The official Duggar family discussion thread!

[jhall1977]

So many people make a big fuss over whether children get individual time with their parents. I've heard that the Duggar family schedules time alone with each of their children, which I think is a great idea with a family their size. How much individual time do people think that children need? I often find time with one of my children after everyone has gone to bed or before everyone gets up. My husband takes them one at a time to run errands. They've never complained at not getting hours alone with us. The 20-30 minutes at a time seems fine.

I sure with a few kids it isn't hard to find individual time. But with 17 kids, I don't see how they get a whole lot of individual time. While they seem to have a great & loving family, I just don't agree with how they do things. It's not the children's job to raise their siblings (which is totally different from helping mom/dad out with everyday things).

[beth119]

So many people make a big fuss over whether children get individual time with their parents. I've heard that the Duggar family schedules time alone with each of their children, which I think is a great idea with a family their size. How much individual time do people think that children need? I often find time with one of my children after everyone has gone to bed or before everyone gets up. My husband takes them one at a time to run errands. They've never complained at not getting hours alone with us. The 20-30 minutes at a time seems fine.

I have a ton of siblings (not 17 though!).

Growing up, it was really hard to find time to spend with my mom 1 on 1.

Granted, she is a professional who was rarely ever home (thats a whole nother story, LOL)

I missed out. I missed out on those proivate conversations, a unique bond, etc....

Kids may not 'complain' per say, but when they get older, it will sink it.

The Duggars seem like a pretty close knit family altogether though. I wish them the best of luck....

[mom2Isaac]

I love John and Kate plus 8 and watch it every Monday and I am going to watch the Duggers new show!!

They're having a show now? Did I miss something?

[luckycharms288]

The Duggars are haveing a show that premiers on Discover Health on Oct 1st!!

[MrsPinecone]

They're having a show now? Did I miss something?

Post #103

[Jillibean]

It is so ironic that I posted in this thread earlier today, because this evening my 9 year old told me that she needs more attention from me away from "the babies" (we still have a tendency to call them that even they are 4 and 5 now). I've got a serious case of mommy guilt right now. Off to figure out how to make myself and her feel better.

[BigDog]

Wow, I give Mrs. Dugger a lot of credit. She is given so many negative comments each day, and yet she just keeps right on going. I know she put herself and her family "out there". But, she isn't the only one even in America with a family about that size. I have read and heard so much bad stuff about this family. I am surprised at how many people are mad, I mean out right mad at her for having so many. Not so long ago. 18 wasn't that far out of the norm.

1. They eco-terrorist (verbatum here). Since their "carbon footprint is so large. (I rather have a large carbon print of a family that loves each other. Then a whole bunch of little carbon footprints from small families that hate each other.

2. They don't have time for one another. How do we know this? My mom had two and never made time for me. She worked, as she put it. And when she got home she was too tired to "enjoy us". So she has 18 kids. That just makes the one on one they have that much more special.

3. Her "pieces and parts" are going to fall out. Yep, I agree there. But, I have a friend who has that "problem" after 2.

4. Her older kids are raiseing the younger. This one gets to me the most. So, your telling me the older ones are "raising" the younger. Where do you think they picked up those "skills". I know that a lot of girls (and some boys) enjoy "raising" younger kids and babies. I know I used to love "being mom" to the little babies and toddlers, when I was younger. And I've only watched a few shows. But, they don't look like they are being tortured. And the house looks so clean and organized. I highly doubt she is lazy. If she was that house would be a wreck. She has taken the time to show her children how to clean up after themselves. So maybe she doesn't have to do as much work now as she did when they were all tiny. Kudos for her to teach her children how to be self-sufficiant.

The only two qualms I have when this family. One, I don't think they should "exploit" their children like this on T.V. (Really it's not needed, but, I do find it facinating when I do watch it.) Two, I don't think they are giving their children the knowledge that they don't have to have a bunch of children. I truely hope they are showing their boys and girls their are so many different professions out there. Everything from hair styler (yes I know they all have the same cut, I think) to Robot Engineer.

[tammielea]

They creep me out! I saw the special where they built the new house and when the parents saw their room pa dugger said somthing like ooh we can can start on 18.
yuck! I know every time when my kids were little we tried to get UMM can I say "romantic" the kids would always wake up and be calling umder the door Why is this door locked let me in so with seventeen.ulllg!!

[tori729]

I really admire this family! I think it's great that they can have so many kids and stay so organized and focused on God. Can't wait to watch the show!

[justmama]

Jordyn-Grace Makiya Dugger is here.

It's a girl! Duggars welcome 18th child - Parenting & Family - MSNBC.com