Jon and Kate Plus Eight…………Ain’t So Great!
Aug 14th, 2008 by BohemianMoon
I have a major problem with the exploitation of children.
Bottom line.
That is all she wrote.
Do not pass go and collect a salary off your tiny flesh by allowing a production company to film them from dawn to dusk 3-4 times a week, year round. Completion of this train wreck includes the installation of permanent lights and cameras in their not-of- the- age-of-consent children’s rooms/home in an attempt to capture their every move, including the most private of bathing and eliminating bodily waste.
Due to the greed of their parents, Jon and Kate Gosselin, film company Figure 8 Films, TV Network TLC, numerous corporate sponsors (such as Gap, Gymboree, Juicy Juice, and Disney) and lax Federal and State child labor laws which offer no protection to children that are filmed in “Reality TV” shows/series, there is no “get out of jail free card” for these kids. They are gravy train chattel chugging down the networks of International TV, and there ain’t no one about to let these children jump the track.
It is a dangerous shame.
It all started seemingly innocent enough, though through hindsight and recent expose, nothing about the Gosselins is innocent.
Nothing at all.
Jon and Kate Gosselin, a Pennsylvania couple, married in June of 1999. In the fall of that year, at ages 22 (Jon) and 24 (Kate) managed to persuade a doctor to start infertility treatments right away for Kate’s purported Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. By February of 2000 she was pregnant with twins. There are major questions that arise from those who have gone through infertility treatments as to why this couple was given these treatments without the medical standard of being at least 25 years old and having tried the natural way to conception for at least a year.
When their twins turned one, Kate, according to her website (http://www.sixgosselins.com), states she was ready to have another child, but her husband was not convinced. She prayed hard, she says, that Jon would change his mind. In May of 2003, according to Kate, they had a rare opportunity to adopt a newborn, but apparently things were moving too fast and they made a “joint” decision that it was not to be at that time. Yet, because Jon watched Kate mourn for a month due to not adopting this baby, they decided to try infertility treatments again, a mere 3 months later (?!?!?!?!?).
What ?
It is curious how, and more importantly WHY, a infertility specialist would take them on for another round of treatment in general, and further, so soon after being blessed with two healthy baby girls. The August treatment failed and apparently this doctor decided to practice his oath of ethics, because after that cycle, they switched doctors.
In October they did another round with “ethical” doctor number two which was successful. However Kate was hospitalized for overstimulated ovaries. This doctor, according to Kate, was worried about multiples (DUH!) because Kate and Jon stated that they were adamantly against selective reduction. Usually in the case of over stimulation, a doctor will not perform IUI (intrauterine insemination) for fear of too many eggs being fertilized. From my research, I can ascertain that specialists (ethical ones at least) tell the couple to skip the cycle. Did the doctor go ahead with IUI even though Kate was overstimulated? Or did Kate take her chances and attempt impregnation the natural way? Whether this specialist did or did not remains to be seen, but regardless, 5 weeks later, according to an ultrasound, Kate was pregnant with seven.
(I would love to read a statement from their doctor on this.)
The Gosselins made it clear that they would in no way practice selective reduction. As such, they continued on with the pregnancy. On a personal note, I have mixed feelings on reduction, and cannot say what I would do in that situation. I do know that it would depend on my ability to take care of and raise that many babies, assuming they came to term. In addition, I would have to be able to pay for any medical treatments that may be necessary due to the common factor of high order multiples having medical issues, some of which may last a lifetime. It is a grave moral decision, and with the Gosselins purportedly being Christian, I can understand, at least on the surface, their refusal to reduce.
At 26 weeks Kate was hospitalized with six growing fetuses (the seventh never developed and was absorbed). She gave birth, via C -section, to the sextuplets at nearly 30 weeks. All survived which by any standards is a miracle and a blessing. While Kate’s insurance from being a registered nurse covered the hospital bills, with Jon being out of work a great deal of the pregnancy, the Gosselins made it known through interviews with the media that they were struggling with every aspect of the birth.
And here in the story the Gosselin’s gross sense of self entitlement truly begins (though I would bet my bottom dollar a false sense of entitlement is nothing new to either Jon nor Kate).
The Gosselin’s received a great deal of press coverage from not only Pennsylvania, but the entire world, both prior to the birth and after. From the get-go they received massive amounts of corporate donations, including diapers, formula, clothes, toys and even haircuts that were guaranteed until age five. Instead of being grateful for everything and anything they received, Kate refused baby furniture and clothes from her church, because they didn’t MATCH. Yes, she blatantly looked a gift horse in mouth with a swift kick to the curb. A gift horse that came from the kindness and love of the parishioners of the church in which her FATHER is a minister and they were members. This was the catalyst for the estrangement that the Gosselin’s share with Kate’s immediate family to this day. Jon’s estrangement with his mother is still somewhat of a mystery, but is there nevertheless.
No grandparents are a part of the Gosselin children’s lives, though Jon’s father purportedly was before his death. It is reported that the money that the Gosselins had prior to signing on to the dog and pony show called “Jon and Eight Plus Eight” (and never revealed as they continued to beg for anything and everything for the children) came from Grandpa Gosselin.
Further, the now defunct TV show “Home Delivery” remodeled the Gosselin’s home to the tune of almost $60,000 to make room for the lot. It is reported by various sources that all Kate did was bitch and moan about the choices that the show made, right down to the custom murals that were painted in the nursery. There was no thanks or gratitude, only disdain and mockery at the choices made by the company that put their neck out to help this family.
From the time that the Gosselin’s started bringing the babies home, they had a litany of around the clock volunteers to help with the children. Not 1, not 2, but often 4 or more at a time, including a registered nurse that was provided by the State of Pennsylvania for families that have premature children, which was paid for by the taxpayers. When the year provided had elapsed, Jon and Kate lost the nurse service as all of the sextuplets were healthy and on task (as they were for the majority of their lives) and service was deemed no longer necessary for the family. Kate, with the prospect of loosing her State paid help, appealed to the State citing that (paraphrase) ‘because society created and approves the use of fertility drugs, society is responsible for helping her take care of her children, as she cannot possibly do it herself’. Never mind at the very time that she was stating this to reporters and the appeals judge, she still had a litany of daily volunteers. Kate continued through an appeal hearing in an attempt to manipulate the State of Pennsylvania into providing her with a taxpayer funded nurse that is not medically necessary, taking away from another family that very well may need a nurse for their sick child/children.
I do believe that they lost that appeal.
From there the plot just thickens.
Kate, loving the donations from hither, thither and yon, and firmly believing that her uterus is an anomoly that is worthy of world wide recognition, she decides to send pictures and videos of her family to TV networks in hopes that they would be interested in her story. It worked! The Discovery Health Channel and Figure 8 Films came in and filmed a one hour documentary on the family in 2006, when the sextuplets were 16 months old, which was titled “Surviving Sextuplets and Twins”.
The premise was to show how an ordinary family, with two sets of multiples under the age of four, coped with the emotional, logistical and financial trials of every day life. It proved popular to the viewing public, particularly mothers, and soon after another one hour documentary was released that was even more popular than the first.
With great ratings, the Gosselins were approached with the idea of a “Reality TV” series that was, purportedly, to show an average middle class family trying to survive with two sets of multiples. The Gosselins were all over the offer like white on rice and thus filming began from dawn to dusk, 3-4 times a week, complete with permanently installed industrial film lighting in their home, and cameras installed in the children’s bedrooms. The “Reality Show” was named ‘Jon and Kate Plus Eight’.
Insert caveat: there is no such thing as Reality TV. It is all manipulation, and this series is a glaring example of that. Unfortunately the children are caught in the middle and at the whim of their parents. They are protected by no laws as child actors are. There is no precedent set for Reality shows and particularly those that end up segueing into a series, like “Jon and Kate Plus Eight”. Reality show standards state that the participants are not actors and therefore are not members of the actor’s unions (SAG, AFTRA or Actor’s Equity) that protect them. Even then, protection depends on the State in which the child is a resident. For example, say a child actor resides in Pennsylvania. No matter where they film, whether that be New York (which, BTW does offer strict protection for child actors that are residents, as does California and to a lesser degree, Louisiana and New Mexico) or Ohio, they are bound by the child labor laws of that State. Child actors are also protected by having a social worker on the set that works for the child. Not the production company nor the parents, but the CHILD.
In the case of the Gosselins, the producers state that no one is acting, and therefore not working. They state the producer and film crew are simply following around a family engaging in their every day routine in their every day lives. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Simple psychology states that any reality will shift as soon as there are cameras in your face and you know that you are being filmed. Now the little Gosselins were 16 months when they started to be filmed, hardly cognitively mature enough to really understand, so yes, perhaps in the beginning documentaries, that could be claimed, but it certainly can never be claimed for the older twins and Jon and Kate themselves. As for working, well, how can they not be? How many people have others filming them day in and day out and asking them questions about the happenings? I assume that those filming them expect a reply and that mere expectation of giving an answer sets the precedence of working. This includes the children. When scenes are specifically set up for them and shots taken and retaken, they are working. When outings or product placement by corporate sponsors are given or shown, complete with zoom-ins hovering for 10 seconds or more, they are WORKING.
In less than two years since the documentaries aired, there has been 61episodes shot and aired, first on the Discovery Channel, then on TLC exclusively. The first episodes of “Season One” aired in April of 2007, and since that time, a mere 14 months or so ago, they have filmed 61 episodes. By the Gosselin’s own admission on the “Answering Viewers Questions” episode, they film 3-4 days a week, EVERY week, and are shooting upwards of 50 episodes this year alone. Union actors, whether it be film, TV or stage do not work this much. They are protected by union and State laws that do not allow them to not work as much as these 4 and 8 year olds. These babies are not protected financially nor emotionally by outside entities in any way shape or form. They are simply little cash cow chattel to not only their parents, but to Figure 8 Films, TLC , and every corporate sponsor that has been involved with them.
Deep shame on all of you.
This show started with a “day in the life” with the Gosselins constantly complaining that they are barely making it financially with all of these children. Never mind that the father makes it a sport of loosing job after job (whether that be by quitting or getting fired………..even the State of Pennsylvania gave him a job after the sextuplets were born, and he lost that one as well) and the mother out and out refusing to work, while, as a registered nurse, she could take two or three long shifts and bring home a decent pay to contribute to the family. But no! The Gosselins, TLC and Figure 8 have tried to make it look, from the beginning, that this family were making it on their own~ mom, pop, and eight little babies all in a row. Poor pitiful Gosselins!
Make no mistake, this family has had a HUGE amount of help with these children both in terms of monetary support, corporate donations and physical support since before they came home from the hospital. The Gosselin’s also cried poverty over and over since before that time, when, in actuality, they have had a solid sum of money all along.
The Gosselins, purported Christians, have been giving speaking engagements at churches for at least two years now. Those that have been in attendence at such events report that the Gosselin’s capitalize on the fact that they didn’t choose selective reduction (obviously appealing to the Pro-life sentimentality) and the fact that they have raised these kids with little money, which has never been the case. For this dribble, not only are they paid a fee, their expenses are paid and the congregation is requested to give a “Love Offering” donation, that goes straight to greedy Jon and Kate. Oh and in addition, the Gosselins sell pictures of their family or single child, with an autograph by Jon or Kate, for $20.00. Cash only. Some of these churches hold upwards to 20,000 guests.
You do the math.
It is now reported that the Gosselins and their PR firm are systematically canceling already booked engagements to hold out for those that will pay a heftier price. Namely up towards $35,000, with all expenses paid and a love offering.
And they are getting it.
Add those fees to the purported $65,000 they receive from TLC per episode in addition to all the freebies from corporate sponsors and massive amounts of gifts from their misguided fans, and the Gosselin parents are living large – living large on 8 small backs.
The supporters of Jon and Kate Gosselin will say that I am bitter and jealous. I have no idea why, however. The marriage of Jon and Kate is a farce. They treat each other like proverbial trash, with Kate coming off as more of a shrew than Shakespeare himself could ever imagine. Their parenting is alarmingly inconsistent and at times downright frightening. The children live in forced isolation in terms of their peers. They only associate with their parents and brothers and sisters as Jon and Kate have removed all extended family and friends from their lives. Their parents have chosen to force them into a life of living in a virtual fish bowl. They are living, breathing advertisements to Jon and Kate; adorable little cash cows that earn their parent’s paycheck, when that paycheck should belong to THEM and and no one else.
Nothing to be jealous about there, but plenty to be horrified by.
The bottom line is these children need to be protected by law. They may not have lines to recite, but there is no dispute that they are working, and working more hours weekly than most adult actors, yet they have no protection. The have no guarantee that they will see a cent of the money their parents have pimped them for. They have no guarantee of a social worker on the set, making sure that their best interests are upheld. They have no guarantee of a future that is, in fact, a normal life.
The only guarantee that these 8 small children do have, is that mommy and daddy will continue to exploit them to the world until the law says otherwise.
And the time for the laws to change was yesterday.
This blog reminds me of another blog. Gosselinswithoutpity. I’m at the point of Gosselin overload these days.
Then why are you searching for more to read re: them?
You did a very good job on this piece. For someone who knows nothing about this family, you put together a wonderful synopsis.
I hope you send this out to as many sources as possilbe.
Excellant!
WOW, thanks for the great blog, couldn’t agree with you more. Kon (Kate and Jon) makes me sick and I hope that there show is canceled soon.
Not that I am coming to the defense of Kate Gosselin, but I went through infertility treatment and was lucky enough to get pregnant with my son. Soon after he was born, my doctor stated that if I wanted to have another child I should not wait too long (and he specified that waiting until my son was 2 was too long) because there are no guarantees that I would be able to have another child. I started trying again as soon as my son was 6 months old, so I am not sure there are guidelines for how long you have to wait in between having a child and going through infertility treatments.
This post about says it all. It’s a shame too. These kids are going to suffer the longterm consequences of all this. The parents obviously don’t see it now though. I really hope they’re banking some of these thousands they’re making off their kids though. They’re going to need it for the therapy bills. Especially for Mady, Alexis and Joel. Those seem to be the 3 non-faves of Jon and Kate and have the most emotional problems noticed. And who knows, maybe the faves (Hannah and Leah) will need help too. Heck I’m sure they ALL will need some kind of counseling. Whether it be from being raised by 2 selfish, immature and money grubbing parents, or from the ‘child star syndrome’ that so many child actors suffer from. Either way it’s a sad situation. Too bad jobless Kate and Jon don’t see what so many others do too.
Great post!
The whole issue with J & K going to a fertility doctor at such a young age and without trying for an entire year….I don’t see much wrong with that. Kate was diagnosed with PCOS which does make it more difficult to conceive naturally. Bottom line, if J & K were willing to pay the money, of course a fertility doctor would go along with it. Fertility doctors are all about making money.
What disgusts me is Kate’s sense of entitlement simply because they have multiples. It was their (J & K’s) choice to do fertility treatments, it was their choice not to do selective reduction. The state and tax payers owe J & K NOTHING! I am a mother to two girls adopted from China. I spent over $40,000 for the adoptions, and yet I don’t feel I am “entitled” because of this.
I am so tired of Jon & Kate and their cash-cow “reality” show. And I use the term “reality” loosely…how many of us parents take their kids on numerous vacations a year (3 year olds skiing?!) for free, have a lifetime supply of diapers and Gap clothes given to you for free, and are looking to purchase a 10,000 square foot house?
Those poor children….I see years of therapy in their future.
Sure you may get tons of hate mail from Gosselin supporters but you wrote a great, well thought out piece! I congratulate you and agreed 1000%! I can only hope that for the sake of the children that one of their parents read this or other articles like it and wake up before (although it probably is) too late!
Chinamommy~
Congrats on your babies! Having explored adoption, I congratulate you for struggling through a emotionally trying and expensive process. But in the end, the children are all that matter, and they are better in their lives because of your perseverance and love!
As for the fertility treatments, through research, I reported on the common standard. Obviously other’s mileage has varied….perhaps this could be part and parcel of your statement that “Fertility Doctors are all about money”. When any professional is “all about money” obviously their patient or client, etc, is not the foremost of their concern….but the money that they can obtain from the procedure, service, is. In other words, ethics may not play as much of a part of infertility than one would hope or expect.
Regardless, I thank you for taking your time to post your thoughts, welcome you to continue sharing your thoughts, and I wish you the best with your China Dolls!
SueS~
As I stated to Chinamommy, I reported the standard. Obviously the “standard” may not be so standard. Particularly when, as Chinamommy pointed out, fertility doctors are all about money.
I do thank you for your comments, and feel free to continue to contribute!
Excellent discussion of the issues! Thank you for a succinct, well-written history of the machine known as “Jon & Kate Plus 8″. I arrived here via GWoP and I’m glad I checked it out.
Most of this was familiar to me except that Kate sent out photos, hoping to get media attention. They made it sound like they had been sought out and “who, us?”. Your version seems more likely.
Fantastic piece! Well-researched and organized. Great for you, not so great for the Greedy Gosselins.
Great piece. I watch the show because the children are amusing and adorable but this is why I dislike the parents. I will recommend this to all those who say that they are just doing what they can to support 8 kids.
To Megan #8~
I have no problem with hate mail. At least with hate mail, you know that someone is listening, lol.
I have not as yet gotten any, but I will be sure to post it if I do.
I thank you for your comments and invite you to contribute as you would like:)
Thanks Sarah, please feel free to continue to spread the word regarding Jon and Kate.
My main objective is protection of the kids and all future kids of Reality TV Shows/Series.
Strict laws need to be enacted, and with many voices they can and will be.
Thanks True!
Feel free to keep contributing.
Next coming is the Gosselin’s plans for adoption. Yes, you heard that correctly.
Thank you Maggie and Onlythrugrace1 (what a fantastic handle!)
I appreciate your comments and you taking the time to do so. Please feel free to continue contributing.
Take a look at this, it’s an article I wrote for a pop culture blog I write for-
http://www.mamapop.com/mamapop/2008/07/does-jon-kate-p.html
It looks at if the show violates child labor laws, and the comments get a little heated.
Obviously I don’t know Kate’s specific medical issues (although I’m sure that’s an upcoming episode), I do know that the typical wait times for fertility treatments are usually for people who have “unexplained” infertility. If Kate had a diagnosis of PCOS, it’s possible that she would not ovulate, and therefore need treatment to induce ovulation. I have PCOS and was given Clomid immediately upon seeing a fertility doctor at 28. It’s possible I would have ovulated eventually on my own, but unlikely enough that they gave me the least intrusive intervention. I was also monitored VERY closely through each cycle, and they would not have encouraged me to “try” with my husband if I had overstimulated. I doubt anyone did IUI on her in that state.
I’m under 25 and we are doing IUI to have our second child. When there is a diagnosed fertility issue there is no reason why treatment cannot be done under the age of 25 or before the one year of TTC.
Wonderful post. To begin with I loved this show but as time wore out, everything about it, especially the volume of episodes which
+ filming enmasse, began to rub me the wrong way.
I feel that this show has gone too far. I was a true fan for the first two years but season 3 has gotten out of hand with all the trips and free stuff that they get. I think the main victims of this is the children. they are very precious and I think the way Kate treats them is disgusting. I think that once this show is said and done and the money’s gone. You will see the divorce betweeen Kate and Jon and that the kids will be on the Vh1 show” where are they now?” Thank you some much for the imformative blog!!!
Thank you for this very informative article. It answered so many questions about J&K+8. Those poor children.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! You have a very well written article and I commend you on it. I originally started watching the show just to see what the hubub was all about and was horrified at the interaction between Kon and even worse, the seemingly LACK of loving interaction between the parents and children. I don’t know care how many kids you have. If you worked so hard to get them, LOVE THEM! Make them feel special! My husband’s and my daughter just came home back in November from Guatemala which is where we adopted her from. Those 9 1/2 months waiting to bring her home were absolute hell. Yes, I lose my patience. Yes I do things I shouldn’t have. But I cannot find any situation in which I would speak to my child in the tone/way that Kon speak to Mady, Cara, Joel, Aaden, Collin, Alexis, Hannah or Leah.
Thank you Cameo for your comments, and for going through the struggle it is to adopt a child. As I stated to another poster, having researched adoption for the last 5 months, I completely understand the pain and the anguish Mommies and Daddies go through to bring that precious child home.
You are very special indeed!
I welcome you to continue to contribute at any time:)
Bohemian,
Just wondering where you got your numbers from? Did you speak directly to anyone at TLC?
Also, if you’ve done so much research, why not cite your sources?
That being said, I do hope that this matter is investigated. I’d like protection for the children. I’m just not that big into speculation or exaggeration. Can you provide any evidence that the numbers you gave are legitimate?
WOW…they “convinced” doctors to treat them the first time. That is a horribly rude thing to say. Went through it myself, only I was 20 when they told me I wouldn’t be able to have kids. Fortunelty for me, I wasn’t ready at the time. But if someone is, what is it to you? A lot of people seem irritated because of jealousy. Come on people, let’s admit it. That’s how it all starts. It’s like predicting what you would do with a winning lottery ticket before you actually won. You’d be surprised at how much changes once you actually win! If all of the people that are focusing on criticizing the Gosselins, could just focus on the children of our country that need it…well, then maybe we’d have less kids in foster care, less abused kids, less kids who feel the need to join gangs. Seriously folks, if you want to be “concerned” with children’s rights and children labor laws, then you really haven’t stepped out of your “Burb” bubble. And, you could probably even find a child to be concerned about in your own children’s classrooms. Try talking to a teacher every now and then and stop worrying about children that are being taken care of!
To “Don’t Think So”~
Congrats! You are my first hate mail. Yippie for the both of us.
I would gently suggest that throwing the “jealousy card” into the ring of debate is weak, unfounded, and makes it quite glaringly clear you have no rebuttal.
If you would like to clarify why and what I could possibly be jealous of in the train wreck of Jon and Kate Gosslin, please feel free to rebut, but I would ask that you have some type of fact to back up your claims.
The same holds true for the rest of your accusatory diatribe.
For the record, I have been a child advocate for the whole of my adult life in many capacities, for many years, and have a degree in Social Work.
Oh, and I don’t live in the “Burbs”………bubble or not:)
I do thank you for your comments.
What’s so great about a watching this family? They aren’t some God created miracle just a science created one. They had fertility treatments and created a litter of babies- they get everything handed to them because they’re selling their childrens’ lives for it. The fascination with this family is just going to make some woman see how far they can push the boundaries until some idiot winds up having a dozen babies- then crying poverty because she can’t take care of them all.
IDONTTHINKSO– The Gosselin kids are being taken care of? More like they are taking care of their family, not the other way around. The kids are constantly put in positions where Kate is sure to act like a psycho so they can get footage for the show: cake decorating (messy icing), painting (did you notice the attitude before they left the house when she threw Cara’s shoes out the window and snapped at Jon?), Crayola factory (messy glue, markers, etc.), the list goes on and on. Kate has said time and again she does not enjoy those projects and doesn’t like them. So how exactly is this the typical day in the life of that family? Obviously the kids would not be put in those situations unless it was for filming.
And ITA with the poster who mentioned the blantant favortism of Hannah and Leah. We’ve seen Alexis separated from the other girls how many times now? J & K’s trip to California with the twins when she went with the boys while Hannah and Leah went with some other friend of the family (who has curiously disappeared from the show along with everyone else we’ve seen), when the twins went to get photographs taken only Hannah and Leah came along while Alexis stayed home with the boys, Hannah and Leah roomed together on the beach trip episode while Alexis shared a room with Jenny, etc.
While I agree with you 100% on the Gosselin train wreck, some of your comments stung.
I have PCOS, Endometriosis, and Fibroids. My conception consisted of laparoscopies, and drugs. I started at age 23 because I did NOT have time on my side. Hysterectomy was looking at me already. I concieved a set of triplets, and 2 singletons. At age 30 I lost my uterus. My reproductive years have been full of emotional pain, and awful physical pain…but I would not take back ONE MINUTE of my struggle. I learned alot, and I grew as a person.
My triplets are happy and healthy, and I don’t even take so much as a WIC check for them. Not all mom’s of multiples have a sence of entitlement.
Infertile women do not deserve to have limits placed on our window of opportunity to have children. We did not ask for this burden. It’s a disease like any other dysfunction of the body. The comments stung those of us that are plagued with serious reproductive challenges. Especially those of us who had to go through it at a young age or risk never having children of our own. I am glad I did…I am now sterile, and am excited to eventually add to our family through the foster care system. I have a heart for special needs children, and when my children are older I fully plan on answering the call.
Great job with your very well written piece. I do have to roll my eyes whenever the jealousy card comes out. Most people that have had sextuplets or other HOM manage to survive just fine without exploiting their children. I do wonder what we are suppose to be jealous of the Gosselins for. Their inability to love and respect the people that gave of their time and money to assist them when they first announced and brought home the sextuplets? Their inability to care for their children like every other sextuplet parents are doing without turning their family into a PT Barnum side show?
And believe it or not it’s possible to care and advocate for other children while also advocating for the Gosselin children. It’s not one or the other. Reality makes me think these writers of post that use the same old tired arguments can’t walk and chew gum at the same time either. Give it a break folks it just shows your ignorance.
And for those people that don’t think there is something fishy about Kate’s fertility treatments I strongly recommend reading the ethical guidelines that fertility treatment centers are supposed to follow. Unless she is admitting they attempted to get pregnant before their married the guidelines to state the parents if less then 35 should try for one year. Also she admits to nagging her husband but claims it was praying to God to “try for one more.” Funny business or a mental illness or a trick up her sleeve I don’t know but it’s never made any logical sense that she then prays once more for it to turn out okay and has IUI while hyperstimulated.
I’m glad Jodi has come on and given her support to Julie’s blog. Perhaps more people will wake up and smell the coffee.
Not knowing the specifics of fertility treatments, but having heard first person accounts from many that have gone through them are generally a last ditch effort. Many other avenues are explored first.
So, it seems possible, but not probable that Kate would get the go ahead at age 24, without having “tried” naturally for at least a year. In all the first hand accounts, ethical doctors do even see you unless “natural” attempts have been made for at least 6 months to a year.
Someone mentioned that she had a pre-existing condition – PCOS. That would make sense that being diagnosed with this condition would bump her to the head of line, fertility treatment wise. BUT. I have never read in interviews or heard Kate addresss this issue. What I have read and heard is Kate admit “even when I was young, I had a feeling that I couldn’t get pregnant.”
Why not be forthcoming about this?
Regarding the doctors – ethical or not, it is more realistic that if you can pay – you can play. At ages 22 and 24 how much money could they have had? It has been rumored that Jon’s father was supporting them – he could have paid for the treatments. That makes sense but if Jon’s father was supporting them that doesn’t jive with the story that after the babies were born, they were so destitute that they had to scrounge in their couch to find money to pay their mortgage. Why would he stop support after they had all these children to support?
My suspicions were raised in the contradicting statments they made and continue to make every week.
I stand corrected – Kate does address her PCOS.
You know, I think that some people have taken your words to be motivated by jealousy or an indictment of the fertility treatments that Kate received, I didn’t get that at all from your piece. I used to watch the show and I began to feel bad for those kids because it just seems like such an unnatural way to grow up. I also got tired of the poor me part of the Gosselins as they traveled to television shows and plush resorts on someone else’s dime complaining the entire time about the stress of having multiples. I am a fan of capitalism but it is the parents’ job to provide for the children, not the other way around. I also find it a bit disturbing that they are portraying this as reality when in the real world you raise your kids without corporate sponsorship. I am also disturbed by the fact that the Gosselins tend to use their “faith” when it’s convenient. On another site they listed their speaking engagements and I immediately thought, how can you take care of your children when you’re both traveling around the country promoting your “perfect” family. They spend the bulk of the show being unkind to one another and are extremely impatient with their children. Neither one seems particularly interested in their children’s well being and that is the saddest thing of all. Thanks.
Thank you Hope for you well thought out comment. The concerns you address are insightful and pertinent to the issues at hand regarding these children’s long term mental health and well being.
I do hope to see more of your thoughts in the future!
Thank you!
#28sarahjane
Bohemian,
Just wondering where you got your numbers from? Did you speak directly to anyone at TLC?
Also, if you’ve done so much research, why not cite your sources?
That being said, I do hope that this matter is investigated. I’d like protection for the children. I’m just not that big into speculation or exaggeration. Can you provide any evidence that the numbers you gave are legitimate?
Sarahjane~
I thank you for your comments.
I qualified my TLC/Figure 8 salary statement the use of the word “purported”.
While I find it cliche to quote the meaning of a word from a dictionary, perhaps it is warranted here:
To wit:
http://www.dictionary.com
pur·port·ed Audio Help /p?r?p?rt?d, -?po?r-/ Pronunciation Key – Show Spelled Pronunciation[per-pawr-tid, -pohr-] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective reputed or claimed; alleged: We saw no evidence of his purported wealth.
—Related forms
pur·port·ed·ly, adverb
PURPORTED from sources all over the web. And while this may sound snarky, please, G-O-O-G-L-E is one’s friend.
As you have seen it is ALLEDGED. No one is claiming that is is the correct salary.
I will state, however, that I have written TLC as well as Figure 8, and as was reported in the Entertainment Weekly article, they are not disclosing the Gosselins’ salary. Hell, they didn’t even bother to return an email.
I wonder why.
There are very few actors/sports figures/authors wherein it is not revealed how much that personality makes salary wise in an episode/film/book/year, whatever. Again, Google is one’s friend. They are quoted everywhere.
But the Gosselins? ………..Not so much.
Would you like to speculate why?
I have my own theories, but I would love to hear yours.
I think we have all forgotten one thing…
The Gosselin kids are HAPPY.
Who can deny that they aren’t? They have a nice home, good food, toys, and each other. Mady and Cara go to school, and they have the money for the sextuplets to go to school too. They go on amazing vacations that not everyone gets to experience (who CARES if not every family gets to. They do! Good for them!) The Gosselins are happy people; why does it matter so much if it’s ‘not a natural way’ to grow up? Who cares if they get money from the television networks? Good for them again! Everyone is forgetting how hard it must be to have eight children at such close ages, and does ANYBODY now how much it costs?! Raising so many kids at a time is so costy, so good for them once again for finding a way to support themselves, even if it is through reality TV.
And everyone is complaining on how ’strict’ Kate is with the kids. But what else should she be? Super soft on them? Let them do what they want? It takes a crazy amount of order for just two kids, and with eight I can’t imagine. Kate’s doing a great job, she is so organized and knows exactly what she’s doing, and I hope she keeps it up.
They’re growing up together happily and safe, shouldn’t that be all that matters? Jon and Kate love Cara, Mady, Alexis, Joel, Hannah, Leah, Collin, Aaden and Leah so so much and it’s clearly shown on each and every one of the episodes. Can you deny Jon’s love for them when in the most recent episode Leah falls into the water and it takes an eighth of a second for Jon to save her, and even hold her for at least a minute to make sure she’s okay?!
Everyone also forgets that they are just like any other family. Sure, they have more money – lots of people have more money than others, it doesn’t make them any less normal! Jon and Kate are not perfect, of course they aren’t! But I can only imagine how hard it is to raise their kids, and they’re doing an amazing job.
‘Due to the greed of their parents, Jon and Kate Gosselin, film company Figure 8 Films, network TLC, numerous corporate sponsors (such as Gap, Gymboree, Juicy Juice, and Disney)
————————————————————————————-
Let’s see, while they were in/they stayed at:
Walt Disney World/Wilderness Lodge (WDW Resort)
Maui/Grand Wailea Resort (Disney Vacation Club partner hotel)
San Diego/Hotel Del Coronado (Disney Vacation Club partner hotel) ???
The first 2 have been confirmed, what about San Diego? I’d say with 99.99% certainty I’m correct. I’d be surprised if it were not the case.
#40 Grace~
We watch a different show, obviously. I very rarely see well adusted, happy children on that show, although I will concede that I have not watched the last 4 episodes of it as I have no desire to contribute to the ratings of a show that grossly exploits children.
It is clear to me, and anyone that has studied child psychology/behavior, in addition to spending a great deal of time with children in various capacities for a good number of years, none of those children are happy. As a matter of fact, from my perspective, most are screaming out for help, loud and clear, but there ain’t no one listening.
The persons that could readily help them are all deafened by the resounding CHA-CHING of the almighty dollar, including their parents, every television network in the world that carries the show, Figure 8 Films, Zondervan Books and every corporate sponsor that has been involved since the start of this Barnum & Bailey Spectacular.
Money talks for those who have power and oftentimes mutes the rest; particularly those that cannot speak for themselves.
I am sure that you have done your research regarding the benefits of this type of lifestyle for and on growing/developing children, and I welcome it. For your benefit, I do not feel that complete Journal articles are necessary, abstracts would be fine.
I do look forward to receiving same.
I find nothing amazing about how these children have been raised. Nothing whatsoever in any way, shape or form. For reference of what type of a family I do find amazing, however, I offer to you:
The Van Houten Sextuplets:
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/01/sextuplets_and_parents_conquer.html
As for other large families that may or may not have multiples, here is an FYI for you:
Large families are NOTHING new.
I came from one, and there were many, many other Roman Catholic families in our neighborhood that had more than the 6 my mother gave birth to (which, BTW, she had in 8 years). Most of my friends had families of no LESS than 6-8 kids. My best friend was the last of 12. Her mother gave birth to 12 kids in 14 years. I wonder how these families did it with no outside help, charity or modern conveniences.
How did they ever survive……….hell, not simply survive, but THRIVE?
You see where I am going with this?
I thank you for your comment and look forward to your research!
I just got finished blogging on another site about the many issues regarding Jon and Kate,which are many and all negative.I began watching the show some time ago,when my curiosity turned to bewilderment as it became plain to me that i was watching 8 terribly unhappy children well on their way to years of therapy sessions due to their parental situation. When Kate opens her mouth to speak it is largely to berate the kids,complain about a messy stain or lack of finances,or her specialty—to publicly humiliate and degrade her brow beaten husband.This woman has become famous for bitterly complaining since the day these 6 kids hit the planet. Her husband defends her nobly,all the while being humiliated for even BREATHING too loudly (no kidding that was on an episode).I am sure Jon would love desperately to jump out of this crashing plane,but due to the 8 children and high alimony payments,has decided he’s sinking with the ship (different analogy).Thousands of people have scrutinised the show,and without a doubt,a large percent re-iterate the same thing,Kate is a bitter,acid-tongued,miserable,narcississtic,Fidel Castro-like farce.She is actually the type of woman i would meet in my life whom i would later comment ‘That is one woman that should NEVER have kids’..because most moms accept things like messes,stained clothes,gum-chewing,lolli-pop sucking,hand-me-downs,financial responsibility,child rearing as part of BEING A MOM.Kate clearly does not.There is no doubt in my mind that as soon as she discovered she was having 6 kids,the wheels started turning,and she has never looked back.
As for the audience that blogs in defence of the Gosselins saying the usual ‘Who are we to judge them?’ or ‘They are doing their best’ or ‘You are so cruel how could you say those mean things…their kids are happy and taken care of..’ well,they must remember the facts.The Gosselins have relied on many agencies and help to raise their kids.They have never done this alone.They have put the family on a nationally televised show and that in itself gives viewers the RIGHT to make judgment on what they are watching.As for doing their best…not so.Kate COULD have accepted the fact that with 8 kids laundry and vacuuming are NOT a priority any more.Sitting on the floor with the kids and playing together is a priority.Letting the kids carve pumpkins without the fear of mommy removing the tablecloth right out from underneath them becuasee it was too messy is a priority.I could go on and on,but we have all witnessed this dismal and depressing fiasco.The children are NOT happy and well adjusted.They act out their anger and rebellion through crying and tantrums.The authour is absolutely correct here.This is a cash cow and these children ARE working.And it will come as No surprise to me in the future when all 8 kids launch a massive lawsuit trying to reclaim some of the earnings from this show from the Hitler-like dictator herself…Kate.
What a well written piece.
Maybe they are “happy” right now at the age they are. But do J & K stop to think of the long term effects on the kids. Imagine being a teenager, and someone in class being able to show video of you pooping on the potty for the first time. I xan’t imagine Mady and Cara are having an easy go of it now, kids are so cruel. They are growing up in a bubble that will burst, and society is going to have to clean up the mess yet again.
Wowee!! I was trying to make up my mind about this show b/c something in my mommy radar was telling me that it wasn’t right. I will NO LONGER WATCH THIS SHOW. I think anyone that has aproblem with thier parenting should do the same. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am very very far from perfect. But your blog hits the point all too stronly; in addition to the way they state they are christians yet make fun of their kids on camera and the way Kate speaks down to her hubby. I am a control freak myself, but the love I have for my kids and husband over-rides any impulses I may have. At the end of the day, kids need to be loved, nourished and treasured, respected and praised. I see very little of this in that household.
And, I come from a family of 11 kids. Big households are NOT a big deal. My parents did it on one income and we are all successful people today.
Thank you for your insights.
Am I the only one who wonders why the tups don’t attend some sort of pre-school at this point? If Kate doesn’t ‘allow’ any sort of interaction with the neighborhood children, how are her six children going to associate with classmates when it is actually time for them to attend school?
Friends of mine who have multiples have seen to it that none of their twins or triplets are in the same class as a sibling, so they can make their own friends, be their own persons and don’t have to depend on their sibling. It’s a wonderful idea and has worked well for all concerned.
How are Jon and Kate going to handle this situation when the time arrives ? No teacher will allow for some of the behavior the tups are allowed to exhibit at home. Certainly no school will allow cameras and crews, etc. onto the grounds. If I were a parent of a child in the school, I would definitely have something to say about having my child inadvertently filmed or exploited. The only alternative will be, what – Home schooling?? I highly doubt it. I think I can count on one hand how many times they have shown either parent pick up a book and read to any of the children.
Oh wait, what’s more important … good parenting … or good tv.
To # 42 Catriona~
Wow, you go girl, lol!
I am sure that you know of the comprehensive and expose blog regarding the Gosselins: http://gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com/?
They have a quote of the week by their commenters, and while I do not want to steal their idea, I cannot help but nominate yours below for the best I have read on “Musings from the Moon”.
Readers I present to you my commenter quote of the week from Catriona:
*****Thousands of people have scrutinized the show,and without a doubt,a large percent re-iterate the same thing,Kate is a bitter,acid-tongued,miserable,narcississtic,Fidel Castro-like farce*****
Man does this say it all or what?
(And people think I am cutting!)
You bring up some excellent points, and I thank you for that. This entitlement of BOTH Kate and Jon go way, way back. It is of my opinion that these parents knew what they were doing practically from the start, and quite frankly Jon is as just to blame as is his shrew of a wife.
___________________________________________
I offer you one of my favorite quotes from Jonathan Gosselin in response to one of the early articles in the Reading Eagle regarding their appeal to keep the taxpayer supported nurse that the citizens of Pennsylvania paid for, for the first year of the sextuplets’ lives, even though each and everyone of them was deemed healthy and on track:
The original article: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_334106.html
Hey. People we don’t write the articles. Make sure you have all the facts before you comment. Also do you believe everything you read in the newpaper or see on television. Do you believe everything on the internet? Also the Pittsburgh article is from a columnist not a journalist big difference. Until you walked in our shoes don’t tell us anyhting about your life. You must compare apples and apples. The State made us promises and then took them away. How would you feel if you depended on something and it was taken from you? At the last minute. No planning. I think people should realize what is happening. Most people stand idly by and watch and never ask. So don’t sterotype us. That’s just plain ignorant. The media will make us out to who they want us to be. Lets remember the care is for my six kids not for the twins or my wife and I. Let me tell you its a scary thing putting privacy out there. You can’t hide someone will always find you. You have to weigh the whole situation. Finally, I will do everything and anything for my family especially my kids.
Posted by: Jonathan at May 20, 2005 01:34 PM
And my favorite immediate responses to Jonathan’s post:
1) I work for one of the news gathering organizations in question so I feel informed on how it works, but thanks for the media lesson. That was nice.
In addition to the print piece that was picked up by the Internet outlets, I’m also referring to their quotes that I saw on several news broadcasts like the one recently on WFMZ TV (that’s television with real people – at least I think the Gosellin’s are real) in which they wrap up a nice fluff piece on the babies first birthday by asking for a final comment from the family – and do know what they said? Not, “thanks to everyone for all the support”, no they said “WE NEED TRANSPORTATION.” “A 15 PASSENGER VAN, WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE.” Always with the hand out.
Just read the articles on their own Web site and you’ll have a complete understanding of who these freeloaders are.
Wow – this is fun.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 20, 2005 02:49 PM
2) Jonathan, I don’t believe everything I read in the newspaper or hear on the news, but please I wasn’t born yesterday.
You agreed to these articles in the newspaper. They cannot print anything about you without your permission. I find it hard to believe that you were misquoted as many times as you have stated.
You had to know that the state was not going to give you funding forever, no one said it was for your wife or the twins, but the sextuplets do not necessarily require a nurse.
I know many people that have worked in childcare and there was not even a nurse on the premises.
I have gone through fertility treatments myself, I have a son through adoption. I am not bitter , but my son’s adoption cost thousands of dollars and not once did I ever ask for assistance. My son had some medical issues and we handled things ourselves, yes we were out a lot of money but we kept going and are still paying off the adoption.
Posted by: Vicki at May 20, 2005 02:55 PM
3) This is a classic example of why people need to not only be responsible for their own action but also think things through to the ultimate conclusion. Obviously this is something this family has absolutely no idea how to do until reality slaps them in the face. And by then, well, usually it’s too late. “How grandiose it will be the state has promised us help so we can have all these kids!” The state promised us so we can now rush ahead with our plan even though we do not fully understand our decision? We don’t need to consider what would happen if throughout the lives of these children (which is longer than dogs and cats incase anyone still doesn’t understand that) we lose this promise and have to face our decision on our own? What would happen? What will we do? How can we provide the emotional needs to these children if we are left on our own like every other normal working family? This never crossed your mind? Ever hear the term some people should not breed? Now 8 more children enter the world with the same genetics that lack the foresight and intelligence to understand they are doing something they should not do. The state or the tax payers do not owe you any help and should not make a special case out of you. This is your lesson on how to think about your decisions fully until conclusion and stop acting like this is not your fault. I think maybe your cry for help should be directed to the Pro Life crowd, as they most likely have an answer for you because they understand how to care for children when things like the basic resources required to raise the children are not present. Good Luck and by the way I have a bridge I would like to sell…
Posted by: nona at May 20, 2005 03:04 PM
AND MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE:
4) As a member of the media I have been covering this story since almost day one. When I first went to the news conference in Hershey I was so excited for the Gosselins. They seemed liked good people and they had so many people really pulling for them.
However, as time went by they became, how do I say, unlikable. They no longer seemed genuine. They had such a transparent agenda.
I was at the house the day the television crew came to film “Home Delivery” and I was just appalled at things that were said by Kate once the cameras were turned off and she thought her voice couldn’t be heard. She complained about the nursery saying the murals would scare her kids and that the twin’s room was “horrendously horrendous”…a phrase I just can’t forget. She then went on to say “thanks for nothing…” I couldn’t believe my ears and I am not a naive person.
So, my advice to the Gosselins is…endear yourself to people….make them want to like you. You have become so very unappealing and just down right self-righteous. No one wants to help affluent self-righteous people when there are so many good people in dire straits that also need a hand. And, lastly, Kate stop talking….stop giving interviews, stop pleading for help, stop. You are beginning to sound a bit like a nut…a selfish, wish-you-could-change-your-mind kind of mother as well.
Posted by: Taking it in at May 21, 2005 01:57 AM
_________________________________________
To enjoy all of the responses to Jon and Kate’s pleas to continue their taxpayer funded undeeded State of Pennsylvania provided nurse, grab a cup of tea, a bag of popcorn or your favorite spirit and be, as my husband would say, gobsmacked:
http://internetservices.readingeagle.com/blog/mother/archives/2005/05/here_we_go_agai.html
Hell, why don’t we make this a blog entry, shall we?
To Maryann # 44~
As I stated to a previous commenter, I do not feel that these children are happy in any way, shape or form. And besides the obvious, it frustrates me to know that, unlike other children that are involved in TV/Film/Stage who are working in a professional capacity and are protected by the actors’ unions, there is not requirement for the Gosselins to have a social worker that is an uninterested party on the set of the show. Now NO ONE can tell me that these kids are not working. They are, and as such, they should have the protection of an uninterested party there at all times of filming to make sure that their best interests are being adhered to, and that includes education.
Call it intuition, but I smell a huge home schooling farce about to begin, not only with the sextuplets, but perhaps with the twins as well.
No one, and I mean no one can be stupid enough to believe that the older girls are not going to go through hell when they are at school. I don’t give a rats ass as to how private a school Jon and Hate send these kids to. Money or celebrity does not stop bullying and ostracization from one’s peers, oftentimes is makes it much, much worse. Couple that with the fact that these children have little to no social skills in terms of their peers, it befuddles the mind as to how any parents that truly have their children’s best interest at heart can knowingly continue to put them through such potential fiasco that could damage them for life.
Oh I stand corrected. I do know.
It is that huge green $ sign on each of those young child’s back.
What a mark of love, huh?
#43 Catriona
‘And it will come as No surprise to me in the future when all 8 kids launch a massive lawsuit trying to reclaim some of the earnings from this show from the Hitler-like dictator herself…Kate.’
^^Godwin’s Law. Never fails in a heated discussion. Sorry…just had to point that out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin’s_law
Wow. You’re a freakin’ moron. I don’t even give a crap about Jon and Kate. Your grammer and spelling have me completely horrified, though. Christ on a cracker.
#50 Neve~
Ah, look what valuable insight Neve has for us this evening!
Neve offers to us the lowest common denominator in written discussion and/or debate. When one has no counterargument, one immediately strives to show their critical thinking skills by attempting to discredit their opponent’s writing style, including grammar and spelling.
Now THAT was facinating!
By the way Neve, the correct spelling of grammar is……. well, GRAMMAR.
What was it you were saying about a moron?
Maybe I’m just too much of a worrier, but I can’t believe that these parents don’t seem to think about their children’s safety more. Let’s face it, the world is filled with some sick people. It’s baffling to me that you would show the outside of your home on national television and tell the world what little city you live in. Isn’t that blatant disregard for the safety of your family? I would be terrified that some sick person might develop an obsession and try to harm or kidnap my child/children. I think a parents first priority should always be the safety of the child.
I am L M A O…Bohemian that is too classic..i’m sorry i didnt reply back to Neve first!!Thank you for your personal reply BTW.Trust me,i am a great debater and love to comment on life and all it offers us!
I knew about all the negative news reports about the show,and my sister and i both vehemently detest this show,but i had no IDEA the number of real parents and people that feel the same way! I do tend to use fun and sarcastic analogies to get my points across,and it is purely to entertain and keep people reading..i’ll keep looking out for your blogs!!
~~Catriona
To Sorry…first of all,no need to apologise. But in regards to Godwin’s Law,it states the ‘overuse’ of reference to Hitler negates the impact of what you are trying to say.I disagree.Hitler was who popped into my mind when i was trying to compare her to a well known person who has the same rule-with-an-iron-fist-anal-retentive-sociopathic-narcississtic-bitter-disciplinarian personality.And i did not OVERUSE the reference..it was only once or twice..:)
~~Catriona
BTW Neve..if you dont care,why are you reading and commenting on blogs ABOUT the show???Secondly,you have to appreciate the humour in your own error.Thirdly,you were mentioning something about gramm A r when you use phrase like ‘Christ on a cracker’, ‘freakin’ moron,and words like ‘crap’…?. Soooo don’t even go there sweetie,because you won’t win…trust me.
~~Catriona
wow..what an eye opener. I was one of the moron fans of the show. I saw this site, and aunt jodi’s sister’s site posted on chat board, and cringed at the thought of reading negativity about my ‘favorite’ tv family. OMG..I figured they were getting paid a few hundred dollars for speaking engagements and free plane rides. Nowhere did I think they were making this sort of money. NO wonder Jon isn’t an “IT analyst” anymore. I was turned off by the recent episodes involving free vacations, hair transplants, teeth whitening. etc. After reading this..I’m sad.
They have turned their children into a money making empire..and they sit around boasting about going to church. How incredibly SAD.
#56 Michelle~
Hey there. I thank you for taking the time to write out your thoughts.
As I stated in another comment, I feel sorry for the fans that feel that they have been duped, particularly those that have given donations by love offerings at a speaking engagement, by well thought out toys at the children’s birthdays or Christmas (which BTW are systematically sold at kid consignment shops or at Jon and Kate’s own garage sales without even letting the children have them ) or by cash/gift cards (preferred), which Kate has a recipe file of to keep them organized and readily available to her when shopping.
I do hope that all the fans out there, at the very least, stop sending these people gifts/cash/gift cards. PLEASE do not take away from your own families to help one that most likely always HAS had more than you and now has more then you will probably have in your entire lives.
Besides the lack of protection of the children, the fan donations disturb me the most…………folks freely giving of themselves and their limited resources to a family that NEVER needed it, but took it in droves, nevertheless.
Greed is an understatement……………..quite frankly, it is criminal.
First of all, learn how to spell correctly before you post something on the Internet. Also, PC (politically correct, for those uninformed or unintelligent) people like you are the people causing our world to be in the place it is today. I am not referring to the accomplishments of our world; I am referring to the downfall of humankind as a whole. Get a grip and start worrying/blogging/complaining/DOING something about things that actually matter in the world. Does terrorism ring any bells? It seems pretty apparent that these children are well taken care of and loved. Yeah, Kate comes across as a bit*h a lot, but who doesn’t once in awhile? I’m sure you would too, quite often, if your life were edited for TV ratings. Grow up and lose your bitterness!
Another lowest common denominator comment! Thank you:)
Out of curiosity, how did you find my blog, and specifically comment on the Kon and Hate fiasco?
You had to have to of been either LOOKING for information on Kon and Hate, or you came here from another blog/forum in which you were READING about Kon and Hate.
Either way, perhaps you should take your own advice and just start reading about what YOU can do to help change the world for the better and stop wasting your time reading blogs/forums/articles about Kon and Hate and furthering your obviously transparent agenda.
(Hypocrite)
Hey, I know! Why don’t you come and sign my petition for legislation to be enacted so children that are in “Reality TV” shows and series are offered the same protection as child actors that are members of the actor’s unions. What do ya say?
I am sure in your quest for a more advanced society you would be the first in line to advocate that minors, particularly those that are quite young, are protected emotionally, physically and monetarily while they are laboring for their parent’s livelihood.
Correct?
Here ya go! You can even keep the pen:)
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16 years old. My first period had to be induced with progesterone. I was told that I may have difficulty conceiving when I chose to begin having a family.
When I was 23 years old, I became pregnant with my first daughter. She was a complete shock because my husband and I were not trying to conceive. I became pregnant within the first 3 months of our dating.
Fast forward 2 and a half years later. My husband and I married 2 years after having our first daughter. We also decided it was time to try to have a second child. I went to the doctor to get a physical before trying to conceive. Again I was told I had PCOS and now that I was older than 25, if I wasn’t pregnant within the first 6 months we should look into fertility treatments even though I had conceived so easily the last time. My age was a factor now, my doctor said but let’s see how things go first before we jump to use the fertility medicines. I went home, and we began trying.
I became pregnant with my second daughter within the first few weeks of trying. I began trying on April 8th, 2007 and the first pregnancy test I took on Mother’s Day weekend ‘07 came up positive. My second daughter is now almost 8 months old now.
My doctor was thrilled but not completely surprised by how easily I became pregnant. Yes, I have PCOS but that does not mean that diagnose means you will have to use fertility drugs, my doctor said.
So, I am proof that PCOS does not mean that fertility treatments will always need to be performed.
#60 RGSJ’S Mommy~
Congrats on your babies! And I thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
It is nice to hear from a reader that can relate PCOS does not always equate with having to go forward with fertility drugs.
I have said this before. I dont hate them and i dont love them…I am not going to nitpick their parenting choices (fiy i dont like the way they are), but the thing is i am a mother of 7. granted that i have had mine one at a time…we dont get lots of freebes and help. My hubby works 60+ hours a week just so we can make it. We dont have a tv show…but this is reality! Its not easy but its fun. My husband and i treat eachother with respect, and we dont use our children for money!
#62 M.E~
Thanks for your thoughts, M.E., they are appreciated. I do love it when Mums of large families come to point out the obvious.
As I have stated a few times, when I was growing up, large families were the norm. I myself am the last of 6 (my mom had 6 kids in 8 years). All of my friends families had at least 6-8 kids and upwards of 12-15. And we lived in Arlington Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. in the 60s.
People pretty much did it on their own, as a matter of fact, in when I grew up, it was an embarrassment not to do so. I do not always believe in that sentiment, because I DO believe people need help in their lives and should get it. While they are getting it, however, simutaneously they should be learning how to stand on their own two feet.
The gross exploitation of 8 children as a meal/Disneyland ticket is not standing on your own two feet. It is, however, crippling 16 of them in the process.
And it is a deep dark shame.
GREAT POST!
ATTN GRACE:
How in world can you say those children are happy??? They no longer have any relatives around them thanks to their greedy, psycho parents.
ATTN EVERYONE:
STOP WATCHING J&K+8!!!! DO NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE RATINGS!!!
WOW! You really ARE bitter! I hit the nail on the head! Transparent agenda on my part…I think not. IF I had an agenda, it would be to get this ridiculously PC world to get off of its collective soapbox and do/say something that matters. I only came across your blog when doing research about multiple births. I had heard a lot about bitter people like you who had nothing better to do with their time than lambast others on the Internet. I came back to your “blog”, if it can be called such, tonight out of pure curiosity to see if I was correct in guessing the amount of your bitterness/stupidity/boredom. Have no worries, I won’t be back. It saddens me too much to know that idiots like you exist to waste my time any further.
#64~ ME
Yet, I can still see right through you, my little ghost, particularly since you found your way back here.
I have a place in my “Ghosties” section just for you:)
WELCOME!
Well I have read some of your comments on the other site Jon and Kate plus 8. We all have the same views, just wish someone would pull the plug. I remember the meak and mild Kate on the Dr. Phil show. I hope he does a return visit. If we all contacted him, maybe it could happen. We should all voice our concern for the children of the stupid reality show.
[...] Jon and Kate are lying to people, and have been since the sextuplets were born. Oh, also check out this entry, particularly the part about their fertility treatments. [...]
Agree or disagree, that was a well-thought out, articulate post. Thanks for the entertainment and kudos to you for standing up for yourself against those who leave anonymous (yet biting) comments on your personal blog. Don’t you just wanna tell them to shove off?????
I’ll be back.
The show would not be a success if it were not for viewers like you and me. I enjoy the show and watch it whenever I can – even reruns over and over again. It is none of your business about the business aspect of the show and who are you to judge. If you don’t like what is going on stop watching the show. That goes for all who have negative things to say. If enough people have negative thoughts and stop watching the show will go off the air.
So quit wining.
#69 Amber~
Thanks for your comments, Amber:)
I have no problem with person’s that disagree with me stating their comments/thoughts………and I really don’t feel that it is necessary for one to make a name, though I am unsure why one would not.
I would like them to, however, bring some logic to the debate and refrain from the usual “I have no argument so I am going to insult you instead”, modus operandi.
#70 Martha~
Hi Martha, thanks for your comments.
Now do you have any true thought proccess to bring to this discusssion, besides the lowest common denominator of “stop watching the show”?
How about if we discuss the gross exploitation of children. How do you feel about that practice?
Oh, Dear Martha, I was once a sheeple just like you. I also watched this freak show continuously until I started thinking about my own two children. I have recently stopped watching Kon, but that doesn’t mean I am not concerned with their welfare. I have contacted various talk shows, sponsors and child advocacy groups in their defense. Just because we don’t watch does not mean the abuse of these kids is going to stop. That is why this blog, GWOP and others are fighting for legislation. I ask that you watch the re runs and honestly watch what these children go through. And as I have stated on GWOP if you do not see the problem, then that means you are part of the problem!!!
I agree with a lot of what’s been said on this blog. It bothers me that the kids don’t seem to get a break from the cameras and that they aren’t protected by a union or law like most child actors. It also bothers me the way Kate talks to Jon, especially the episode when they’re Christmas shopping at Toys R Us and she yells at him in front of the whole store. I, myself, am far from perfect. I would hate to think what I would look like if cameras followed me all day. I lose my temper from time to time, I admit it. I get upset with my husband because he doesn’t do things the way I do, I admit that also. We are all far from perfect and anyone who says they don’t lose their temper from time to time would be dishonest. I think we need to remember that this is TV. The shows are edited by someone other than Jon and Kate. And we all know that an argument between spouses makes for “better” TV than a lovey-dovey scene where they’re sweet to each other. I’m not defending Kate’s actions. I just want people to remember that we aren’t seeing their full story. We’re seeing a very edited version of it. Edited for ratings.
#74 Katiejo~
I thank you for your comments.
IMO, it is far more insidious than just TV. These parents, TLC, Figure 8 Films, and a litany of corporate sponsors that have chosen to put the almighty dollar front and center before the emotional health of 8 small children.
Every one of the parties know that there is not protection that is required for these kids. ALL OF THEM!
Yet they have no problem, pushing the entire fiasco to the limit to garner as much cash as they possibly can before 1) the children have lost their cute factor (which is rapidly approaching) and they are disgarded to make room for the next bunch that can be exploited and 2) the entire train wreck implodes, which, I believe, is happening as we speak.
Unfortunately, these children’s lives have already been dramatically affected and altered forever.
A large part of this activisim is simply not for the 8 Gosselins in the here and now. It is for all the children that follow that are caught in the corporate tangle of the Reality Show Wild Wild West, and because they aren’t of the age of consent, or protected by laws, don’t have a damn thing to say about it.
Bohemian-
I am so happy to have discovered this blog and this thread in particular. How refreshing! I have a two year old, who is a “fan” of J&K+8. She loves to watch the kids. I, however; am not a fan. From day one, I have been annoyed with the entitled attitude of Kate and the way she has treated her husband. I don’t care what anyone says, or how many times she tries to defend her actions, it isn’t right. This woman as a mother of eight goes to more spas and has more alone time than I as a mom of two have. Kate is very good at delegating. All I see her do on the show is pack suitcases, throw laundry in the washing machine, and cook. Oh yeah I did see her grocery shopping once. I have seen numerous volunteers doing all the dirty work. They are the ones providing the hands on care of these children. Even Jon is shown bathing, dressing and putting them to bed.
The situation now with “Aunt Jodi” irks me even more. Kate claims to want the best for her children, but that doesn’t include anytime with their biological family members apparently. It seems she is putting money ahead of her own family. Why would she care if Aunt Jodi got rightfully paid for having cameras in her home. She (aunt Jodi) has the kids so much that is a big part of the show the time spent with their aunt. That is where the kids seem happy. They are allowed to make a mess and get creative. Something you don’t see them ever do at home!
Obviously it seems she was jealous of all the positive feedback for Aunt Jodi.
So, with that said, thanks again for this thread. It is nice to see I am not the only one who feels the way I do.
#76 Rebecca~
Thank you so kindly for your insightful comments and taking the time to give them here, it is appreciated:)
Kate has recently been nominated as Good Housekeeping’s Mother of the Month and an upcoming J$K episode revolves around this.
Please write GH and show them your displeasure at this choicec, assuming you are displeased with it.
Quite frankly I am gobsmacked that a historic magazine such as GH would choose to jump on the corporate exploitation bandwagon with this when so many military wives have lost their husbands, fighting for this country. I am sure on of them are more qualified for Mother of the Month than Kate Gosselin!
http://blog.psychic-wisdom.net/2008/08/29/congratulations-kate/
Moon,
Keep up the good work!
Have you tried posting the petition info on other J&K websites?
CafeMom,GWoP,GDNNOP–If so were they receptive?
Most of what all of you say is very aggravating to me. I do not agree with several parts of Kate’s personality – occasional belittling of Jon and his weight comments and her obsession with the kids not getting dirty. But, they are good parents. I can’t believe someone on here said her refusal to work. That is hilarious. She did work for a while after the babies were born. I feel that a mom should be at home and with 8 children it is a neccessity. Her children’s lives would be total caos if she was not at home with them. Most parents with 1 or 2 kids don’t keep their kids on a scedule or disicpline them at all. They do this at all times. THis is so good for children. Part of the problem we are having now is parents who just let their kids live a willy nilly sort of life. No rules, no consequences, no beliefs in God, coddeling them, and letting them be surrounded by friends all of the time. Kids first friends should be their siblings. Kids are now a days getting their guidelines to life from friends instead of being guided by their parents. It is fine that the kids aren’t around other kids that much. But, they do go to church and are around many kids then.
Mostly it upsets me in the way that people on here have claimed such terrible things for these children. I hope that they as well as all children grow up to be Godly, wonderful members of society.
I also understand her desire not to take whatever is given to her. I am the same way, people tried to give me all sorts of stuff when I was pregnant. I wanted to plan eveything on my own and then figure out an enexpencive way to get it.
Also, If Jon and Kate feel it is in their families best intrest not to be around other people it is their desicion. As a young mother I see parents my age doing whatever their families want them to do. Live where they want them to live and raise their kids however people tell them too. Some family members can be overbearing and when they aren’t “obeyed” they don’t like it. I have so many friends who’s parents or in laws insisted on keeping a child over night and they let them and then cried all night. THis is just an example.
Again I do not agree with everything about Kate and I don’t know the true story, but I think many of you need to worry about your own children not these kids.
I thank you for taking the time to relate your feelings on this issue.
I feel that a mom should be at home and with 8 children it is a neccessity. Her children’s lives would be total caos if she was not at home with them.
For one, Jon and Kate have ALWAYS had a great deal of help. They still do. I am unsure of why people think that Jon and Kate, or Kate herself is taking care of all of the children herself. Further, it is JON that does most of the basic needs/nitty gritty child care. He does a heck of a lot more hands on care than Kate. As a nurse, Kate has a much higher earning potential than Jon and more flexibility of hours. She easily could pull 3-4 shifts in a week to contribute, but she chose not to. Instead they found a way to make thier living through exploitation of their 8 children. Nothing to be proud of there.
Most parents with 1 or 2 kids don’t keep their kids on a scedule or disicpline them at all. They do this at all times. THis is so good for children. Part of the problem we are having now is parents who just let their kids live a willy nilly sort of life. No rules, no consequences, no beliefs in God, coddeling them, and letting them be surrounded by friends all of the time. Kids first friends should be their siblings. Kids are now a days getting their guidelines to life from friends instead of being guided by their parents. It is fine that the kids aren’t around other kids that much. But, they do go to church and are around many kids then.
From my observation in society, I do not see a major lack of discipline. What I have seen in this generation, however, is lives that revolve around a great deal of materialism and “me” ism, and I feel that this is being passed onto the next generation, Jon and Kate very included. They worry more about material goods than they do about simple and creative learning tools/endeavors for their children. Material goods never have, and never will equate with love.
Children NEED friends and associations OUTSIDE of their immediate family. They need to learn social skills at the very least, and it is highly unhealthy for anyone to be isolated from everyone other than their immediate family. I can’t imagine why you feel that children should not be with other children other than their siblings. Children need outside peers for healthy mental and social development. Further, What about families with one child? What about a family who have children at differing ages?
Mostly it upsets me in the way that people on here have claimed such terrible things for these children. I hope that they as well as all children grow up to be Godly, wonderful members of society.
What “terrible things” are people claiming for these children? I know what I am advocating for, and that is to take the cameras and lighting out of the home that is now and has been a TV film set, and start to give these kids a life that is normal and consistant. They do not need to be pulled all over creation just to be filmed under the guise of another “family vacation” or other outing. It is ridiculous and harmful. Kids need stability, not another hysterically long car or plane ride in yet another city or state just so their parents get another vacation.
I also understand her desire not to take whatever is given to her. I am the same way, people tried to give me all sorts of stuff when I was pregnant. I wanted to plan eveything on my own and then figure out an enexpencive way to get it.
Beggers should not be so discriminating choosers, IMO. She managed to alienate her entire family over her demands for brand new and perfect. Her greed keeps her children from seeing their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family means nothing compared to a new set of matching cribs that were simply sold once the children were of age for regular beds. What a trade off, eh?
Also, If Jon and Kate feel it is in their families best intrest not to be around other people it is their desicion. As a young mother I see parents my age doing whatever their families want them to do. Live where they want them to live and raise their kids however people tell them too. Some family members can be overbearing and when they aren’t “obeyed” they don’t like it. I have so many friends who’s parents or in laws insisted on keeping a child over night and they let them and then cried all night. THis is just an example.
Kate and Jon use their children as weapons against their families, and that is IT. Their children have no extended family due to their need for greed and conrol. It is going to bite them in the ass in the future and won’t it be interesting when Jon and Kate are not allowed to see any of their grandchildren. Yeah, that is a healthy family dynamic.
Again I do not agree with everything about Kate and I don’t know the true story, but I think many of you need to worry about your own children not these kids.
If society as a whole did not worry about those society members that cannot, under law, advocate for themselves, there would be no protection for them in any way, shape of form. Is this what you are advocating?
I started out loving this show…the parents seemed normal and the kids are just so stinking cute!!! But, I soon found out the obvious, Kate is a witch, and Jon, he’s just useless!!!! I am one of seven in exactly 9 years (oldest/youngest have the same birthday) and my mother was just 28 at her her last deliverly. In 41 years I’ve never heard my parents complain or beg for anything!!!! Granted we were all single births…but lets remmber between 8 kids J&K only have to go thru potty training, bottles etc… twice!!!! At ages 8 and 4 they have built in playmates!!!! My other pet peeve is Kate and her freakin’ organic!!! Newsflash everyone, it doesn’t take anymore time or energy to cook organic than not and has anyone noticed that it’s only organic when convienient??? The last time I checked Pop tarts aren’t organic yet that’s what plus eight were eating in the airport on when of their free trips! — okay I won’t bitch about the free trips because who wouldn’t take that for their kids!!! But I’d at least say THANK YOU!!!!!
#82~fancypants~
I could not agree with yourmore.
I also thank you for pointing out, once again, that large families are nothing new. And most large families have absolutely no help whatsoever.
Thank you so much for your comments:)
Mommy1,
I agree that discipline needs to be given to our children, but the discipline needs to be constant for rules that are consistent. That does not occur in the Gosselin household.
Parents should be a united front when it comes to disciplining their children. Where is the unity in the Gosselin household? How does it not confuse a child to argue about the discipline one parent just gave them in front of the child? I know that parents are not able to discuss appropriate discipline strategy all the time, but don’t discuss it in front of the child.
There have been times in my house when my husband or I have put my oldest daughter in a time out, but didn’t agree with the other for why she was there. Those are the times that the days stresses make us a bit short and something that aggravates one doesn’t aggravate the other. But, the difference in our house when that happens is that we discuss with each other what happened AFTER our child is not in ear shot. We discuss it so that either a rule can be established or to relieve the stress we are feeling.
My oldest daughter attends a Montessori school that is very strict with using conscious discipline which is a method designed by Dr. Becky Bailey. We use that same method at our home. We also are extremely organized as well in our home, which holds true to the Montessori method. Everything has it’s place and needs to be put back there. This helps my daughter find what she wants to play with without having to empty out the entire toy box to find it.
Cleaniliness is important but not to the detriment of the growth of my children. My daughter loves to paint. So, we put on a smock and paint on her easel outside. There she can be as creative as she needs and we just clean up afterwards. If it gets on her clothes, that is what Oxiclean is for. But, my daughter also loves to help me sweep and clean. She learns respect for her home by helping me clean. Where in the Gosselin home do the children learn respect for their home if they aren’t able to explore their home?
As a mother who worked as a nurse after my oldest daughter was born, I can say that being a working mother was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but necessary. If I hadn’t returned to work after her birth, she wouldn’t have had health insurance, that alone was a huge responsibility as a parent that I needed to secure.
I am now fortunate enough that my family can afford to have me home to raise our two daughters now with health insurance. I love that I can be here to raise my children along with my husband who works for himself which affords me the help I need when I need it without having to ask for outside help.
Having also recently moved to Miami so that we could live closer to my husbands family, it was not because we were asked to. As parents, it was also a responsibility of ours to ensure that our children were able to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our nuclear family is the most important, but our immediate family is also very much a needed part of our children’s lives. When we lived in New York City, we had no family around and had to travel every few months so grandparents could see the children before they were grown to the point you couldn’t recognize them. We made the decision that our family needed to be closer to us. Just because my mother-in-law only lives 3 miles from me, it doesn’t mean that she is the authority in my house. When you become a parent, you need to be an adult who can make your own decisions for your children. And, as a new parent, it is easy to take the “advice” you are given from your family as law. You are trying to find your ground. Not everyone is confident enough to be able to live without the advice of their family. The difference with the Gosselins is that they alienated their family because they couldn’t take the advice their families gave them and ignore it but at the same time still be adult enough to realize that their family just wants what is best for their family. The Gosselins have not learned to use that filter and instead pitbull anyone who doesn’t agree with the way they raise their children.
I agree with you that discipline, staying home to raise your children, and not having your family dictate what goes on in your home, but I think the Gosselins need to learn more tact and maturity with all of these things.
-RJSJ’s Mommy
In my opinion, it doesn’t matter one bit whether or not these children are happy. They are being exploited, pure and simple, and need to be protected. Even severely abused children can seem happy and be devastated to be separated from the abusive parent. Would we leave them to be beaten simply because they didn’t want to leave? No, of course not.
I enjoyed your post because it is mainly concerned with the plight of the children. All the other causes I read about – the financial status of the parents, whether or not they should have received fertility treatments, all the free stuff they get – are interesting but they should not be the main focus. It’s too easy to get sidetracked with the smaller issues and lose sight of the real problem, which is child exploitation. I found your post to be very well written; thank you!
As a side note – I have 3 singletons and then had triplets, all conceived without fertility (that is beside the point, but it’s always asked). I firmly believe that all parents are equipped for their own situation WHEN we need it. Yes, triplets were harder in some ways and easier in others. I am always shocked, but also amused when I participate in various parenting boards. There is always an element of “Mommy Wars” – but I have never seen it so strong as in the multiples world. Don’t dare tell a multiples mom that you can understand what she is going through unless you have experienced the exact same thing! It’s definitely a competitive thing. In case you can’t tell, I highly disagree with it. We all have our own situations and while none of us have walked in each others’ shoes, we really aren’t that different in the end. Instead of supporting and learning from each other we just compete and one-up each other. And I HAVE seen and would desrcibe it as a high and mighty attitude from some. Very sad. Bottom line – no, I don’t know what it’s like to have sextuplets and twins. But there was a time I never knew what it was like to have 6 kids, much less 3 plus triplets. It’s something you can’t fathom until it happens, but that does not render any advice from others totally useless, which is quite often what people say! We all have to adjust to what we are given, and it is OUR responsibility as parents to raise our kids, NO ONE ELSE’S.
#84 Kari~
Wow, Kari, what a GREAT post! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an intelligent and comprehensive piece.
Applause as well for a bit of the “multiple mom world”. Over and over I hear the cry of “YOU try having multiples” or “Unless you can walk in their shoes, you have no right to talk”, and that is about multiples in general, not just regarding J&K.
I am of an older generation and am very familiar with large families. My own mom had 6 in 8 years. My best friend’s mother had 12 in 14. Now lets look at this: yes, it must be a MAJOR challenge when multiples are infants. The logistics of feeding them, particularly a large number such as six, sounds like an extreme challenge, no doubt.
But lets look at the 6 kid in 8 year scenario:
Baby 1 born, mom gets preggo relatively soon. Mom is experiencing first baby while going through pregnancy number two. Baby is just about walking when baby two is born. She now has two in diapers. One is learning how to eat solid foods in high chair, but baby number two has to be breast or bottle fed. 7 months elapses and mom is preggo with number 3. Baby one is getting close to thinking about starting potty training and baby two is crawling. Baby one maybe in a booster seat at table, and baby two in high chair. Both still in diapers. Mom, while pregnant starts to potty try and train baby number one. Not going well, both still in diapers when baby number three arrives. Mom now has three children in diapers, but one is eating solid “big people’s food” at the table, and using a cup, baby two is still eating baby food in high chair with bottles three or four times a day and baby three has to breat of bottle feed. Mom needs to really rock and roll on the potty training thing with baby number 1 with a new born in tow………….
You get the idea, lol.
And all of this without help or the modern conveniences that we have today. Hell, I was 6 before my mom got a dryer!
Not so easy, but no one sees that, and I wonder why.
I’m afraid these kids are going to get homeschooled (not that theres anything wrong with that) and just be sheltered from civilization!! All J&K talk about is how they want everything to be normal…guess what normal is having your 4 year old in preschool and experiencing life outside the home – if only for 3 hours a day 2 days a week!!!! It’s obviously not a question of money, it’s just a question of control and her relinquishing it! Big families, because of many pregnancies or big families because of multuples are nothing new in this day in age…guess what it’s just a big family!!! I feel that J&K are just cashing in on their kids and at sometime they will see the end result (I’m a HUGE beliver in karma). But, I guess we are all guilty here – why am I so obsessed with this family when I have my own to worry about??? I guess it’s because I’ve watched from the beginning and have watched how they’ve morphed into these condescending pre-madonnas! Everything in their house is a “treat” 3 mini m&m’s, a special day etc… they imply that we pions of non multiples/less than 8 kids are somehow incompetent parents – someone who would let kids walk all over them ( jodi gum need I say more). I realize that I only have 3 – but came from 7- but I can say that I run a pretty tight ship…but if you drop your kid off somewhere you have to let them live by those house rules. I also (I don’t know why) have to know the reason of the rift between her and her parents…it can’t just be because of mis-matched cribs…or could it?? Bottom line, she is a shrew and he can’t get away from his own ego…watching J&K make me feel like a better parent!!!
#86 fancypants123~
Thanks for your comments, they are appreciated!
NEVER apologize for having “only three kids”. I am so very bewildered by this claim that unless you have X number of kids, you can’t possibly know what it is like.
Bullshite is what I say.
This chickadee has never NOT had helped. You come from a large family who most likely didn’t have a lot of outside help, as did I. You have three kidlets, how much outside help do you have?
The Gosselins had an “army” of volunteers, plus a nurse, from the get go. They had everyone and their brother’s cousin’s neighbors cooking for them and helping them out in every way imaginable.
It is beyond bizarre ( and kind of admirable in a twisted sort of way) of how they have manipulated everyone around them, including the international public, to believing their ruse.
They are, however, running quickly to the end of their gravy train track……….and it sure ain’t pretty is it?
I feel for those kids and only hope that there is an intervention that requires, at least the older girls, to get into some type of therapy to aid in the transition from living in a fish bowl to some sense to normalcy.
As you stated, karma. No one escapes it, whether one believes in it or not.
I have a question…who is paying for their medical insurance? We know the kids go to the dentist, eye doctor and check-ups at the pediatrician, not to mention the visits to the dr. when they are sick. Since Jon and Hate are not working who is paying for it?
And I read that reply from Jon, Good Lord, where the hell did he go to school? Talk about bad grammer and punctuation.
Lordy Be, these poor kids have idiots for parents!
#88 Nancy~
I thank you for your comments and weighing in. It is appreciated.
As for the health coverage, I do not know 100%. But be clear, that Jon and Kate are working. They are working. They are working those eight children and living off that labor.
The health insurance is either paid via TLC, or they are paying it themselves. I vote for the former.
Please check out my entries that list the corporate sponsorship of J&K and voice your opinion and concern to them regarding the gross exploitation of these 8 children. Your voice can make a difference!
I am so glad you wrote this. I too am guilty of becoming so consumed with J&K. I’m over it! Okay, we see what it’s like for them, but this isn’t at all reality. This is not a normal life for these children or this family. There is nothing at all inspiring about this family and this show should be canceled! Where is the episode where John and Kate give back a little? Why don’t they do a little charity work for the families that are robbed ever day because they are sucking up all the freebies? Or for other families of multiples? Like I said, I’m over it!
#9- Brooke_79NY~
Thanks for your comments, Brooke, they are appreciated.
Regarding the giving back, TLC is trying to do damage control. In the recent “Kate’s Labor Day” show they showed her giving an envelope to the Ronald McDonald House that were so kind to them after the tups’ birth. I do hope that there was an actual healthy donation in it, but it was clearly damamge control.
Brook, my main concern with all of this is the exploitation of the children. I have two comprehensive lists of their sponsors of the show here on my blog. I urge you to write them and voicce your concern. As long as there is a gravy train to ride, Jon, Kate, TLC and Figure 8 are going to ride it to the end of the track, BUT they need the sponsor monies for fuel. No sponsors, no fuel, and the train derails! And that cannot come soon enough.
I am more concerned about these children when they are teenagers. Will they complain about how they used to have a chef and used to take amazing vacations? Will Mady be stomping her foot and saying “don’t you know who I am”? Will they have the same sense of entitlement as their parents? Hopefully they are young enough not to remember this crazy part of their lives.
#92~ chickadee
I hear you! It is almost like this entire situation is between a rock and a hard place.
What happens when the gravy train runs dry? I know that Kate in particular wants this to go on and I bet she would give her eye teeth to get those kids into commercials or film, but I am not sure if they have the talent or desire for it.
When they took Mady and Cara to the talent agent in that one episode, the talent agent told Kate to get them into acting classes if the twins were interested in acting. Kate said later on the couch that it was not something that they (Jon and Kate) would be interested in pursuing. It read to me that Kate was expecting a little bit more from the talent agent, as in WOW your kids are great, lets sign them up, but I am sure that that talent agent has dealt with many a wanna be mothers, and called it like she saw it.
I cannot, for the life of me, understand why a parent would not think in terms of the future regarding this show. They harm done aside, they can’t possibly think that this thing is going to go on forever?!?!
Or maybe they are.
And that is the saddest thought of all.
I agree with everything being said and I think she treats jon really badly and doesn’t want to apologize. I am a mother of 3 and I had mine in 31/2 years. Motherhood is hard whether you have one or 10 it is most rewarding. Why can’t jon keep any jobs?? There are hardworking single mothers and fathers out there without help. She should feel blessed that people care because there are alot of hardworking parents that do it themselves. Doesn’t she buy organic food. I cannot afford to buy orgaic food . I hope also that the show gets cancelled so reality can hit. I thought it was very odd that there mothers were not in the picture. That is so sad They have another person I saw on a episode to stand in as a grandma. Well I do agree you need structure with children but you shouldn’t be so anal about little things. Accidents will happen. Thanks Bohemian Moon.
Oh, this is SOOOOO true! They are really making a huge mistake, and have been for a long time. I’m glad they didn’t do the selective reduction or anythign like that, but they are definitely greedy child exploiters.
What kind of parents would do that?!
I think every Jon and Kate hater is crazy. They have a lot of shit on their plate and need the extra dough. Untill anyone of you have eights kids i don’t think anyone of us should judge.
#96 Marie~
I came from a very large family that made it many, many years on one income, with one car and no modern conveniences other than a washing machine which my parents got when I was about three. I was just about eight or so when they got a clothes dryer.
I wonder how they did it?
#96 Maria:
I was one of five kids raised in a lower middle class home. My parents had to worry about money but they rarely let on to us kids. They worked their asses off and taught us things like honesty, humility and honor. We learned by example what a good work ethic means. We also learned early on the consequences of ones actions/choices, something I daresay J&K have yet to learn.
Listen, I am not judging J&K nor do I hate them; I think most of us merely question their motives for taking so much for themselves without consideration to others – including their own children. They could have stopped a long time ago and still lived quite comfortably. The ends will never justify the means, no matter how much J&K try to double-talk their way out of it. But do tell: exactly at what point does ‘the dough’ become “extra”? Here’s a couple who really need the “extra” should J&K live up to their Christian beliefs of helping those in need: http://a.abcnews.com/US/wireStory?id=6064348 and/or http://www.recordcourier.com/article/20081017/NEWS/810169944&parentprofile=search. (Oh my, and they conceived “organically”!)
I’m just wondering how you know all of the details of their life. Are you a scorned family member or what. I don’t agree that it’s right to make money off of your children, but do you think they really went into the show trying to exploit their children. It’s probably more likely they were looking for a way to make more money to support the kids and if I had the chance to make $65,000 per show I’d probably do it too. Who are we to judge someone else for their actions until we are in their shoes?
#99 Leanna~
No scorned family member. Just a person that is versed in how to conduct research.
You would sell your kids’ childhoods for material goods. Fair enough. At least you own it.
Thanks for your comments.
“Who are we to judge someone else for their actions until we are in their shoes?”
Oh, I’ll take that one.
I can judge someone’s actions because I have a certain operating code. Some people use the 10 Commandments, say, or The Golden Rule, or ethics and morals.
There all kinds of ways to decide for yourself if the consequences of an action are worthwhile. I bet you do it every day: Should I really have one more drink before dinner? Should I drink and drive?
And, when you are a parent, you’re responsible for the health and well-being of your child. You, if you are a decent parent, commit to ensuring that child gets to adulthood healthy, mentally sound and prepared to manage their own life.
So, you decide on every question as it comes: Should little Johnny set his own hours and face the consequences of sleeping past the start of school? No, you make the rules in your house.
If I know a neighbor lets their kids run all over, smoke cigarettes and drink, I make a judgment then and there that my kids can’t go over to play, study or hang out.
Did I just make a judgment on that person’s actions? You betcha! Because my set of morals and ethics says you don’t let kids act in ways that are harmful to themselves. Certainly not very young children who can’t make thoughtful decisions about things that might affect their entire life.
So, yes, I get to sit back in the old La-Z-Boy and decide every week about the actions and the visible consequences on my TV screen. I don’t care if I’m watching Rock of Love or Jon & Kate; both shows are “reality” and both shows have uneducated, uncaring people grasping at fame and fortune, while displaying little or no visible talent or skills.
Having eight rather cute children is not in and of itself so special and attention-worthy (no matter what Jon says about a curious public who wants to know about them so much that J&K felt almost obligated to do a TV show), that the very show justifies the exploitation of the children’s childhood. That somehow shopping for a free bed is so heady and the TV show must go on justifies ignoring the real pain and tears of a child ill and crying for his mother. Then, this child has to WALK as he is followed by a camera, not be carried by a loving parent, out to a vehicle and have a fecal impaction shown on TV and discussed in an interview.
That a parent did not step up to stop filming, to protect that boy’s privacy tells me everything I need to know about that set of parents’ sense of responsibility. And the lack of caring as demonstrated at the time and in the interview is just the cherry on top of the sundae.
Yeah, I’ll judge that. And I bet, if you really thought about it, you would, too. Any parent should have drawn back from the TV in shock to see a child treated that way, FOR ENTERTAINMENT and with the full consent of his parents. You tell me you’d do that to your children for the money and I will say all of this about you, because I use my decision-making ablities and critical thinking every day, in situation after situation. I would hope everyone does the same.
How such a situation is condoned is beyond me. Someday, I think there will be eight more people who think the same thing.
I suggest editing your piece. It may be taken more seriously if you did a spell check, grammar check, etc. Just read your articles a couple times after you write them; it really pays off.
#102 aev~
Do you have anything meaningful to add to this discussion, aev?
Isn’t that one of the signs of desperation in an Internet argument? Call someone on their writing skills or call them a Nazi.
A thoughtful rebuttal would be interesting …
I saw the “show” before it was a stinkin’ series; they had just done a documentary on TLC about parents who are raising “multiples” or more than two or three kids.
I’m sorry but you know what there are a lot of people out there raising five and six kids. Just because these people decided to have fertility treatments and wound up with 8 kids doesn’t make them interesting enough to watch.
As far as I’m concerned, if they couldn’t afford to take care of their kids without “public donations” then they shouldn’t have had them.
I’m about sick of this friggin’ family on TV. I don’t even watch TLC as much as i use to because of this stupid show.
BUT THAT’S HOW I FEEL ABOUT ALL “REALITY” SHOWS…
that’s just my opinion.
[...] public links >> multiples Jon and Kate Plus Eight…………Ain’t So Great! Saved by harrison2198 on Sat 08-11-2008 Comparable Trading Multiples Valuation Model Saved by [...]
Hi Moon,
It’s amazing how much I agree with everything you’ve said on this blog (concerning J&K). I decided to “backread” your blog and it’s still so interesting to me and I don’t really know why.
I seem to have a weird obsession with this family . However, I’d be perfectly happy if they left the public eye and we never heard from them again.
My concern is for the kids. Once Paul Peterson got involved it confirmed all my silent feelings.
Would it be ok if I copied some of your blogs (with credit, of course) for my myspace blog? You say everything so well and I’d love to use your writing with your permission.
Thanks.
myspace/andiluck
#108 fx~
Feel free if you like, but I would ask that you post my blog URL, if that is cool
Peace and good~
I found this blog because I was curious about the rumors of the show and didn’t realize I would find SO much hatred for the show!
First of all, I hate the way Kate treats Jon. It sickens me to no end. Their relationship needs work for sure, but at least she shows a genuine love for her children. She messes up a lot, it’s true, but she tries. Also, it should be taken into consideration that TLC edits these 3-4 days a week videos into episodes that are entertaining. Never underestimate the power of conflict. Although it seems that Kate is always treating her family terribly, I doubt the producers are going to pass up any opportunity to include ugliness. That’s the way TV works. If you don’t like it, you really shouldn’t be shelling out the money for cable.
I do agree with those who said these children appear happy. I mean, to me they do. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. I do think that Mady has some issues that need to be resolved, but all 8 children? I don’t think they’re all going to grow up to be little Britney Spears or Lindsey Lohans.
But to the heart of the issue: exploitation. The problem is, no law has stated what exactly that means. 3-4 days a week seems excessive. But children who star in other tv shows are doing the same thing, except they don’t live near normal lives, they live in hollywood, where they get tutors instead of school or even homeschool, and are really obviously being exploited. The law isn’t against Jon and Kate… yet… and I doubt it will be. Too much money in Hollywood to let children off easy. Personally, I haven’t seen a problem with it as a whole, but if it were my children and my family, I would discontinue the show. Kids need normal childhoods, but it’s up to KATE and JON to let their kids be normal, not us. Sure, we can discuss it, but in all reality, it’s the parents who make the decisions. We could probably walk door to door and attack families for how their children are raised, but we are simple bystanders. It’s a shame, it is, but there is not much we can do.
Oh, and to any person who comments on a blog expecting correct spelling and grammar, really, who cares. It’s petty. In fact, I do remember an episode where Kate and Jon discuss each other’s bad grammar… and here you are arguing about it. Hm. And you thought you had nothing in common with these horrible people, huh?
Jes said, **But children who star in other tv shows are doing the same thing,***
Yes, they are but they are protected legally were as the Gosslin children have absolutely no protection except for their parents.
Here’s a quote from http://www.minorcon.org/jon_kate2.html
“”Jon & Kate + 8″ is a commercial enterprise employing dozens of adults throughout the distribution and production chain. Raw footage is edited for entertainment value, which means content can be, and most certainly is, manipulated.
Eight children are in no position to disobey. They ‘belong’ to their parents who, by Law, are “entitled to their custody, income and services.” That’s straight out of American Common Law. The question is, do these “chattels” have rights?
“J&K+8″ is not reality. The show is not a scientific study. Everyone knows, kids included, that cameras are present. There are sponsors and lucrative endorsements deals. A professional management firm handles hefty appearance fees, the impending DVD release, marketable books and publicity. Go here: An American Family.*****
My first negative feelings about he show were also how Kate treats Jon. I was always taught that you love and respect the people you live with (which is why I’m divorced) but she just seems so frustrated with him and treats him like he’s a child!! Every she insults his weight or baldness she just makes herself look like a nagging wench. I think Jon’s a pretty good guy (pre-ball removal) and would probably be a fun husband but Kate could suck the fun out of Disneyland! (or Crayola world, or making cupcakes, or selecting pumpkins, or . . . )
fxfanatic: I am not quite sure what point you are trying to make. I understand that it isn’t reality, and I never suggested it. In fact, I said that “Also, it should be taken into consideration that TLC edits these 3-4 days a week videos into episodes that are entertaining. Never underestimate the power of conflict. Although it seems that Kate is always treating her family terribly, I doubt the producers are going to pass up any opportunity to include ugliness. ” I really don’t think anyone takes this show for complete reality, whether they enjoy watching it or not.
I would like to see someone on this forum give me a real suggestion. I’m not saying that all of you are wrong, but I would like to see a real suggestion for a course of action besides arguing about it. What do you suggest the law say? I feel that the situation can’t be fixed because Kate is Kate. It’s the family situation, and taking them off TV won’t fix the problems of the family. Jon will not “grow his balls back”, discipline won’t change, and what’s done is done. Unless the law specifically says, “Kate Gossolin must no longer be such a b**** to her family…”
#113 Jes~
I am confused about what type of real suggestion you are looking for. I would like strict regulations in place for all children in reality series that are akin to the union actor peers. If parents choose this type of “life” for their children, then those children should have protections, plain and simple.
They should also be privy and required as far as I am concerned counseling to help them transition out of the entertainment industry and into mainstream society, once this “show” has run its course.
I have blogged about these issues extensively. Just look under the “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” tab at the top of Musing’s home page.
As for Kate and Jon Gosselin…………..they both completely revolt me as parents, but to be “kind”, lets just say that I do hope the result of this show is that there are laws passed to protect children’s rights in the “reality show” industry and that these parents have been prudent with their earnings thus far. It would also be nice if they would stop selling the children’s pictures under the guise of raising money for their college funds (they just moved into a rather large and expensive home) and taking donations.
I am with you moon! I think all eight kids need to be assigned a social worker as well, to make sure that they are safe and happy and healthy at home, with or without cameras! We see how they are raised with cameras there, I dread the thought of how things are when the cameras are off……anyone who thinks these kids are happy, and well adjusted needs to seek help with defining the meanings of the two. I have never seen kids so (for the most part) blatantly unhappy, begging for the cameras to go away, but, money grubbing parents will not listen. They have poor social skills, hardley go to school by the looks of it lately. Poor kids, need to go live with Aunt Jodi and Uncle Kevin, and maybe then they will live happy well adjusted lives! IMO of course!
I realize that you want protections but what specifically? A limit on hours? A limit on what kind of families? A limit on how many years it can go on for? A limit on how much money they make?
The law isn’t going to be as vague as “children need protection”
THAT’S what I’m asking for. A specific goal. A law that can be put into effect. This entire blog is good for getting the issue out there, but without a petition for something REAL to happen, what good does it do? What do you expect your blog to accomplish besides letting out some pent-up rage and getting an issue “out in the open”?
#115 Jes~
I do not feel that I was vague. In my above post I clearly stated what changes, at the very least, I would like to see implimented for children that are working in “reality TV” . To wit:
*****I would like strict regulations in place for all children in reality series that are akin to the union actor peers. If parents choose this type of “life” for their children, then those children should have protections, plain and simple.
They should also be privy and required as far as I am concerned counseling to help them transition out of the entertainment industry and into mainstream society, once this “show” has run its course****
I am unsure how clearer I could be in my articulation, but I am more than happy to give it a go
In other word, Jes, minors that are working in reality tv do not enjoy the rules, regulations and benefits that their union peers enjoy because “reality TV” is not governed by the actor’s union for television and radio artists (AFTRA). What this means is there is virtually no regulations regarding how often or long the children work. No regulations regarding break and meal times. No regulation regarding safty measures, no regulation regarding education when working, no regulation regarding the monies that the children are earning, and no union approved social worker or other party that is a disinterested person to the producers or entertainers that is working solely for the protection of the children while they are working. Now some states in the US have some clear guidelines for children actors, regardless whether the production is a union production or not. The states with the most stringent laws are New York, California, New Jersy, and to a lesser extent, Louisiana and New Mexico. Even Pennsylvania does have laws on the books regarding children in the entertianment industry, but they are not clear regarding the scope of “reality tv”.
As I stated as well, there is a tab at the top of the page regarding all of my blog entries re: Jon and Kate Plus Eight. There you will find articles regarding Paul Petersen and A Minor Consideration – an organization that works hard for the protection of children in the entertainment industry. YOu will also find lists of those corporations that sponsor this exploitation and you will find entries regarding the laws of the State of Pennsylvania and that there are major questions on whether they are being adhered to or not.
And for the record, there are petitions out.
In regard to my blog, it is not a Jon and Kate Plus Eight blog exclusively. I muse about a number of things. What I expect my blog to accomplish is is exactly what it has – a place for me to discuss aspects of my world that have touched me or pissed me off.
Thanks for your comments!
Personally I love this show and this family. It is people like you that write stuff like this crap that give people a bad name.
You go Gosselins, we love you!!!
#118 jodygirl~
Who has a bad name other than the Gosselins in this trainwreck? Well, maybe TLC and Figure 8, but without the go ahead of Ma and Pa Gosselin, they would not have the show.
Do you have children yourself?
#117 Jodygirl
All entries here regarding the greedslins are based on facts that come from shows, or lies Kate trips herself up in on the show, and talk show/magazine appearances, and our opinions of them…….So if you ACTUALLY read the articles, and THINK about them, you will see the greedslins do a DAMN FINE job of giving themselves bad names, with ABSOLUTELY no help what so ever from us opinionated ones!
You suck greedslins, do right by your kids, send the cameras away, and get jobs and raise them the honest way!!!!
THIS IS A BUNCH OF BULLSHIT, THE GOSSELIN IS A GOOD FAMILY, ALWAYS DONATING THINGS. AND HERE GOES ANOTHER LOW DOWN LOSER TRYING TO WRITE SOMETHING BAD ABOUT THEM. DONT HATE THEM BECAUSE YOU AINT THEM. GO TALK SHIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY YOU STUPID BITCH!!!!!
~JON AND KATE PLUS 8 IS A GREAT SHOW!!!!!~
Thats right Kristie. The Greedslins have gave theirselves a bad name. They have exploited their little kids for money. These kids have been shown in very humiliating situations. I read the statement that TLC had wrote about J&K having the luxury of parents that could stay at home with them. These parents were home more when they both worked at real jobs. Now they are off on book tours and speaking engagements and more. When they are at home they have a nanny to take care of them instead of a mother. J&K need to turn off the camera, close their door and take care of these kids.
Hello, Kate–Stop with the !!!! & the CAPS—-
I think in Poker they call it a tell–
You really aren’t very bright are you?
#120 Khadijah
I didn’t try, I did, so quit yer whinin’.
Oh, they are just so great! Selling your kids is great!
Showing your kids in their underwear is great!
Ignoring your kids requests for privacy is great!
TO: #120 Khadijahon 28 Nov 2008 at 6:19 pm
Jon Gosselin, you posted this, didn’t you? Why don’t you reclaim your manberries from your evil shrew of a wife and stand up to her and fight for your kids? Get Paul Petersen of A Minor Consideration to help you get out of the Figure 8/TLC contract, remove the cameras from your home, get therapy for your wife, get some education and serious job training for yourself and attempt to repair the damage on your kids and havoc you and your wife have wrought on your family, both immediate and extended? You, Jon Gosselin, are, quite frankly, a loser. You are 31 years old and you still have time to turn things around. Will you do the right thing for your eight children?
isn’t this just the right story for 60 minutes? regardless of whether one network might feel about ‘investigating’ another, there are quite a few reality shows with children whose rights are in jeopardy. another avenue would be PBS, who could use their ‘Frontline’ platform to reveal the lack of financial and psychological protections that are afforded the young Gosselins. Maybe the scrutiny will get the kids the help they need (Mady and Alexis). the parents are adults, but they need the most help. otherwise their kids are very, very likely to decided (at a very early age) to become estranged from the parents they helped make rich. and the saddest thing is that i doubt kate would lose any sleep if one of her own rejected her.
#126 bebo~
Well, Paul Petersen is scheduled for an interview on Bill O’Reilly on December 5. The 50th Anniversary video of the Donna Reed show has just been released and I know from the “A Minor COnsideration” website that he is going to talk about that. I can only hope he will also speak about his present work and the Gosselins.
As always, I thank you for taking the time to weigh in and comment
Jodygirl,
This family doesn’t need other people to “give them a bad name.” They are doing that themselves with their unappreciative attitude and contants shilling for more free things.
Do you send them your money? You should. Your kids should do without so that Kate can go to the spa. Really, you really defend them??
Seriously, all of you need to get a life. I only found this blog spot b/c I accidentally clicked on it on my MSN homepage. Do you all sit around and cut people to shreds all the time or just online? Stop judging other people, especially the way this set of parents chose to raise their children. Do you really think we need MORE government stepping in and telling us which way is the “right” way and which way is wrong? If you are so “concerned” about the exploitation of these poor miserable children then go make up for it by having some of your own and provide your utopian life for them. Let us know how that works for ya. Until then, pick up a Bible and read about how we are to love our neighbor as ourselves AND love those who we don’t agree with as well. Would you feel so strongly if the reality show hosted a little girl who had two mommies who by the way used to be daddies?? Yes, this is a show that has aired on Discovery as well so where’s your blog about that one?? Or is that one so “politically correct” that you wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole? Please, be consistant.
#129 Renee~
Seriously, all of you need to get a life.
What kind of life am I supposed to be getting?
I only found this blog spot b/c I accidentally clicked on it on my MSN homepage.
It always makes me chuckle when people say that….but then take the time not only to read a long article, but comment on it as well.
Accidently, my ass.
Do you all sit around and cut people to shreds all the time or just online?
I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me, both. I also praise and applaud a great deal of people as well. Its like, you know, a balance thing
Stop judging other people
This one always tickles me pink! A person comes to a blog or a forum, judges it and the posters and then makes their grand (not to mention arrogant) statement not to do what they themselves have just done.
JUDGE!
especially the way this set of parents chose to raise their children.
I do not give passes to “parents” that pimp their children.
Do you really think we need MORE government stepping in and telling us which way is the “right” way and which way is wrong?
When it comes to children yes, particularly when there are children working in the totally unregulated “entertainment” genre of “Reality” TV.
I can only assume by your comment that you feel children should have no rights and that all decisions regarding them should be made by the “adults” that own them; that children are simply chattel to be used in anyway that their parents see fit. Children should not be bought and sold and I will fight against people with your attitude until my last dying breath.
If you are so “concerned” about the exploitation of these poor miserable children then go make up for it by having some of your own and provide your utopian life for them.
Utopian life? How about a life in which a child is honored, loved and respected, including respecting their God given right to privacy? How about a life that is free and void of the invasiveness of a camera’s lens following a child and capturing that child’s every move and broadcasting it via international tv, DVDs, Youtube and now Ipods for eternity? How about a life in which the child’s parents actually worked and did not expect and demand the child to support them for their living? How about a life in which that child could go to school without their classmates teasing them about their emotional meltdown on the previous week’s show?
I managed to provide all of that for my son in addition to an emotionally stable and loving environment that enabled his to thrive, grow and become what he is becoming for and in his adult life.
Let us know how that works for ya.
It has worked great.
Until then, pick up a Bible and read about how we are to love our neighbor as ourselves AND love those who we don’t agree with as well.
Pick up a Bible? Is a Bible the only moral compass for living? I do have to wonder how in the world atheists, agnostics and those of other non-Christian religions garner their morals and ethics, or are you implying that those that are not Christian are void of them?
Would you feel so strongly if the reality show hosted a little girl who had two mommies who by the way used to be daddies?? Yes, this is a show that has aired on Discovery as well so where’s your blog about that one??
Is it an ongoing series or a single documentary? If it is an ongoing series is this little girl supporting her parents? Is her entire childhood being filmed and aired week after week to live in the infamy of TV reruns, DVDs, YouTube and Ipods? If this is a series and the above, like the Gosselin children is present, then the family deserves the same critical analysis.
If this was a single documentary, and this little girl is being raised with love, honor, respect and privacy to live her childhood, then I am fine with it. The fact that her parents may be transsexual isn’t really an issue for me. Nor are two gay parents an issue for me regarding parenting. If they are good parents, they are good parents. Their sexual orientation shouldn’t be an issue. How they parent is.
Or is that one so “politically correct” that you wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole? Please, be consistant.
Well, I consider myself a rather progressive person, so if being a non-bigot is “politically correct” then I am guilty as charged.
Again, if this family story is a “reality” tv series, then the same critisisms stand.
I would LOVE to see a show with My 2 daddies!!!
Renee, YOU need to get a life. We are all fine.
There has been a lot of talk about jealousy when it comes to the Gosselins. If someone disagrees with what they are doing, they are accused of being jealous. Yes, I think the Gosselins are making a terrible mistake by putting their family on national television. And yes, I am also jealous of the Gosselins. Who wouldn’t be?? Am I only saying they are wrong because I am jealous?? No. I will admit that I am jealous of the vacations they take, the house they live in, the clothes they wear and even of Kate’s spa trips. However, what is the real price for all of it?? The real price is their childrens’ futures. There is no doubt that they are exploiting their children. The kids are the ones who will ultimately pay the price. Imagine having your every moment video taped and aired to the entire world. Do you remember how difficult school could be without having your private life aired for all your classmates to see?? What kind of family memories are those kids really going to have?? They do not have anything remotely “normal” in their lives. Would I do that to my own 4 children in order to get free trips to Disneyworld?? No. Those kids have become celebrities. They are going to be facing the same problems that other celebrity children face. The worst part to me is that they aren’t going off to a television set to film the show and then being able to go back to the sanctuary of their own home. Their house is the studio. They can’t even go into their own bedroom to get away from it. They have no escape. That would make anyone crazy!!! I am worried about the future of those 8 precious children. Do Jon & Kate love their kids? Yes. I believe they truly do love all of them. I am just not sure that they love them enough to do what is best for the children and cancel the show and give them a real life. I think they would rather risk the kids future in order to have all the handouts that they receive. I hope that more people will realize what the show is doing and make the decision not to watch. The only chance the kids have is for people to change the channel. Their parents are not going to willingly give it up.
wow, quite the comments on this one!! Do you really think that Jon reads them and that that one poster is Jon? If so Jon, look at it. Your wife is a snot, your kids, cute, yes, but are rude to each other. You, don’t defend yourself when your wife tells your kids that what you said was stupid and not to listen to you.
I am not at all a J&K fan. Use to but now, they are way to fake and seem way to ‘holier then thou’
I’m amazed no one has seen the similarity between the Gosselines
and the Deon quintuplets from Canada in the 1940’s . Their family
also exploited them to the point of them becoming quite mentally
ill and withdrawn, in fact, I believe one or two had actually comitted
suicide. I recall they all died relatively young (50’s) and never having had anything one would consider a “normal” life. Of course,
it was all done in their financial well being, just like these children.
I’m familiar with minor actors requirements as my own son was doing commercials by the time he was (2). He never talked “baby talk” and was quite alert for his age ,so ,we as parents, thought it would be a good way to put money aside for his college education as our friends were encouraging us to persue it for him. The toll it took on our small family was enormous, due to the demands on my son and us to see that he was fitted with everything he needed to succeed in this industry. And, yes, he had to become a SAG member. There isn’t enough space nor time to list all the issues we all went through for this innocent experiment, but by the time my son was turning (6) we decided to pull him out as we could see what all of this “unreality” was doing to him emotionally as well as to his personality. It is no wonder once’ child stars ‘ have so many problems with real life, authority, drugs/alcohol, ethics and the law.
My son is almost (30) now and still has issues related to his desire to wanting to be a ’star’ and dealing with reality which manifests itself as being very needy and always needing to be in the ‘limelight’, demanding attention which chases people away . He just wears them out !! I hope for the Gosselins’ children someone will come to their aid before irripairable damage is done because they are so innocent to what is being done to them.
#134 mlccooker~
I have talked about the Dionne Quints often in my blog in relation to Gosselin children.
There is a tab at the top of my blog home page that says “Jon and Kate Plus Eight”, and all of my blog entries regarding them are there.
I would love to talk to you further about your experiences
I am off to the “city” today as I live rurally now, but will continue this reply when I return.
Welcome to Musings!
mjcooker,
Interesting take on all this.
I think your experience says it all.
Send our love to your son!
I am a mother of eight children four by adoption through our wonderful foster care system. We often times barely get by and would love to receive freebies and corporate sponsors but by no means would I allow my children to be paraded by for entertainment purposes, isolated from family and friends, and most of all belittled in front of the entire world by their mother of all people! This show is unbelievable and I hope they are socking away enormous amounts of money for all of the therapy and legal bills they are going to encounter when all of these cute little ones divorce their parents!
Okay I’ll talk about a few things here but it’s past midnight so it maybe out of order and a little disorderly.
I highly doubt that anyone would ever want to have 8 kids at one time on purpose just for fame and money(in a matter of 2 yrs or w/e it is), your crazy if you really think that. You want to look at a show and have a hissy fit look at all the chrisitans that have more than 4 kids on purpose? 17 kids and counting is just wrong. All you chrisitians that want big families should be adopting not popping out more children to create a population that’s already too much.
I can’t blame them for wanting to get as much as they can out of this. Those kids are now going to have a college future one they may never have if they didn’t do the show. People don’t have to buy them things ppl do it because everyone is curious about how others live and somehow want to be apart of that. Do you even have a child and know how much it costs just to raise one of them? Now times that by 7. Would you rather them be struggling to make it because it makes you feel better that they arn’t getting something your not? If they are abusing it then eventually people will stop giving them things but why write about it in a negative manner without ever even met them in person? If you do not have a first hand experience with this family then it’s just a he said she said find it on the internet bs.
#138 Lyndsey~
The Gosselins didn’t have 8 children at once. They had two and six, respectively.
I definitely feel that there are things to question regarding Kate’s second pregnancy and how she and her “doctor” went about it. I always find it very curious that while trying to get pregnant a second time and back on fertility drugs, once the first cycle failed, they sought out another doctor. Why did they change doctors, particularly when this was the doctor that helped them get pregnant with the twins.
Why did the second doctor, after Kate was hospitalized with over stimulated ovaries, go ahead with IUI? From all research that I have read, no ethical doctor would do so. So they either were dealing with an unethical doctor, or Kate went against the advice of the doctor and did it the old fashioned way, knowing the risks. As Kate is so fond of saying “We took a gamble and we lost”.
No crazies here, just critical thinking skills.
Congratulations for insulting all Christians that are readers of Musings, BTW. And why the arbitrary number 4 regarding how many children Christians should be allowed to have? Following this logic, Jon and Kate better put 4 of their children up for adoption, pronto. If you want to go on the theory that God blessed the Gosselins with their eight children, I have to question why you are ranking on the Duggars. Has not God blessed them with all of their children? Why is God’s blessing ok for the Gosselins, but not the Duggars? And as for adoption, since Jon and Kate were claiming infertility, why didn’t they just adopt from the get go? Wouldn’t that of been the Christian thing to do? Continuing with your adoption theory, since they had to rely on science to get pregnant, one would think that would be a clear sign from God that they were not meant to have biological children and should give those children who are already on this earth plane a good home, you know, over population and all.
You don’t “blame them for getting as much as they can out of this”. Ok, at what price? The mental health of their children? What does that cost?
I always find it curious when people insinuate that without selling their children to the highest bidder, the only option for these parents would have been poverty and welfare. For starters, perhaps Jon Gosselin needs to learn how to hold a job. He has a history of loosing jobs one after the other. He has no ambition whatsoever and from the very beginning had his hand out to not only his daddy, but his church community and the community at large. That has not stopped. Do a little research, please. Google is your friend.
My parents had 6 kids in 8 years. My friends families were even larger in numbers. No one was living on welfare. How in the world did my parents and the parents of my friends, families that had upwards of 12-15 children, do it?
I will tell you, through hard work and pride. Yes, my CATHOLIC parents supported their 6 children through hard work without resorting to welfare and/or selling their children. Go figure!
As for college education, you do realize how much financial aid that the Gosselins would be eligible for with all the number of children attending at the same time, don’t you? Not to mention the crazy idea of encouraging your children to achieve and perhaps win scholarships on academic merit. No, you seem to think that selling these kids’ childhoods are the only way to higher education for these children. Do you realize how utterly ridiculous you sound?
I am unsure of what you are implying that the Gosselins have, that I do not. Would you like to clarify that for me?
And as for writing in a negative manner about someone that I have never met, how long have you known the Duggars?
****Edited to place a disclaimer***** I have no problem with any family using welfare that needs it. I support welfare in the terms as it was intended. To help bridge a gap while families get back on their feet to self supporting.
Amen Moon!! What is with these people today? Must be a lot of bitter, sad people who hate the holidays because they are either alone or hate themselves so much they want to try and ruin other people’s! Have a very Merry Christmas from a CHRISTIAN mom about to have her 5th child!
As Moon would say-Peace and Good!
Lindsey,
It would actually be X’s 8–
Whatever the cost–the kids are supporting not only themselves , also their so called parents—
College expense is a moot point–
Moon,
You are so right!!! Keep up the good work. Have a happy holiday!!!
At the beginning of this blog was the following comment: “The Gosselins were all over the offer like white on rice and thus filming began” (- White on rice??!!!) …and was peppered with name-calling Jon and Kate as ‘Kon and Hate’. If those comments were directed towards me, I would consider them to be racial slurs, and slanderous. The smart-mouthed, holier-than-thou responses to anyone who does not agree that Jon and Kate ‘aint so great’ are further evidence of what appears to me to be the musings of a nefarious character. Talk about moral turptitude!
#143 Jon and Kate Fan~
I am relatively confused how you interpreted a racial slur from the phrase “White on Rice”. I can only assume that you have not taken the time to research something before spouting off about it.
Here is a novel idea: Google is your friend!
As for the slander comment, again, Google is your friend.
Once you have educated yourself, feel free to return and perhaps we can engage in an intelligent discussion.
Since it is Christmas Day I will even help, ’cause I’m just that kind of gal
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/like+white+on+rice.html
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/like+white+on+rice
Racial slur?
Like….against Brown Rice? Wild Rice?
“The smart-mouthed, holier-than-thou responses to anyone who does not agree that Jon and Kate ‘ain’t so great’ are further evidence of what appears to me to be the musings of a nefarious character.”
If all this can be deduced from anyone who doesn’t think that Jon and Kate “ain’t so great”, then let me say that anyone who calls himself or herself a “fan” has to be as unscrupulous and lacking of morals as the two that are admired. You don’t have to be holier-than-thou to think that exploiting your own children is okay. “Talk about moral turptitude (sic)!” Wow. Big words are fun – but next time use a dictionary or know that when its underlined in red, you spelled it wrong. BTW Merry Christmas!
Moon, you are so right. I feel like Kate had “premeditated” ideas about having a litter so that she could “get help” from where she wanted it from. Kate is a nurse, and she very well knew what would happen by taking shots to get pregnant. There is something not right in Kate’s mind.
The people that call themselves “fans” of Kate and Jon, aren’t using any common sense. With Kate, it’s all about Kate. she doesn’t care about other people’s feelings. You can see that by the way that she treats Jon. Any wife that truly cares about her husband won’t verbally and physically abuse him. Kate is constantly putting jon down in front of their eight children. They are a very dysfunctional family. I am hoping that the show end soon for the sake of those children.
Merry Christmas.
RE: 146 Justaminute………….
What she said………………
I agree Joanna, she knew what she was getting into. I’m sure her doctors warned her over and over. Kate is the type of person who thinks things through, so if she wanted ‘just one more’ she would not have gone through with more fertility treatments since she had already had multiples the first time. I think she had seen other multiples getting freebies and the wheels started turning in her head. As for the Jon and Kate fan, do you even know what you are saying? White on rice is not anywhere near a racial slur. I think it is your mind playing tricks on you or maybe you are being paranoid.
Hey why does that women’s hair look like a rats nest
All my kids call her RATHEAD!!
Jon and Kate fan talks as if they are JON OR KATE, or a child not yet out of elementary school! I vote Kate, IMO!
Hi BohemianMoon,
I was just curious what your thoughts were on the other TLC “exploit the children shows” ie., 17 kids and counting, little people big world, twins twins & sextuplets. I am all the rights of children too, should we be protesting these shows?
BTW, great piece and responses.
#152 17plus~
As far as I can ascertain from what I have seen of the other shows, these other families are not using their children as their means of income. All those other families have means of income other than exploiting their children.
I also have never seen major invasions of the children’s privacy on Little People, Big World and 17 Kids. I did watch one show of the Twins, Twins & Sextuplets, and I did see one or two of the little ones going potty, and yes, I believe that it wrong. Has this show become a series, or was it a one time special, a/k/a documentary?
I don’t watch the Duggar show very often, I have only seen it a few times, but from what I have seen, modesty seems to be quite important to this family. I do have a problem with their stance on homosexuality, though, and their ties to Christian activist Bill Gothard, so that is one reason that I will not support the show.
The Gosselin’s have a history of having their hand out instead of taking care of their family themselves. They never have taken care of themselves, certainly while waiting for and after the arrival of the sextuplets. Jon cannot hold a job. While Kate was pregnant with the sextuplets, even though her mother was watching the twins, Jon still didn’t work the majority of the time, even knowing that they had 6 more children on the way. Any man that has pride in who he is would have taken any job possible to support his family. I know my husband would have done anything to support his family. Jon, not so much, and that precedent that they have set from the beginning has played out over the last 4 + years. They found a “fantastic” living through their 8 children. Nothing seems to be sacred within this family.
How much have you researched the Gosselins?
17plus- Just out of curiosity does your handle have anything to do with how many kids you have?
I don’t agree Jon and Kate are Parents who don’t want to make money off of their Kids. Jon as a job that is well paid. It could pay the bills if nessarey. They didn’t request camaras the camras requested them. Thank You.
Kristina Carino
#155 Kristina Carino~
Your first sentence confuses me……..as for the rest, what job does Jon have?
And as for the cameras……….Kate shopped a video of the kids/family to different networks. This through her own admission.
Kristina
Spell check is your friend.
I’m not sure what your are trying to say but it is incoherent. Does daddy know you are using the computer?
#155 Kristina-
Jon had a job that could have paid the bills, but he quit his job to live off of his kids. The only job he has now is to make sure he collects the greed money that he makes off of his kids!
154-Kristie
No, my handle on the Gosselin’s does not have anything to do with how many children I have. I was just curious about what others thought about the other shows. They certainly do not earn money exclusively through their children like the Gosselin’s, but they do earn money selling their family stories nevertheless ie., Little People Big World. Its kind of funny how most of these TLC shows always start off with modest beginnings and than as the series’ progresses they seem to be buying bigger homes and taking more extravagent trips. I agree with BohamienMoon that it is sad that these children have to be the “means” for their parents. I was just wondering if anybody has heard back from TLC with regards to your concerns.
I too feel strongly about this and almost feel hopeless or maybe even helpless as it seems these problems are a lot bigger than the Gosselins. Child exploitation is exercised by corporate America everyday, ie., McDonalds restaurant putting sugar in their buns so that kids will literally be addicted to their burgers, having Miley Cyrus pose almost nude for photos at 15 etc… the list can go on. I guess my point is that though I am very proud to be able to provide for my children through my own hardword. It seems what the Gosselin’s are doing is becoming the “norm”. What are your thoughts?
I absolutley disagree with this piece. I really do hope that the people agreeing with this piece knows just what it’s like to raise 8 kids. jon works so i don’t understand why everybody thinks they are sponging. This show may be helping people. You don’t or may never know. As for the children they don’t seem to be stressed of upset about being on tv, so it can’t be that bad. My last point is the statement “the kids should have a normal life” is ridiculous because any family with 8 kids don’t tend to have normal lives. think about that.
#160 Blackbeauty~
I am unsure how old you are, but I can only assume if you are stating “……..that people agreeing with this piece knows just what it’s like to raise 8 kids”, you are not of my generation. Large families are nothing new. When I was growing up, certainly in my Catholic neighborhood, large families were the norm, not the exception. And as a little reminder, there were little modern conveniences.
What job does Jon do again? This is the second time someone has posted this on my blog in two days. Jon doesn’t work other than helping corporations make characters of his children and selling their souls/childhoods to the highest bidder. If you truly know different – like the man has actually works a job outside of his kids, please enlighten us all.
Your last statement blows me away, lol. How many children should there be in a family for the children to have “normal” lives. If a family has 7 instead of 8, will their lives be normal? How about 6 or 5?
You are correct – I made one small typographical error; crossed one too many t’s in my message. If that one small error permits you to completely disregard me or my message, so be it; however, in light of the travesties committed against Jon and Kate on this site, I would suggest typing one extra letter in my entry it is relatively minor. Thank you Bohemian, for providing the links to sites supporting your use of the term “white on rice”; I too, can provide you with links supporting my view – but as you say, http://www.google.com is your friend and I am certain your exemplary research skills will avail you access to those on your own. In turn, I could provide you with links with early definition and usage of the word ‘gossip’ as being a confidential, kind, and friendly relationship between women; alas, that is not the common usage on this site. I find it interesting (but not terribly surprising, as I truly expected the response I received) that you focused on insulting me and my level of intelligence in an effort to deflect the irrefutable fact that Jon and Kate have repeatedly been referred to as Kon and Hate on this site. The response I received is my fault; I take responsibility. I opened myself up to being attacked by making an entry on your site that attempted to provide an alternate point of view. Respond to this if you like; but it will be akin to shooting a person in the back as they walk away.
#160 Blackbeauty
I guess it depends on what your definition of “normal” is. If your definition involves being followed everywhere in your home with a camera crew – bathroom included – having a producer ask you to do your hissy fit/hug/bite/punch/slap/smile/suck plush toy/etc… again because they didn’t quite get the shot… if that’s NORMAL, then I guess I see why you’d think Jon & Kate had a duty to invite TLC and all their viewers into their home to exploit their lives.
My definition of normal is a little duller. Mine includes clothes, food, a roof over my head, the ability to have friends come by or my beign able to go over without consent and release forms. Should they go back to their old ways tehy would of course be house/child poor. That’s NORMAL. That’s life. People learn to deal with it.
Maybe it’s just me (and everyone else here who’s lived a bit), but I have never been on big trips – my childhood vacations consisted of visiting relatives – and I’m ok with that. Really. I feel NORMAL.
Cheers.
#161 Jon and Kate Fan~
Oh good Lord! Sound the alarm! Musings is sinking from dramatic overload!
You have GOT to be kidding me with this last line – “Respond to this if you like; but it will be akin to shooting a person in the back as they walk away.”.
No.
REALLY.
You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me.
Where do you live? Melrose Place?
(I will address the rest of this in a bit, lol).
#161 Jon and Kate Fan-
How does someone…talk about someone…behind thier back..on a blog??? I just don’t understand that one.
And you said “in light of the travesties commited against Jon and Kate on this blog” listen, Jon and Kate have created thier own travesties, no one had to do that for them. You ‘ Jon and Kate Fans’ just don’t get it do you?? If people like you guys believe everything J&K say, I bet you get played a fool a lot!!!!
Actually Jon and Kate Fan, if you’d like to sit on this site all the time to monitor what responses come your way, it’s not really “shooting you in the back”. Give me a break.
I’ll never understand why you “fans” take things so personally.
Does Kate Gosselin care about you?
I think not.
Kate Gosselin chose to have her life exposed on television – for a price. The money she receives in exchange for her children’s privacy. Now why she doesn’t get off her ass and get a normal job is beyond me. For you and everyone who thinks this woman is “courageous” and “admiring”, I wonder. I really wonder. I wonder what kind of “moral turptitude” all of you have that allow you to believe that it is acceptable to expose your children for money.
Did I miss something?
Are we gossiping??
(Jon and Kate Fan: I could provide you with links with early definition and usage of the word ‘gossip’ as being a confidential, kind, and friendly relationship between women; alas, that is not the common usage on this site.)
Moon-I missed where you gave J&K Fan an English lesson? Is that because she is a sock for another poster?
I don’t get how anyone with diametrically opposing views on a subject comes to a blog, posts, gets shot down due to a multitude of reasons and then claims “foul”.
If they can’t take the heat they need to get outta the kitchen!
#185 Lisa~
I know, they storm in feeling free to insult, then cry foul.
Sounds like Jon and Kate.
#168 justaminute~
It never ceases to amaze me in this “me, me, me and more me” generation just how many women I hear saying that if they were in that position, they would do the exact same thing…….I mean they have absolutely no qualms about putting a price on their child/ren or child/ren to be. And to further ad insult to injury, the things they cite the most? Everything material. The clothes and the trips being the top two.
Incredible.
Moon,
I was thinking of that when I was posting. There are other places that ask that you don’t “judge” but I really wonder about the “fans” and the ones who claim “Jon and Kate have no other choice to support their family” and especially the ones who say they would do the same thing!
If I listened to the Sheeple, I am a “hater” or “jealous”. I would listen if these people had a rational, thought out reason to “like” these two, I consider to be scam artists.
Jon and Kate Gosselin never even tried to raise their children in an honest manner. Working real jobs was too hard, misrepresenting their finances and exploiting their children was just easier for them.
So is that what some people “admire”?
Interesting to watch; far too many people … spending far too much time fretting over/defending someone else’s life. An interesting observation in human behavior (Or lack thereof, as the case may be.)
Really? I think that all of you are just as bad as you claim Jon and Kate are. If you are going to charge this family with child exploitation how about you look at the numerous “theater” and “beauty queen” parents? At least Jon and Kate have kept their family as normal as possible despite their circumstances. Where I do understand the consequences of having your children taped day in and day out these kids are experiencing more of a “normal” life than some children who get into acting and music careers at an early age. Also, I am a true believer in moms staying home with their children. I think it is completely ridiculous in today’s society that women are expected to be full time moms, full time wives, and full time employees. I can honestly say after teaching 8 two year olds day in and day out that it is impossible to do by yourself and that it is the best birth control I have ever experienced (I think she is a saint for getting through each day and continuing to the next). All in all I don’t think we should start drawing in the horns and pitchforks, especially if we are not looking at ourselves with the same criticism. May the person who has a perfect family and who does not need any form of therapy from their past be the first to throw stones. They are a great family and I think we all could learn from them.
#169 Really~
Really?
Really.
I think that all of you are just as bad as you claim Jon and Kate are.
What brings you to this conclusion
If you are going to charge this family with child exploitation how about you look at the numerous “theater” and “beauty queen” parents?
There are a great deal of stage parents. Of that I would agree. Personally I can’t wait for the new WE TV show about pageant kids to start. You can bet I will be blogging about it
One thing that I will say about child actors who are successful while they are children are that most are highly intelligent and usually self driven to act/perform. The most successful of them usually have down to earth parents that look out for the best interest of the child. I have read this quoted quite a few times by those child stars who have successfully navigated child stardom to either become a successful adult actor/producer/director or a successful adult in another profession outside of show business. I feel that much of the trouble comes in with child actors when their parents loose perspective. In other words, when the parents make it more about themselves then the child, or the child’s best interest – when there is no balance between the child’s acting life and the child’s real life.
In “reality” tv, well, it is the kid’s life. There is no escaping to the privacy of home and family when that is the crux of the show. There is no private life. Every emotional meltdown is not an emotional meltdown that is your character’s – it is real, your own, and broadcast on international tv, over and over in re-runs, on DVD, on Youtube and now Ipods.
As I said – NO ESCAPE.
At least Jon and Kate have kept their family as normal as possible despite their circumstances.
“Despite their circumstances” ? What does this mean? The circumstance of having a large family or selling their kids to the highest bidder to afford them a certain lifestyle? Either way, it is by choice and design on the parent’s part, so I am unsure of why you chose the word “despite”.
Where I do understand the consequences of having your children taped day in and day out these kids are experiencing more of a “normal” life than some children who get into acting and music careers at an early age.
Could you elaborate on this statement, please?
Also, I am a true believer in moms staying home with their children. I think it is completely ridiculous in today’s society that women are expected to be full time moms, full time wives, and full time employees.
OK. Well, Kate seems to be rarely home these days, so I am unsure of why you make the distinction of “Mom”, unless you meant to write “Mr. Mom”. In addition, Jon and Kate have also been doing speaking engagements for at least a year – often to the tune of 2 weekends per month. Add that into the 3-4 days a week they film, and I am wondering about the quantity, not to mention the quality, of family time I am sure that you were insinuating when you stated that Mom’s should be staying home with their children.
I can honestly say after teaching 8 two year olds day in and day out that it is impossible to do by yourself and that it is the best birth control I have ever experienced (I think she is a saint for getting through each day and continuing to the next).
Well, I have a number of readers here that not only is it possible, they do that, and much more, on a daily basis. While I do only have one child (I did come from a large family with a mom and dad that did it all for and with 6 kids – 6 kids in 8 years, mind you) I managed to raise him as a single mother, work full time and obtain two degrees while being a part of the PTA and a major fundraiser for the theatre department of both his elementary and middle schools. I never once missed a recital/show or awards. My son is a very well adjusted 18 year old that is finishing up his third year of University with a double major. No one has submitted my name for sainthood. I wonder why.
All in all I don’t think we should start drawing in the horns and pitchforks, especially if we are not looking at ourselves with the same criticism.
I never sold my child to support myself. I never depended on him to pay the bills. That, as a parent, is my job. I did it and I did it well, so I am unsure of what criticism I should be looking at myself with.
May the person who has a perfect family and who does not need any form of therapy from their past be the first to throw stones. They are a great family and I think we all could learn from them.
I hardly think that anyone is perfect. However, I can say that plenty of parents raise their children well enough so those children don’t need therapy. Musings has plenty of them. I find it beyond an odd statement to insinuate that most children need therapy some where along the line. That has not been my experience in this life. Just the opposite, actually.
Really.
Really??
BoMo said it all for me too!
I just finished reading the Denis Leary book, Why We Suck and he has a whole chapter on child fame.
He sums it up this way.
Jodi Foster and Ron Howard. Successes. The only ones.
Drew Barrymore is doing great now but she’s also in her 30’s.
Tatum O’Neil, Brad Renfro, Dana Plato, Adam Rich, Danny Bonaduce . . .
17plus-My thoughts as far as 17 and counting goes is well….I have never watched it. I think to have that many kids these days knowing the crisis our planet is in is kind of ridiculous, also I saw them on Oprah and I was not impressed that all the kids even the 10 year olds share diaper duty of the babies, I think thats wrong. A parents baby is their responsibility, the other 17 kids didnt ask for another baby whose bum needs changing. My thoughts on little people, I dont have time to watch it anymore as an exhausted single mom, but I used to love watching it. Matt Roloff comes up with the craziest ideas for the farm, and I love that they have three or four businesses that support their family without needing to count on the TLC cheq. Their kids ALL go to school EVERYDAY without having to attend speaking engagements, they do not abuse the corporate sponsoship and go on countless trips for the sake of having a show. Infact I have seen a couple trips for little people conventions that the Roloffs would have attended without the show, one family trip to Hawaii I think, and Amy and their daughter went to British Columbia once for a special mother daughter time. All of the other shows focus on their “REAL” life. Unlike the Gosselins the Roloffs dont sell their family out for scripted shows, I would think Matt Roloff has more pride than allowing a producer to TELL him to get charged for DUI so the crew could film him in court. He allowed the filming because the viewers would hear about it anyways, and he wanted to be honest and forth coming, I think that is admirable. All the Roloff kids are healthy, happy, well adjusted, lovely kids, old enough to handle taping the show. I am also sure that Matt and Amy listen to how their kids feel about doing the show. I have seen them have family meetings for other less urgent things, so I have no doubt if the kids wanted to stop the show, Matt and Amy would gladly stop the show!
Jon and Kate fan- Are you kidding me? You come in here and call us all racists without being able to back yourself up, and then bitch because we responded. Just so you know the saying “Like white on rice” is about as racist as the “Like a fat kid on a smartie” they both mean the same thing and have nothing to do with ones skin color, get a life. You abviously have not read many of the posts of here if you think your difference of opinion in regards to Jon and Kate is what got people answering back to you. Many of us here disagree with eachother from time to time, but it is the way in which we discuss thoses differences that makes a difference. Having a healthy debate is different than a KON fan coming in calling us haters or saying we are jealous, when we are not! Yes thats right I said KON fan, they have obviously conned you into believing they care about their kids, and they are STRUGGLING to support and raise them, which they still do neither! If you still need to behave like a child when talking to adults, perhaps you should go to the KON family playground, and leave the big kids to talk amongst themselves, hmm??
REALLY?-OK where do I begin, hmm lets see I will begin with “Beauty Queen Pagents”, are you aware that parents of kids who do beauty pagents shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to admittance fees, wardrobe, makeup, hair etc? I do not condone pagents, I would discourage my daughter from doing them if it was the last thing I did, but at least these parents are not living a lavish lifestyle on their childs back/labour, putting all of their childrens most private moments on TV/INTERNET for all the world to see over and over again, repeatedly bombarding their personal space! On to “despite their circumstances” these people CHOSE to go ahead with IUI knowing full well Kate had over stimulated her ovaries and there were 7 eggs in her Uterus. They knew this could very well happen. They could have chosen to wait until the next cycle but the ever selfish Greedslins went ahead and made more babies than they could handle/love/support/raise. Now please tell me, why am I am supposed to think this wretched (yes I know I probably spelt that wrong and I don’t care!) woman is a saint for getting up and doing this everyday. What exactly is she doing? Expoiting her kids, yes, neglecting the basic emotional/mental needs of her kids, yes, living off of her childrens labour selfishly, yes, whoring her children to the highest bidder to support her lazy ass, YES YES. HMM not a saint in my books, just a crappy half assed parent who cares more about herself than the children she is supposed to protect. I would rather die than do the things this woman does to her kids on a daily basis to my own child even once. Real parents support their kids, protect them, love them unconditionally, HUG THEM OFTEN instead of never like Kate (unless of course its Hannah), KISS THEM OFTEN instead of never, tell them you love them and more importantly show them you love them, allow them to have close meaningful relationships with family members who love them……you can see where I am going I hope!
Joanne-I am totally with you on your response to blackbeauty!!
FX, what about Rick Shroeder? Silver Spoons? He disappeared after the show for years and then came back to TV when he got older, but I dont recall hearing about drug and alcohol problems after the show….also Kirk Cameron success, Leonardo Dicaprio (started on growing pains with Kirk) just a couple success stories I thought of although some of them may have had issues I never knew about!
Yes, you are right, Kristie, there are many success stories.
Kristine-I think it should be pointed out though, that Rick Shroeder and Kirk Cameron as well as Leo, came into the business alittle later than those that Dennis Leary mentions.
Which in my mind would mean that they had some chance of normalcy in their early years.
Really? said: At least Jon and Kate have kept their family as normal as possible despite their circumstances.
WTH? Normal as possible? How so?
And despite WHAT circumstances may I ask?
Despite the fact that they both quit their jobs (Jon multiple times). Despite the fact they have alienated family and friends to the point that the kids interaction with others is limited to their parents and film crew? Despite the fact that they basically lied about being in need for much longer than they actually were?
Are we even watching the same program?
#178 Lisa~
These parents were never in need. They simply did not want to spend their own money to take care of their children.
It always tickles me that since the pictures of the first remodel surfaced that all these women, non-supporters alike, are giving Kate a pass for her bad, bad behavior when she saw the remodel. It certainly wasn’t my taste, but everyone seems to forget, particularly Kate, that that horrendously horrendous remodel added a cool $100,000 in equity to their home. Equity I might add, that they refused to tap in order to keep the tax payer nurse once the state said “no more nurse”. The nurse was needed as long as they weren’t paying for her. Convenient, eh?
And lets not forget that that they cashed in on that $100,000 of equity spawned from the horrendously horrendous remodel once they sold that home. And at the same time were traveling the country giving talks at churches and crying poor with their hands out for every donation the parishioners would contribute.
What total KONS.
Need is the same thing as Want in the G household!
#180 Lisa~
They are, in fact, one and the same, and it is unfortunate.
I think that Jon and Kate are wonderful parents. They are not perfect but I think they are doing the best that they can with the situation they have been given. I don’t think that reduction should have ever been considered and I respect them for not considering it. God gave them all 6 babies for a reason. It may not be the ideal situation but it is what they were dealt. I think if you are going to go on and on about child labor laws then you should also look at the show with the now 18 children. There are so many children in that family that they have a buddy system where the older ones take care of the younger ones. That is where child labor laws are being broken if you ask me but no one is saying anything about that. These people are good people and the world needs to leave them alone. Just because someone has decided to go and start talking about them has nothing to do with the rest of the world and we all need to keep our noses out of it. Let it all be between them and God. It is awfully funny that none of this mess came out until a family member of theres became angry with them now all of the sudden they are horrible parents and horrible people. There is something wrong with this picture. I think we should all pray for these people not sit on here and bash them when we are not even involved with them on a personal basis. I hope that someone is enlightened enough to let this change their minds. God Bless you all
Moon,
I happened to see pics of the remodel ( J&K’s old home). To be frank I didn’t like the style, but if people donated their time and energy I would have thanked them. Why do the “fans” of J&K think that their kids deserve so much? What about kids who have cancer? live in poverty? What about the children that are in foster care? Don’t these kids deserve trips and new clothes? I JUST DON’T GET IT AND I NEVER WILL
You are really mean for writing this! Jon and Kate are super heros!
could you do it!!!! Probaly not! they do a good job at disapling their children probaly better than your mom did! Because you write nasty thing about them. there kids are cute and sure they fight every one does and that is what makes it even more funny! and they do make a lot of money but they have a really high grocery bill.
You really shouldn’t talk bad about them!!!
It really seems as though some people are still so gullible that they can’t see through the lies and manipulation of the J&K greed machine.
#183 Karri Turner
No one talks about The Duggars on this blog simply because this is not a blog about the Duggars. Maybe one day you will see through J&K and you will be enlightened to the truth.
#182 Karri Turner~
I think that Jon and Kate are wonderful parents.
What makes them wonderful in your eyes?
They are not perfect but I think they are doing the best that they can with the situation they have been given.
By selling their children and their childhoods to the highest corporate bidder?
If you have read any of my blog, you will know that I came from a relatively large family. As I went to a Catholic school and lived in a Catholic neighborhood, most all of my friends came from large families, upwards to 15 children. All of these families managed to raise their children without exploiting them and their privacy. Many of the mothers to these families were stay at home moms, therefore living on one income. Oh, and of course, most families did not have the modern conveniences we have now. I do have to wonder how they managed it.
I don’t think that reduction should have ever been considered and I respect them for not considering it. God gave them all 6 babies for a reason. It may not be the ideal situation but it is what they were dealt.
Their decision regarding reduction has never been an issue for me. I have stated that I would not bring children into this world that I could not afford. Jon and Kate could not afford more children at the time either, yet went through fertility treatments again, full well knowing that the possibility of another set of multiples was high. But as for not reducing proper, that has never been an issue for me.
I think if you are going to go on and on about child labor laws then you should also look at the show with the now 18 children. There are so many children in that family that they have a buddy system where the older ones take care of the younger ones. That is where child labor laws are being broken if you ask me but no one is saying anything about that.
Ok, this one just confuses me. Are you insinuating because this family has a buddy system of the older children helping with their younger siblings and learning how to contribute to a household and the household responsibilities this is akin to child labor or child labor laws being broken? Please do me and yourself a favor and look up child labor laws of your state, hell any state, and come back and talk to me. While you are at it, why don’t you look up the child labor laws pertaining to child actors and further check out the union laws of SAG, AFTRA and Actor’s Equity as they pertain to children and the protection of same.
It is clear if you have taken time to read my blog that I advocate for strict laws for all children in the “reality” TV genre that offer the same protections that are enjoyed by their child actor peers. But to try to equate how the Duggar children live/household chores/household responsibilities to any violation of child labor laws is ludicrous, IMO.
Further, if God has blessed the Gosselins with their children, has God not done the same with the Duggars? Why the Gosselins get a pass on the God has- blessed-them-with-these-children thing, and the Duggars don’t, is beyong me. I have some problems with the Duggars, but none of it revolves around how they help with the younger children, what they wear, their conservative lifestyle or their faith (except for their stance against homosexuality and I am not fond of some of their child rearing techniques). But, I will say that the Duggars at least they walk their talk.
These people are good people and the world needs to leave them alone. Just because someone has decided to go and start talking about them has nothing to do with the rest of the world and we all need to keep our noses out of it.
In my world I speak up and out about what I find wrong, particularly when it involves children. As such, I highly doubt that I will “keep my nose out of it”. If people kept their “noses out of it” regarding issues that involve the rights of children, they would never have the limited rights that they DO enjoy. You are obviously on the side of child exploitation. Sad, that.
Let it all be between them and God. It is awfully funny that none of this mess came out until a family member of theres became angry with them now all of the sudden they are horrible parents and horrible people.
Should we leave all matters regarding children up to the parents and God? If so, there would be no protections for them. Is that what you are suggesting? That children are mere chattel and simply the property of their parents, for the parents to do what they will with them, as they want?
There is something wrong with this picture.
There sure is, and ain’t none of pretty.
I think we should all pray for these people not sit on here and bash them when we are not even involved with them on a personal basis.
I pray for these kids on a daily basis. Again, I don’t need to be involved with someone to advocate for them. Advocacy for the rights of children – yeah, thank God someone does it.
I hope that someone is enlightened enough to let this change their minds.
I personally found nothing enlightening about it, particularly regarding the rights and privacy of children, but as always, my readers can (and will) make up their own minds, the intelligent bunch they are.
God Bless you all
Back at cha
Jon & Kate Fan!!! is looking more and more like
Jon and/or Kate
# 186 Jon & Kate FAN~
I can only assume by the content of your comment that you have not yet reached the age of majority, and as such, you are too young to be posing on my blog. Please tell your friends as this will be the only comment of this caliber that I will let through.
Moon,
How do you stand it? How do you not simply cut & paste your reponses to these unoriginal comments?
See, this is why I don’t have a blog. I would simply be telling sheeple to blankity blank blank themselves senseless (short trip for most).
Hats off, Babe!
Cheers!
(the grammar and spelling mistakes alone drive me batty. Clearly six graders are in our midst)
#186 Tanya~
I saw the pictures as well, and no it was not my style either. However, her behaviour regarding it was totally out of line, particularly when it landed them with $100,000 of additional equity.
Ungrateful sods!
#189 Joanne~
You know Joanne, most of Musings bloggers are very intelligent. It simply happens to be the winter holidays with school out and universities on break as well. As you can see by the rash of recent posts on this article – an article I wrote in mid August – that many of the wee one’s are practicing their Google skills. It will go back to normal once school resumes, lol
#191 Lisa~
Yep, writing on a fourth grade (if your lucky) level, I do believe that you are correct!
**God gave them all 6 babies for a reason.***
Is God science?? Now I’m confused because I was under the impression that God was telling Kate’s body that maybe motherhood wasn’t the best choice for her.
#194 fxfanatic
You are absolutely right. If they believed in God’s will , they would not have used IUI. They would have accepted the fact that children were not in God’s plan for their life. OK I’m done preaching
#194 fxfanatic:
HAhahahahahhaahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha!
I nearly peed myself!!!! You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO right about God telling Kate that she should skip motherhood.
Ok. Now that I’ve wiped the tears from my eyes… Hooooo – sigh of relief. For those who will take offense, here’s the disclaimer:
God is teling Kate, and only Kate – not the other millions of women struggling with infertility, that she should sit this one out. Okay? So don’t bother telling me I’m mean or heartless, or heaven to Betsy that I’m jealous.
FX-I agree with you on that one! I know people who have tried everything to have a baby and would be such fantastic parents that it breaks my heart when their efforts fail, all I can think is they were meant to provide a loving family home for babies/children who are thrown away and abused and need them more than ever. As for Kate, I think it was a clear sign that children were not supposed to be bestowed on her!
#185 Jon and Kate FAN!!
Kate, is that you? I think it might be given your signature exclamation points. Your lame-ass “husband” typically uses all caps when he posts on blogs. Kate – you need to see a good psychotherapist, get some medication (perhaps a combination of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds would work nicely for you), and fix your life. You need to take a good, hard look at what you are doing to your family – both immediate and extended – and realize that your children are being destroyed in the process. If you do not take action to turn things around (from the heart), Karma will make himself your best friend. In case you may not be aware (and, given your lack of insight, education, and brains, you may very well not be), Karma is reaping what you sow. This means that bad things can happen to people who do bad, vile things like pimping out their own childrens’ childhoods to live in the lap of luxury; being a bitch to people in general, and having grandiose self-entitlement issues. However, we always have a chance to reverse our Karma if we are willing to change and do good, Are you ready, Kate? Contact Paul Petersen of A Monor Consideration to help you get out of the TLC contract, remove the cameras and industrial lighting from your homes, get a job, and have your “husband” acquire some meaningful job training and skills. Restore dignity and privacy to your children. It’s the right thing to do, Kate.
It may be that karma is catching up with J&K, because there is an article in The Washington Post where they have put Kon on the spent list. I wonder if the Kon fans will say The Washington Post is ‘just jealous’ to.
#198 Lisa.k.~
Spent is good!
Normal life for those 8 children even better!
Love the blog! I was a fan of the show when they aired the first two specials, but really got turned off by Kate’s negative behavior starting in the first full season of their series. My husband watched one show that first year and was done. Blew his mind that anyone would let themselves be talked to that way (especially on camera).
I want to clarify that when I say “fan of the show” I don’t mean I tuned in for parenting tips or ran out to buy her book. That kind of fanaticism for celebrities is ridiculous, IMO.
However, I am a mom to 5 kids, my last 3 being multiples. I would never get up on my soapbox and declare my job harder than anyone else’s, but neither would I elevate Kate Gosselin because she has 6 (or 8 total). And I’ve walked in her footsteps with multiples and it *is* very hard. But let me be crystal clear–it’s hard when you have a spouse that works full time, family that live semi-close but they also must work, 3 older children that require care as well as the new babies, and very little money to do all this on. But, I am a living testament that it can be done. Kate Gosselin is not. I am blown away at the other mom’s of multiples that support her when everyone knows by now that she has never done any of the normal “mommy” or “new, exhausting parent” work that we have all gone through.
A great example was when my babies were born, our local paper wanted to do an article with pictures of them, as well as my OB wanted them in his ad’s for his practice. I refused both. I hated the attention and only wanted close family around us. When we would take them to the grocery store (which we quickly abandoned and I shop alone at night now) I would split the list in 2, split the babies into two strollers and try to get the heck outta there before all the gawking started. I knew people had good intentions, but I just rejected all of it. We even went out to eat once (very rare!) and the manager came over and brought all the kids drinks in some special kid cups that were fruity and fizzy and cool the my group, when we had ordered water for everyone. I was very thankful, but my husband and I both wanted to get the heck out of there. It was a very nice gesture, but I felt so awful accepting those free drinks when there were tables of other kids around us watching and surely someone in more financial need than we were.
Anyway, that got long, but I’ve been in the trenches with multiples and have been offered media coverage and freebies-although never on J & K’s scale-and turned them all down. It felt so empty and hollow to me. We’re no different than any other struggling family, we just happened to have 3 at once.
Please excuse the grammatical errors-my brain is off today.
3 older children should have been 2 older children and 3 babies
and mom’s of mulitples should have been moms of multiples. Can I plead 5?!
NOBODY has a right to judge this family.
If any of you were offered what the Gosselins have, would you REALLY turn it down??
I seriously doubt that when the kids are grown they will be crying about their so called “exploitation”. They are lucky enough to have both parents home all day, they are obviously loved, they have been everywhere, and they will be set for the rest of their lives.
Not one of you have walked in their shoes, who are you to judge?
#203 Melissa~
NOBODY has a right to judge this family.
Of course I do. They put themselves out there and I get to judge them. Just one of the many perks that comes when one exploits their children and family for a paycheck.
If any of you were offered what the Gosselins have, would you REALLY turn it down??
You must be quite young since this is the standard claim of most of the teen and college aged fans of the show. Grow up! Most adults with children would no more sell their children for material items than they would give them to a stranger.
I seriously doubt that when the kids are grown they will be crying about their so called “exploitation”.
Well, I guess we will just have to wait and see, shall we? In the meantime, make friends with Google and research the Dionne Quintuplets. Once you have come on back and let me know how the sisters felt about their childhood.
They are lucky enough to have both parents home all day
Really? Where has Kate been for the last month?
they are obviously loved, they have been everywhere, and they will be set for the rest of their lives.
First and foremost, if they are “set for the rest of their lives”. at what cost. Second, how do you know this? Links please.
Not one of you have walked in their shoes, who are you to judge?
Refer to my first comment.
“Of course I do. They put themselves out there and I get to judge them. Just one of the many perks that comes when one exploits their children and family for a paycheck.”
NO you don’t is your name GOD?
“You must be quite young since this is the standard claim of most of the teen and college aged fans of the show. Grow up!”
NO, I’m actually 36, with 3 of my own children, very grown up. Do you have any children?
“Most adults with children would no more sell their children for material items than they would give them to a stranger.”
Now you speak for most adults? They found a way to provide for them (well, it was offered to them). They would have been foolish to turn it down.
“Well, I guess we will just have to wait and see, shall we? In the meantime, make friends with Google and research the Dionne Quintuplets. Once you have come on back and let me know how the sisters felt about their childhood.”
OH, but they are not the Dionne Quints, who I’m familiar with. That is just one example.
I do not need to make friends with google, I have to get some sleep so I can take care of my own children in the AM and like I said before, NO you do not have the right to judge them, or anybody else!!
Kate said it herself last night.
They were replaying the tups over the top birthday party epi ( Is that ever called Donkey-Gate?)
and at the end on the couch Kate says something like:
Our kids have a great life………………………
and so do we because of them!
What more proof does one need than the words coming from the donkey’s own mouth!
Oh, for God’s sake, of course we get to judge them. They are on a TV show of their own choosing. I can sit back in the old La-Z-Boy and judge them to my heart’s content.
So can God, Melissa.
The two are not mutually exclusive.
#207 Met~~
LOL, that is so funny. I can’t understand why these nuts are trying to defend J&K and can’t see them for what they really are, even when everyone else around them have. They can’t just drop a comment without saying the words jealous, pety, etc…It really is strange.
Melissa,
Did you send in your “love offering” yet?
Give it a break you immature people!!! You are just mad because you can’t have the oppurtunites they have!! Seriously, GET OVER YOURSELFS!!!!!!!
Leavethemalone~
Welcome to Musings!
You have given me an idea…………remember the YouTube video of the guy crying to “LEAVE HER ALONE” regarding Brittney Spears……..
I can see my next project calling, thanks!
Dear Lord, please help me refrain from commenting on spelling and grammar. Maybe the poster was in a hurry and couldn’t bother to spell correctly. Maybe someone is going back to school as soon as the show is over.
Thank you, Lord.
Amen
Giddy from the Heat~
ROFLMAO!
(You are so funny!)
Just think of what it will do to the kids to have these camera folks and TV exects just disappear from their lives, just like the rest of their extended family.
I really hate to think of what it is going to do. Those poor babies have had enough trauma in their short lives. I also think of how hard it’s going to be when Queen Kate is no longer a queen. We know she’s NASTY now, imagine how horrid it will be for them when she is just a plain everday shrew and her silly followers are following someone else. I feel sorry for those children.
Bunny~
Yes. In addition what happens when the kids are no longer privy to the special VIP treatment at every outing/trip that they are used to? Even if one has a good deal of money they are most likely not going to get places of interest closed for just them, etc. They will have to wait in line like others, and will be treated just like others, and that can be a very hard adjustment. This is the exact reason that Paul Petersen of “A Minor Consideration” and his organization help with the transitioning of child actors/entertainers out of show business and into the “civilian (for lack of a better word) world”. It is not easy, as many child actors will attest.
Never mind how this is going to affect Kate. Yikes!
Here’s a parenting philosophy that I try to live by: “Parents work so that kids don’t have to”.
Growing up, I didn’t wake up in the morning knowing that my family’s financial well-being was dependent on whether I did what I was supposed to do that day. I could sit in my room and stare at the wall all day if I felt like it, or read a book in a quiet corner without a boom mic over my head. Call me crazy, but doesn’t that sound like a preferable way of raising kids than what these two are doing?
My parents woke up, got dressed, went to work, cashed their check, paid our mortgage and bought groceries. I, on the other hand, woke up, got dressed, went to school, played with friends, joined sports teams and activities and basically lived the life of a kid. Never once did I think of how to pay the electric bill, fund my college education or pay for the roof over my head. These kids, if they don’t know already, will know that what they did all day paid for the lifestyle the parents wanted. That decision was made to earn money (as much as possible) plain and simple. These two are able-bodied, reasonably intelligent people who could have done a couple of specials and written their book while holding down regular jobs…fine…but they have taken this entirely too far and the train won’t stop until the checks do and I fear that they will do whatever they possibly can to keep the money flowing, and that scares me to no end. They are poor examples of parents, and I hope the younger people reading this blog and other sites realize that this is definitely NOT normal and not something to be emulated.
Jen~
What pressure that these kids are under. You saw the make-up/hair people come out to fix them before they filmed the interview proper? How often does that happen when they are filming the show. We already know that they do retakes during the show. These kids are working pure and simple and their own parents lie about that. Jon said in that Utah interview, well they just follow the kids around, bullshit.
Jon and Kate are nothing but grifting pimpers.
Wow
I am 53-years old and I thought I was the only one who thought this show was a travesty to these eight children. Imagine my shock when I goggled Jon and Kate. This is the one site that the first thing I read spoke volumes of wisdom. I do not see that Bohemian Moon has any motive accept to tell it like it is. When I first saw the show back when the babies were little babies, I liked it. The curiosity of seeing one handle that many babies at one time was kind of interesting to say the least. Now two years later, and one day I am sitting there watching this show with one of my children who was visiting from out of town, and he looked over and said, “Mom, why are you crying”? I looked at him and got up, left the room and went outside and stood there and cried until I could come back in and compose myself. Why the tears… Well it seems that maybe Jon and Kate (well ok, Kate) brought back some very bad memories. I was one of nine children. Five girls, four boys. Everyone only eleven to thirteen months apart. But it was something Kate did to Mattie. I had noticed how very uncomfortable I would become when either one of them spoke about Mattie’s, (high spirit ness) with such condescending tones. I sometimes would think “what the hell are you saying about that child, in front of millions of people”. Than on the day my son sat across from me, I heard what made my stomach turn and brought back a flood of very painful memories. Mattie was upset that Cara was going to go for “her” day with mom and dad. She stormed off and one of the little kids ask, where is Mattie going…than ….this dear loving sweet mother, says cynically to the camera, “Probably the detention center someday”… My mother was the model of Christian behavior for all the outside world to see, nine kids, and we lived in a dictatorial house where her needs and obsessive ness is what our lives were governed by. Everything clean. Poor me syndrome was what got me most. My father (just like Jon) was gentle and had little to say.. I never once in my entire life heard him say one bad thing about anyone, even when he had been done wrong by them. I lived with a mother, who favored two children over all the others to the exclusion of giving one girl her own room and putting the rest of us boys and girls in one room together. I heard the “oh your sister is so good, and she is my helper, she takes care of the others when I need her too. And Kay she is the black sheep. How do you become a black sheep (or for that matter know what it means at age nine)…. Yes little .Mattie, I know why you are acting out, and I don’t blame you. And from my experience you will end up becoming the strong, and decent woman, that everyone will wonder how you came out so well. Look, someone needs to do something that will stop this train wreck before it does these children any more harm. I said once I would never come into one of these places and write about something as stupid as a show that we can choose to turn off if we don’t want to watch it…And yes I can turn it off and I have decided I will do just that. However my heart and my prayers will go out to these children (especially Mattie)because nothing is going to change how this woman is… she is sick in my opinion. Yes I have a couple of degrees in Social work, and working on a Masters, and I have seen enough to know that if TLC does not drop this family from this show, and let them go on their own there will probably be a very sad and tragic ending to it all…..and all for a networks greed, two parents greed, a nations greedy curiosity, and at the expenses of eight innocent children. Canceling the show will not change how Kate treats these children, but at least they won’t carry the show on their backs their entire lives, to be judged and ridiculed by others over. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest….. By the way I was the only one who finished school, have three degrees, and working on another. So for you Mattie, survive how you must, just know that you are who God made you to be. And Mattie, black sheep are so much more beautiful in heart in spirit. They know what it is like to be shunned by your entire family, and the black sheep remembers their pain, and are able to recognize later in life when another poor child is suffering from the stupidity of a parent. And you will be the one to share with them the beauty, they possess inside…Shame for the poor Grandparents, whom probably disagreed with Kate, or made her mad, and now they will not see their grandchildren unless this dictator deems it on her terms…. Take this show off the air and maybe just maybe a psychologist will see the show and offer to help the family, with some mental treatment…..please someone do that for the kids…. I have lived this scenario almost exactly, and if this goes on , these eight little miracles will need all the help they can get, and all the loving “FAMILY” that can surround them… It is never to late to change… and Kate can do this if she would just get over that the world evolves around her….in fact it should only evolve around those children right now…..sorry you won’t hear from me again… and thanks BohemianMoon for allowing me a place to say my peace.
Kay~
Whats a wonderful post, that you so much for taking the time to write it and share with us. Welcome to Musings and I do hope that you will return.
My favorite scenes in the show iare where Jon, Kate and the twins go to California. Kate collects the illegal pinecones in the national forest like most of us do, (except she needs eight for the darlings), and then almost get in trouble with the local police for being on private land picking fallen oranges on the ground. I kept hoping that she would be arrested and then sent off to jail. Would the church that they were visiting have raised the monies for her fine?
If she had been in jail during the rest of the trip, then the kids and Jon could have truly enjoyed that visit to a truly delightful part of California. Her fear of climbing Morro Rock was truly stupid. I have a fear of heights but that hike would have been worth all my fears. Kate just screams for no reason and treats others like her servants anyways. Maybe it is time end the show and let this family earn a living like the rest of us!!!
Delvia Logan~
Welcome to Musings!
You’re right, you really seem bitter and jealous. I find it plain old stupid for so many people to watch the show every week and then criticize what they are not even sure about.
How many of you have never had a family trip because you didn’t have enough money to go to the next city at least? They are doing the best they can, and if they have the opportunity to take them on a few trips well done! I wish I could’ve gone on a few trips too when I was little, or even now… The main thing is they are trying and doing their best.
Criticizing and dedicating your time to maintain a blog about some people’s lives/fault/whatever, isn’t the way. If you don’t like it, turn away, but don’t hold it against them if they get some things for free… I’ts their life/blessing or problem. THEIR!!!
Thank you so much for this blog, BohemianMoon. It is a breath of fresh air to read that not all is the norm for this family. I, like many others, started out liking this show. Kon was funny, taking fun little jabs at each other…like most couples and the kids were adorable (still are to some degree). But as time marched on and the series continued, Kate became more of a self-centered, narcissistic, belittling and rude beeyotch. Jon, the poor, P-whipped chap needs to grow some…uh….well, a set of gonads if you will. It just bothers me that they treat these kids like fodder for the grist mill.
Could someone please explain in all their glory why this couple is SPECIAL? There are umpteen other sets of sextuplets in the US….let alone large families 8+. They are no different than these other families. So what garners them to receive all of these luxury items? You know, the more they receive the less happy they are…. especially Kate. Everytime one watches TLC, buys their books, buys from their corporate sponsors, one is paying for their million dollar estate, the freebie trips, the hair plugs, and other gifts. Where are our own vacations and big houses, makeovers etc? In the pockets of the Greedy Gosselins, that’s where.
What is sad besides the fact the kids are getting pimped out by their looney parents is that one of the twins, Maddy, is the only one to go up against her mother!! Funny, but nonetheless very sad and pathetic. When this show drops from the airwaves, and reality hits, we will be hearing about these kids in about 10-15 years…when they go AWOL.
One other thing…. I am sooo tired of people defending them, that *they are doing the best that they can* for their kids. Yeah, right, puhleeeze….and I have an igloo to sell you in Cancun.
TeamRahn~
Welcome to Musings, so glad you are here!
Could someone please explain in all their glory why this couple is SPECIAL? There are umpteen other sets of sextuplets in the US….let alone large families 8+.
In Jon’s words they are “marketable”. In other words, the kids are an easy sell, and that is what they have been doing for the last 3+ years. Selling them to the highest bidder!
Thank you for the welcome. It’s funny, I just recently have become addicted not to the Gosselin train wreck, but to the blogs about the Gosselin train wreck.LOL It started with reading up on Octomom…aka….by TMZ as Octopu$$y. Sorry, I digress.
Anyway, I guess I really knew the answer, but was thinking why the Gosselins thought they were so marketable? What was it about them that made them think they were so fab? They really are just a dime a dozen, well,not quite a dozen.
LOL…. I didn’t realize you had so many articles on this unfabulous fam, that I forgot which blog I had responded to. Please forgive my bloggin’ ignorance…lol
TeamRahn~
Just go to the top of Musings home page and there is a tab for “Jon and Kate Plus Eight”. Lots and lots and lots of info there…..about 6 months worth!
Oh my…lol. I did go there, but had forgotten under which topic of the J&K I had responded to.
Your blog on Jon and KAte was perfect. Is there away to start a petition to protect these children from further “abuse”, and exploitation?
Dimple~
WELCOME to Musings!
There is one at the petition site – http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/cancel-jon-and-kate-plus-8. I will also be blogging soon about a new grassroots organization called P.R.O.T.E.C.T. 8 (Parent Radically Opposed to Parents Exploiting Children on TV). You can get more info on this group here: http://www.cafemom.com/group/PROTECT8.
Also I have a long list of sponsors of the show you can write. Just go to the Jon and Kate Plus Eight tab at the top of Musings, and scroll.
I saw the beginning of ONE of these shows. Kate was nasty, sharp-tongued, complaining, and acted like her children were a nuisance. She was abusive towards her husband and treated him like a child. And that was in the 5 minutes I watched it. I turned it off and haven’t watched it since.
I feel sorry for the children.
My mother only had my brother and me. I was first, and she resented the fact that she got pregnant right away. She felt I ruined her life, and I lived with the emotional abuse my whole life. When I was 6 I seriously considered killing myself, that’s how awful my life was (I held the can of Draino in my hand. I decided that if I died, I’d be losing and she’d be winning because I’d be dead and she’d be alive). My mother was nice enough in front of other people, but we spent a LOT of time alone with her. I am 54 years old and only now am I getting over my mother disliking me, blaming me for her life, and treating me like a nuisance. I can’t imagine what those children are going through.
Barb Carlson~
Welcome to Musings:)
I am so sorry that you went through what you did
How horrific!
If you dislike them so much why did you set out to write this very long review of the family? Grow up and get a life!
M.R.~
Welcome to Musings!
If you dislike them so much why did you set out to write this very long review of the family?
I didn’t write about the family. I wrote about the parents. Why? Because I find them to be despicable child exploiters not to mention horrible parents in all respects.
Oh, and because I live in America!
LMAO! You still put fourth an awful lot of effort for PARENTS you dislike so much.
M.R.~
You still put fourth an awful lot of effort for PARENTS you dislike so much.
Yes, I do dislike them and I disdain what they are doing to their children. That is the REASON I spend so much time on them.
Now I have to ask you, as you have been here a number of times reading as well as posting. What compels you to spend so much time on a blog that you don’t care for?
Among the many, many horrible things done to the children think of how embarrassed the twins must be and the six will be in school and the rest of their lives. One girl has been shown with stool all over her and her mother shrieking that she will have to give her a bath. Several have been shown on the potty. One was shut alone in a dark room (Kate turned the light off) until he went tinkle. One poor child ’s suffering was a feature due to his inability to go the bathroom and Jon pulled impacted stool out of him with a dirty plastic bag on camera although a long shot – all the while Cruel Kate, R.N. couldn’t be bothered when the little guy cried for her and was actually annoyed by him as she was busy spending money. A little girl’s pants were falling down in an amusement park. The little one had the decency to know that was not good but Kate only got angry with her and pulled her along until she could palm her off on Jon who helped her pull up her pants. It goes on and on. She degrades and embarrasses her children while making big bucks off them. Hope she likes really, really hot weather.
My daughter 23 and I have had countless discussion on the Jon & Kate +8 show. I think Kate is horrible, I am tired of hearing how terrible her life is, how she bosses everyone around to do her bidding, and her treatment of her husband. My daughter on the other hand thinks that the network just makes her look bad and that she is probably a great Mom. I am pretty sure that both Jon and Kate probably got their cosmetic surgery free or at a cut rate price only because it is free advertisement for the provider. Every show when the family travels boast of the star treatment (like going behind the scenes to see the animals close up, or back stage to meet the characters of a show. My granddaughter thinks that the Goesling children have it made. I agree with previous postings that these “whiny” tups need to be put in daycare so that they can have interreaction with other children maybe they will quite fighting and crying all the time. Kate & Jon need to experience what it is like to have a full time job, worry about what you will tell your employer when you need to stay home with a sick child (and pray that you don’t get fired). Life must be good for them, I am 56 and have only bought 2 homes in my life. They are not even 30 and have owned three homes in such a short span of time. I can only hope someone will step and save these kids. Maybe J/K group can do a show with Octo Mom group and we can watch them living next door to each other…..call it. Neighbors with 22 kids .
Let’s see trip to Hawaii, 2 trips to the Beach, trip to Disney World, trip to Utah, 3 trips to NYC, 1 trip to CA and “they have to watch” their money????? I don’t think so. I wonder how much money is being put away for 8 college educations or is the State of PA paying for that as well.
I think Jon is becoming resistent is helping Kate out because she takes the credit. When you take away the pride, that is when they start to wander.
Dorine~
WELCOME TO MUSINGS, we are happy that you are here!
If it is all editing, IMO, then Jon and Kate have allowed themselves to be portrayed that way, and why would anyone allow that? Also both Jon and Kate have stated over and over “What you see is what you get”. I am not sure how people can think that Kate is a good mom in general, but also because she is never there to parent her kids it seems, unless, like Octo-mom, someone is filming her!
Dorine,
There are many, many trips to churches that bring in big bucks. They have been to Canada and all over in many states hoodwinking gullible people with their, no make that Kate’s, tale of hardship and barely cheery martyrdom. Jon, of course, is not allowed to speak. On another blog a wise person called them grifters – they are that and then some – all on the backs of their children.
I think that Kate likes the money, she has a new house all the nice clothes. People give them stuff all the time. She is exploiting those kids for money. She allow Mady to run over Cara and the others. She talks to the interivewsers and staff like dogs. So much for the perfect Mom she needs to tear her up and make her mind. She treats everybody the way that Kate treats Jon.
Just remember…when you judge others, you’re actually judging yourself in some way! It’s simple psychology!
judgeno1~
Just remember…when you judge others, you’re actually judging yourself in some way! It’s simple psychology!
Ok, I will bite. I am judging myself positively or negatively when I judge another?
this is retarded. i couldn’t even finish it. It was so prejudice.
Bethany~
this is retarded. i couldn’t even finish it. It was so prejudice.
Is middle school out for the year already?
“Just remember…when you judge others, you’re actually judging yourself in some way! It’s simple psychology!”
Oh! Remember when Mike Brady said that to the kids? And they learned a lesson from dad?
Sitcom or reality show, sitcom or reality show … I’m so confused.
Giddy from the Heat~
“Just remember…when you judge others, you’re actually judging yourself in some way! It’s simple psychology!”
Of course I am! I am judging that I am a hell of a better mother because I actually chose to support my son emotionally, physically and FINANCIALLY, not the other way around.
My friend posted the link to this blog on facebook and I had to read it… and could not stop! I am a young college student without children, but I do not hold the same beliefs as most of my peers. I used to consider myself a fan- bohemianmoon- you have changed my mind, or rather, made me realize what I was seeing.
I’d always disliked the way Kate spoke to Jon, the way they refer to Mady’s attidude as her “ugliness” (horrible choice of words for an entire nation to see), and the way that Alexis is almost consistently separated from the other girls- but I always shoved those feelings off with “but they’re so cute!”.
I have an issue with the number of people praising Jon and Kate for their parenting abilities, and while I do not have any experience, I am the oldest of 3 girls and to a single parent. All I have to say is that my mother busted her ass to support us without welfare. It was not unusual for her to work an 80 hour week to make rent and put food on the table, and while I had more responsibilities than kids my age, I appreciate it now so much more. My experiences made me value family.
I feel awful for these children that they do not have close relationships with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. I feel awful that as time goes by, family friends and helpers are no longer seen. This family is pushing away people who legitimately cared for these children for camera hungry mongers.
I also dislike the way posters keep saying that these children are not being exploited and throw out examples such as the Roloffs and Duggars. First of all, these other families seem to have boundaries regarding what they will and will not allow to be filmed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the youngest Roloff boy on the potty. I don’t think the Duggars have shown a baby in the crib with poop smeared up her back. I would be absolutely mortified and embarrased if I realized that my entire life was caught on camera, and my fellow classmates had video of me being disimpacted by my father in the back of a van with a shopping bag. In addition, the Duggars and Roloffs do not base their shows around their kids- it’s about their family and their family interactions, and as stated previously by another poster, these families have other means to support their families.
I completely agree with everything that bohemianmoon has stated in her writing. There are no laws protecting these children in regards to the hours they are working- which they are working (performance for money in my books equals work), and their privacy. These 4 year olds have no say about what is shown. They’re not in the editing room. They are not living normal lives. And although they seem to have bonded with the producers and camera crews, once they leave they will again be faced with family like people that have left their lives again.
With everything that has happened surrounding the “octomom” we began talking about Kate and her infertility procedure, and I thank you for providing this information. As a nursing student, my friends and I noticed certain aspects that did not add up.
I apologize if my thoughts are scattered or do not make sense, it’s been a really long day! But I thank you again for opening my eyes!!
Sorry, I forgot, to all of the posters that keep saying that the world needs to leave Jon and Kate alone- We’ll do this once they cancel their show. They’ve chosen a life without privacy and have invited cameras into their homes.
Fan-no-more~
I apologize if my thoughts are scattered or do not make sense, it’s been a really long day! But I thank you again for opening my eyes!!
You are perfectly coherent! WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE (MUHAHHAHAHAHAHA), we are happy you are here!
(And you don’t have to have kids to know what the Gosselins have done is beyond wrong. Common sense, but not children!)
fan-no-more:
Welcome. You are wise beyond your years and we are glad you found us.
All the fuss over the supposed affairs is crazy. Are they thinking they are huge stars now? For the last two weeks I have noticed that Jon and Kate have each been on the US Weekly magazine cover and they are wearing S4 sunglasses to create that “star” persona. It’s just weird.
So i just started watching the show about 3 months ago…..my first thought was that they were good parents and kate was so organized and how she must not sit down all day! But now that i have read this article…it all makes complete sense to me….and what i do not understand is they have made plenty of money why can’t they just stop the show…..they should have a pretty good savings account by now…..i can’t compare to having 6 kids at once…but i do have two kids one is a special needs little boy that takes a lot of my time…i am not able to work and my husband is working his butt off making 30,000 a year to support us….Our son has tons of medical needs and it is not easy to pay for everything he needs….but we do it….all by ourselves…we aren’t in a huge brand new house and we drive run down cars to get around, but we are making it and we are happy with what we got….and hey guess what else..all our furniture throughout our whole is is mixmatched and used….and i love it!!!!!!! it works and that’s all that matters right……i could send my story in to a t.v. show saying that my life is soo hard and it’s too hard to support a child that needs a ton of medical attention…and get a lot of new things like house and car and lots of money so i can go to spas and vacations all the time…but is it worth having cameras around you all day….where is the privacy?…i love being with my family alone and knowing that no one is watching…….I would have had a lot more sympathy for Kate if she drew the line and said…enough is enough we are not doing another show no matter what….my family comes first….but she is still going at it….that’s pretty selfish of her and i hope she pulls her head out of her ass while those kids are still little cuz before you know it…they will be all grown up and living their own lives and she is really gonna feel bad for missing out on the real true good times alone with her little ones.
I was linked to this website via another one and was intriqued by your blog. I agree with you on many levels in regards to Kate’s narcisstic behavior and lately am not a fan of her. I was however insulted at your comments in regard to infertility treatment protocol. I have 3 children all as a result of IVF and your “ethical” questions regarding the doctor are completely off track. I also had a premature child and received aid on taxpayers dollars in regards to OT and PT but in know way does that mean I was negliegent in my responsability as a parent. I think you need to consider how narcistic you came off- kind of like Kate
Cheryl~
I was however insulted at your comments in regard to infertility treatment protocol. I have 3 children all as a result of IVF and your “ethical” questions regarding the doctor are completely off track.
I am unsure why you would have been since I never talked about IVF in relation to Kate Gosselin since she did IUI.
I also had a premature child and received aid on taxpayers dollars in regards to OT and PT but in know way does that mean I was negliegent in my responsability as a parent. I think you need to consider how narcistic you came off- kind of like Kate
If you have ever read any of my blog and my personal opinion regarding Medicaid and Welfare, then you would know that I have absolutely no problem with it at all as long as it is used as a stepping stone to get to a better, more stable place. I have never begrudged Jon and Kate Gosselin having a tax payer nurse for the first year of the sextuplets’ life. My issue came in when ALL of the babies were healthy and Kate stated that (paraphrase) because society developed fertility drugs, it was society’s duty to help take care of the children. They appealed to the State, and lost their case, as they should have. She could have very well taken that nurse away from a family who truly needed it, like yourself. How would have you felt needing nursing care for a fragile pre-mature child, but you didn’t receive that service because someone else that didn’t NEED it, GOT it? That was one of my issues with the Gosselins receiving tax payer monies when they didn’t need it.
I agree that the children are subjected unfairly to the public eye and camera presence, and that Kate can be too much to deal with, however:
I don’t know how much of your article i believe seeings how I myself suffer from PCOS (just like Kate), my sister has been through several courses of fertility treatments over the years, as well as my sister-in-law, AND i happen to have a close family friend who did in fact conceive on two different occasions on fertility treatments.
I know for a fact that that part of your post is BS, because I have first hand experience with the realms of fertility treatments and what doctors will and will not do. It is perfectly acceptable, normal, and common for a person to have more than one conception via fertility treatments.
That being said, how much else of your article did you make up or exaggerate to make a better story and get your more desired response?
KenzieKay~
I know for a fact that that part of your post is BS, because I have first hand experience with the realms of fertility treatments and what doctors will and will not do. It is perfectly acceptable, normal, and common for a person to have more than one conception via fertility treatments.
Any research on Google would confirm the standard of care I cited in my entry. Take up the “BS” statement with the hundreds of doctors and fertility clinics that have stated the same as I since that is where I got my information.
That being said, how much else of your article did you make up or exaggerate to make a better story and get your more desired response?
Since I wrote that entry almost a year ago, lol, you tell me. I assume that you have followed this debacle since you obviously found my article, and you would have had to have found it through a Google search on Jon and Kate Plus Eight since, as I stated, it is almost a year old.
As a matter of fact, I too have first hand experience with fertility treatments. I also know that if a pre-existing condition exists, fertility specialists will go ahead with treatments well before the 25 age marker.
Perhaps your Google references were not specific to a PCOS case, because it is true that there is a longer wait for women with no known fertility difficulties.
However, i’m not sure a search engine can confirm anything. I can look up just about anything on the internet and find whatever answer I’m looking for.
Also, no fertility doctor on the planet is going to say “you’ve had your one conception, and that’s it, no more for you.” As long as the woman is healthy and no complications are expected, they will allow a woman to go ahead and proceed with a second(or third, etc) attempt after a successful attempt.
I do somewhat follow John and Kate, mostly because my roommate is into it, and often she is watching it while I’m here.
I do not, however consider myself a “fan” by any means, and I believe those kids deserve a better life than having cameras in their face every time they turn around.
I just think it’s a little over the top to find one website that supports your opinion and using it to validate your side of the argument and make them look like horrible people for utilizing fertility treatments. There is nothing unethical or unusual in the fact that they went through another course of fertility treatments after the twins.
Kenziekay~
I just think it’s a little over the top to find one website that supports your opinion and using it to validate your side of the argument and make them look like horrible people for utilizing fertility treatments. There is nothing unethical or unusual in the fact that they went through another course of fertility treatments after the twins.
I am unsure of how much more clear I can make this for you. I did a large amount of research before I wrote that entry. I was citing the acceptable standard of care. It was not knowledge garnered from one website.
As an aside, his name is Jon, as in Jonathan Gosselin, and not “John”.