Jon and Kate Plus 8 Official Thread - Part 5

[Miss Park Avenue]

I think the living situation is terrible.

If I were one of those kids, I wouldn't feel like I lived with either of my parents. I would feel like I lived alone in some enormous daycare that never ends along with my brothers and sisters. And every couple days my parents would come to "visit" me at different times. Can you imagine watching your mother pack it up to move back to her own, real home? And then minutes later, here comes daddy and his girlfriend with their suitcases from their real home for a visit with you?

 

[Buckalew11]

On second thought, if he really wanted to get Kate's goat, Hailey would be a fine choice for a spouse.

Yes, yes, I can see a method to his madness. He, of all people, knows exactly what drives Kate bonkers. He's probably making all these wonderful decisions just to get his revenge. And I first thought it was all about rebellion.

 

[redrosesix]

in the interest of all things balanced .. it's every adult that watches those children. Jon, Kate, notananny nannies, nannies, camera crews, etc. SOMEONE should require those children to put on a helmet when they're on a bike.

Absolutely. Just a few hours ago, I told somebody else's kid to put on their helmet -- it was hanging off the handlebars.

Done!

Sorry again, everyone!

another thing, is there is a known security issue with internet explorer -- they're working on a fix:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/se...t_patches_nine_securit.html?wprss=securityfix

Which is why I never use IE -- I use Firefox, and I rarely have any pop-ups. I also use AVG and the 2 work splendidly together. Had there been a virus that you could get without opening the pop-ups, I'd have gotten an alert, and I got nothing.

I would think it would be better for the kids if they didn't each parent had their own stable home. Less confusion. Different houses, different rules. Rather than, "but Daddy lets us do that when he's here". Very confusing. Also, I think it would be healthier for them to see theri parents in their real lives (although with these to nincompoops, who knows what is real anymore?) with their real relationships (well not a sleaze like Hailey) . Instead of the parent coming in and "playing parent" for a few days before they pack up and go back to their own lives at their own homes. If you were the kids, wouldn't you want to see where Mommy lives? Wouldn't you be hurt that you weren't there with her ever? That you weren't "special " enough to see or stay at her "other" home?

My cousing and his wife split and they had separate home that the kids went between, but instead of packing them between the houses and making the kids feel like gypsies, they just had half the clothes in the the drawers at one house, and half at the other. THe kids had their permanent things, toothbrushes and all at both houses. They simply needed to be dopped off, and they were right at home again. I think that is healthier than this crazy set up. Who wants to see mommy having to pack a suitcase and leave simply cuz Daddy got home?

I totally disagree with this. The idea is about making the house the kids' home -- their stuff, their pets, their memories -- the parents' interests are secondary because they're the ones who made this mess. Of course they're going to have different rules with each parent -- as do most kids with parents who are still together. But on major issues, like bed times, etc. both parents have to come to an agreement, whether they're living together or divorced.

Your cousin's kids must be quite unique -- I know several families where the kids have to move back and forth, and it just isn't possible to have doubles of everything. Things like homework, school notices, dance shoes, etc. often get left behind. Imagine trying to organize this with 8 kids.

On second thought, if he really wanted to get Kate's goat, Hailey would be a fine choice for a spouse.

Yes, yes, I can see a method to his madness. He, of all people, knows exactly what drives Kate bonkers. He's probably making all these wonderful decisions just to get his revenge. And I first thought it was all about rebellion.

The relationship experts that have started chiming in on this have been saying something much like this -- that Jon must be very angry at Kate if he is doing this. One commented that it's like he's saying "see, I can find another woman, and it's somebody you know"

But...maybe he's just trying to get in with Hailey's family so he can get his own free tummy tuck?

 

[madge]

We travel a bit, and I just got my first netbook. Ohh, it's so much easier to tote around. Plus it fits in my drawer in the RV! It came with 3 months of Norton, so I'll just stick with that on that one.

aren't they awesome?! I had to get used to the keyboard, but other than that .. I love mine! I was at Panera a few weeks ago, and people kept stopping to look at it. LOL, they thought it was a DVD player and were surprised to see it was a computer!

 

[madge]

I totally disagree with this. The idea is about making the house the kids' home -- their stuff, their pets, their memories -- the parents' interests are secondary because they're the ones who made this mess. Of course they're going to have different rules with each parent -- as do most kids with parents who are still together. But on major issues, like bed times, etc. both parents have to come to an agreement, whether they're living together or divorced.

I think it's better that the children stay in the house and Jon and Kate do the switching. They've got a much better sense of consistency there. And you know what? I think it's good they moved before the break up. The children left their old house on better terms than if they'd moved because of the divorce.

One other thing .. there may be separate rules for mom and dad, but there will be a nanny around to sort of keep things even... that might be a help, too.

ps. I know. it's shocking. I can come up with positive Gosselin comments from time to time

 

[redrosesix]

I think it's better that the children stay in the house and Jon and Kate do the switching. They've got a much better sense of consistency there. And you know what? I think it's good they moved before the break up. The children left their old house on better terms than if they'd moved because of the divorce.

One other thing .. there may be separate rules for mom and dad, but there will be a nanny around to sort of keep things even... that might be a help, too.

ps. I know. it's shocking. I can come up with positive Gosselin comments from time to time

Yes, the nanny will help a lot -- some consistancy regardless of which parent is in the house at the time.

 

[DMRick]

I think it's better that the children stay in the house and Jon and Kate do the switching. They've got a much better sense of consistency there. And you know what? I think it's good they moved before the break up. The children left their old house on better terms than if they'd moved because of the divorce.

With a lot of people, maybe it would work. I just can't see it working with this couple.

And for what it's worth, I do wonder if we are now seeing the real Jon, and TLC just couldn't keep him tame any longer. I think he was willing to quit at any cost (note, I didn't say have the rest of the family quit, just him) if they didn't let him have free reign, and TLC prob thinks this is really going to be a cash cow for them with all the attention. Perhaps different types of sponsors (I can't wait to watch it just to see who the sponsors are), but I wonder if the price to advertise and give 'free' stuff has gone up.

 

[madge]

With a lot of people, maybe it would work. I just can't see it working with this couple.

I don't know if I see it so much as working with Jon and Kate, but for the children. I think it's in the best interest of the children to be in the same home, night after night. I just see that house as their stability right now, at least until things settle down.

And for what it's worth, I do wonder if we are now seeing the real Jon, and TLC just couldn't keep him tame any longer.

I don't know... maybe? Did we ever really see Jon and Kate? The people that know that answer (and may have more sense than anyone) are the ones not talking.

I think he was willing to quit at any cost (note, I didn't say have the rest of the family quit, just him) if they didn't let him have free reign, and TLC prob thinks this is really going to be a cash cow for them with all the attention. Perhaps different types of sponsors (I can't wait to watch it just to see who the sponsors are), but I wonder if the price to advertise and give 'free' stuff has gone up.

I've wondered about ad rates before... if it's the same rate for JK8 as it is for Little People, Big World or the Duggars. I wonder if any of the advertisers are pulling out as a result of the drama?

So many questions with no answers. LOL.

Here's a thought. It's 7 weeks until the Labor Day weekend .. and the talk shows all come back from the summer break that week (or the week after). I wonder if we'll see Kate on Oprah?

 

[GeorgiaPeach8]

I agree that not seeing mom or dad's "real" home would feel weird to kids. But I still think that not moving the kids is the best thing (just from a numbers aspect). Also, I wonder if Kate sat this situation up because either 1) she suspects Jon won't want equal time but a more old-fashioned custody arraignment..i.e.--Tuesdays and every other weekend. OR 2) she plans on buying him out of the house.

Now, having said that--this is an unusal family. Most families couldn't afford to keep three houses. But then again, they could now both afford a house big enough for all the kids. However, that kind of house doesn't seem in keeping with Jon's new lifestyle.

 

[lucas]

I think the living situation is terrible.

If I were one of those kids, I wouldn't feel like I lived with either of my parents. I would feel like I lived alone in some enormous daycare that never ends along with my brothers and sisters. And every couple days my parents would come to "visit" me at different times. Can you imagine watching your mother pack it up to move back to her own, real home? And then minutes later, here comes daddy and his girlfriend with their suitcases from their real home for a visit with you?

I agree.

And, maybe this living situation is best for the "show." TLC is all set up and has lots of room for filming there.

 

[madge]

And, maybe this living situation is best for the "show." TLC is all set up and has lots of room for filming there.

ooooh. that's a good point.

there was a pretty substantial rumor floating around at one point that TLC was looking for a camera-friendly apartment for Jon. Maybe they do plan to film at their homes, OR, maybe the talk was that Kate was to stay in the house and Jon would move out .. or at least that might have been what was assumed to happen?

I do so much better with the facts/discussion about the show and the things proved than the back and forth about how terrible or not Kate and/or Jon are. LOL

 

[GeorgiaPeach8]

I do so much better with the facts/discussion about the show and the things proved than the back and forth about how terrible or not Kate and/or Jon are. LOL

I don't know...It has been pretty fun watching people complain about Jon for a change.

 

[happygirl]

I don't know...It has been pretty fun watching people complain about Jon for a change.

 

[mousey]

Remember the house was purchased for the children!!! Everything they do is for their kids!!! Lets hope they picked a good nanny for the kids, because this is the person that these kids are going to look to for some stability. They are use to only one parent being home if any. Kate was gone 20 out of 30 days one month for a book tour?? Jon out sewing his oats for the past several months??
After all this blows over and the show is no more, we will probably see the books appear in the dollar stores--including the one they decided not to release yet!

 

[mousetravel]

I think the living situation is terrible.

If I were one of those kids, I wouldn't feel like I lived with either of my parents. I would feel like I lived alone in some enormous daycare that never ends along with my brothers and sisters. And every couple days my parents would come to "visit" me at different times. Can you imagine watching your mother pack it up to move back to her own, real home? And then minutes later, here comes daddy and his girlfriend with their suitcases from their real home for a visit with you?

I agree with this, especially the bolded part. I've always felt like Kate runs things more like a daycare, with seating assignments, bib assignments, etc.

If they haven't sold their previous house yet, it seems like Jon would move there. It's familiar to the kids. And if they wanted to keep supplies at both houses, it wouldn't be that hard, they do have the money. (clothes, toothbrushes, shoes, toys, etc.)

 

[Promomx2]

I'm wondering whether any of the kids, especially cara or mady are asking to go with the parent leaving the house. For some one on one time with the parent.

 

[mickeyboat]

It might be kind of nice for one parent to be able to take one or two kids back to his or her place every once in a while to have special time with the kids outside of the group.

 

[mickeyboat]

I'm wondering whether any of the kids, especially cara or mady are asking to go with the parent leaving the house. For some one on one time with the parent.

Great minds think alike.

 

[kidshop]

I think the living situation is terrible.

If I were one of those kids, I wouldn't feel like I lived with either of my parents. I would feel like I lived alone in some enormous daycare that never ends along with my brothers and sisters. And every couple days my parents would come to "visit" me at different times. Can you imagine watching your mother pack it up to move back to her own, real home? And then minutes later, here comes daddy and his girlfriend with their suitcases from their real home for a visit with you?

And the house is also the set for their show. It's been outfitted to film. Their parents are visiting them at work.

 

[MichelleVW]

I agree with this, especially the bolded part. I've always felt like Kate runs things more like a daycare, with seating assignments, bib assignments, etc.
)

With that many kids you have to be organized like that or it would be pure chaos. My family always had "seat assignments". Everyone always sat in the same spot, it's not a big deal.