Tuesday, November 8, 2011

20 and counting...

Today the Duggar's announced on the Today Show that they are having baby #20! They have a reality show on the network TLC. Last time their baby Josie (pictured) was born at 29 weeks due to severe preeclampsia (which I had with my last baby). Michelle Duggar (the mom) is in her early to mid 40's and so her risk of having this complication again are high.

What do you think? Honestly I think the Duggars are good parents, I think they are raising good kids to this point. But now it feels to me that this is about publicity and air time. Maybe I'm being too cynical.

I'm all about big families (obviously I have 5 children!), I think it is fabulous if people can handle it and choose to have a big family. I grew up in a big family, married into a big family etc etc... But 20 kids seems like wayyyyyy too many to handle. In fact the older girls do all of the laundry and cooking and while I think it is great to teach those skills and have them help, it is the parent's responsibility to do those things not the kids.

What do you think?

8 comments:

Cami said...

I think it's their perogative (sp?) and it's between them and the Lord how many kids they have. They have great christian values, and if the parents can support all of them, then that is wonderful. I don't know that it is for publicity, but maybe. I know I couldn't handle 20 kids, but for them, they have regular family time, bible study. They have their own orchestra, and they spend quality time together. You should see what people are saying on their FB fan page.

chercard said...

I agree with you it is their choice and between them and the Lord. What worries me more than anything is the health of Michelle and the new baby as the chances of her having preeclampsia again and it being much worse than last time are very high. My doctor told me not to have another as I could literally die next time. I pray they will be okay. I'm not trying to bash them in any way.

Sarah said...

I think if anyone is going to have 20 kids it should be the Duggars. I have watched their show a number of times, and don't feel like they are doing if for publicity. I think (but I could be wrong) that they don't believe in using birth control, so they could end up with even more.

But you are right. They are taking a chance. And I also agree that they older kids do end up shouldering a lot of the work.

Cami said...

Hopefully they play it smart this time and she gets her tubes tied or has a hysterectomy. They are a very organized family. I wish I could be like that, I just don't think I could handle 20 kids running around my house.

Melinda said...

My neighbor lived by them, here in Arkansas, some years ago. She said they are some of the best people she knows of. They have very well behaved children and each child knows they are loved, which says a lot now days! Now, do I think maybe having another one is too much, probably! She is getting older and complications are more of a risk. She needs to consider being around for her kids and grandkids! Who am I to judge, however!

Erin said...

I love this show, and was surprised to see the news yesterday about this. A little worried about her complications from last time, and hope it goes ok this time. Its hard to know what to think, as we never know anyone's story, and its quick to judge. 20 seems astronomical. I wonder how each kid gets special one on one time, and not get lost in the crowd, but it sounds like they are a very caring and loving family.

Unknown said...

I support them 100%. I had my babies at 29 weeks and I was 25. And I would do it again at 40 if that's what God wanted. She has to know the risks...but she's willing to accept them. That's not for us to say.

Unknown said...

I have been thinking about this comment. I didn't mean to sound so "know it all". I definitely think there are negative consequences to a family of 20. But I just think that their family is a lot better off than most kids I know. I think they're a lot more prayerful about things than I am. So as long as they're happy, I'm happy.