18 & Counting - Are they serious?

[C.Ann]

I want my kids to learn something about respect and kindness. They are good and nice to other people, please, thank you, holding the door, etc. But they are horrible to each other! I don't see that in the Duggar household.

No - you don't see that with the Duggar children..

I think after I spent a week with them, I'd like to spend a week with an Amish family.. Since I've been doing so much reading, I'm fascinated by how other people live and how their families interact.. Of course I would want to spend a week with the fictional "Baxter" family too - but that's not likely to happen.. LOL..

 

[Sammy]

I don't think the kids have a problem w/ their clothes as they are home schooled and have little exposure with other kids that are not of the same "belief". Their parents keep them sheltered.

I was going to say the same thing. There's no peer pressure if you aren't exposed to your peers (wait.....that doesn't sound quite right )

 

[clgwli]

You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they let people come in to learn about how to raise a family that size.

the only thing that really bugs me is the buying of used shoes. Shoes adjust to the shape of the wearers foot and the kids might have messed up feet when they are adults.
I know my mom does, my Grandma always bought her shoes and her brothers shoes at the thrift store and my mom has terrible feet now.

I used hand me downs with new shoes and I didn't have a problem with my feet at all. I did the same for mine and so far so good (knock on wood). I really am not sure that is an issue if you do stick to good quality shoes. I don't pick up just any used shoe as I am particular. There are shoes out there that you can tell are hardly ever worn and in great shape.

So I wonder if that is a family thing with your mom or just bad shoes (not necessarily used). Like are there any real studies done about that?

I do like the Duggars. While religiously we don't agree I really do appreciate their lifestyle for what it is. Same with the Bates. They truly embrace the idea of sharing and helping with others and I really like that. The attitudes and ability to keep relaxed in many situations is a great thing to me.

I also like how they are smart with their money. In general people can learn a lot by how they live. Buying used clothes for children for example is a great thing. Or knowing when good sales are in regular stores. It becomes very easy to buy your child a good number of quality clothing for little money. I am constantly told that mine dress very well and people are shocked with how little we spend. I don't agree with some of their food choices exactly but the idea is good IMO.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

They could have been crappy shoes, I'm not sure. My mom's family had very little money growing so I would assume that even good thrift store finds were financially out of reach.
I only donate the kids dress shoes because typically they wear them once and never use them again. The rest of them, they pretty much destroy, they are so hard on shoes and socks.
I doubt there are studies on it. It would be interesting to see though.

C.Ann I am seriously considering buying a farm some where and living there for a year just to get out of the rat race. No TV, Wii, Computer, etc. Enough land for the kids to run free all day. They drive me nuts with needing to be entertained every second, I'm like read a book, have an adventure, entertain yourselves! We did!

Jean, we have a friend that lives in Atlanta, never pays full retail price for anything. She is the greatest bargain hunter I know. she helps me find good deals for the kids. Having 4 kids can break the bank with clothing, I can only imagine 18!

 

[DMRick]

Yikes! I just read an announcement that another baby is on the way (19 and counting). Their baby will be 5 months younger than their grandchild. Hope this one is also healthy and mom comes through it ok.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32630876/ns/today-parenting_and_family/