Duggar Baby comes home

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I get the point of this post, I really do. You don't think people should be expressing judgment on the Duggar's. But as a non religious person who has chosen to be childfree, I can guarantee you beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am not jealous of these people. Their lifestyle is my idea of torture! (Or, you know, that place that's the opposite of Heaven that I also don't believe in! LOL)

I just don't like them and if they didn't want to face the judgment of others then they should have chosen not to live their life in the public. You approve of this family, so it's easy for you to support them and their choices. What about Jon and Kate? Do you think they should be free of judgment, too? I think the two of them are horrible parents and I feel terrible for their kids...

But if you are child free by choice--it would seem that any lifestyle involving children would be your idea of torture.

 

[HelenePA]

But if you are child free by choice--it would seem that any lifestyle involving children would be your idea of torture.

Ummm isn't the person you quoted a teacher? gosh I hope I'm wrong

 

[Ember]

Ummm isn't the person you quoted a teacher? gosh I hope I'm wrong

She sure is! I love kids. I love working with them and interacting with them. I hope to become more involved on a global level with education starting as professional volunteer in South Africa and hopefully winding up working with the UN or something similar. I have a particular interest in the education of girls on a global scale and will probably pursue my masters in this direction.

However, I am still childree by choice.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

She sure is! I love kids. I love working with them and interacting with them. I hope to become more involved on a global level with education starting as professional volunteer in South Africa and hopefully winding up working with the UN or something similar. I have a particular interest in the education of girls on a global scale and will probably pursue my masters in this direction.
However, I am still childree by choice.

Hey--OT, but related to this post...

I have a friend who teaches at FSU--I'm wondering if she'd be "up your alley" so to speak. I can't tell too much from your post--but it seems like she might be someone you would enjoy interacting with based on what you have posted here. She too has a concern on a global scale. PM me if you like.

 

[blanq]

Wonderful news! She still has a long road ahead. When I brought my preemie home, we kept her isolated for 6 months, away from sick people/germs.

ITA with everything you said. I, too, brought a preemie home 16 years ago. He was a 26 weeker who came home on O2 and an apnea monitor. We were given strict instructions to limit his access to other people to minimize his getting germs. A simple common cold could have killed him. I just cannot imagine bringing fragile Josie into a household with so many kids. Kids = germs. 18 other kids = lots of germs!

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

Actually--they do have a "tv". What the do not have is satellite or cable.

The kids watch videos as their parents determine.

and if they want to watch something that isn't religious related or something that isn't MASH, they aren't allowed, no matter how old they are. you have to let your kids have some freedom and explore and give them a chance to find themselves. when you keep them sheltered so much, they have no chance at doing that.

what if instead of the harp, one of the girls wants to play the electric guitar, instead? or what if one of the girls wanted to wear pants instead of skirts all the time? or what if they want to cut their hair short??

that's more like a dictatorship than parenthood.

But if you are child free by choice--it would seem that any lifestyle involving children would be your idea of torture.

uhm....there's plenty of teachers and daycare workers who are childfree and still enjoy WORKING with kids. it really depends on the situation, as to why people are child-free, and to just assume things like "well you're child-free because you don't like kids" is just absurd.

 

[iwrbnd]

As long as they aren't going on welfare and asking me to support their kids they can do whatever they want.

 

[torianne31]

It always amazes me at the number of people who trash the Duggars and their way of life.

No, they don't believe in birth control but neither does the entire catholic religion. They believe each child is a gift from God. I have watched numerous episodes of the show (not ALL by any means) and have NEVER seen either of the Duggar parents strike any of their children, nor yell at them nor demean them in any way. I have also never seen any of the children strike or yell at one another.

Yes, Josie was born premature and Michelle had preeclampsia while pregnant with her. My sister only has two children and she had preeclampsia with both and had her daughter (her second child) at only 23 weeks gestation. She weighed 1 lb 11 oz and was 13 inches long.

Michelle and Jim Bob believe in ABSTINENCE after having a child. According to them, this gives the parents time to bond with that child and gives the mother's body time to recuperate from childbirth. I believe it is 9 months of abstinence after the birth of a boy and 6 months after a girl.

Yes, the Duggars have 19 children. They are also financially independent. They built their own home using environmentally friendly materials. They own their vehicles outright and are not drowning in credit card debt.

Of their 19 children, NONE of them have become underage parents, NONE of them have turned to crime, and NONE of them have turned to drugs or alcohol. They ALL play an instrument, they all are abstinent, and they put family first.

Yes, the older children help out with the younger children. I only have one younger sibling and I helped with her, just like my older brother and sister helped with me. I don't remember now (I'm getting OLD) if it was REQUIRED, or if it was just something that comes from being in a larger family. I would MUCH rather a child of mine HELP to care for a younger sibling than to be FORCED to care for their own child as a result of an unwanted / unplanned teen pregnancy!

While I PERSONALLY would not have 19 children, I don't believe Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar should be condemned for having that many. I also do not have the patience to home school my children. I was a stay at home mom for a brief time, but got bored and went back to work when my youngest son was in 3rd grade.

In a world that sees regular reports of child abuse, economic recession, teen pregnancy, children being "bullied to death" in schools, illiteracy, drug and alcohol abuse etc, it is NICE to see a family trying to instill old-fashioned values in their children and to try to lead by living their lives in front of the camera so people can see it CAN work.

Sorry this post is so long, but it is so weird to me how angry people get at the Duggars for just living their life the way they believe and raising their children the way they see fit.

 

[Aristomommy]

I think the only thing I worry about Michelle is that she is risking her health for another Duggar to join the gang. I saw an early interview and know the reason WHY they chose this path. She had a miscarriage and the trauma from that experience changed how they felt about family size. And now that there is a show, I feel like each new baby adds to the interest of the show, even though they have grandchild that is slightly older than their youngest. I wouldn't want my in-laws "competing" with me in the baby department, I'd selfishly have them adore my child and offer babysitting,LOL! I think this pregnancy is showing that she should not have more and should enjoy the lovely family she has. JMHO!

 

[chobie]

They have to wait longer to have sex after having boy than they do after having a girl? What's up with that?

Millions of people have raised children that don't committ crimes, use drugs or get pregnant as teens and they did so by raising their kids in mainstream society. Millions of people were raised with freedom to make choices and made the right choices. That, IMO, is good parenting. What the Duggars do is more akin to cultish brainwashing than good parenting.

FWIW, I don't think being abstinant until marriage is in and of itself an admirable trait.

 

[rie'smom]

You know the Duggars seem very happy. I'm sure they could give a darn what people on a chat board think of their lifestyle. Whatever floats their boat is good with me. When I was growing up, as the eldest and only girl, I was expected to babysit and help with my brothers. It didn't scar me for life.
As for the tv watching, I didn't monitor what my children watched except for, of course, no porn channels. That was what I thought was best for my children. If the Duggars or anyone of you feel differently, then I respect your choice. It's pretty insulting to think that we should decide what we thinbk is best for another family. I surely wouldn't have wanted anyone to tell me how to raise mine.

 

[Ember]

They have to wait longer to have sex after having boy than they do after having a girl? What's up with that?

Millions of people have raised children that don't committ crimes, use drugs or get pregnant as teens and they did so by raising their kids in mainstream society. Millions of people were raised with freedom to make choices and made the right choices. That, IMO, is good parenting. What the Duggars do is more akin to cultish brainwashing than good parenting.

FWIW, I don't think being abstinant until marriage is in and of itself an admirable trait.

Yep!

 

[DMRick]

I just wish all the kids on these shows could have more privacy, and not be on TV. Hey, a special here and there would be OK, but to have their lives out there I used to think it was cute, but I think it's just too much for the kids. I also hope the kids are benefiting with their own bank accounts that they have a say in how it's spent.
But, these are their kids and they control them, and it's up to them if they want to have them on TV.
I'm very glad that Josie seems to be doing ok. I hope the last hospital stay is her last and she gets to stay home and be loved.

It always amazes me at the number of people who trash the Duggars and their way of life.

No, they don't believe in birth control but neither does the entire catholic religion. They believe each child is a gift from God. I have watched numerous episodes of the show (not ALL by any means) and have NEVER seen either of the Duggar parents strike any of their children, nor yell at them nor demean them in any way. I have also never seen any of the children strike or yell at one another.

Yes, Josie was born premature and Michelle had preeclampsia while pregnant with her. My sister only has two children and she had preeclampsia with both and had her daughter (her second child) at only 23 weeks gestation. She weighed 1 lb 11 oz and was 13 ounces long.

Michelle and Jim Bob believe in ABSTINENCE after having a child. According to them, this gives the parents time to bond with that child and gives the mother's body time to recuperate from childbirth. I believe it is 9 months of abstinence after the birth of a boy and 6 months after a girl.

Yes, the Duggars have 19 children. They are also financially independent. They built their own home using environmentally friendly materials. They own their vehicles outright and are not drowning in credit card debt.

Of their 19 children, NONE of them have become underage parents, NONE of them have turned to crime, and NONE of them have turned to drugs or alcohol. They ALL play an instrument, they all are abstinent, and they put family first.

Yes, the older children help out with the younger children. I only have one younger sibling and I helped with her, just like my older brother and sister helped with me. I don't remember now (I'm getting OLD) if it was REQUIRED, or if it was just something that comes from being in a larger family. I would MUCH rather a child of mine HELP to care for a younger sibling than to be FORCED to care for their own child as a result of an unwanted / unplanned teen pregnancy!

While I PERSONALLY would not have 19 children, I don't believe Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar should be condemned for having that many. I also do not have the patience to home school my children. I was a stay at home mom for a brief time, but got bored and went back to work when my youngest son was in 3rd grade.

In a world that sees regular reports of child abuse, economic recession, teen pregnancy, children being "bullied to death" in schools, illiteracy, drug and alcohol abuse etc, it is NICE to see a family trying to instill old-fashioned values in their children and to try to lead by living their lives in front of the camera so people can see it CAN work.

Sorry this post is so long, but it is so weird to me how angry people get at the Duggars for just living their life the way they believe and raising their children the way they see fit.

 

[chobie]

You know the Duggars seem very happy. I'm sure they could give a darn what people on a chat board think of their lifestyle. Whatever floats their boat is good with me. When I was growing up, as the eldest and only girl, I was expected to babysit and help with my brothers. It didn't scar me for life.
As for the tv watching, I didn't monitor what my children watched except for, of course, no porn channels. That was what I thought was best for my children. If the Duggars or anyone of you feel differently, then I respect your choice. It's pretty insulting to think that we should decide what we thinbk is best for another family. I surely wouldn't have wanted anyone to tell me how to raise mine.

When a family pimps their children and lifestyle on tv then it's not insulting to comment on what they display.

 

[punkin]

They have to wait longer to have sex after having boy than they do after having a girl? What's up with that?

Wait...What?

 

[JerseyJanice]

IMHO, the Duggars are straddling a very fine line between living the lifestyle they want and having children for the purpose of exploiting them.

Is it fair to their older children that this couple keeps having babies whom older siblings must assume childcare responsibilities for? Shouldn't those older siblings be allowed to be children themselves? And raise children when they become adults themselves and decide to bring their own children into the world?

Is it fair for a mother to keep having babies if it puts her health at great risk? When she is already responsible for how many kids now? What would be the reason for continuing to add to their family? Would they be doing it for TV ratings? Or some whacko religious ideals?

Support them or not, it can certainly be argued that much of their lifestyle exploits their offspring. They can cloak their "lifestyle" in Christian values all they want; it still smells like exploitation to me.

 

[C.Ann]

It always amazes me at the number of people who trash the Duggars and their way of life.

No, they don't believe in birth control but neither does the entire catholic religion. They believe each child is a gift from God. I have watched numerous episodes of the show (not ALL by any means) and have NEVER seen either of the Duggar parents strike any of their children, nor yell at them nor demean them in any way. I have also never seen any of the children strike or yell at one another.

Yes, Josie was born premature and Michelle had preeclampsia while pregnant with her. My sister only has two children and she had preeclampsia with both and had her daughter (her second child) at only 23 weeks gestation. She weighed 1 lb 11 oz and was 13 ounces long.

Michelle and Jim Bob believe in ABSTINENCE after having a child. According to them, this gives the parents time to bond with that child and gives the mother's body time to recuperate from childbirth. I believe it is 9 months of abstinence after the birth of a boy and 6 months after a girl.

Yes, the Duggars have 19 children. They are also financially independent. They built their own home using environmentally friendly materials. They own their vehicles outright and are not drowning in credit card debt.

Of their 19 children, NONE of them have become underage parents, NONE of them have turned to crime, and NONE of them have turned to drugs or alcohol. They ALL play an instrument, they all are abstinent, and they put family first.

Yes, the older children help out with the younger children. I only have one younger sibling and I helped with her, just like my older brother and sister helped with me. I don't remember now (I'm getting OLD) if it was REQUIRED, or if it was just something that comes from being in a larger family. I would MUCH rather a child of mine HELP to care for a younger sibling than to be FORCED to care for their own child as a result of an unwanted / unplanned teen pregnancy!

While I PERSONALLY would not have 19 children, I don't believe Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar should be condemned for having that many. I also do not have the patience to home school my children. I was a stay at home mom for a brief time, but got bored and went back to work when my youngest son was in 3rd grade.

In a world that sees regular reports of child abuse, economic recession, teen pregnancy, children being "bullied to death" in schools, illiteracy, drug and alcohol abuse etc, it is NICE to see a family trying to instill old-fashioned values in their children and to try to lead by living their lives in front of the camera so people can see it CAN work.

Sorry this post is so long, but it is so weird to me how angry people get at the Duggars for just living their life the way they believe and raising their children the way they see fit.

 

[KatheeME]

I am so happy that the baby is well enought to come home

WOW! Michelle is even stepping up and offering to help take care of her own child

"I will be her main caregiver," Michelle Duggar says, "and we'll have a lot of helpers around to take turns feeding her and getting her to sleep."

The Buddies will be doing over time with the rest of the flock. I am sure Jim Bob will be sad that he won't have his daily "one on one" with mom. He really enjoyed being served by his children at a table set for two.

I hope they stop having babies now.

I totally agree and I really hope this GIRL can wear pants and go to college if she wants!

 

[KatheeME]

Meh. I don't respect anyone that has a child and passes it off to others to feed, bathe, potty train, get up with at night, etc. I certainly don't respect anyone who does this "in the name of the Lord" and then drags their family on The Today Show to announce their preganncy to mortified children (aka caregivers).

Just my opinion, of course.

Said perfectly!

 

[HeatherH]

Michelle and Jim Bob believe in ABSTINENCE after having a child. According to them, this gives the parents time to bond with that child and gives the mother's body time to recuperate from childbirth. I believe it is 9 months of abstinence after the birth of a boy and 6 months after a girl.

Umm, NO WAY they abstain that long, look how close in age so many of the children are!

This is the direct info on how long they abstain after a birth:

It's not even clear at this point if Michelle, who is 43 and was diagnosed with preeclampsia while pregnant with Josie, can have more children. Usually, the Duggars only method of birth control is following the Biblical recommendation to abstain from sex for 40 days after having a boy and 80 days after having a girl. "It is not as if we're going for another [baby] immediately. This is going to be a year of different focus for me, getting Josie through her first year of life," says Michelle.

Now, I am NOT a Duggar basher at all, I think they are genuinely nice people overall (although I have to say I think Jim Bob is just a BIT too...smarmy...for me). They are self-sufficient. So not MY choice of a life, but they all seem reasonably well-adjusted. I'm not going to judge them.

I just had to correct that abstinence length because it made me .