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

[TotalSnowWhite]

Unfortunately I don't think it kicks in for everyone. Some people handle their special children much better than others. While there are many wonderful parents who tackle the job whole heartedly there are many who just allow their children to be part of the system and don't go above and beyond. I could speculate on what kind of special needs mom Kate would be, but no one will every know since she was blessed with 8 NT kids. I have to admit I'm one of those who looks at the show and says big deal, she has 8 kids, they are all neurotypical, how hard can it be!

To which a mother with eight children (any mother with eight children) could reply "Until you have had eight children you really have no clue, and there is no way parents with less can even begin to understand."

Parents all have unique challenges in raising their children. Just because a parent does not have a special needs child does not make his/her challenges any less valid. Just because a parent does not have eight children does not make his/her challenges any less valid. What may not be a big deal to you may be a mountain to someone else and, of course, that goes both ways.

 

[lucigo]

To which a mother with eight children (any mother with eight children) could reply "Until you have had eight children you really have no clue, and there is no way parents with less can even begin to understand."

Parents all have unique challenges in raising their children. Just because a parent does not have a special needs child does not make his/her challenges any less valid. Just because a parent does not have eight children does not make his/her challenges any less valid. What may not be a big deal to you may be a mountain to someone else and, of course, that goes both ways.

I completely agree! She does have a legitimate challenge, the difference is she has chosen to put hers on display.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I completely agree! She does have a legitimate challenge, the difference is she has chosen to put hers on display.

It was this quote: "I could speculate on what kind of special needs mom Kate would be, but no one will every know since she was blessed with 8 NT kids. I have to admit I'm one of those who looks at the show and says big deal, she has 8 kids, they are all neurotypical, how hard can it be!" that threw me.

Like having eight children isn't a big deal as long as none of them are special needs. Oops if that's not how you meant it.

 

[MichelleVW]

Did anyone notice in this last episode that Kate just really doesn't seem to be enjoying her kids anymore? In her mind it really just seemed to be all about her.

Not something I noticed, she was out of town during the filming part of the show, so how could she be shown enjoying her kids when she wasn't there?

 

[bigmerle1966]

and????

Until you have had a child with special needs you really have no clue, and there is no way parents of normal children can even begin to understand.

My older children had a "chore" if you want to call it that, when our autistic child was young they were each asked to play with him for 20 minutes a day, 1:1, doing some type of interactive activity with him. I could write a book about how it benefitted all 4 of them.

This is a great example of why I wouldn't want anyone with a camera looking through our windows!

I was actually talking about others that had a problem with it.

 

[lucigo]

Not something I noticed, she was out of town during the filming part of the show, so how could she be shown enjoying her kids when she wasn't there?

Maybe we are talking about different episodes. I was watching her feed her kids breakfast and saying she was going to lose her mind, and would warn everyone before she did. She just didn't talk to her kids, didn't smile, didn't even look at them, she was just going through the motions.

 

[lucigo]

I was actually talking about others that had a problem with it.

I was saying "you" metaphorically, not YOU in particular.

 

[brittsmum1998]

Maybe we are talking about different episodes. I was watching her feed her kids breakfast and saying she was going to lose her mind, and would warn everyone before she did. She just didn't talk to her kids, didn't smile, didn't even look at them, she was just going through the motions.

That was the same episode where one of the boys lost his toy I believe. I know he was talking to Kate when he said it, so she was there for part of the episode at least.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

And then, finally saying how cute Nala is letting the girls hang on her. Didn't you notice her trying to wiggle out of the grasp of the girl or the snarl and growl? Kids behavior like that towards dogs usually ends after the novelty has worn off after a couple of weeks. These dogs have been in the house for 3 months and the kids are still running after them, hanging on them, not knowing how to play with them. It's a recipe for trouble - for the kids and the dogs. Someone is bound to get hurt - sooner rather than later. The dogs are getting bigger very quickly, they're untrained as are the kids around them, and someone is going to be bitten because they didn't understand the cues the dogs were giving them to leave them alone or they're going to be knocked down by the dogs jumping on and trying to dominate them -- as we saw last night with one of the boys.

ITA

 

[MichelleVW]

Maybe we are talking about different episodes. I was watching her feed her kids breakfast and saying she was going to lose her mind, and would warn everyone before she did. She just didn't talk to her kids, didn't smile, didn't even look at them, she was just going through the motions.

That was the same episode where one of the boys lost his toy I believe. I know he was talking to Kate when he said it, so she was there for part of the episode at least.

So in a 5 minute snapshot of her life it's decided she doesn't interact with her kids?? Good Grief.....I'm glad no one filmed me during the end of the 97 Rose Bowl when my kids wanted something to eat and I said, "OMG JUST EAT SOME CRACKERS AND DON'T TALK TO ME AGAIN UNTIL THIS IS OVER!" Were my kids damaged?? Nope, they learned how important Ohio State Football is .

Maybe she had a headache, maybe she was tired, who the heck knows or cares why she wasn't all smiles and laughs making lunch....

I thought it was hysterical when Joel thought he left his computer at the old house!

 

[puffkin]

I've lurked on this board for quite awhile but just recently signed up to post. I feel the urge to speak up here and disagree with your observations about the show last night.

I don't think Kate shows affection for the dogs. She's openly stated she doesn't like them, but may when she's old and so are they and they are fat and lay around at her feet. She knows nothing about their routines (potty, poop scooping, etc) and has threatened multiple times to gladly get rid of them (and that's just what has been captured on camera - we don't know how many times she's threatened the same thing and we haven't seen it).

I do give Kate credit for being the only one to notice Nala had lost weight and was sick. Good heavens, Jon, when a dog is puking, not pooping and is lethargic, it's sick and needs to go to the vet. They're very fortunate Jon's lack of attention didn't result in an intestinal perforation for the poor pup. And then they brought the little guy home, his wound wasn't protected, he wasn't kept quiet, and I doubt any measures were taken to restrict it's activities for a day, let alone 2 weeks.

And then, finally saying how cute Nala is letting the girls hang on her. Didn't you notice her trying to wiggle out of the grasp of the girl or the snarl and growl? Kids behavior like that towards dogs usually ends after the novelty has worn off after a couple of weeks. These dogs have been in the house for 3 months and the kids are still running after them, hanging on them, not knowing how to play with them. It's a recipe for trouble - for the kids and the dogs. Someone is bound to get hurt - sooner rather than later. The dogs are getting bigger very quickly, they're untrained as are the kids around them, and someone is going to be bitten because they didn't understand the cues the dogs were giving them to leave them alone or they're going to be knocked down by the dogs jumping on and trying to dominate them -- as we saw last night with one of the boys.

I wish the Gosselin children happiness, love, and success and I feel strongly that it needs to take place in private. I feel strongly that Jon and Kate have exploited their children and that anything genuine they had to offer is gone and their 15 minutes of fame has expired. The dogs -- well, there's no sense training the dogs unless the humans are trained first and I honestly don't know what the chances of that happening might be - probably not too great if what we've seen of the first 3 months in their house is any indication.

Well, I guess I got all that off my chest and hope to sit back and lurk again for another couple of months. Thanks for listening.

While I respect some of what you are saying, I think you are blowing things way out of proportion.

I don't see anything unusual with the way the dogs are behaving or how the children are treating them. Is it perfect? No. But seriously, I would think the % of houses with perfectly trained dogs (and children) is very small We also see only a TINY FRACTION of their lives and their interaction with the dogs. I was merely commenting on how well I thought the dogs were doing, all things considering. I didn't have high hopes.....but they are adjusting. Is there still work that needs to be done, of course!

As for Kate, she has explained NUMEROUS times that the dogs are mainly the children's responsibility. Her "threats" are to remind them that the breeder had said he would take the dogs back if the kids didn't do their parts in taking care of them. I don't think those threats give any indication about her true feelings for them. They are merely a tool to get the kids to help. I do this all the time with DS, I think it is fairly common parenting technique

And being the owner of a high strung beagle, I can tell you that keeping them quiet and still after surgery is HARD. My dog was zooming around, jumping, etc as soon as he got home. It happens. I also get frustrated/exasperated with my dog all the time and complain and say mean things about him at times. Anyone who knows me though knows that I love my dog to death.

It just never ceases to amaze me how everyone views EDITED REALITY TV as a true indication of real life and how they can draw completely different conclusions from the same images.

 

[MichelleVW]

While I respect some of what you are saying, I think you are blowing things way out of proportion.

I don't see anything unusual with the way the dogs are behaving or how the children are treating them. Is it perfect? No. But seriously, I would think the % of houses with perfectly trained dogs (and children) is very small We also see only a TINY FRACTION of their lives and their interaction with the dogs. I was merely commenting on how well I thought the dogs were doing, all things considering. I didn't have high hopes.....but they are adjusting. Is there still work that needs to be done, of course!

As for Kate, she has explained NUMEROUS times that the dogs are mainly the children's responsibility. Her "threats" are to remind them that the breeder had said he would take the dogs back if the kids didn't do their parts in taking care of them. I don't think those threats give any indication about her true feelings for them. They are merely a tool to get the kids to help. I do this all the time with DS, I think it is fairly common parenting technique

And being the owner of a high strung beagle, I can tell you that keeping them quiet and still after surgery is HARD. My dog was zooming around, jumping, etc as soon as he got home. It happens. I also get frustrated/exasperated with my dog all the time and complain and say mean things about him at times. Anyone who knows me though knows that I love my dog to death.

It just never ceases to amaze me how everyone views EDITED REALITY TV as a true indication of real life and how they can draw completely different conclusions from the same images.

I couldn't agree more.


I totally understand when Kate said she will love them when they are old and fat and laying there watching tv with them. (well, I don't agree with fat dogs ). I have 2 high energy dogs, but they are old enough that as long as I make sure they get enough outside playtime they are angels in the house and just lay at my feet. When it's time for me to get another dog I am thinking about rescuing a senior dog because I love laid back older dogs. Puppies are way cute, but too much work. I have no desire to go back to potty training children or puppies ever again!!

 

[FergieTCat]

I think Bobbi McCaughey would be a better person to ask about caring for special needs kids. I believe 2 of her sextuplets (or did she have septuplets) have cerebral palsy. The Gosselins are blessed that their group is healthy.

I salute all mothers of special needs kids. I always think of the verse "The Special Mother" by Erma Bombeck.

http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Special_mother.html

 

[kritter]

http://blogs.babycenter.com/celebri...umors/?intcmp=promoslice_pos6&pn=Article page

 

[brockash]

So in a 5 minute snapshot of her life it's decided she doesn't interact with her kids?? Good Grief.....I'm glad no one filmed me during the end of the 97 Rose Bowl when my kids wanted something to eat and I said, "OMG JUST EAT SOME CRACKERS AND DON'T TALK TO ME AGAIN UNTIL THIS IS OVER!" Were my kids damaged?? Nope, they learned how important Ohio State Football is .

Maybe she had a headache, maybe she was tired, who the heck knows or cares why she wasn't all smiles and laughs making lunch....

I thought it was hysterical when Joel thought he left his computer at the old house!

That's hilarious I think everyone can admit that they've had these types of moments as parents. I know I have, but does that mean I'm a bad mom, and I don't interact with my kiddos.... I don't think so. Everyone has a bad day, or has a lot going on, that's life. Like I've said many times, I have no doubt that Kate loves and cherishes all of her kids very much, and knows what blessings she has (especially since it was so hard for her to have children to begin with.) Don't get me wrong, sure she says some things that aren't always perfect to her kids ect., but I don't know a mom/dad out there that doesn't.

 

[madge]

http://blogs.babycenter.com/celebri...umors/?intcmp=promoslice_pos6&pn=Article page

that was on RadarOnline about a week ago.

I'm not so sure that it's a legit press release. It doesn't seem very professional to be put out my a PR rep or TV network. And if it's the real deal, I think I'd be putting it in the hands of People and Us Weekly. Certainly more than RadarOnline.

 

[bbsak]

that was on RadarOnline about a week ago.

I'm not so sure that it's a legit press release. It doesn't seem very professional to be put out my a PR rep or TV network. And if it's the real deal, I think I'd be putting it in the hands of People and Us Weekly. Certainly more than RadarOnline.

I thought RadarOnline was a questionable place for his PR group to publish a formal comment about supposed rumors, too. Their own site, TLC's or as you sai, People or US Weekly would have been received better. I'd hope Jon wouldn't speak to RadarOnline on his own.

 

[Tinker74]

So in a 5 minute snapshot of her life it's decided she doesn't interact with her kids?? Good Grief.....I'm glad no one filmed me during the end of the 97 Rose Bowl when my kids wanted something to eat and I said, "OMG JUST EAT SOME CRACKERS AND DON'T TALK TO ME AGAIN UNTIL THIS IS OVER!" Were my kids damaged?? Nope, they learned how important Ohio State Football is .

Maybe she had a headache, maybe she was tired, who the heck knows or cares why she wasn't all smiles and laughs making lunch....

I thought it was hysterical when Joel thought he left his computer at the old
house!

LOL...this made me laugh ...Can you imagine the reaction on the blogs if Kate ever said this!!

 

[Tinker74]

All this talk of all the tups being healthy has got me thinking...Yes they are so lucky ...they got the perfect outcome..I know Kate gave birth at 31 weeks but does anyone know how long the tups were in the NICU?...Were they they always healthy..or were there problems with any of them early on?

Sometimes there can be a question mark over some preemies due to early problems and complications whilst in the NICU..various operations etc....Did the gosselins always pretty much know there tups were healthy or did they have to wait and see if they reahed milestones on time ..sitting up..walking etc.

Iam curious about this because I've just been watching Quints week here in the uK on discovery health and every family seemed to have at least some of the babies having problems early on.

the gosselins are so so lucky there situation turned out so well for them

Oh ...anyone know at how many weeks the twins were born?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

While I respect some of what you are saying, I think you are blowing things way out of proportion.

I don't see anything unusual with the way the dogs are behaving or how the children are treating them. Is it perfect? No. But seriously, I would think the % of houses with perfectly trained dogs (and children) is very small We also see only a TINY FRACTION of their lives and their interaction with the dogs. I was merely commenting on how well I thought the dogs were doing, all things considering. I didn't have high hopes.....but they are adjusting. Is there still work that needs to be done, of course!

As for Kate, she has explained NUMEROUS times that the dogs are mainly the children's responsibility. Her "threats" are to remind them that the breeder had said he would take the dogs back if the kids didn't do their parts in taking care of them. I don't think those threats give any indication about her true feelings for them. They are merely a tool to get the kids to help. I do this all the time with DS, I think it is fairly common parenting technique

And being the owner of a high strung beagle, I can tell you that keeping them quiet and still after surgery is HARD. My dog was zooming around, jumping, etc as soon as he got home. It happens. I also get frustrated/exasperated with my dog all the time and complain and say mean things about him at times. Anyone who knows me though knows that I love my dog to death.

With all due respect, these aren't beagles. And there's two of them (which creates a pack mentality in the dogs, ie together they might do things that one alone wouldn't do), eight young children in a relatively chaotic household, and fairly clueless parents when it comes to the dogs. This is a recipe for trouble.

Anyone who knows this breed of dog knows they need firm leadership, limit setting and rules. So far it looks like a free for all where they are concerned. They're doing as they please without limits and that's not a good thing.