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

[TotalSnowWhite]

No, I don't. Nor with her husband, brothers, sisters, parents, in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbors, etc.

But I feel pretty certain Amy Roloff does judging from her 22 minutes.

On this blog, as a fan or a perplexed observer, 22 minutes is all that we've got! If we say "don't judge from what we see" what is the point of discussion!

I agree, Kate is over the top and probably does increase the show's popularity A LOT!

Now, I didn't say don't judge them. I was asking if that's what you were insinuating in your post.

I suppose your outlook on life alters how you perceive things. I think the kids looked loved. I see genuine awe and that general mommy-googly-eye admiration when Kate sees her children enjoying themselves.

Aren't the Roloff kids a lot older than the Gosselins? Of course she can bond with them more. They can have meaningful conversations and enjoy the same things. They can work on a relationship. It's not conveyed the same way with little ones. There's not a give and take with a four year old. You just love on them and do the best you can for them. Later they will be able to have the kind of experiences the Roloffs have with their parents.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

First time posting here.

Not a huge fan of the show but have watched it here and there. Tuned into last night's episode when I saw two German Shepherd puppies on the previews and couldn't believe my eyes! (Am a lifelong owner and lover of German Shepherd Dogs.) Thought, well this should be interesting...

Was hoping to see a rundown of how responsible owners prepare for their dogs, especially given that they're bringing not one, but two potentially dangerous dogs into such a chaotic household.

But no, nothing. Not even a crate or seemingly the slightest bit of education about either having a puppy or the breed itself. Nada.

You have got to be kidding me. My DH, me, and even my kids all agreed, "This has disaster written all over it".

I was shocked the breeder would tell them they were ready to go "that night", knowing they were ill prepared. Waiting the two weeks would have been much better to give them time to at least get the needed supplies and to prepare themselves and the kids a little more.

I had two GSDs when I brought my twins home, but when we got a puppy when the kids were 6yo, we spent A LOT of time educating them to how we expected THEM to behave around the dog. Our veterinarian sat down with our kids as well to go over things like not letting the dog chase or bite you, how to interact with the dog, etc. In other words, RULES, not only for the well being of the dog, but for the safety of my own children and any others visiting our home. It took a TON of work to get the kids to comply, because lets face it, it's fun to let a puppy chase you, smother you, etc. I sounded like a broken record out in the yard going over the rules with both the kids and the dog over and over again. Before we knew it, the dog was big and could outrun them with a just a trot. GSDs are herding dogs, and it's instinctual for them to herd children. I myself always had bloody ankles when I was a kid. Knowing that, I taught my dog how to keep a soccer ball in her mouth at all times so that her instinct to herd kids wouldn't result in a bite (or perceived bite). That in itself was a lot of work - with one dog and just two kids (already experienced with adult GSDs).

Well trained and socialized GSDs are usually wonderful with their own children. Their instinct is to protect, though, so it takes a concerted effort at training and constant supervision to keep everyone safe when kids are involved. If left to their own devices, GSDs will do things the way they see fit; they have to know someone else is in charge at all times. I've been told here before when I said this that I was "overreacting" (paraphrasing). I disagree. Friends of ours got a GSD last year and the dog was PTS after inflicting a nearly fatal bite on a child visiting their home. I do not want this to happen to any child, us, or our dog, and I do love the breed, so I have to take it all very seriously or I wouldn't have them. For me, having a happy, well trained German Shepherd in my life is a big part of who I am.

I hope that someone steps in to help these well-intentioned, but utterly clueless people (when it comes to the dogs) with the charges they've taken on. One good thing is that the doggie parents seemed friendly and well cared for, which is a plus.

I also agree with MMG about the fur. Um, double coat that sheds year round, thank you.

 

[madge]

So, you don't think she's building meaningful relationships with her children based on the 22 minutes a week we see them?

I know this wasn't directed at me ... but I'm answering anyway

I'm not sure what kind of relationship Kate has with the kids these days. Between the filming of the show and Kate gone several days a month now, doing whatever it is she does... and then add in daily life (school, church, etc)... how much time is there to build meaningful relationships? The have a nanny several hours a day, Jon has been quoted as saying he's the primary parent? There's 8 kids...not much Kate time to spread around for everyone.

 

[KandD]

I know this wasn't directed at me ... but I'm answering anyway

I'm not sure what kind of relationship Kate has with the kids these days. Between the filming of the show and Kate gone several days a month now, doing whatever it is she does... and then add in daily life (school, church, etc)... how much time is there to build meaningful relationships? The have a nanny several hours a day, Jon has been quoted as saying he's the primary parent? There's 8 kids...not much Kate time to spread around for everyone.

Not disagreeing but if she had a regular 9-5 job and the kids were in daycare all day I don't know if it would be much different.
I think considering how many kids there are they do try to spend "quality" time together. Last week's episode where Jon took the kids for a nature walk demonstrated this I think...I mean if I had eight whiny kids I don't know if I would be willing to do that.

But on the other hand maybe its all for the cameras and these types of activities are few and far between?? Who knows?? But I agree that their family dynamic has certainly changed recently.

 

[OhMari]

How come there isn't a Roloff "Small People, Big World" thread.
I am really loosing my interest with Jon and Kate, even though I like watching the show.

Small People, Big World is on TLC right before J&K8
and some of those shows have been pretty good again.
Amy's dd graduated 8th grade
and the next show she took her kids to see her parents in Michigan.
Her dad was hilarious and Zac and Jeremy even commented how great it was to spend time with them.

 

[brockash]

One other thing I noticed last night was how much more into the interview Kate was. I had mentioned before that for the last few episodes she just didn't seem herself and didn't have much input. Well, now I'm thinking it's probably just because I don't think she was probably there for the episodes they were filming for those interviews and probably just didn't have anything to say because she wasn't there for the taping. I guess I just never thought about that before, but I'm guessing the last few episodes she was probably only there for the interviews and was away working while they were really doing most of the taping I don't know; just an observation from last night.

 

[momrek06]

How come there isn't a Roloff "Small People, Big World" thread.
I am really loosing my interest with Jon and Kate, even though I like watching the show.

Small People, Big World is on TLC right before J&K8
and some of those shows have been pretty good again.
Amy's dd graduated 8th grade
and the next show she took her kids to see her parents in Michigan.
Her dad was hilarious and Zac and Jeremy even commented how great it was to spend time with them.

Here you go, we would LOVE you to join us!!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1982001


I watch J&K8 but I usually wait a few days AND I always read this thread FIRST to make sure when I do watch, I do NOT miss anything. Thanks J&K8 posters!!!

 

[brockash]

Now, I didn't say don't judge them. I was asking if that's what you were insinuating in your post.

I suppose your outlook on life alters how you perceive things. I think the kids looked loved. I see genuine awe and that general mommy-googly-eye admiration when Kate sees her children enjoying themselves.

Aren't the Roloff kids a lot older than the Gosselins? Of course she can bond with them more. They can have meaningful conversations and enjoy the same things. They can work on a relationship. It's not conveyed the same way with little ones. There's not a give and take with a four year old. You just love on them and do the best you can for them. Later they will be able to have the kind of experiences the Roloffs have with their parents.

ITA. As many faults as I'm sure Kate has, I don't think being a bad mom is one of them. I personally truly think she's a very loving, interactive mom to 8 kids. I only have 2 and there are days that I feel like I haven't spent nearly enough time with them, granted I'm at work most of the day, but Kate has a job too, and I've seen her many times having conversations with the kids, doing art projects, cooking with them ect. I've also seen times that she tries to have a one on one connection with them- the one in Hawaii sticks out to me with one of the little girls swimming, I can't remember which one, but no it wasn't Hannah for all you "she loves Hannah more" folks. You could tell how proud she was of either Leah or Alexis and I think she showed the individual loving attention to her as well, which I'm sure is very hard with 8 kiddos.

 

[aswift]

I hope that someone steps in to help these well-intentioned, but utterly clueless people (when it comes to the dogs) with the charges they've taken on. :

Maybe Cesar Millan will do a guest appearence!!! I would like to watch him, or I mean him on the show!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I know this wasn't directed at me ... but I'm answering anyway

I'm not sure what kind of relationship Kate has with the kids these days. Between the filming of the show and Kate gone several days a month now, doing whatever it is she does... and then add in daily life (school, church, etc)... how much time is there to build meaningful relationships? The have a nanny several hours a day, Jon has been quoted as saying he's the primary parent? There's 8 kids...not much Kate time to spread around for everyone.

But you could say that about any working parent. Just because a parent is working doesn't mean they can't have a meaningful relationship with his/her children. My great-uncle is a doctor and currently the chief of staff. He puts in, and always has, tons of overtime hours. He is always on call and has sometimes even missed holidays with our family. He still has a great relationship with all of his children, his granddaughter and the rest of our fam. It's not quantity of time but quality that makes a relationship, I think.

 

[mommytobug]

Not disagreeing but if she had a regular 9-5 job and the kids were in daycare all day I don't know if it would be much different. QUOTE]


Please tell me you did not mean this the way i am reading it. How could a regular job be compared to what Kate does or does not do? I am not being rude, just a question.

 

[KandD]

It was in regards to the PP who said something about not a lot of quality time lately. And I don't know either way because I have NO idea how much time Kate spends away from home but what I was trying to say (but didn't say it very well ) is that if she was just a "regular" person who worked she would still have to spend time away from home so just because she is "working" now doesn't mean she isn't spending time with the kids.

 

[newtodis]

It's not quantity of time but quality that makes a relationship, I think.

I agree with this statement! I choose to work outside the home as opposed to staying home - it's a million times harder in my opinion! That doesn't mean that I love my kids any less at all. I spend pretty much every evening with them and on the weekends (when they don't ditch me to play with friends) we do pretty much everything together. I think we make the most of the time we're together, and even though they're young, they appreciate our time apart as well to give them a little space.

Now in no way can I compare my job to Kate's as I'd have to bet I'm home many more hours a month than she is with all of the appearances she's got going on (or has the past couple of weeks with the Oct mom). I also don't know how much bonding you can do in front of the cameras either - that's got to be hard but probably a bit easier for that family as the cameras have pretty much been around all of the little kid's lives so it's "normal" to them...they'll just have to learn to adjust when their parents are home all the time and no more cameras around...

 

[madge]

Not disagreeing but if she had a regular 9-5 job and the kids were in daycare all day I don't know if it would be much different.

If that was the Gosselin family dynamic, there wouldn't be a show for us to comment on, LOLOL ... it would be a whole different story.

Now, I know you didn't mean anything by the regular job thing, so I won't jump up and down on my stay at home mom soapbox

I think considering how many kids there are they do try to spend "quality" time together. Last week's episode where Jon took the kids for a nature walk demonstrated this I think...I mean if I had eight whiny kids I don't know if I would be willing to do that.

I'm sorry... what?! (beginning to regret answering this post ... )

If you had eight whiny kids you wouldn't be willing to take them on an adventure like walking in the woods? What if you had eight non-whiny kids Then would you be willing?

But on the other hand maybe its all for the cameras and these types of activities are few and far between?? Who knows?? But I agree that their family dynamic has certainly changed recently.

some activities are staged for the show. I'm hoping they do lots of other things together when the cameras aren't around .. with Jon, with Kate, and with both of them together.

 

[madge]

It's ok, I'm jealous of their storage. Weird, I know. I love the Expedit bookcase. They're not expensive, either, but I just can't justify buying it when I don't need it. Ho-hum.

is that Ikea?

They've opened one in Cincinnati. One of these days, I'm going to take a road trip to see what all the Ikea fuss is about.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

is that Ikea?

They've opened one in Cincinnati. One of these days, I'm going to take a road trip to see what all the Ikea fuss is about.

Si, it is!!

They came out with a smaller version of the bookcase that I will probably justify buying. Hehe!!

I love Ikea. It's not going to be furniture you keep forever, but I decorate and redecorate on a fairly regular basis. Ikea let's me do it on a dime!

 

[MichelleVW]

I thought it was really rude when she said that she wished the breeded would stop blabbing in her ear at her speaking engagement. That would really make me hesitant to say anything to her, if I were ever given the chance. She could have just omitted that comment of said something along the lines of: Even though he was telling me alot about the dogs, I didn't think the info. would ever affect me.

Did you also hear the part where she said that she wished she had listened later and was on the phone with him asking questions? Yes, I'm sure she could have worded it different, but I just don't see it as that big of a deal.

To the PP's who were worried because they weren't prepared to bring home the dogs. Yes, it's nice to be prepared, but I got my first dog on a total whim, had no idea about training, had a one year old baby and somehow we managed to survive. She was the best dog ever and we lost her the summer of 07 to a heart attack at age 16.

 

[madge]

Si, it is!!

They came out with a smaller version of the bookcase that I will probably justify buying. Hehe!!

I love Ikea. It's not going to be furniture you keep forever, but I decorate and redecorate on a fairly regular basis. Ikea let's me do it on a dime!

sounds like I'll like it!

doesn't Target do some Ikea-inspired pieces from time to time?

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

sounds like I'll like it!

doesn't Target do some Ikea-inspired pieces from time to time?

I definitely see some Ikea-ish things at Target, but Target is usually more expensive.

It's a blast. The store is so much fun!!

 

[eh24fan]

Did you also hear the part where she said that she wished she had listened later and was on the phone with him asking questions? Yes, I'm sure she could have worded it different, but I just don't see it as that big of a deal.

To the PP's who were worried because they weren't prepared to bring home the dogs. Yes, it's nice to be prepared, but I got my first dog on a total whim, had no idea about training, had a one year old baby and somehow we managed to survive. She was the best dog ever and we lost her the summer of 07 to a heart attack at age 16.

I agree. I think that people get way too over the top with having to know EVERYTHING under the sun about a dog, what to buy, having EVERYTHING, etc before getting a dog. In fact, it seems like people get way more intense about this than they do with people and kids. Like J & K said last night, they were less nervous about having kids than getting the dogs. Yes, it's a good idea to be prepared before getting the dog, having some knowledge, etc. Is it the end of the world if you don't? Depends on the dog I guess.

I think J&K will be good dog owners, they are good parents and have managed to keep 8 kids alive, safe and healthy. I'm pretty sure they can handle a couple of dogs. I like dogs, cats and other animals just as much as the next person, but they are just that...animals. Inside or outside, they are animals...I prefer outside. I'm baaaaaddddd.