrote “We need to stop giving . . .” We denotes that you had a part in TLC’s decision. You had no part in the decision, therefore, you are an idiot because no thought was put into your comment. You write based on emotion and not intellect; hence, you are an idiot.
Juanita: Your response lacks substance and was not thought out. It was based on your immaturity. What about the first-time pregancy that threatens the mother’s life. I guess you would abort the child and save the mother’s life versus acted on an internal faith. When you state “Michelle even alluded to . . . ” why didn’t you back this up with fact. It was your opinion that this matter was alluded to not a fact. Regarding the buddy system, what authority do you base this on? There are many one-child families where that child would love attention from anyone, parent or sybling. Let’s put more thought into your comments in the future. You stated that you think they are nuts. Well, you are an idiot. You have proven that you do not have the capacity for deep thought and analyzation.
A.Roddy: You are a depressed, lonely fellow filled with hate. It is obvious based on every word you wrote. The issue is not what worked 100 years ago, nor a dead mother. A woman could die after delivering her first child. You say “God gave you a brain. Wake up in 21st Century.” A.Roddy, you should take your own advise and wake up and admit you are an extremely unhappy human being. When have the Duggars ever critized you? I don’t think you are that important to the Duggars. When have the Duggars ever criticized anyone? What exactly isn’t Christianity? How could presenting family bonding be a dangerous idea to the youth of today. Your comment “Don’t think for a minute kids of so-called Christian families are perfect all the time” radiates your hate, rage and hostility, and unhappiness. Most individuals with average intelligence realize that children will be children.
R.Thomson: You use the word parenting rather loosely. Who are you to say what is or is not fair for these children. Where do you get the idea that the human body is not meant to have so many pregancy. The issue that Michelle had with her 19th pregnancy could have occurred with her 1st pregnancy.
Ruthann: Just because you wouldn’t, who cares about what you would or wouldn’t do.
Linda: Perhaps you should have your fingers cut off, or your eye cut out, that way you wouldn’t be able to show the world how stupid you are. It is your opinion that she didn’t look happy.
Lynn Hollins: Michelle already has a psychiatrist. The great physician in the sky. God. Once again, the complication could have easily happened with her first pregnancy. Your right, you have said enough. Your stupidity has been noted.
Pat White: It is christians like you that give Christianity a bad name.
Anne: Being Catholic and being intimidated into having more children and not using birth control is different than being a Christian and choosing not to use birth control. I say your mother was ignorant in going to a mortal man (a priest) to make her decisions for her. Where in the 10 Commandments does God say birth control is a sin. Better yet, what particular bible verse forbids the use of birth control?
Ms Lynn: Thank you for sharing your opinion as to what is fair or not. It’s not fair that children are starving in Africa. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a buddy system for them. Also, you have no idea how much TLC pays them. That is none of your business. Just to prove your ignorance, the Duggars were able to financially afford each child before TLC. I won’t spell it out for you but will reiterate. This couple have been business entrepreneurs since the beginning of their marriage. The Duggars are renting land for three different cell towers to sit on their property. I know how much cell phone companies pay a landower? Do you? If you did, you would keep your negativity to yourself.
Sam: You are guilty of transference. You are imagining “oh please not again.” Thank you for expressing your jeaously. I am sure they are glad that you are not in there family. Oh, and thank you so much for informing the rest of us that we only see them for 40 minutes and that the film has been edited. I guess you are the only person that could possibly thought of that!
January 28th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Even though my mom was one of 9 children my mom and dad had 6 pregnacies but on 4 that she could care full term. they always said they would have as many as they could have but after me my mom could not have anymore. My oldest sister was 11 years older than me and was like a second mom to me when i was little. I had asthma real bad and i would sleep with her and when i was 18 months old my mom broke her leg playing softball and had a cast from her toe to her hip. my two oldest sister had to rotate staying home with me to help out. That is what a family does the older kids help make sure the younger kids get what they need and stay out of trouble. Since my dad never wanted my mom to work so she could be with us all the time my dad worked full time at one job and them both of them had a paperroute at night just so my mom would be with us all the time and they would have the money to raise us. People that live in glass house should not throw stones….
January 29th, 2010 at 3:50 am
Since the majority of people i know spend their time moaning about their 1 or 2 pregnancies, their terrible 1 or 2 labours, how much sleep they lose, the chore in being a parent they barely see their child because its in a creche,and then they dump it in every kids club they can at weekends and hoildays. This is what has happened to my generation. parents in the west see kids as a comodity like a new house or car and the overbearing expectations they put on their children are the leading cause of suicide in the young. This woman is a SAINT and if you have a problem with that, you can take it up with God.
January 29th, 2010 at 4:03 am
Your body tells you when to stop having children. This should be a clear sign that her body is starting to change. Thank god the baby is doing okay but struggling in NICU. Sometimes we need to stop and think is really worth it to take that chance and make our children suffer from our decisions. God has blessed you with many children. Please try and stop.
January 30th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Come on now, Lisa… Our body can have gall bladder issues and toxemia at any age and with any pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different… You can have one or twenty-one and have problems with a pregnancy, but she had problems with a gall bladder and then (which sometimes happens) had toxemia or pre-eclampsia. These are not uncommon with first babies either. It is not a given that when you have it, you will have it again… We need to watch and learn what their message is. They don’t tell you that you should have more, but their message to me is that they teach their children by example, they teach their children to be of service (which is what most colleges want in a young adult)by helping the parents. The older ones help, they are not the parent and do not take the place of the parent, but help mom. The boys help Dad… With all the chaotic mess in society with children killing children and young people killing their children, this teaches the children to be of service and their children are great kids… I am not saying small families can’t be good, they can, but why the judgements on a family that is working?
My grandmothers said that God will only give to you the children that you are suppose to have. One grandmother had the first one at about 17 and had them until her mid 40’s. She was born in 1888 and there were 17 children. My other grandmother was born in 1905, and was 30 when she had her first and only had 4 children. It is 2010 and my grandparents that were born in the 1800’s still have 3 living children. They had a little girl, the 15th child, had a health issue but they had another two after her. They have lived into their 90’s and have contributed to America with politicians, with military, with farming, and many things. Sometimes we need to look at more than just how many children someone has. This is their family and they are doing well. If only we all could do as well, turn the tv off, say no to so many video games, teach more values, and whether you have one or twenty-one, support the idea that it is good when we teach our children to be helpers… It doesn’t hurt them at all…
January 30th, 2010 at 2:41 am
i’m really getting sick of people equating breeding with loving Jesus/God!
i love people using historic examples-THE DUGGARS DON’T LIVE ON A FARM IN THE 1800′S. in the past children were needed to help on the farm AND mortality was high. this is 2010.
also it makes me angry that the older kids-mainly the girls-are raising their siblings. this way of life is nothing more than training them their only point in life is to be a wife, and teaches them to believe that they are only worth as many children as their girley parts will pop out.
“This is about faith” is a load of crap. this has NOTHING to do with trusting God.
January 30th, 2010 at 4:00 am
God Bless the Duggar Family. I admire their family and their ideals. They are a large family paying their own way and without debt… Whether you agree on the number of children or not, this isn’t a forum to make those with small families to feel badly, but to help smaller minds to understand there are many different kinds of families and it is okay to be different and okay to speak blessings over them and not judgemental… They are great people with great morals… Good kids…
January 30th, 2010 at 6:32 am
I can’t beleive people are encouaging this type of behavior. There people need councelling, birth control and different hobbies.
Outrageous beahvior from both of these people, they should be seriously disgusted with themselves.
It’s just sickining.
January 30th, 2010 at 6:35 am
By the way if they had an morals Wanda, they wouldn’t be all over the news like some circus act, no morals, no common sense and no class.
January 30th, 2010 at 7:14 am
I love to watch the Duggars too, and believe they are doing a great job raising their children. That does not mean I think they should continue risking Michelle’s health to produce more children. Also, they are not perfect none of us are and I am sure they make plenty of mistakes. What I really want to know is what are they going to do when their price for fame comes due. There is always a price for fame and the more individuals you produce the greater the chance is one of them might ebnd up being gay, live a worldly life, etc. Don’t say it can’t happen and they shouldn’t believe it can’t happen. As the saying goes there is always a price for fame.
January 30th, 2010 at 8:54 am
This is no different than Octomom except they say it is Gods wish. How much time can Mrs Dugger take care of one small child. After watching this show I began to feel a baby race with some of the large family friends. I guess it makes money and help pays for those first kiss marriages.
January 31st, 2010 at 4:11 am
my sister was 31 when she had her 3rd child. At the end of the pregnacy her gallbladder went back just like Michelle’s did. so it would not have mattered if it was her 3rd child or her 19th. If you listen to what the some of the older girls have decided to become midwifes so they are learning a trade.
January 31st, 2010 at 5:44 pm
First off with out TLC,duggar family would be nothing. second Wanda who is going to pay for this life style, you wave the flag for. not every family has TLC as income!
February 1st, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Wow Crystal you are certainly harsh on people. No one is entitled to their opinion.
While the Duggar family is entitled to their own decisions, I think it is ridiculous that they feel the need to have 20 children, and expect the other older children to look after the younger ones. That is pretty selfish actually, those older kids didn’t ask for that lifestyle, they were forced and brain-washed into it “its the right thing to do to be ‘barefoot and pregnant for God’
Sure they could afford a big family before TLC but come on you can’t honestly tell me that the nice income TLC is providing for them is fuelling them mating like rabbits?
Surely you can do Gods work elsewhere if it was that important to you…. hey there are kids in Haiti that need love and help, Africa needs clean water… Are all these children being brought into this world to go out and be missionaries, preachers, etc… or are these kids, which from what I see most are girls, being brought into this world to ge married and make babies?
God didn’t intend you to have kids to take care of your kids!!
Let your kids be kids!
Kids need responsibility but not the weight of running a whole household and raising children.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:22 pm
When do they have time to actually be parents, if they are so busy making children?
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:50 am
manhammer and Janine, TLC didn’t make them wealthy. Check out their family site. First off, they had most of their children prior to TLC and their program. Jim Bob was a politician in their state. They attend a Baptist church. They live what they believe… They are not in debt even before TLC… He is into real estate, and they built their own home… They purchase used and save the difference (thriftier than me and my small family), and he rents to businesses by renting the building they use. That is smart… Cell phone towers pay you to place a tower on your property if you have land. NO, you are all correct, the way most of us live, sub-divisions, in town developments, we couldn’t have that many children but in the open spaces, a large family can do well and they existed prior to TLC. I don’t know what being in a large family is because my Mom and Dad had only two children. I have a brother… My Dad was the 17th child in his family. I ask him what it was like… There was never a time to get depressed or to get bored. He always had someone to play with. Mama was there for all of them, but as with any other family, the one that needed her the most got her. The older sisters helped mama with the younger kids, the older boys helped dad with his farming and outdoor chores. He is 77 now. He misses many of his siblings but still has two sisters, aged 90 and 91. The ones in between them have passed but he isn’t alone. They all have stories to tell and they are not bad about their large family. They learned to use thei imagination and they were allowed to play outdoors. The Duggars’ kids are allowed to play in a yard. I had a great upbringing with my small family. I think we are happy with whatever size family that we have been blessed with when we are happy people and comfortable with ourselves and comfortable with those around us whether they have one or twenty-one. I feel that the Duggars are blessed and it is their choice on the number of children to have. Whether they have another one or not, that is their choice. It won’t be too many more years and she won’t be able to have another, and then people won’t be conversing over how many they should have, just amazed by anyone that had that many. Yes, I am amazed that my grandmother could mother that many and they all turned out great. No one was in jail, no one was illiterate, no one was lazy but all got up and worked hard. With that many kids, they did trust God to take care of them and the kids. Baby number 15, died of kidney disease when 3 years of age… The neighbor told my grandmother, “You will never get over this, and another won’t change that and can’t replace your baby, but another can fill that void”… So many of us would say with 14 other children, she shouldn’t have a void. She did and had two more little ones, two boys after her little girl passed. Those two boys grew into young men and the older one of the two joined the USArmy, and was in the battle at Kunuri and was Missing in Action and later died. Her baby boy was in the USAF, and he grew up to be a fine man. Some were farmers, some were politicians, some were POW’s to come home and live a great life. Some were nurses, some were mothers, but all were good people that mattered in this world. When I hear so many of you speak against having so many children, I ask, “why, are they so negative”. The kids are already here, and do they not have feelings when reading this? Do they know how much they are loved? Yes, they are loved just as much by their parents as us that have had only a small family. The children are taught to help. That hasn’t warped them. The school I worked in here, if only the kids were helpers… The kids in public school here, I cringe at their profanities, their laziness, and rude behaviors to authority and each other. Let us focus more on how to correct the bad behavior from our youth rather than us being a judge on whether someone should have more children or if it is right for their kids to help out with their siblings… Helping didn’t hurt anyone while growing up and when you get to be the parent when raised their way, your kids will help you.
We are all here on earth to be of service, we serve others and are blessed.
Be blessed and whether you believe in their standards or not, it is working and the outcome is good. Their son has his own used car business. He was not permissive in his behaviors prior to marriage, they are business owners and work hard. So, whether a small or large family, it worked.
I really would understand what many are saying if they had had 18 children and they couldn’t control them, they were rude and agressive and they didn’t help and the parents were having a problem with their juveniles, but THAT IS NOT THE CASE, they are great kids on and off the set… God Bless the Duggar Family
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:46 am
I have what I consider a large family - 5 Boys. No where near the number of the Duggars. My husband is a teacher who gets paid no where near what he should be based upon his 60 to 70 hours a week that he works. I work part time, homeschool my kids and go to school. I rely on my oldest two children to help me out with my three small ones when I am working. All of my children have chores. And my 18 yo and 15 yo work hand in hand with my 7 yo and 5 yo on chores (hence the buddy system). All of us work together to get it done. This teaches not only discipline in getting the work done, but also good work ethics, helping one another, good interpersonal relationships, compassion for other than self, team work, service for elderly neighbors and those less fortunate, and a whole myriad of other skills and responsibilities.
Each of my children are well adjusted, never been in trouble with the law or with authority figures. They are raised by their parents not in a daycare unlike children from families with a small number of kids who reside here in the United States.
Most importantly we rely on God to provide for us on a daily basis. We welcome each child that God gives us with open arms. If he chose to give us 5 more we would be happy and thrilled. But we are also happy that we have who we have because we were told that we most likely would not ever have children.
So, all you people who keep bashing the Duggars, go and look at your own family. Are they as well adjusted as the Duggars? If they are then congratulations you have done your job as a parent! If they are not then you need to look at what you are doing wrong and then look at the example that the Duggars give and change what you are doing because they obviously are doing things right. Perhaps you should spend less time reading about them and spend more time with your own family and kids.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:26 am
May, you said it so good. I agree….
February 4th, 2010 at 9:45 am
Lisa: You right, the body tells a woman when to stop having children. It is called MENOPAUSE! Here’s your membership to the idiots’ club.
Lovemykids: Not harsh, factual. You state “I think it is ridiculous that they feel the need.” Did they tell you they “feel the need?” Cite the show they stated “We feel the need.” Also, have you spoken to the older children? I don’t think so. Based on your writing, you have the education and mentality of a tween. Also, what makes you an authority on God’s intentions? Furthermore, how do you know what they do with their money. Jay Leno donates the money he makes from his television to his favorite charities and only lives off the money he makes performing his stand-up routine in clubs. How do you know that the Duggar family isn’t doing the same thing? Hence, you have joined the idiot’s club.
Man Hammer: You are incorrect, sir. Only in your eyes are they nothing. In their eyes, you are a child of God and worthy of all the good God sends your way. These people are better than you. You are such a hater. Congratulations, you have earned a spot in the idiot’s club.
Charles Pringle: Yes there is a different. Octomom was pregnant with eight babies at one time. She was supporting the six children she already had with student loans. You, too, have exposed yourself as a hater; therefore you are a gold member of the idiot’s club.
Janice: What is outrageous is your opinion. Where did you get you Ph.D. From the Cartoon Network? MTV? Stating this family has no class, no common sense, no morals, and are a circus act, perhaps you should look in the mirror. You possess no concept of the meaning of your accusations. Since encouraging procreation is disgusting to you, where would humanity be if Adam and Eve only had Cain and Abel. Oh, that might be a good thing. Idiots like you would then be in rare supply.
Roxana: Really, no thought whatsoever put into that stupid comment.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Jim Bob himself said their hardest issue with so many children is knowing each child’s heart. Their hopes, dreams, fears, etc. It’s sad that those kids aren’t having a normal childhood. Family meals in cafeteria style, going places in a huge bus, older kids in charge of younger kids…do any of them have friends outside of the family…play dates, slumber parties, etc. Read the website about the Christain sect they belong to and you’ll see that they believe they must populate the world with believers like them so that everyone will only believe what they believe. By the way, to Melodie…you should take your own advice and use spell check…you misspelled judgmental!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Crystal for you to be so christian you sure are judging everybody.You know what why dont you just kill yourself we are tired of hearing your dumb ass mouth bitch please get a .And lets keep it real we all know that TLC pays a very hefty income.Just because they own a little real estate doesnt mean they can handle all of those kids and bill and food and etc.TLC is gonna pay for college otherwise they couldnt.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:38 am
Crystal you know its good that this is on the computer because i spit on bitches like you.I really feel sick reading the stupid remarks that you are making.But you are a woman of god?In your dreams you stupid BITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Dont forget KILL YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Ms. Lynn: At what point was there a declaration that I was a Christian? That must come from your interpretation based on words stemming from intellectual thought. I am a defender of the Constitution of the United States of America. That Constitution provides me the right to free speech, and the Duggars the right to have as many children as they choose. God help the United States of America if you were appointed by the President as a Supreme Court Justice.
Now, if you wish to spit in my face, I am more than happy to meet you at my local international airport at any time, any day you designate. When you spit in my face, that is deemed an assault. By law, I have the right to defend myself. As taught to me by my Tae Kwon Do instructor, my goal would be to drop you where you stood in three quick movements. My favorite saying is “test me on it.”
In essence, you have threatened me, to which I am obligated to report you to the federal government because the internet essentially falls under their jurisdiction as crossing state lines. With a subpoena, the IP address can track you down. If you responded from a computer at the library, you can be found based on your library card. The FBI takes this type of threat seriously. It is obvious by the words you write you possess little education. If you had an education, you would not be speaking words of emotional violence.
How many individuals from two-children families don’t go to college? Hundreds of thousands? If there is a bare minimum of 100,000 high school graduates that don’t go to college, what are 20 more?
Also, you are incorrect in assuming I am a “bitch.” No, my dear, I proudly confess to being a c_nt. The missing letter is a U. It is always the ignorant that resort to name calling. An assertive, education woman to you is a bitch. We have progressed in the 21st Century. We not only have to earn the money and cook the bacon, we also have to be able to defend ourselves in all situations. We have proudly left the term “bitch” behind and have taken up the sword of the C word.
Furthermore, I am not judging anyone. I am only responding to the hateful and negative individuals in our society. When I see ignorance in someone like you kicking a dog that has done nothing wrong, my conscience forces me to step in to defend the innocent. My words are judging, they are words designed to open up the eyes of a society that refuses to put any thought or substance into a remark.
Regarding the hefty income they make – this show premiered in 2008. At that time there were already 16 children in the Duggar family. They were just starting to build their home. For 16 years they did not have an income from TLC, however, they were able to take care of 16 children.
We now live in a country were it is illegal to spank a child. Spanking a child is classified as abuse. Do you not think that others in their own community have reported them to child services? Do you not think that their state has not already investigated this family? Do you not think that if only one of the children were not well taken care of, that the state of Arkansas would have taken all of them away?’
Who says the children couldn’t go to college without TLC. Have you heard the term “student loan.” This mean the loan is given to the student, not the parent. It is the student that applies for the loan. It is the student’s responsibility to repay the loan, not the parents.
If you are made sick by words of wisdom, please don’t read the Bible. Lynn, you are unteachable. It is sad to say that there are more people in society like you.
Deb: Yes, Jim Bob and Michelle may have alluded to something similar. However, how many children truly know their hopes, dreams, and fears. As humans we are to be constantly growing and changing. That means that our hopes, dreams and fears change as we grow. Keep in mind, these parents are with their children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Jim Bob and Michelle have the time. Have you ever considered the children who are sent away to boarding school? How much time do they have with their families. Why aren’t you criticizing them for neglect?
You state they are not living a normal childhood because of a big bus and cafeteria-style dining. In my kitchen there are two islands. One in the middle and one off to the side. I have one child. Food is place in a bowl on one of the islands, plates and silverware somewhere on top, and everyone serves themselves. Oh, my dream would be to have an area where I could place hot food in an apparatus that is surrounded by hot water keeping the food hot.
My two older siblings were in charge of me, and I was in charge of my younger brother. There were only four of us. I would rather them taking care of me than someone I didn’t know. Recently the show depicted a couple of girls over to visit.
What website are you referencing where they belong to a sect? If you research further, you will determine they are affiliated with a reputable organization.
As far as Melodie’s spelling of judgmental, it appears as though you have never taken a college English class. In said class you would have learned that there are many lexicons. In some of those dictionaries, it is acceptable to spell judgment with an “e.” Dictionaries change just as societies. The “N” word is no longer listed in today’s dictionaries. However, in my possession is a dictionary published in 1955 that does have the “N” word with the definition “a slang word used for Negro.”
February 5th, 2010 at 4:24 am
Crystal, When I read your comments to Ms. Lynn, I was saying “Right on…she should never have threatened you” but then I read your comments to me and I have to say, “what an idiot you are”. Melodie, had said people should use their spellcheck and spellcheck through Microsoft spells judgmental with no E. I didn’t say to go to your grandpa’s bookshelf and pull down a dictionary from the 1950’s to check every possible spelling. And yes, I took college English…I think one must take college English for most degrees in this country. How on earth, did you twist the spelling of judgmental, around to the N word being in some dictionaries??? The Duggars are members of the Quiverfull sect of Christianity. I never said it wasn’t respectful. And Jim Bob didn’t allude to anything…he said on his own website that he had trouble knowing the hearts of his children. I know the hearts of my children…I know their hopes, dreams, fears…I know when those change, because we talk about these things, one on one, almost daily. Those visitors were their cousins, family and babysitters, not playmates, or friends outside of the family.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:42 am
I enjoy hearing and reading what others think, however, as an adult I feel that each of us have an opinion and doesn’t make one the absolute “right” choice for all. I am saddened to see and read so many getting so angry and use words that should not be used just because of an opinion… That is just the reason some people have 20 children and some have none. While I only have 4, which are very spread out may I add, and some would think that when you have a 34, 31, 20 and 3 year old, why would you do that? Well, that is what we were blessed with. If I’d had stair-steps, I am sure that someone would have said something too. If I’d chose not to have any, some would make their comments… If I’d chose to have 2 dozen, I am sure that someone would be negative. What I am trying to say, we should be supportive of families, parents and children… Each child, whether he or she is from a large or small family are a gift from God. I profess to be a christian, but I don’t feel that this is the issue here for most of you… I personally do NOT feel like this is the time for anyone to say they should NOT have another… Wait until baby Josie is older. When my sister-in-law had her baby (3rd child) she immediately had her tubes tied. Her baby was very early… After her tubes were tied, a couple of days later, baby Charlotte died. Another wouldn’t take Charlotte’s place but could feel a void in the mother’s grieving heart. If you can’t understand that kind of hurt don’t comment because you don’t know how it feels until you’ve been there. I do love the Duggar family values, and what we smaller families can learn about allowing our children to “help” others… It isn’t a bad thing. When I comment on the positive things the Duggar family does, it doesn’t mean that small families can’t be that way… But my suggestion to everyone is to pray for them and to pray for Josie. This could have happened to Michelle on any other pregnancy and did not have anything to do with the age or anything because I had that on my 3rd one… If they have another, it will probably be a great pregnancy since she doesn’t have a gall bladder any longer. When Jim Bob says he doesn’t know the heart of his children, I think he is talking about something different than knowing what each one likes and dislikes… As a parent, when I had the first one, I couldn’t imagine in my wildest dreams how that I could love another like I did that first one. When he was born, wow, what a miracle… I loved him with the same kind of love. It is so miraculous that we have enough love to give whether we have one or twenty-one… Amazing, but very true! In their heart??? What actually is that??? Do you really know someone else’s heart??? Only God sees inside and knows the heart of someone…. and that is what I feel that Jim Bob was saying… Yes, I know my kids passions, their wants, their needs, what they like and what they dislike but to know their heart, Only God knows that…. Does my parents know my heart? They know me about as well as anyone, but only God really knows my heart… He sees inside and knows from a depth that nobody else knows just what makes us tick… For parents that think they know really what makes their kids tick, you think you do… There isn’t anything that can be hid from God.
I hope that I didn’t offend anyone and to keep up with a discussion… I am supportive of any family that can raise that many kids, not on welfare, feed them, clothe them, have a roof over their head and be debt free and raising them to be contributors to society instead of takers… They are Baptist and they live what they believe. I like that in people. If you believe in God then you should live for him and teach your children in his ways.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Crystal, what exactly do you consider stupid in my comment? Maybe you didn’t understand quite right: WHEN do they have time to be parents, if the parents’ attention (especially mom’s) is always with the youngest child… considering that they have a newborn every year? Please explain that, because the way things are in this family is that they are parenting only for the first year, or until the next newborn arrvies, then the older kids take over.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
CRYSTAL that wasnt a threat go to the authorities!!!!!!SHOW ME!!!You know it is so sad that people like you exist im sooooo glad to know that im not in your company everyday.I would be in a mental hospital.You think you know everything!!!!!Im sure nobody wants to hear anything you have to say anymore.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:37 am
Deb: When a response is typed into the area below, is there a “spell check” button? No, there is not. Your comment indicated that you do not put any thought into your words. It proves you have a critical spirit. You are an emotionally responsive individual. Now, when you decide to make Microsoft your final, one-and-only authority on spelling, a wise man would question your comments. Go you local college library and look at the dictionaries on the shelf. It has been within the last 15 years that spelling judgment with an “e” has become acceptable.
The show depicted that the soundman for the show brought his two daughters there to play. You will probably will take issue with that.
If I had to talk to my mother almost daily about my hopes, dreams, and fears, there would definitely be the need to look for playmates outside my family. You harping on those subject matters are indicative of an individual looking to find fault.
Your deliberate use of the word “sect” denotes negativity. .
Finally, stating that I am an idiot – I have been called worse by better.
Ms Lynn: Spoken like a true swine. Have you ever heard the expression “Don’t throw pearls to a swine?” A pig has no concept of the value of a pearl. A pig is never happy when it has been slaughter. A pig yelps all the way. You state words that speak equality, freedom and in defense of mankind are maddening to you. The impression you are leaving is that you are an uneducated, narrow-minded bigot. You are wrong again. I don’t think I know everything. The difference between the two of us is that I am teachable, you are not. Your words sound like a yelping pig.
Roxana: Do you live with these people? How do you know how much time is actually spent with each child. Your analogy is based solely on your assumptive speculation. Based on your written word and not what I see segmented from a television program, my speculation is that you do not have two children. If you were the mother of two children, the concept of Child A overseeing Child B while Parent A is temporarily distracted would be acceptable.
Furthermore, it is obvious that you are not a working professional. If so, then you would comprehend the concept of delegation. In any successful endeavor, the president and vice-president cannot successful run a fruitful operation without employees. The president delegates to the vice-president, the vice-president delegates the various responsibilities to the appropriate individual.
Any family can improve on their cohesiveness of a single unit by adhering to rules of business. Each family is its own business with its own unique hierarchy.
Instead of being quick to criticize and condemn, society should be quicker to uplift and support. The criticism and condemnation is jealousy from those who wish they could somehow have a reality show on any channel.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:06 am
I love watching 19 kids and counting it’s the only thing I look forward to when I come home from school I love all of the duggars and I hope that baby Josie gets support to grow and be healthy like any other baby. And anyone out there who has a problem with the duggars well ………….. Then I guess that’s your choice then but it’s a big mistake
love them !!!!!!!
February 7th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Crystal you are crazy!!!!Do you have a life or do you play on your computer all day everyday?Look ladie while you are putting down everybody saying that everybody is not educated you must not be.First saying i would spit in your face is not a threat ignorant ladie.Let the record show you sound like a yelping pig!!!Im sure everyone on here agrees!!!!
February 7th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Wow Crystal you are psycho!!!!!I have never seen a person like you before in my life.What makes Ms Lynns comment about she spits in bitches face like you a threat?It seems that you are uneducated and very unhappy with yourself.Why are you puttin down everyone that makes a comment these people are intitled to their opinion.I pray for pitiful souls like you!
February 7th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Crystal: it is not speculation, it comes down to basic mathematical calculations: how much time can you spend with a child individually? How much time do you have with each and everyone of your children, when you have 19 of them, and the day still has only 24 hours. From that substract the time needed to sleep and also all the time needed to take care of a newborn and his needs.
And please don’t try to make assumptions about my family or my professional life, because you are way off.
No, the concept of one child overseeing another one is NOT ok with me, at all. This is why they are called CHILDREN, because they live the part of their life which is called childhood. They’ll have plenty of time to do that when they grow up and have their own children. So childhood should not have by no means such important and forced (!!!) responsibilities. It is one thing to choose to get a turtle or a hamster, and theach the child to be responsible about his little animal, and a totally different thing is to force your child to take care of his younger siblings, because otherwise the parents couldn’t cope with the situation, and there’s no other choice.
So, I am waiting for an estimate calculation from you, as to how much time these parents could possibly spend with their children individually, making every one feel special.
That part with the jealousy for not having our own reality show… is priceless. :))
February 7th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
mating like rabbitts?? spitting in the faces of bitches? don’t mind being a christan i wouldn’t speak to a dog like this. no wonder ye are coming back in body bags from every country ye dont like or want to rob their oil ye can’t even treat each other right. when i see people this angry its usually guilt over an abortion. every child is precious, everyone of the duggars everychild in iraq and even all the people saying nasty things. we are all just a soul that got born in a certain place at a certain time, and if we are lucky to be more fortunate than others stop moaning and do somthing good.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:09 am
by the way i am one of nine kids and not only did i share my hopes dreams etc with my beautiful parents but also with my eight siblings and also my mam would always have a dinner place for other child whose parents were still at work and yes we EVEN had time for them. in fact all our friends loved coming to our house where any problem would be tackled over the kitchen table and of course the added attraction of my hunky brothers. we went to each others contests and matches and believe me its cool being cheered on by your siblings instead of an over anxious mother trying to live her life through her kid. i’ve eight of my own now and its the same we have great talks over making cookies and my teens friends say that their houses are dull and lonely in comparison. im always being told how lovely my kids are and to see my gorgeous strong 16year old son come in from a match and swoop up his baby sis is a joy you can’t pay for. this buddy system is in my kids junior school and they love coming to tell me who they helped at school that day and also in senior school to make sure younger kids are not bullied and have someone to talk to as many dont like to tell a teacher. its working out great and its great to see kids being “forced” to be kind beats being selfish.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Crystal, You are a freak! If you’d check your 15 year old dictionary, sect means a religious denomination or a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine, so I guess you find all Christains NEGATIVE? And my comment about spellcheck was in response to another comment. And when you become judgmental or judgemental (with an E) about my children, I never said my children HAD to talk to me about anything, they want to because they know they are important to me and that I’m there for them and that they don’t have to compete with 18 other children for my time. If you call the sound man’s children the Duggar’s kids playmates…then I guess I’ve made my point. So let’s just let the Duggars share their long skirts with each other, have not a clue as to how the outside world works or to have a relationship outside their sect and keep being entertained while they allow their lives and their children’s lives to be on television for all to see and criticize. And Crystal, I agree with everyone else, you are a psycho!
February 9th, 2010 at 11:46 am
So the baby farmers have gone & popped another puppy I have only one que. Who looks after all the other puppies while Michelle’s on her back she sounds like a Nympho 2 me So TV. is a very lucrative then & being Christians are just a front to get more dollars for themselves!
February 10th, 2010 at 1:38 am
I think it’s fascinating - the supporters of the Duggars have loving, supportive remarks. The opponents are dripping with hatred. Talking about the kids as dogs, or the mother as dead… horrible. It’s dangerous talk.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:23 am
Dnottingham: This forum is an avenue to realize the intense hate and hostility that the world shares for their fellow human.
So what if your children share their hopes, dreams and fears. What exactly are you teaching them? Do you have the wisdom or intellect to actually teach them a trade? The Duggar children have been taught many trades. Did you know that when their house was built, a separate AV room was included? AV stands for audio/visual. Do you realize that a great deal of the footage on the show is provided by the Duggars. This proves that you are wrong in your comment “they don’t have a clue as to how the outside world works.”
If you think you have made any point, you are mistaken. The only point you have made is that you are an extremely hostile individual and are an emotionally crippled person.
They do have a clue as to how the outside works. They were intelligent enough to land a reality show. Are you that intelligent? Please save us from the denial that you would not want one. If offered, you would jump at the chance. However, that will never happen because there is nothing interesting about you.
Also, in today’s media the term “sect” is used as a negative. As far as having a television show exposing their lives to criticism, they are strong enough to endure what any idiot like you says. Remember the childhood saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” It is only in your limited understanding that the Duggar children have to compete for the attention of their parents. You are blinded by rage that you will never have the opportunity for a reality show.
You are like so many other people. The only exercise you get is jumping to conclusions. You prove that you are nothing but a fat head. You spout your words of negativity because that is the only tool you have to provide yourself with any self worth.
You state “I agree with everyone else . . .” Everyone means every single one. Exactly how many people are in the world? I don’t believe everyone has commented.
In conclusion, did you know that there are drugs a psycho can be administered, however, there is nothing that an idiot can take to provide them with any degree of intelligence.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Crystal, This is fun…sparing with an idiot…it’s so much fun to see what stupid things you will say next. You are actually right in so many ways. I am not teaching my kids a trade…that is because they are persuing college degrees so that they will not to have to do AV jobs or sell used cars. You are also right…my life is not interesting enough to have television cameras follow me and my kids around inside our home, follow us to the store, criticize my every move in chat rooms, gee I wish I could have that in my life! You on the other hand could warrant a television show…weird, abnormal, crazy people make for great entertainment. But you are wrong in some ways. None of my comments, while they may have been negative about the Duggars, were they ever filled with hostility or hate. And last, Crystal, o’ wise one, in all things, you are right about the Duggars being able to spend alot of one on one time with each child. There are 24 hrs. (that’s hours) in a day, and there would need to be a minimum of 5 hours sleeping, 1 hour personal hygiene (going potty, showering, taking care of that long hair, etc.), a minimum of 3 hours preparing and eating meals, less a minimum of 2 hours running a household (cleaning, shopping, etc.), less home schooling (I don’t know but for this example let’s say 3 hours…I’m guessing it’s more), not even including any changing diaper time, bible reading time, interviewing for the show time, having sex with Jim Bob to make more babies, that leaves approximately one half hour per kid. So you’re right again, Crystal, that’s plenty of time with each kid.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:06 am
forget the duggars, this fight between ms lynn and crystal sounds great. which airport and when. can we get tickets??
February 11th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
dnottingham: You are a legend in your own mind. You are not sparing with me. You are displaying for all the whole to read that an ape has better reasoning skills than you. You remind me of an annoying Chihuahua. A Chihuahua consistently yaps at anything they can’t understand or comprehend. You are a malcontent neanderthal.
Since your children are pursuing a college degree, that means they will enter the labor force in an entry-level position. They will never have those hopes and dreams fulfilled. Only their fears will come to fruition. The main thing a college degree provides is the ability to work for an employer. People don’t become rich by having an employer. People become millionaires because of the tenancity to self-govern themselves.
It is obvious that you are unaware of how much income owning an audio visual company can generate. Speaking from personal experience, my oldest brother goes to car auctions, buys cars, puts them on his used car lot and clears $10,000.00 a week. That is ten thousand dollars a week times 52 weeks. From a guesstimate, the oldest Duggar child is providing a rather substantial income for his family. Oh, yeah, he is also an employer. He is providing a job for his brothers. Your children should be so lucky.
You expect me to believe that if TLC approached you with an offer of $25,000 per family member, per week to be on a reality show, you would refuse. You are living in denial.
You are like a broken record with quality time. Children, tweens, teenagers don’t want to spend quality time with their parents. They would rather be doing anything else than spending quality time with a parent. That is a fantasy you have concocted to provide you with some type of self worth.
Yes, I am wise for I seek the truth. I do not seek to find fault. You are blatantly a buffoon.
Since you are the type of individual who will want to have the last word, be advised your limited resources are a bore. I will not be reading your next response. You have nothing of substantial to say. Just yap, yap, yap . . .
February 11th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Wow -Yeah that darn college degree that I got sure did screw me n everything… None of my dreams came to fruition… like a better life for my daughter-17 and AWESOME-I’m not just proud of her because she’s mine. I am truely proud to know her as an individual…or the love of my soulmate… Oh wait that’s where we met… COLLEGE! Yeah us college edumacated elites sure do suck n have crappy heathen lives with are darn great kids and awesome spouses n all… we sure do suck…
People in genereal need to take a step back an read what they’ve said. Insulting a lot of people and yapping on about how stupid everyone is [unless they agree with you]… throwing stones… pots calling kettles…. Crytsal just happens to be the worst perp in the discussion.
what evs…
February 11th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
p.s. fionnuala -i wouldn’t waste any resources or time on a cage match. you’ll keep your money AND your braincells. i have a feeling that being in the presence of Crystal might kill off a few [or cause a stroke-one of the two]
February 12th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
We are just saying that when someone like Michele Duggar keeps having child after child after child wears down the body. She has had both vaginal and C-Sections births after so many C-Sections doctors usually will tell you enough is enough by having 2 many children it can seriously rupture the Uterus. Surgical scares can cause severe bleed outs which can also cause sergical removal of all female anatomy to which she can no longer have children.
February 17th, 2010 at 12:40 am
If this family is not using the system, have enough love for all their children, than it’s really nobody’s business that they have this many children. I had 3 c-sections and never had any problems, I have never heard where a doctor will tell you that 2 is enough with c-sections. This is their personal choice, obviously along with God’s, so I wish people would mind their business. This issue isn’t affecting anybody’s life, worry about your own life.
February 20th, 2010 at 2:07 am
Crystal… You may want to remove that indulgent pickle from your ass. Not a way to win friends and influence people. You want to talk education and who is better than who? then let’s dance, you pretentious, self righteous snob! (just utilizing the first amendment)or are you going to go all karate chop on me? LMAO!
Oh… and the Duggar family disgusts me. Knock yourselves out, put your health and emotional welfare at risk, but stay off the airwaves and enough with the overexposure! I don’t care, I don’t want to see it, and I avoid seeing these people on tv and reading about them at all costs.
If anything, it’s just funny reading people’s comments and getting their backs up based solely on opinions expressed.
June 30th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
I believe that if someone loves children so much, they should limit the number of children they themselves bring into this world and reach out to the children who need good homes. I would love so very much to see a regular TV show about a family who had two biological children, became foster parents and adopted children who wouldn’t have homes otherwise, such as abused, neglected or handicapped children, or who were born with hereditary problems. There are so many kids out there who are in need of good homes, we don’t have enough foster homes. Yes, people used to have large families in the past,but this is modern times and I believe it is inappropriate to have so many kids. Yes, farm families were sometimes large and it was believed that one needed so many kids to run the farms. My grandparents were farmers and had 4 kids. In the area they lived in, there were few really large families like 10 or more. People sometimes would delay marriage as a kind of narutal birth control so they wouldn’t have large families. My grandmother didn’t get married until she was 27. This is a fact that a lot of us today don’t realize. It is common sense that the earth cannot sustain very many more people. I believe that if the Duggars had to live the way my grandparents did, no plumbing, not even a hand pump on their well, no electricity, only a 2 room shanty, didn’t even have an outhouse, you just “went” where you could hide, raising almost all of your own food, making all your own clothes, no car, not even a wagon or horse carriage, all they had were horses and a small cart, they wouldn’t have had so many kids.
August 31st, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Anyone who needs a reality TV show to make money to support their 19 kids has mental issues. Send them all the rehab now. They’re all going to need it eventually some day. Also, the cousin, Amy, who claims to be a Christian and sings gospel music pretending to be the “real deal” is the biggest hypocrite on the planet. She’s having sex with someone semi-famous in the music industry in order to land herself a music contract. She not talented enough to do it on her own.