(2) Gosselin kids expelled from school for bullying

[CathrynRose]

This thread is a perfect example of the "Love her, or Hate her" when it comes to Kate Gosselin. She truly eptiomizes that.

She annoys me. She's a strong personality - and I actually discussed this with a g/f - I bet I come off the same way. People either REALLY like me, or REALLY don't. I should probably be more compassionate about this trait is someone....but I'm not.

I don't like her - at all. I think her kids are adorable and amazing and beautiful little children. But I'm sad for them. I really am. Anyone remember this set of multiples: (someone help me here...) They were Canadian, and it was many, many years ago - but they were an attraction at an amusement park.

If I recall correctly, they've sent letters to several multiple parents over the years, pleading with them to keep them out of the spotlight. It messed these children up, and as children couldn't and didn't know how to express that. Maybe that's what we're seeing with this bullying. ??? i don't know... I'm not a psych doctor.

But I've always seen Mady as - not a brat - just really ANNOYED all the time. And I can't help but wonder if she was annoyed or frustrated or just plain sick of a damn camera in her face, constantly. Not everyone takes to being in display 24/7. Again, who knows... I'm not a DR. I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn Express, last night.

You know, just this past Alaska Special, they showed Kate and she said something along the lines of (after putting on a pair of hiking boots) that "this is the longest I've gone without wearing heels...IN MY LIFE!"

Huh??? What? What is she trying to prove? You wear heels, great. But lady, we've seen your "Pre TV Star" pics, and I'm pretty sure you didn't even OWN a pair of heels (yeah, I'm being mean now...)

AND I have a stunning, gorgeous girlfriend (the one in the pic below) She stands out in a crowd - she's a head turner. And she wears heels - all the flipping time. All the time. Wedges, Heels.... I forget how short she is, until she's shoe-less around me.

On a trip to WDW, with her and I, for 5 days... she wore HEELS! She's "one of those". And you know what?? If she put on a pair of hiking boots, during a vacation for 2 weeks, I'd NEVER hear her say "This is the longest I've gone not wearing heels...IN MY LIFE!!!" and this girl has worn heels for a huge chunk of her life!!

Kate annoys me. She just annoys me.

 

[mhsjax]

These kids were premature and are part of a multiple birth. Anyone who is suprised they have behavior issues-especially at a private school-is naive. Yes, their homelife has been unusual but there are 6 kids, all the same age in their family-ususual for any family. Leave them alone. Shame on whoever leaked this information to the public. fyi-I don't like either parent from what little I have seen but it's a false look and not really worth considering in real life.

Sorry, but I don't buy the pre mature and multiple birth excuse. I have seen too many examples of others NOT acting this way. I do believe that it comes from being on TV, thinking that they are probably way more special than everyone else, We all know that Kate says her kids DESERVE everything on a sliver platter. Her words not mine.

I do agree with you, Same on whoever leaked it. But parents can be real busy bodies, I think most of us have seen this at our local schools.

 

[abdmom]

I don't like her - at all. I think her kids are adorable and amazing and beautiful little children. But I'm sad for them. I really am. Anyone remember this set of multiples: (someone help me here...) They were Canadian, and it was many, many years ago - but they were an attraction at an amusement park.

If I recall correctly, they've sent letters to several multiple parents over the years, pleading with them to keep them out of the spotlight. It messed these children up, and as children couldn't and didn't know how to express that. Maybe that's what we're seeing with this bullying. ??? i don't know... I'm not a psych doctor.
.

You're thinking of the Dionne quintuplets. They were born in the 30's and were put on display for several years. Their playroom had a large window, and people were charged admission to view them, kind of like a zoo. Take the window away and substitute a camera, and you've got the Gosselin's. The Dionne's were quite messed up by the whole experience.

 

[Dee77]

Don't the kids go to a private school that is exclusive and rather expensive? I would think that makes lifestyle and income etc a level playing field with the classmates. I think it is true that being on TV and having so many "less than stellar" moments out there are at the root of the children having a bull's eye on their backs, and having Kate as a Mom doesn't help. To be fair though, the Gosselin children have never had to learn true social skills, they are presented with posh opportunities and were catapulted into a stardom that is not normal. Even simple everyday things like waiting in line, is just not in their nature. I agree that it is the parents fault for how their children act when the parents are not there.

 

[CathrynRose]

I do agree with you, Same on whoever leaked it. But parents can be real busy bodies, I think most of us have seen this at our local schools.

Agree 100%.

And it's my understanding, from what I've read (Yes, this woman annoys the crap out of me....yet I'm bizarrely fascinated by her) she isn't well liked, in the community.

I'd put money on it having been another parent, leaking it.

I now understand why my mother AND grandma watched TV shows, that they would yell at the TV, about. It confused me. Why are you watching somehting that makes you mad??? I guess I inherited that gene.

 

[Buckalew11]

The same thing happened with Taylor Swift once she started getting some regular singing jobs. The eventually had to move it got so bad.

I'd say it could go either way... could be more of the Gosselin kid's attitudes or it could the other kids jealous of them.
Plus, I'd say the parents all talk and probably have some very strong opinions of these kids and Jon and Kate anyway so that could add to the issues at school/friendships.

Plus, divorce brings about so many emotions and things for the kids. Anger being a huge one and control too. There are so many factors in this that who knows what is what. Hopefully someone does and the situation can get taken care of. DD was bullied and I have a lot of anger towards anything resembling bullying. I hope whatever happened they can get it fixed.

 

[CathrynRose]

You're thinking of the Dionne quintuplets. They were born in the 30's and were put on display for several years. Their playroom had a large window, and people were charged admission to view them, kind of like a zoo. Take the window away and substitute a camera, and you've got the Gosselin's. The Dionne's were quite messed up by the whole experience.

Yes - thank you. And I agree with bolded.

Imagine yourself as a child. We all had melt downs, as children. I remember having a FIT in at Weiboldt's - anyone remember that store? - about wanting this stuffed dog. A FIT! I think back on it now... and am embarrassed! Even though I was kid - I remember being a major little BRAT about it! If my mom were alive, she probably wouldn't even remember it, but I want to apologize! Honestly!!

Can you imagine if your melt downs, and tantrums and fits - were all on camera for the world to see???

 

[focusondisney]

Unfortunately, I think the kids' lifestyle has contributed to any poor behavior they are exhibiting. They go on fancy trips, they have "staff" that follow them around. People literally jump through hoops to keep the kids happy so they can get the shot they want for the show. They get interviewed about every aspect of their lives.

I can see how some of the kids, through no fault of their own, could have developed an "I'm better than you, I'm special and you're not, I'm entitled to everything and you're not, I'm on TV and you're not, my clothes are better than yours, my house is bigger than yours" attitude. I can also see how this attitude can carry over into bullying if they verbalize it to other kids. It's sad. I think it's time for them to kill the show and focus on being a "normal" family. It's got to be hard enough to help the kids adjust to the divorce without inviting cameras to follow them around.

Agree! Of course they could have developed an "I'm better" attitude. As Kate has said many times: "they deserve".....the big house, the fancy trips, the TV show, the new clothes, etc, etc. I'm sure they will all grow up thinking they deserve it all. How could they not?

I have heard lots of celebrities say it is their families who keep them grounded. Unfortunately, these kids parents, esp their mom, aren't "grounded" themselves. Poor kids will probably get worse.


QUOTE=Aristomommy;38925242]I see your point. I think it's sad that these kids are apparently following in their mom's footsteps. She is a major bully IMHO. I find it sad that a 6 year old would be expelled from school, especially when their siblings are still there. I wonder if these kids consider homeschooling a punishment or a reward?[/QUOTE]


Goos post!

 

[C.Ann]

Sorry, but I don't buy the pre mature and multiple birth excuse. I have seen too many examples of others NOT acting this way. I do believe that it comes from being on TV, thinking that they are probably way more special than everyone else, We all know that Kate says her kids DESERVE everything on a sliver platter. Her words not mine.

I do agree with you, Same on whoever leaked it. But parents can be real busy bodies, I think most of us have seen this at our local schools.

Yup..

And I too agree that this should never have been leaked, but it was bound to happen sooner or later because they made the choice to put themselves - and their children - out there in the public eye.. When you put your kids and the private moments of their lives (as well as your own as parents) on public display for monetary gain, you can't cry "Foul!", when something like this comes out..

It's 100% wrong - but they brought it on themselves..

 

[luvmy3]

The saddest part of this is that this story is in the news. Its a little too late for Kate to be able to handle these things privately, she should have thought about that before signing those TLC contracts.

I hope these kids get the help they need.

 

[luvsJack]

really this again. They didn't exploit there kids. You don't even watch the show so how do you know what is going on

I watch the show and I agree fully with C.Ann. If they didn't want things like this to come out in the media they shouldn't have put them out there for the world to see. She doesn't have a job, she supprts her kids by putting them on TV and then doesn't want the media to know when one gets in trouble. Can't have it both ways. If she wants to support her family by being on TV, fine, more power to her; but she has to be ready for every thing in their lives to be on TV.

I don't know whether the kids are bullies or just agressive. Being the kind of person Kate is the kids may feel they have to fight for her attention. When that happens they begin to fight for everything. But, it is something that comes from the home.

 

[Mermaid02]

Like usual- I see many of you blaming Kate exclusively. The kids have 2 parents.

 

[Dee77]

Like usual- I see many of you blaming Kate exclusively. The kids have 2 parents.

You're right, they have two parents, but when it comes to exhibiting bullying behavior, it is Kate that takes the cake.

 

[Mermaid02]

You're right, they have two parents, but when it comes to exhibiting bullying behavior, it is Kate that takes the cake.

Not disagreeing- but there are 2 parents riding that gravy train....... People keep blaming Kate for the kids being in the spotlight.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I can't imagine where they learned it from...

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Agreed - and Jon has "issues" as well..

And if they're going to be home schooled, wouldn't it be better for them all (at least the little ones) to be home schooled? Honest question as I don't know the answer..

However, I hope the parents - in this particular case - are not the ones doing the home schooling and have hired a professional tutor who specializes in dealing with multiples and the kind of lifestyle these kids have been subjected to since practically day one..

I am going to stay out of the j&k/exploitation debate...

But to answer your question about if it would be better since 2 are homeschooled, to homeschool all of them???

I used to think that way, but I have come across many families and lately some very large families, who do NOT homeschool all of the children for one reason or another. It is not uncommon to determine what is best for the individual child --

some families determine that kids will go to traditional school eventually
some families do only a kid or two at a time to start---honestly...to go from 0 to 60 mph and to not having considered homeschool to suddenly having a situation that necessitates that immediate decision...that is tough one child let alone 2 or 6 or all 8. When the decision comes suddenly--it is almost emergent in nature. So unless it was necessary, doing it for just those who got expelled makes the most sense, logistically.

Anyone curious as to how this will be accomplished can refer to www.hslda.com to loom up the legislation for Pennsylvania.

And just because they are "home"schooled, does not mean that Kate couldn't enroll them in any institution that caters to homeschoolers where all curriculum is provided (at a price) and even grading, testing, and record keepig is handled by that 3rd party. She can also "hire" a private tutor. The misconception about homeschooling is that the parents are the only ones who can teach and within the parameters of the law, that is not the case.

Example: I do NOT teach my child math. We utilize a reputable math program and she takes DVD classes. I monitor and guide her along, but I don't teach the concepts.

I plan on homeschooling all of my children---but the thought to suddenly have to teach 4 children the same grade on pretty much a whim would blow my mind. But we spend years working our way up to that.


Back to your discussions.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The same thing happened with Taylor Swift once she started getting some regular singing jobs. The eventually had to move it got so bad.

I had read/heard that Haley Joel Osment had issues after The Sixth Sense came out. He was not treated well by his peers. I'm not sure if he was bullied, per se...but he did have issues with making friends.

 

[bumbershoot]

And Jon is incredibly passive aggressive.

Oh seriously. He's awful sometimes. Having dealt with both PA people and people who express their temper without reservations, I'll go with the temper people. At least you KNOW what they are feeling and you're not being sniped.

Not even after they're divorced, does this woman stop??? It's ridiculous.

OK so what are they supposed to do?

What hospital would hire her (she was a nurse as far as I recall), or private practice? What employer would look at her resume *seriously*? How could she find a job at this point? Maybe if she dropped out from the public eye for 10 years, MAYBE, but then people would freak out b/c she had to move the kids into a tiny house that's inappropriate for 8 kids, etc etc etc... And even when Jon was working, it didn't seem to be adequate for all of them, which is why they did the first show to begin with, to bring home money for the family.

And I doubt many employers would look at Jon seriously, either. I mean, just thinking of the photographers that would be at the company's door every day (same sitch for Kate) would make most employers balk at hiring them.

So what can they do, now that they are in this situation?

Not that I am excusing or condoning their behavior, but I would venture to guess that there is at least some jealousy and some teasing/bullying going on towards the sextuplets. They are on television, get to go on lots of fancy trips, get cool toys and live in a big house. As a teacher I know that the other kids will probably give them a hard time and are most likely not all sunshine and roses toward the 6 of them.

Agreed.

Someone mentioned that they go to a private school...there's got to be a difference between the normal people in PA (they are living in PA, yes?) who can send their kids to such a school vs what goes on in the kids' lives?

I'm not surprised at the statements by a "family friend" who also says Jon doesn't know where they get it from. So not surprised that one of Jon's friends would try to paint Kate as the bad evil person raising the kids to be bully's.

Same here. And again I'm so glad to find a person who doesn't think that Jon is totally innocent.

And if they're going to be home schooled, wouldn't it be better for them all (at least the little ones) to be home schooled? Honest question as I don't know the answer..

Not necessarily. Just in my own family of birth, it would have been a dream for me to be homeschooled, but my brother LOVED school-school, and it would have made him crazy to be homeschooled. My own son is halfway between...he thrives at home and probably could thrive in school, as long as he didn't have an anti-boy teacher and as long as he could focus on work instead of the pretty girls (he's only 6, I'm DOOMED, I tell you, doomed).

This thread is a perfect example of the "Love her, or Hate her" when it comes to Kate Gosselin. She truly eptiomizes that.

She annoys me. She's a strong personality - and I actually discussed this with a g/f - I bet I come off the same way. People either REALLY like me, or REALLY don't. I should probably be more compassionate about this trait is someone....but I'm not.

She reminds me of me, too. And I like her. What drives me batty is how she's edited on the show (well, the shows pre-divorce, it makes us too sad to watch it now) and how people react to her.

She and Jon remind me and hubby of ourselves, in the good AND bad ways.

Can you imagine if your melt downs, and tantrums and fits - were all on camera for the world to see???

I would have loved to be on camera. Even now. Sadly, no one cares about a 3 person family, it's not "out there" enough. And no one would want to watch when hubby and I have a half hour conversation that other people would take 5 minutes on, because we have to use our counseling-speak to really determine that we understand each other and the questions and the issues and no one is caving "just because"...yeah, see, it's boring just writing about it...no one would want to film it. What people DO want to see is people sniping and arguing and NOT having real conversations! Hey, just like the way their show was edited when they were still together!




I hope that Collin and Alexis can figure out better ways to behave so that this doesn't hang over them for a long time. And maybe being homeschooled will be great for them (I was actually 100% surprised that she sent them to school-school in the first place, as she seems a natural for teaching them and organizing their learning and curriculum etc etc)!

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Like usual- I see many of you blaming Kate exclusively. The kids have 2 parents.

Well, if the kids were expelled for being mopey doofus-es, then we'd be blaming Jon.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Cat, as a PP said, the Canadian kids you're talking about were the Dionne quintuplets. They were born to a poor family during the Depression, and it was their doctor who exploited them, not their parents. There was a made-for-TV movie produced about them 10 or 15 years ago.

They were conceived naturally, obviously, since I don't think the fertility drugs that create multiples were around in the 1930s. When the quints were born in their home, their parents summoned the town doctor who admitted them into a hospital.

They were such a sensation that the doctor found a way to sever their parents' rights so he could profit from them. My own parents grew up in the 1930s, and they told me that they sold dolls--paper and regular ones--and other products that had the Dionne quints name on them.

A lot of companies paid to be associated with them. At the time the TV movie was on, I worked for Unilever, and my coworkers and I got a kick out of seeing Lever Brothers soap featured in one part of the movie. Lever paid to have them endorse their soap as being the only one fine enough to wash the Dionne quints.

Their father became very bitter over their fate. He was upset that they were his children, but he was unable to profit from their fame. I forget what happened to him, but I don't think it was good, and I don't the children wound up with any money from all the endorsements either.

It's a fascinating story, I think. I wonder if any of them are still alive.