OT: The Duggars are doin' it again

You make valid points, all of which I have considered myself, especially being someone who works under and enforces the Child and Family Services Act.  It truly bothers me that the children are so protected and, in a way, isolated.  However, in watching the show (guilty pleasure, I admit it) "attending church" is not a one day a week thing.  They have extensive outings with fellow churchgoers and their children.  Not to mention that they seem to be visiting other like-minded families out of state for extended periods of time.

Is it normal?  Well, not to us certainly.  But you know - they genuinely seem happy.  Brainwashing, perhaps.  I would like to be as gdamned happy as Michelle Duggar. lol

Funny enough - the ONLY person on the show that I can NOT stand is Jim Bob, the father.  What a freakin' idiot that man is.

Maybe you figured it out, Karen.  Maybe getting pregnant is the only way she can get the guy off of her once in a while!

Sharon

*laughs*

Maybe so!

I don'****ch this show but think this is a very interesting discussion.  Where is the line between healthy and normal?  Are the majority of our "normal" children in society happy, healthy and well adjusted??  I sometimes wonder if in fact our kids have too few responsibilities, are coddled to such a degree that when they become adults are ill-equipped to deal with the responsibilities of adulthood.  I don't have the answers, but if the kids are smiling and thriving, then (IMHO) they are healthy and well-adjusted.  

Excellent perspective.  I've been a counsellor for kids/youth/families for about 24 years (ummm... yikes).  It's my opinion that kids today are NOT necessarily happy, healthy and well adjusted at all.  The increase in depression, anxiety, and health issues (obesity as the main one) is very telling.  As is the sense of entitlement many children and youth feel - "give it to me now; no I haven't earned it but I deserve it".  I see it in my own son, who is 20, and he certainly wasn't raised that way. 

Children are under too much pressure, in my humble opinion.  Many parents feel the need to completely fill their free time - lessons, teams, clubs, tutoring... etc.  Children need "down time" and many aren't receiving it.  Some parents feel they need to "make up for" the fact that they, as parents, aren't able to provide the amount of attention (due to work, financial stresses, social committments, etc) that their own parents did.  Generational and a sign of the times in our society.

Anyway, I digress. lol

I dont agree with the idea of the older kids taking on that much responsibility.   I agree they should have chores and housework but they're not parents. 

If you want to have that many children, take care of them yourself and dont rely on others to do it for you.  

I see that first-hand with my niece's friend. She ALWAYS has to take care of her little brother and misses out on SO much.  She never goes on field trips, she never gets a free weekend to do what she wants.  That's not a fair life for a kid.  She didnt do the deed that brought that child into the world, she shouldnt be responsible for looking after it.

I just want to know what the old vag feels like after 20 kids!!  Good god.......I know some of them were c-sections though.

The old vag LOL

*cracks the hell up*

Holy hannah, I just spit my beer.  You owe me a new monitor.

You all are just jealous of her, admin it
I know that I am. Come on, she had guts to get knocked up after a troubled pregnancy and at her age... I wouldn't. Five months on bed rest and a gain of 100 pounds was enough for me to swear off. She is one brave gal, lol.

And guys, I've met quite a few religious families, one (my friend from Quebec) had 25 kids. Wouldn't call them anything but normal people. Somehow god keeps them sane with his blessings