The official Duggar family discussion thread!

[mrsjschultz]

OMG!!! I was going to post the same EXACT thing...

Originally Posted by MrsPinecone They probably just fall out by now.

We don't have children yet but I just don't get why someone would have so many...not to mention how they do it. Don't the older children raise the younger ones?? I personally think it's a bit strange but to each their own, right?

[kyndmamaof4]

Well, I *personally* don't know what I would do with 17 (or more) kids, 4 is plenty for me lol, but I know in the Dugger's family that each older child is paired up with a smaller child, to help them, teach them, dress and do other things that Mom and Dad couldn't possibly do all alone. I think that is their secret.

I think it's wonderful to have a big family! I was an only, as was my husband, so ours are truly a blessing! After we are gone they will have each other. That is something that can not ever be replaced by anything else!

I would rather have to be frugal, than have lots of money and no kids, or only 1.

[kyndmamaof4]

They probably just fall out by now.

BTW, I LOL so loud that I'm surprised I didn't wake the babies

[TheyCallMeMom]

I love watching their story..

17 kids sounds overwhelming.. 6 kids sounds overwhelming, but from the inside its not.. It becomes a part of you and its an incredible feeling to have a large family.. Everyone has their reasons for wanting a large family.. Having wonderful kids makes the decision to have more that much easier..

The older ones do help but if you were to ask them ( and we do) they love the idea of having more siblings.. My oldest thinks we should have 10..When I showed him my pg test in June he was so excited.. DH and I were the first to know, then Jacob... we let him tell the others..

I know the Duggars do one big Birthday party.. I dont see how Christmas or any other holiday would be a challenge..

[kaykwilts]

What does Mr. Duggar do for a living? He needs to have a big fat income to provide for that many kids.

[TheyCallMeMom]

I know he was a state rep and did financial seminars..

Now I am sure they get money from tv etc..

and It doesnt take a huge salary either..

"Children are not expensive, Lifestyles are expensive"

[kurlisola]

Originally Posted by mommyof6kids "Children are not expensive, Lifestyles are expensive"

Assuming only 8 of their kids go to college, then, in todays dollars, it would cost them approximately $416k (assuming 4 year public college). Assuming only 8 of their kids need braces $40k. This is above and beyond the compound size home they live in, the hot water, electricity, garbage they generate, the expensive vans they need to get around; ect...

Don't get me wrong, I think big families are great. And if I had started earlier in life, I would have wanted 5-6 kids. And really I guess its politically incorrect to say a certain number is too many or too few...but I think when someone hits an even dozen, they might want to look at what is motivating them. And I think there reaches a point (I personally think that the Duggers reached that point a few children ago), where it is just impossible to give each child the individual attention they they need.

I think someone here at HCW (maybe summermay ?) came from a very large family. I'd be very curious as to what # child she was & the pros and cons of coming from such a large family (if she choses to share with us).

[niftyneon99]

yup, she is due on Eli's birthday the 27th!!

I love watching the shows about them. Heck, they are way more organized than I am, and I only have 3!

[pwetypweas]

I had a friend whose mom had 11 kids... the youngest (my friend) is fond of repeating his mom... "having the last was just as bad as having the first" - it seems they don't start sliding out (which would be awful on the delivering end)

FYI - in my friend's family- only the 10th was a planned pregnancy..they had decided after 9 to just go ahead and round it out..then my friend came along LOL

[TheyCallMeMom]

Originally Posted by kurlisola Assuming only 8 of their kids go to college, then, in todays dollars, it would cost them approximately $416k (assuming 4 year public college). Assuming only 8 of their kids need braces $40k. This is above and beyond the compound size home they live in, the hot water, electricity, garbage they generate, the expensive vans they need to get around; ect... Don't get me wrong, I think big families are great. And if I had started earlier in life, I would have wanted 5-6 kids. And really I guess its politically incorrect to say a certain number is too many or too few...but I think when someone hits an even dozen, they might want to look at what is motivating them. And I think there reaches a point (I personally think that the Duggers reached that point a few children ago), where it is just impossible to give each child the individual attention they they need. I think someone here at HCW (maybe summermay ?) came from a very large family. I'd be very curious as to what # child she was & the pros and cons of coming from such a large family (if she choses to share with us).

DH and I have discussed college.. IMO I dont think parent should pay for a childs college.. I have read studies that show kids that pay their own way via scholarships, loans and working their way thru school do better.. not in all cases but in the majority..

My mother was #3 of 10.. She said she cant remember anything that made her think she wished they didnt have that many kids... She has nothing but good childhood memories.. They had tough times financially, but who doesnt, regardless of how many kids you have.. She never felt like she didnt get the attention she needed.. Again it boils down to lifestyle.. I would rather spend time with my kids than, work longer hours to buy things I dont need..

I cant speak for the Duggars, but in my family each child gets one on one time.We are able to balance that.. And one of the beneifts of a large family is you have a close family that enjoys doing things together.

FTR, I think you if make the decision to have such a large family, that you can care for them... Private donations are great, but it would be irresponsible to request government help..