Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread-Part 3

[DreaGirl]

I think (JMHO) that posters are saying she is "part-time parent" when they mean working parent. Kate has said numerous times that she is a "stay at home Mom". This statement just isn't true when you look at her speaking schedule. It was true a few years ago, but not now. Jon is the stay at home Dad and Kate is the working parent, which is great, but don't lie about it on talk shows or interviews. Just pony up and tell the truth.

I would have a lot more respect for her if she would just say "I'm out working now, speaking, doing book signings." Why lie or tell un-truths as Kate would say.

 

[boettj]

I see Kate as a person who is taking advantage of what she realizes could be a short term thing. Airplanes go in two directions, and I have no doubt that she is not out for weeks at a time, but is coming home in between engagements. If a man was doing the same thing we wouldn't give it another thought. She has made provisions for her children..it's called their dad. It seems to me, he's not living up to his part of the bargain. He no longer had to go out to work, and he should be doing everything he can to make a nice stable home for his kids.

If it was Jon doing the speaking tour and the book, then I'd say the same thing. Most professionals (men or women) that travel every week for work do so to make ends meet. There are expceptions. I'll give you that. But, by in large, Road Warriors do it to put food on the table. They are not making 2-3 million a year. If they are, then I would have the same feelings towards them as I do for Kate. They need to be home with their family.

 

[DreaGirl]

There are lots of us who are part-time parents, whether for financial reasons or not. Whether to work and be a part-time parent, or be a SAH parent is a personal decision that no one else has a right to make for us.

That being said...It surely seems as though Kate wants to have her cake and eat it too. She says that the best thing about her job is that it allows her to be at home with the children. HULLLLO!!! When you're traveling the country giving speeches and promoting your book, you are NOT at home with the children. If anything, your job has ended up requiring you to be away from your children more than you would have had you been a pool nurse, or one working 2nd or 3rd shift. Of course you wouldn't be making as much money, but your job isn't really about the money, or is it?

As for the gossip rags...I feel for them. Any couple going through marital problems, regardless of who's "fault" it is, or whether they are real or perceived, is going to be stressed.

I totally agree with this post. Jon & Kate have really been handled with white gloves up until this point. People have laughed off their troubles or put them so high on a pedestal that they aren't used to people that don't find them "inspriational".

I think the minute you start saying "people find us so inspirational" you stop becoming inspirational.

 

[Skatermom23]

I can understand she has expense coming up such as college. However, consider that CNN has stated they make between 50,000 and 75,000 per episode. Considering that season 4 had 40 episodes that is 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 just for the show per season.

But lets not forget taxes...even if they made 3 million a year. They got to keep 1.6 maybe??? I see her as a women taking advantage of a situation to set her and her kids up for the rest of their lives. I see nothing wrong with that and wouldn't dream of judging her poorly because she has this wonderful opportunity. She is no different than any other working mom. She just earns a little more but probably for a lot less years.

 

[DreaGirl]

But lets not forget taxes...even if they made 3 million a year. They got to keep 1.6 maybe??? I see her as a women taking advantage of a situation to set her and her kids up for the rest of their lives. I see nothing wrong with that and wouldn't dream of judging her poorly because she has this wonderful opportunity. She is no different than any other working mom. She just earns a little more but probably for a lot less years.

For me, I am happy that they are able to earn enough money to support the kids and not be a drain on society. My problem comes in that her marriage is crumbling and she is still traveling around the country. She out doing interviews instead of at home working on her marriage. She says that her kids are her priority, but by not working on her marriage, she is hurting her kids.

What really gave me a real eyeroll is when she said "We are dealing with it privately." While she was in NYC doing talk shows and Jon was in PA. Hmmm....something isn't right about that statement.

They make good money from the show so are the extra book signings and speaking engagement really needed right now? Could she not take a break for even a week?

Where is this CNN article that everyone is quoting with their income from the show?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

But lets not forget taxes...even if they made 3 million a year. They got to keep 1.6 maybe??? I see her as a women taking advantage of a situation to set her and her kids up for the rest of their lives. I see nothing wrong with that and wouldn't dream of judging her poorly because she has this wonderful opportunity. She is no different than any other working mom. She just earns a little more but probably for a lot less years.

Geeze, cry me a river. I know families right now whose husbands have been laid off or have taken a lower salary job because of the economy. Sorry, J&K have it good even paying taxes on their millions of dollars. Why are their kids entitled to that lifestyle, just because there's 8 of them? Kate says that her kids "deserve" to have the big new house, deserve all kinds of things. I know many families busting their butts to make ends meet and we're all supposed to feel sorry for J&K having to pay taxes on their millions? I don't feel that way. This wonderful opportunity has put her children in the care of a nanny, has taught them to be self-centered and to believe that everything revolves around them because they're on TV. How's that for learning experiences, as Kate loves to say. Sadly, they are setting up those kids to be selfish, demanding and egotistical. Years from now when Kate is pulling out her hair over her teenage kids, I wonder if she'll still think it was all worth it.

 

[DMRick]

If it was Jon doing the speaking tour and the book, then I'd say the same thing. Most professionals (men or women) that travel every week for work do so to make ends meet..

You may say it, but many others don't. Both my son and my niece travel a lot for their jobs. They do it because they love their jobs. They don't love their kids any less. I don't think that because some people are being laid off or don't have jobs, that should have anything to do with this show or how much they are making. I don't think anyone can deny that it is a lot of work always having someone looking over your shoulder, if it be Kate and Jon, The little people or the new family of 12. They are all in it for the money and it's work. I just don't see where this is going to drive the kids to therapy when they get older. I know people whose kids are in therapy (some on this board) for a lot less..and others who have done well with very famous parents. I think Kate has shown us to be a good, caring mother. The thing is, we are seeing some of what we would never allow anyone to see in our own homes (behavior wise of the adults). She puts herself out there.

Book tours don't go on for years. This will die down, and in the meantime, they do have a full time dad..or should have. Just like other people have a full time mom (or one that also works out of the house) when the husband travels.

We have no idea if she is on the phone with the kids several times a day, or if she is gone for a day or two, and scoots home and then back out. We also have no idea if their marriage is going to pot. We see what they allow us to see. We don't even see just how Jon treats Kate when the camera isn't on. It's all speculation. What TLC wants us to see, is what we see. I've seen people saying she seems closer to one girl over the others, that she doesn't care for the boys, and that she is mean to Jon. I have no idea if that is what we see because of editing, and we miss all the hugging her and Jon may do, or the cuddling with the kids some think she doesn't like as well as others, because that is the stuff that gets us talking about the show. And a talked about show, with lots of people watching it, is what TLC wants.

I love the show, I love the kids (I don't see them as self centered, expecting everything to be handed to them), I like Kate (I don't know what I think about Jon right now) and I take all the nonsense with a grain of salt, and assume everyone is doing well, during the hours we don't see. I'm not sure how I would have been portrayed if someone could pick and choose what part of my life they could show to the public. If they saw me spank my child (back when spanking was part of anyone's upbringing) when she broke a window, doing something I had asked her not to do, but didn't show when I hugged her afterward because I felt so bad, and vowed to never spank again, I would have looked pretty bad.

 

[Mom2Nick]

You may say it, but many others don't. Both my son and my niece travel a lot for their jobs. They do it because they love their jobs. They don't love their kids any less.

Book tours don't go on for years. This will die down, and in the meantime, they do have a full time dad..or should have. Just like other people have a full time mom (or one that also works out of the house) when the husband travels.

I bet your son and niece are not making their money out of town by giving speeches about their tough life as a stay at home mom to 8 children....

The problem I have is that Jon and Kate stopped being the people that so many people were attracted to. They are pretending to be what they were so they can continue to make money on this. I don't have any respect for people that tell half truths and out and out lies to try and support a facade for financial reasons.

Kate is not struggling with the day to day hardships of being a stay at home mother to 8 kids. She is not struggling with how to make ends meet, how to take care of her kids and still find a way to get laundry done and keep the house clean. Kate is no longer trying to squeeze in some quality time for herself and Jon in there.

She is rarely home. She most certainly has help wth cleaning and a nanny. She also has Jon - but she's still going out there pretending to be something she stopped being quite some time ago.

 

[talulabelle]

Ya know, for someone getting paid so much and having so many places to give speeches and so many episodes documenting her "stay home mom" life, I can't believe how LITTLE she has to say or contribute. Why do people still pay money for this? The website for their show is such dribble. I was looking at (btw, it hasn't changed AT ALL IN almost a year - nothing new to add I guess) there was a link saying "Kate is a neat freak, get her tips on staying organized with children" so naive me, I'm thinking "great!" I need ideas on how to contain my kids mess. Toys, clothes, gear, stuff. I need that sort of info. And you click on the link and her "big contribution of advice" is "make lists. No one has the memory of an elephant. Make to-do lists and check off the things as you go" I was likethat's all? that's all she has to say???!! That is not a new and fresh idea. Why is she getting paid money? Why does anyone think she is so amazing.?

I grew up on a Catholic street in the smallest family on the block (6 kids) every other family had more kids. 8,9,11. living in little cape cods. Now these were some families that could give you some advice on staying organized! Houses neat as a pin, and every child happy. With moms that weren't nuts.

 

[DMRick]

I bet your son and niece are not making their money out of town by giving speeches about their tough life as a stay at home mom to 8 children....

The problem I have is that Jon and Kate stopped being the people that so many people were attracted to. They are pretending to be what they were so they can continue to make money on this. I don't have any respect for people that tell half truths and out and out lies to try and support a facade for financial reasons.

Kate is not struggling with the day to day hardships of being a stay at home mother to 8 kids. She is not struggling with how to make ends meet, how to take care of her kids and still find a way to get laundry done and keep the house clean. Kate is no longer trying to squeeze in some quality time for herself and Jon in there.

She is rarely home. She most certainly has help wth cleaning and a nanny. She also has Jon - but she's still going out there pretending to be something she stopped being quite some time ago.

Of course they are not pushng a book about their family. I also have no idea if this is just a book promotion and will be short lived, or if this will go on for months. I have no idea if she is flying back and forth, if she is taking turns bringing kids with her, or what she is doing for family time. You have one up on me, if you know all that is going on and how much time she is really away from home. I also have no idea if they are pretending..or if what we see on the show is what TLC wants us to see. I actually thought Jon was the stay at home parent right now (and again, if he was off on a book tour, I doubt we'd be having this conversation), while Kate fulfilled what I assume is part of the book contract. I have no idea if they have relatives filling in and helping, since it's up to TLC what we see. I really know very little about their lives. For all I know, she is home a lot more than we know..or even a lot less. I really just thought it was a show about a large family all coming at once and what it's like at their house. I didn't even realize it's supposed to be all about her being a sahm (rather than real live family live with 8 kids), and I've watched it since day one. It never occured to me that she might not ever work outside of the home.

I suggest those that really hate her, not watch the show. If no one watches, it will die by itself, and that will be the end of it.

 

[Zandy595]

I really don't know why I keep coming back to this thread.. I guess it's just because I'm so concerned about those poor kids..

I wish someone - anyone - even one of the twins would say, "Can we stop doing this show now and have a normal life??"

I can see lots of messed up kids and lots of "tell all" books down the pike..

But if they didn't have the show, books, and interviews how would they make a living? If Jon went back to being an IT guy and Kate went back to being a nurse I wonder if they would get by financially, even in a more modest house. I can see where Kate is coming from. It may not be ideal, but maybe it's better than the alternative.

I agree and she knows that this fame won't last forever and what then? The kids become teenagers (who incidently cost a bloody fortune) and then comes college. I see her as a women trying to make the most she can now to secure the future for the family.

I totally agree. She probably sees an end coming and feels the need to make as much money as she can because she doesn't know what's going to happen in the future.

 

[boettj]

Of course they are not pushng a book about their family. I also have no idea if this is just a book promotion and will be short lived, or if this will go on for months. I have no idea if she is flying back and forth, if she is taking turns bringing kids with her, or what she is doing for family time. You have one up on me, if you know all that is going on and how much time she is really away from home. I also have no idea if they are pretending..or if what we see on the show is what TLC wants us to see. I actually thought Jon was the stay at home parent right now (and again, if he was off on a book tour, I doubt we'd be having this conversation), while Kate fulfilled what I assume is part of the book contract. I have no idea if they have relatives filling in and helping, since it's up to TLC what we see. I really know very little about their lives. For all I know, she is home a lot more than we know..or even a lot less. I really just thought it was a show about a large family all coming at once and what it's like at their house. I didn't even realize it's supposed to be all about her being a sahm (rather than real live family live with 8 kids), and I've watched it since day one. It never occured to me that she might not ever work outside of the home.

I suggest those that really hate her, not watch the show. If no one watches, it will die by itself, and that will be the end of it.

DMRick, I will again state that "I have not said they don't love their children."

I traveled for the first year of my current job. However, I was furtunate enough to have my DW as a SAHM. I love my job, but I traveled to make ends meet. If I were making 2-3 million before taxes, then you would not see me traveling. Rather I'd be home with my family. My job still takes me away for short periods, but never more than two weeks at a time.


Next point is that look at the schedule you are laying out. How could she be nothing more than filming when home? The schedule laid out earlier in this thread, you could not possibily do anything more.


I knew my comments would get flammed by the ardent followers. However, I didn't think that all logic would be ignored.


Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will agree to disagree with you.

 

[kidshop]

She is out away from her kids promoting a book she said she wrote for them and she doesn't even care if it sells at all. However she did point out it was in the number 1 spot on the lists. The promoting is to help sell the book......the one she doesn't care if a copy sells since it is for her kids.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

You may say it, but many others don't. Both my son and my niece travel a lot for their jobs. They do it because they love their jobs. They don't love their kids any less. I don't think that because some people are being laid off or don't have jobs, that should have anything to do with this show or how much they are making. I don't think anyone can deny that it is a lot of work always having someone looking over your shoulder, if it be Kate and Jon, The little people or the new family of 12. They are all in it for the money and it's work. I just don't see where this is going to drive the kids to therapy when they get older. I know people whose kids are in therapy (some on this board) for a lot less..and others who have done well with very famous parents. I think Kate has shown us to be a good, caring mother. The thing is, we are seeing some of what we would never allow anyone to see in our own homes (behavior wise of the adults). She puts herself out there.

Exactly. She puts herself out there. They are willing to be filmed and scrutinized. I'm not questioning if Kate loves her kids. That is not the issue here. The issue is that she claims the show (which she calls her job) allows her to be home. But she isn't home much. I don't see how you can look at Kate's speaking schedule and think otherwise. She's gone alot and phone calls to the kids is a sorry substitute for having Mom at home.

Book tours don't go on for years. This will die down, and in the meantime, they do have a full time dad..or should have. Just like other people have a full time mom (or one that also works out of the house) when the husband travels.

We have no idea if she is on the phone with the kids several times a day, or if she is gone for a day or two, and scoots home and then back out. We also have no idea if their marriage is going to pot. We see what they allow us to see. We don't even see just how Jon treats Kate when the camera isn't on. It's all speculation. What TLC wants us to see, is what we see. I've seen people saying she seems closer to one girl over the others, that she doesn't care for the boys, and that she is mean to Jon. I have no idea if that is what we see because of editing, and we miss all the hugging her and Jon may do, or the cuddling with the kids some think she doesn't like as well as others, because that is the stuff that gets us talking about the show. And a talked about show, with lots of people watching it, is what TLC wants.

I agree that TLC wants a much talked about show because their concern is their own bottom line. However, if J&K were unhappy with footage being aired, then why would they continually sign on for the new season? She doesn't regret doing the show and has said on the show itself that the kids watch it too.

I love the show, I love the kids (I don't see them as self centered, expecting everything to be handed to them), I like Kate (I don't know what I think about Jon right now) and I take all the nonsense with a grain of salt, and assume everyone is doing well, during the hours we don't see. I'm not sure how I would have been portrayed if someone could pick and choose what part of my life they could show to the public. If they saw me spank my child (back when spanking was part of anyone's upbringing) when she broke a window, doing something I had asked her not to do, but didn't show when I hugged her afterward because I felt so bad, and vowed to never spank again, I would have looked pretty bad.

Really? Have you SEEN how Mady acts? Have you heard how J&K talk about Mady? Again, they CHOSE to live their lives in a fishbowl. Every single season they have chosen it. Nobody is forcing them.

Of course they are not pushng a book about their family. I also have no idea if this is just a book promotion and will be short lived, or if this will go on for months. I have no idea if she is flying back and forth, if she is taking turns bringing kids with her, or what she is doing for family time. You have one up on me, if you know all that is going on and how much time she is really away from home. I also have no idea if they are pretending..or if what we see on the show is what TLC wants us to see. I actually thought Jon was the stay at home parent right now (and again, if he was off on a book tour, I doubt we'd be having this conversation), while Kate fulfilled what I assume is part of the book contract. I have no idea if they have relatives filling in and helping, since it's up to TLC what we see. I really know very little about their lives. For all I know, she is home a lot more than we know..or even a lot less. I really just thought it was a show about a large family all coming at once and what it's like at their house. I didn't even realize it's supposed to be all about her being a sahm (rather than real live family live with 8 kids), and I've watched it since day one. It never occured to me that she might not ever work outside of the home.

I suggest those that really hate her, not watch the show. If no one watches, it will die by itself, and that will be the end of it.

I don't hate Kate and there are many others on here that feel the same. However, she does make me crazy when she is saying one thing and doing another. Case in point...on Larry King Live this past Thursday she said the kids are her focus, the most important thing and she loves them to pieces. Their b-day is Sunday and she is so thankful and excited. Right, that's why today she's in Arkansas and then 2 days after their b-day she's gone again for days.

 

[TanyaLovesPooh]

But lets not forget taxes...even if they made 3 million a year. They got to keep 1.6 maybe??? I see her as a women taking advantage of a situation to set her and her kids up for the rest of their lives. I see nothing wrong with that and wouldn't dream of judging her poorly because she has this wonderful opportunity. She is no different than any other working mom. She just earns a little more but probably for a lot less years.

Exactly. And how much the Gosselins actually make per year or episode is speculation. I haven't seen it proven yet that TLC or Jon & Kate have stated what they actually make per episode. I hope they are making that much per episode & more.

I have no doubt that Jon & Kate both love their kids very much and believe that they are doing what is best for them in the long run.

 

[madge]

But if they didn't have the show, books, and interviews how would they make a living? If Jon went back to being an IT guy and Kate went back to being a nurse I wonder if they would get by financially, even in a more modest house. I can see where Kate is coming from. It may not be ideal, but maybe it's better than the alternative.

Jon and Kate Gosselin aren't the only people in the world with a large family. I realize their situation is different, since the sextuplets came all at once. But I have friends with 5 and 6 children, and they manage without a TV show. You do what you have to do. In the end, I guess that's what Jon and Kate are doing.

 

[DreaGirl]

I didn't even realize it's supposed to be all about her being a sahm (rather than real live family live with 8 kids), and I've watched it since day one. It never occured to me that she might not ever work outside of the home.

Then you must have missed the multiple times she says "I'm just a SAHM" or "As a SAHM".

 

[mousey]

Like it or not, Jon and Kate are opportunists. They have little regard to the consequences or principles of exploiting their children. Money is the root of all evil and they obviously choose that over their childrens well being. Like so many other "child stars" the future will tell just how affected they were!
The show was cute when it started, but its time to say goodbye.

 

[Zandy595]

Jon and Kate Gosselin aren't the only people in the world with a large family. I realize their situation is different, since the sextuplets came all at once. But I have friends with 5 and 6 children, and they manage without a TV show. You do what you have to do. In the end, I guess that's what Jon and Kate are doing.

True.

But now that J&K (and the kids) have had a taste of the "good life" it would/will be hard to give it all up. It's got to be nice to have a big beautiful house, go on wonderful vacations, be able to send your kids to good schools and not have to worry about money in general.

 

[LittleBlue22]

Jon and Kate Gosselin aren't the only people in the world with a large family. I realize their situation is different, since the sextuplets came all at once. But I have friends with 5 and 6 children, and they manage without a TV show. You do what you have to do. In the end, I guess that's what Jon and Kate are doing.

madge, you are correct. I've been lurking reading the thread and the Dilley family comes to my mind. They chose to step out of the spot light and try and live normal lives. Here's one article I found regarding the Dilley sextuplets:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=3924474&page=1. It seems like they've made the right call for their family.

I feel for J,K+8. I hope the family finds peace soon.