Jon and Kate Plus 8 official Thread, Part 2!!

[DreaGirl]

While I am not saying that you are incorrect, I find your statement very interesting. I have always lived in MD. When I was a child, the birthday cutoff for school was always the end of the year, 12/31. About 5 years ago, MD instituted a new policy changing the cutoff date for kindergarten to Sept. 1. It was phased in over multiple years, each year being a month earlier until it reached the current cutoff of Sept 1. Their findings here were the opposite of what you posted. Kids needed more time before starting kindergarten. I do believe that there are many more factors involved in the whole decision though. Kindergarten here, now adays, is more like first grade 7 or 8 years ago. Much LESS playtime, much MORE structure and specific learning. The exit outcomes of kindergarteners here are that they are reading and writing and somewhat well. I had a close DF that taught kindergarten. The school system used 4 criteria for determining 'readiness' for Kdgn 1) social skills, 2) cognitive dev, 3) attention span, and 4) maturity. Youngest DD was 4 when she started school and didn't turn 5 until Nov. I was very torn as to whether to hold her back (for her own benefit, as I would've loved to keep her home w/ me for another year as I was a SAHM). Upon evaluation by her teacher (who was overly qualified to be in the classroom), DD had 3 out of the 4 skills mastered for the start of Kdgn. The one she was lacking was the cognitive dev, but the teacher said don't worry as that's the ONE we CAN teach her. DD was the youngest or maybe 2nd youngest in the class but teacher used to laugh about how she had the best attention span of the class. Each child is very unique. I hope they decide what is best. And if it's best for them to wait another year so be it as long as it's for the kids sake and not use filming as a determination. BTW in MD, there's a thing called a waiver of maturity. And you are not required to have your child enrolled in school until they are 7. You do need to submit a letter though stating that you are choosing to keep them home and exercising the waiver of maturity. I would hope though that almost no one would wait until a child is 7 to enroll them in kdgn. They could be 20 when they were graduating from High School.

I see what you are saying and I agree. The study that I read was done where the parents determined the readiness of the child, not the school. The parent determined that their child was "immature" or "not ready" and kept them home.

You are very lucky to have had such a great program and teacher for your DD. Kinder here is the same. When I switched from 3rd grade to Kinder I couldn't believe everything that was required of those kids. I was truly shocked.

Kinder is not required in MI. So, kids could skip it here and just start 1st grade. I think the law is that they are required to be in school at 7 at which time they could enter at Kinder or 1st. Crazy!

at your mug comment. If that is considered a sippy cup I guess I use one quite a bit as well.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

someone said the rating for J&K+8 had been going down.....

and we all know Table4twelve is a new show.....there probably are more new shows I don't know about.....

Anyone think the Jon bad publicity is a PR stunt to get people talking and pulled back into the show? Done on purpose to have something to talk about for the season finale?

 

[madge]

Anyone think the Jon bad publicity is a PR stunt to get people talking and pulled back into the show? Done on purpose to have something to talk about for the season finale?

no .. but I think they're capitalizing on it. It's the ultimate cliffhanger. Except it's not really a cliffhanger because Jon & Kate are producers and they're already filming for season 5.

 

[disneychrista]

But not everyone knows that season 5 is already in production, or that J&K are producers (I have never heard that expect here). So for I am sure the vast majority it is a "cliffhanger."

My guess is that Season 5 will be the final season, ending with the Tups starting Kindergarten. Jon can go back to doing IT. And Kate can continue to do her speaking engagments. And life can go back to the normal (or as normal as it ever will be). And of course they can have "sweeps week" specials.

 

[lucas]

I think it was Beverly (the one that folded the laundry) that moved to Tennessee and was in the Giving Back episode where they went to St. Judes.

Yes, it was Beverly (laundry folder) that moved to Tennessee.

They never mentioned what happened to Nana Janet.

 

[torinsmom]

I actually HATE the set in stone cut-off dates. Every child is different. I have kids in my PreK this year that could easily have done K if not for their birthdate. Then I have kids in K who made the cutoff, but are def. not ready. I think it is better to hold a kid out one year than it is to "fail" them in K. That can be a blow to self confidence for sure. It is really hard for parents to know whether a child is ready, and unfortunately there is no budget to have an objective assessment of each child.

Marsha

 

[madge]

But not everyone knows that season 5 is already in production, or that J&K are producers (I have never heard that expect here). So for I am sure the vast majority it is a "cliffhanger."

My guess is that Season 5 will be the final season, ending with the Tups starting Kindergarten. Jon can go back to doing IT. And Kate can continue to do her speaking engagments. And life can go back to the normal (or as normal as it ever will be). And of course they can have "sweeps week" specials.

agree, agree, agree.

 

[puffkin]

I'm not sure. She just stopped being on the show.

I don't know what happened to Janet, but on that episode where they went to carol at her house, they said that she lived pretty far from them. I wonder if she lives closer to their new home.

Just a thought, but maybe Nana Janet is the "mystery" helper that Kate mentioned. She always seemed like someone who didn't really want to be on TV to begin with but loved the kids. Also, didn't she used to watch Jon as a kid and J&K moved back close to the area Jon grew up so it is possible that Janet is still around? The way she talked about how much they loved her and she wasn't going anywhere made me think she was someone who has been around for a long time. It just seemed liked really strong comments to make about someone you just met.

 

[newtodis]

i just wanted to say that you don't have to be evaluated in order to keep your kids back. I was held back a year early from starting kindergarten due to my birthday-- this also happens with preemies and other children. It doesn't make the parent good or bad... its just whats best for the kids and their maturity level at the time.

I was thinking the same thing. My sister held back my nephew a year, because he was young and just wasn't ready. I don't think they need to have ppl. come evaluate their kids. I'm sure Jon and Kate are competant enough to make that decision as parents on their own.

I was only saying that it's probably in J&K's best interest to have someone else involved in that decision as I'm sure people will point fingers either way about the decision ("everyone thinks their kids are smart" vs "they kept them home to film"). I think it's a loose loose for them in regards to what the public will say.

J&K both get a lot of time away from the kids. Kate is gone 2-3 weekends a month and Jon in an interview said that he goes skiing 2-3 times a week. It isn't like the old days (2 years ago ) where they only ate out as a couple once a year (said in the Valentine episode) or had time alone only after the kids were in bed. I think they get plenty of time alone and with each other.

I know that if I were crying missing my kids then I would work it out to be home more. They have canceled speaking engagements in the past "due to shooting" so it has been done.

Have to say I agree with both points. I do think both J&K can "get away" whenever they feel they need a break. I don't think "alone time" away from your children across the country is a good thing right now personally. If they wanted "alone time" there has to be a good place near their home right??

It's certainly possible that the kids are with them and at the hotel .. maybe it's all part of the show. Who knows why they're in California this week? Are the twins out of school again?

Anyone have any idea how much school the girls miss?? I know here in SC they have "rules/laws" about how much school a child can miss. Maybe that's not the same in PA or maybe they have someone that travels with them? If so, I think that's important to show all the kids who watch the show that school still is very important even if you're traveling and doing other things.

Just a thought, but maybe Nana Janet is the "mystery" helper that Kate mentioned. She always seemed like someone who didn't really want to be on TV to begin with but loved the kids. Also, didn't she used to watch Jon as a kid and J&K moved back close to the area Jon grew up so it is possible that Janet is still around? The way she talked about how much they loved her and she wasn't going anywhere made me think she was someone who has been around for a long time. It just seemed liked really strong comments to make about someone you just met.

I thought I'd read here that when Jon spoke at a college he said the nanny was Vietnamese (sp?). I think that's partially why I was shocked when I saw the white hand (I honestly don't mean anything racist by that at all...just didn't know how else to phrase it). That's what made me think that she maybe had very pale skin more like a china doll. It would be wonderful if the "helper" was a loved one from the past.

 

[puffkin]

I thought I'd read here that when Jon spoke at a college he said the nanny was Vietnamese (sp?). I think that's partially why I was shocked when I saw the white hand (I honestly don't mean anything racist by that at all...just didn't know how else to phrase it). That's what made me think that she maybe had very pale skin more like a china doll. It would be wonderful if the "helper" was a loved one from the past.

I had heard the same thing and was also shocked by the white hand. Wasn't what I had expected. Maybe they do have more than one "helper". It just seemed odd that someone like Kate would be using such strong words for a helper for someone they have just met since the move.

 

[lilybrooke14]

Just as a disclaimer...

I was in no way suggesting that it was a good idea for them to hold the kiddos back from kindergarten for the show. Just pointing out that they easily could.

Weather they need to be held back or not, I have no idea. That could probably only be decided for certain by a professional.

 

[bbsak]

But not everyone knows that season 5 is already in production, or that J&K are producers (I have never heard that expect here). So for I am sure the vast majority it is a "cliffhanger."

My guess is that Season 5 will be the final season, ending with the Tups starting Kindergarten. Jon can go back to doing IT. And Kate can continue to do her speaking engagments. And life can go back to the normal (or as normal as it ever will be). And of course they can have "sweeps week" specials.

J&K have been listed as producers of the show for a good part of season 4 (it could have even been earlier); that's just when I noticed them listed in the credits. I think most people with internet access and who are fans of the show are probably aware that there is no real cliffhanger, but I do know that a huge amount of their fans are via tv only and those people have no knowledge of any family goings-on, rumors, activities other than what they see on-screen and are most likely wondering and waiting for news (I wonder when TLC will announce the new season premiere date). I agree and hope that season 5 is their last and that they will have a life free from cameras and constant prying eyes. I'd enjoy periodic follow-ups though.

I haven't noticed it posted and apologize if this is a repeat, but Emeril has twittered that he's filmed the 100th episode of J&K. It is from March 11 which is before their season 4 finale (for those wondering if there would be a season 5). Here's the link and the transcript for anyone interested:

http://twitter.com/Emeril

Emeril's Twitters:

“Good morning the team is on our way to philly to shoot an episode of jon and kate plus eight for tlc looking forward showing them some new Dishes and having some fun.

Hey my friends just finished filming jon and kate plus eight wow their 100 th show what a cool family cute cute kids . Anyhow chili mac and Cheese baked salmon with lentils organic brownies from our friends at sofella what a lot of fun. Ill keep you posted on a show date thanks. ” March 11th

 

[Maggimus]

Recent research shows that holding children back a year before they start kindergarten has no impact at all. In fact, in some cases, it showed to be a set-back for them (being a year old, being bigger, more mature than their classmates). *stepping off teacher soapbox**

.

If that is the case then I was the exception to the rule. I have an August birthday, my mom chose to hold me back (After my sister's October birthday had her have to be held back in 1st grade--yes, blow to her self asteem). I graduated in the very top of my class. At 18 turning 19!

Off Topic ..
just a quick comment about this .. I held both of my boys back at the advice of several teacher friends and they've thrived because of it. no setbacks here!

While I am not saying that you are incorrect, I find your statement very interesting. I have always lived in MD. When I was a child, the birthday cutoff for school was always the end of the year, 12/31. About 5 years ago, MD instituted a new policy changing the cutoff date for kindergarten to Sept. 1. It was phased in over multiple years, each year being a month earlier until it reached the current cutoff of Sept 1. Their findings here were the opposite of what you posted. Kids needed more time before starting kindergarten. I do believe that there are many more factors involved in the whole decision though. Kindergarten here, now adays, is more like first grade 7 or 8 years ago. Much LESS playtime, much MORE structure and specific learning. The exit outcomes of kindergarteners here are that they are reading and writing and somewhat well. I had a close DF that taught kindergarten. The school system used 4 criteria for determining 'readiness' for Kdgn 1) social skills, 2) cognitive dev, 3) attention span, and 4) maturity. Youngest DD was 4 when she started school and didn't turn 5 until Nov. I was very torn as to whether to hold her back (for her own benefit, as I would've loved to keep her home w/ me for another year as I was a SAHM). Upon evaluation by her teacher (who was overly qualified to be in the classroom), DD had 3 out of the 4 skills mastered for the start of Kdgn. The one she was lacking was the cognitive dev, but the teacher said don't worry as that's the ONE we CAN teach her. DD was the youngest or maybe 2nd youngest in the class but teacher used to laugh about how she had the best attention span of the class. Each child is very unique. I hope they decide what is best. And if it's best for them to wait another year so be it as long as it's for the kids sake and not use filming as a determination. BTW in MD, there's a thing called a waiver of maturity. And you are not required to have your child enrolled in school until they are 7. You do need to submit a letter though stating that you are choosing to keep them home and exercising the waiver of maturity. I would hope though that almost no one would wait until a child is 7 to enroll them in kdgn. They could be 20 when they were graduating from High School.

Anyone think the Jon bad publicity is a PR stunt to get people talking and pulled back into the show? Done on purpose to have something to talk about for the season finale?

Ive considered that. Ive thought that maybe the entire "photo with college girls" was taken and publicized on purpose. J&K aren't new to reality TV- they know what sells. Their ratings SHOULD obviously go up and now people are talking. Sometimes any publicity is good publicity! Kate is already known as the villian (unfortunately)-- She may feel she might as well be one if she has that name surrounding her already.

 

[bbsak]

Originally Posted by puffkin:
Just a thought, but maybe Nana Janet is the "mystery" helper that Kate mentioned. She always seemed like someone who didn't really want to be on TV to begin with but loved the kids.

I thought I'd read here that when Jon spoke at a college he said the nanny was Vietnamese (sp?).

Jon did say that the nanny was Vietnamese at Penn State. I believe it's was reported in the student newspaper from that date, also. I don't remember which episode (but think it was when they picked up the dog from the vet), but when Jon was loading the tups in the van to take them to school, a person was seen in a reflection in the van's windows. To me that person appeared to have long hair, and had on a light top and darker bottoms (maybe blue-jeans?). I assumed this person was the so-called nanny.

 

[disneychrista]

J&K have been listed as producers of the show for a good part of season 4 (it could have even been earlier); that's just when I noticed them listed in the credits.

I have never watched/read the credits. I wonder if the causual view/fan has either. This is the only place on the internet I have read about J&K too.

 

[newtodis]

I had heard the same thing and was also shocked by the white hand. Wasn't what I had expected. Maybe they do have more than one "helper". It just seemed odd that someone like Kate would be using such strong words for a helper for someone they have just met since the move.

I agree it's out of character for Kate to use words like that. I would hope they have a handfull of people they can count on that can help with the kids - that may be another reason for not filming the actual person - so "we" wouldn't know how many helpers they really had. I would imagine that they have to have a couple of people at least. If J&K are scheduled to speak someplace and the second day they're gone (just a "what if" situation - I don't know if this has/will ever happen) the helper gets sick, someone else has to be able to watch the kids...

J&K have been listed as producers of the show for a good part of season 4 (it could have even been earlier); that's just when I noticed them listed in the credits. I think most people with internet access and who are fans of the show are probably aware that there is no real cliffhanger, but I do know that a huge amount of their fans are via tv only and those people have no knowledge of any family goings-on, rumors, activities other than what they see on-screen and are most likely wondering and waiting for news (I wonder when TLC will announce the new season premiere date). I agree and hope that season 5 is their last and that they will have a life free from cameras and constant prying eyes. I'd enjoy periodic follow-ups though.

I haven't noticed it posted and apologize if this is a repeat, but Emeril has twittered that he's filmed the 100th episode of J&K. It is from March 11 which is before their season 4 finale (for those wondering if there would be a season 5). Here's the link and the transcript for anyone interested:

http://twitter.com/Emeril

Emeril's Twitters:

“Good morning the team is on our way to philly to shoot an episode of jon and kate plus eight for tlc looking forward showing them some new Dishes and having some fun.

Hey my friends just finished filming jon and kate plus eight wow their 100 th show what a cool family cute cute kids . Anyhow chili mac and Cheese baked salmon with lentils organic brownies from our friends at sofella what a lot of fun. Ill keep you posted on a show date thanks. ” March 11th

Is there a place to see a list of the cast/crew and "thank yous"/sponsors for each show? I was trying to find that the other day and I couldn't find that.

Thanks for the Twitter info...I'll watch the Emeril show for sure! That will be interesting. Maybe cooking lessons for the family? That's a good family activity.

Jon did say that the nanny was Vietnamese at Penn State. I believe it's was reported in the student newspaper from that date, also. I don't remember which episode (but think it was when they picked up the dog from the vet), but when Jon was loading the tups in the van to take them to school, a person was seen in a reflection in the van's windows. To me that person appeared to have long hair, and had on a light top and darker bottoms (maybe blue-jeans?). I assumed this person was the so-called nanny.

Now I missed that altogether! I'll have to see that episode again. I thought I also read (I think it was here but maybe not now...) that they'd gotten a new van???

I had a question from last night's "out takes" rerun last night but of course can't think of it now.

 

[madge]

Ive considered that. Ive thought that maybe the entire "photo with college girls" was taken and publicized on purpose. J&K aren't new to reality TV- they know what sells. Their ratings obviously went up and now people are talking.

The show ratings did not go up. I posted them upthread .. they've been consistently going down for the last few weeks. I'll find the numbers and re-post in a minute. With that said, I haven't seen ratings numbers for Monday's episode. I'd be really surprised if they're not higher.

Sometimes any publicity is good publicity! Kate is already known as the villian (unfortunately)-- She may feel she might as well be one if she has that name surrounding her already.

Maybe if Kate didn't yell at church volunteers or tell people to not even think about talking to her she might be seen as a nicer person.

 

[Nik's Mom]

The show ratings did not go up. I posted them upthread .. they've been consistently going down for the last few weeks. I'll find the numbers and re-post in a minute. With that said, I haven't seen ratings numbers for Monday's episode. I'd be really surprised if they're not higher.

Maybe if Kate didn't yell at church volunteers or tell people to not even think about talking to her she might be seen as a nicer person.

I don't really post on this thread, but I do read it on occation. I used to watch the show on a regular basis. I stopped watching last year. I just got really turned off by the way Kate was acting, especially to Jon. It just seemed so disrespectful. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so. It became too painful to watch, so I just stopped watching. I can see that their ratings would suffer.

 

[Maggimus]

The show ratings did not go up. I posted them upthread .. they've been consistently going down for the last few weeks. I'll find the numbers and re-post in a minute. With that said, I haven't seen ratings numbers for Monday's episode. I'd be really surprised if they're not higher.

Maybe if Kate didn't yell at church volunteers or tell people to not even think about talking to her she might be seen as a nicer person.

The ratings for Monday night is what im talking about.... just like you said- youd be surprised if they arent higher.

UGH! She yelled at people? I cannot imagine her saying "dont even think about talking to me". Why didn't you get THAT on video?

 

[puffkin]

Oh, forgot to mention. I just watched Table for 12 last night. Holy cow is that show boring! The tups are roughly the same age as the Gosselins, but they weren't nearly as cute/funny/interesting. Now part of that may be that they haven't been in front of cameras most of their lives, but still.....

How in the world do they afford that house with 12 kids? It looked pretty big and nice to me (nicely remodeled kitchen). Does she work? He is a cop and NJ is a very expensive state to live in. I just found that to be a little odd. What is the story there?

I found the parents to be funny when they were together, but alone they were so dull. They seem like a nice enough family though. I will watch a few more weeks to give it a chance, but love or hate them, the Gosselins are entertaining.