Jon and Kate Plus 8 Official Thread - Part 6

[OhMari]

From a local news channel, Gosselin divorce set for October 20th.

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/entertainment/092209_Jon_Gosselin_divorce

According to this news website, Kate has a local attorney and Jon went with a high profile celeb attorney. I didn't realize that the new lawyer he hired wasn't a local.

I think most of these sources, named or unnamed, are pretty much full of crap. there might be (and probably are) bits of truth to what they're saying, but between their need to be part of the story + the need of the tabloids to keep cranking out JK8 material, I'm inclined to believe it's not exactly factual.

I think it must be, Beth and Kate went to Ikea for organization ideas. Then they came home with storage shelves, desks and such.

I feel so blah about J&K lately. I know they saw the show as an opportunity in the beginning to provide for the kids, espceially with Jon's sketchy job history. However, with this whole divorce fiasco going on, I feel like an intruder in their lives when I watch the show lately. What I mean by that is I'm looking at the kids for any sign that they're not handling the divorce well. And that's really none of my business. I feel badly for the kids having to go through a divorce which is hard enough without their parents in the limelight. I don't know, I just feel like it might cause them pain or resentment later on. I hope I'm wrong, I really do but I'm just remembering what I was like as an 11 year old going through my own parent's divorce. It would have been very upsetting to me to see photographers everywhere probably asking impertinent questions about my parents. I realize I'm projecting my own experience here but I just wonder how much all of the circus is affecting the kids. Kate should just focus on this new show and back out of the TLC contract somehow. I think she could pull it off too. She could easily say that the kids need privacy to deal with their divorce and if she continues the show, it might cause problems for them. I would imagine there must be some kind of clause in the contract addressing the welfare of the kids. Who knows for sure though. I've just been feeling unsettled when I watch the show lately. I think the kids need way more time and space to deal with this. I don't doubt that J&K love them, I never have. But I think they're both blinded right now with animosity toward each other and a stubborness to continue generating income.

I'm betting this is going to get pushed back further and further.
I truly believe Kate wants Jon in the kids lives, but I'm sure Kate wants full control and custody of the kids. I'm on Kate side for now, but if they don't stay quiet, I'm sure more ugliness is going to come out yet.

 

[kidshop]

I think it must be, Beth and Kate went to Ikea for organization ideas. Then they came home with storage shelves, desks and such.

I feel so blah about J&K lately. I know they saw the show as an opportunity in the beginning to provide for the kids, espceially with Jon's sketchy job history. However, with this whole divorce fiasco going on, I feel like an intruder in their lives when I watch the show lately. What I mean by that is I'm looking at the kids for any sign that they're not handling the divorce well. And that's really none of my business. I feel badly for the kids having to go through a divorce which is hard enough without their parents in the limelight. I don't know, I just feel like it might cause them pain or resentment later on. I hope I'm wrong, I really do but I'm just remembering what I was like as an 11 year old going through my own parent's divorce. It would have been very upsetting to me to see photographers everywhere probably asking impertinent questions about my parents. I realize I'm projecting my own experience here but I just wonder how much all of the circus is affecting the kids. Kate should just focus on this new show and back out of the TLC contract somehow. I think she could pull it off too. She could easily say that the kids need privacy to deal with their divorce and if she continues the show, it might cause problems for them. I would imagine there must be some kind of clause in the contract addressing the welfare of the kids. Who knows for sure though. I've just been feeling unsettled when I watch the show lately. I think the kids need way more time and space to deal with this. I don't doubt that J&K love them, I never have. But I think they're both blinded right now with animosity toward each other and a stubborness to continue generating income.

OT, Dreagirl, but I noticed you only have 3 weeks till Disney! Yeah! Only 30 more days for me!

I think a lot of people feel the way you do, all Kate hating and Jon bashing aside. It is unsettling thinking of those kids.

Not to be morbid, but if something terrible happened to one of the kids would they continue on? I do think there has be some sort of clause for an out, and I think their turmoil qualifies.

Back to bashing, both of their parents are too busy being famous to provide much stability and comfort to them at this difficult time. I can say with almost certainty that they would rather us not see and hear about every meltdown and issue in their lives.

 

[Angel16]

TLC's average viewership last week was 942,000. Jon & Kate Plus 8 had 1.78 million .. so the Duggars fall somewhere in between.

an article about the ratings drop:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/zontv/2009/09/jon_kate_loses_more_than_80_pe.html

From what I can tell, if viewership drops below 1 million and certainly down to the 900,000 .. the question of whether or not the show is profitable will have to be addressed.

Thank you for the great article Madge. I really enjoyed reading some of the comments. That one women (Irene)was right on IMHO.

Have a great week end everyone!

 

[mousey]

I think a lot of people are feeling kind of let down by J & K. It started off as a nice family show. Unfortunately J & K got greedy and the show turned into unrealistic vacations and product placements. It is sad for the kids that they don't know a life without cameras. I really hope for the sake of the kids, the show ends and the kids have a normal childhood. Of course, now with the impending divorce, who knows what will happen.
If Kate gets sole custody, I could see a move in the future. Unless they hire help, she will not beable to maintain that home. Taking care of an inground pool is pain enough. They couldn't take care of the dogs. If her talk show dream works out, I could see something closer to where that show is taping even if it is California.

Jon, will be Jon. He's enjoying is newfound freedom and I can't see him fighting for full custody of the kids. I'm glad his new lawyer is shutting him up. No scandels lately. Of course, no scandels means neither J & K are in the limelight. Oh well, time to move on.

 

[DreaGirl]

I think it must be, Beth and Kate went to Ikea for organization ideas. Then they came home with storage shelves, desks and such.

I feel so blah about J&K lately. I know they saw the show as an opportunity in the beginning to provide for the kids, espceially with Jon's sketchy job history. However, with this whole divorce fiasco going on, I feel like an intruder in their lives when I watch the show lately. What I mean by that is I'm looking at the kids for any sign that they're not handling the divorce well. And that's really none of my business. I feel badly for the kids having to go through a divorce which is hard enough without their parents in the limelight. I don't know, I just feel like it might cause them pain or resentment later on. I hope I'm wrong, I really do but I'm just remembering what I was like as an 11 year old going through my own parent's divorce. It would have been very upsetting to me to see photographers everywhere probably asking impertinent questions about my parents. I realize I'm projecting my own experience here but I just wonder how much all of the circus is affecting the kids. Kate should just focus on this new show and back out of the TLC contract somehow. I think she could pull it off too. She could easily say that the kids need privacy to deal with their divorce and if she continues the show, it might cause problems for them. I would imagine there must be some kind of clause in the contract addressing the welfare of the kids. Who knows for sure though. I've just been feeling unsettled when I watch the show lately. I think the kids need way more time and space to deal with this. I don't doubt that J&K love them, I never have. But I think they're both blinded right now with animosity toward each other and a stubborness to continue generating income.

OT, Dreagirl, but I noticed you only have 3 weeks till Disney! Yeah! Only 30 more days for me!

Yes, I'm feeling the same way. I'm on Gosselin overload.

And yes, we are almost there!

 

[DMRick]

I feel like I am in Kateland today. We flew into sunny California and my husband who never watched the show, unless I call him in for an extra cute part pointed out three (yes, three LOL) gals with Kate hairdo's on the plane (the one gal that I talked to said it was super easy to take care of, with three kids under three). We just went for a walk for lunch, sit down, and the people in the booth behind us are talking about Kate and her new endeavors (was the Paula show out..the one gal was talking about how it turned out much better than she thought, and they were all saying they thought this was a good thing for Kate, and maybe when the show ends this is what she could do).
Then we came back to the hotel, went to the desk to get our wifi code, and the people in front of us in line, were talking about Jon and Kate.
I'm sort of afraid to get on the ship tomorrow..will I see Kate clones LOL.

As for school, I thought the kids went to a church affiliated school. That's where two my kids went (not their school, but one in our area) and it was a world of difference in our lives. Often they lower the price if the salary is low, but I imagine they are paying full price. I would not want to see them pulled out of it..that could be their main stability right now.

As for expenses, I sure do hope they put a fair share in the kids accounts. As for selling the house, it is up for sale, so unless the judge buys it, I don't see how he could 'make' them sell it. I imagine they have a fair share of expense in their current home too. I don't believe they paid cash, and along with the hefty salary (I read again yesterday that it was $75,000 an episode now, not each, and not when they first started) come the mortgages, hefty taxes (house and income), expenses, etc. If they had stayed where they were, and not had two mortages all this time they would have been ahead..but it's hard to go back and hindsight and armchair calls are easy to do IMO. I hope they have a financial planner helping them, because with the court case, two other apartments to pay for (and we know one is very expensive) that moneuy could be gone in a flash..just like many other celebrities. It seems like so much, when you have very little.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

ITA with all of this

And I think it's fine for you to project your own experience here, because there are some life-altering events that all children experience in a similar way to some extent -- divorce is one of those. Otherwise, nobody would ever be able to write a book about how children handle divorce, death, etc., and nobody would know how to counsel children going through those events. Actually if you google "children and divorce" the advice and issues in every website are shockingly similar.

So, thanks for your input on this -- I'm trusting your opinion on this partly because you went through this yourself, but also because you were a little bit older than the Gosselin kids so you would be more aware of how it affected you.

I suppose that is true, that books are written about divorce because there are similar experiences being dealt with. That's a great point.

I will say that I truly hope that J&K have the brains to at least have the kids in counseling. Especially Cara & Mady. My mom forced me (ok, promised me new earrings!) to go to a counselor and I thought I didn't need to. Well, once I was in the counselor's office, I burst into tears and talked about how sad, angry and lonely I felt. I think I was the most surprised at how quickly I opened up and let it all out. My mom was very happy that I finally talked about how I felt but it was hard. That's why I feel weird when I watch the show now because I wonder how the kids are handling it, if they're acting out because of it and so on. They need their privacy for this. There's just no way around it. Kate should really have the sense to understand that and I'm now getting really irritated with her for not seeing it. I realize the show is their income but this is getting ridiculous IMO. Being filmed while dealing with their parents divorce isn't healthy, if you ask me. I used to think it was ok since so much was changing for them that filming was some form of normalcy. But if I'm really honest with myself, I think they should stop. I wouldn't want my 3 girls going through something like a divorce on TV. I still remember the sextuplets b-day party when sweet Alexis told Jon she didn't want him to leave anymore. Now it's documented for not only us to see but for them as well. Some part of their innocence needs to be preserved. I know I sound like I'm doing a 180 turn here but lately it's been pricking my conscience.

I think a lot of people feel the way you do, all Kate hating and Jon bashing aside. It is unsettling thinking of those kids.

Not to be morbid, but if something terrible happened to one of the kids would they continue on? I do think there has be some sort of clause for an out, and I think their turmoil qualifies.

It is unsettling now for me. Again, I don't doubt J&K's love for them. The kids seem to be taking a backseat to their own schedules in a way. I do wonder too what kind of clause is in their contract about the kids well being.

Yes, I'm feeling the same way. I'm on Gosselin overload.

And yes, we are almost there!

That's a good way to put it, Gosselin overload or 'GO' for short! I can't believe we're getting so close to our trip time too! It seems like just a week ago my countdown sign read 120 days!

 

[redrosesix]

As for expenses, I sure do hope they put a fair share in the kids accounts. As for selling the house, it is up for sale, so unless the judge buys it, I don't see how he could 'make' them sell it. I imagine they have a fair share of expense in their current home too. I don't believe they paid cash, and along with the hefty salary (I read again yesterday that it was $75,000 an episode now, not each, and not when they first started) come the mortgages, hefty taxes (house and income), expenses, etc. If they had stayed where they were, and not had two mortages all this time they would have been ahead..but it's hard to go back and hindsight and armchair calls are easy to do IMO. I hope they have a financial planner helping them, because with the court case, two other apartments to pay for (and we know one is very expensive) that moneuy could be gone in a flash..just like many other celebrities. It seems like so much, when you have very little.

The rules may be very different in PA, but here the judge would force them to sell the house at the market price (somebody posted on the last thread that J & K had it priced above the comparables) because you can't actually divide a house -- you can only divide money. The same thing is done with the family home if the parents are going to have joint custody with the kids going back and forth, as well as any other assets like stocks, cars, etc. unless one spouse is willing to buy the other out.

I suppose that is true, that books are written about divorce because there are similar experiences being dealt with. That's a great point.

I will say that I truly hope that J&K have the brains to at least have the kids in counseling. Especially Cara & Mady. My mom forced me (ok, promised me new earrings!) to go to a counselor and I thought I didn't need to. Well, once I was in the counselor's office, I burst into tears and talked about how sad, angry and lonely I felt. I think I was the most surprised at how quickly I opened up and let it all out. My mom was very happy that I finally talked about how I felt but it was hard. That's why I feel weird when I watch the show now because I wonder how the kids are handling it, if they're acting out because of it and so on. They need their privacy for this. There's just no way around it. Kate should really have the sense to understand that and I'm now getting really irritated with her for not seeing it. I realize the show is their income but this is getting ridiculous IMO. Being filmed while dealing with their parents divorce isn't healthy, if you ask me. I used to think it was ok since so much was changing for them that filming was some form of normalcy. But if I'm really honest with myself, I think they should stop. I wouldn't want my 3 girls going through something like a divorce on TV. I still remember the sextuplets b-day party when sweet Alexis told Jon she didn't want him to leave anymore. Now it's documented for not only us to see but for them as well. Some part of their innocence needs to be preserved. I know I sound like I'm doing a 180 turn here but lately it's been pricking my conscience.

Again, ITA with everything you said here.

I've done a 180 on a lot of things related to the Gosselins. Sure, everything might seem fine on the show, and if you don't really think about it (same as a regular TV drama or sitcom) it may not get to you. But these are real children on the screen and IMO when you think about the fact that they have real feelings ie. they're not actors, it becomes so different. I just have to think that they are going through pretty much the same things as you did, but the tups would have even less understanding of what was going on (not that it would be any less painful, perhaps more because they wouldn't see the reason for the divorce)

The only similar thing my daughter went through was when my father died when she was 4. She had good and bad days (and even on the good days, there were some tough moments) If the Gosselin kids are going through anything similar to what she did, I can imagine the filming is taking much longer than it used to and it's probably a lot less enjoyable for them.

I think that TLC deserves a lot of the blame here -- they have really capitalized on the extra interest that resulted from the divorce. Even though they announced a hiatus, apparently they continued filming throughout that time, otherwise there wouldn't have been any new shows ready to go in August. That just bothers me.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Again, ITA with everything you said here.

I've done a 180 on a lot of things related to the Gosselins. Sure, everything might seem fine on the show, and if you don't really think about it (same as a regular TV drama or sitcom) it may not get to you. But these are real children on the screen and IMO when you think about the fact that they have real feelings ie. they're not actors, it becomes so different. I just have to think that they are going through pretty much the same things as you did, but the tups would have even less understanding of what was going on (not that it would be any less painful, perhaps more because they wouldn't see the reason for the divorce)

The only similar thing my daughter went through was when my father died when she was 4. She had good and bad days (and even on the good days, there were some tough moments) If the Gosselin kids are going through anything similar to what she did, I can imagine the filming is taking much longer than it used to and it's probably a lot less enjoyable for them.

I think that TLC deserves a lot of the blame here -- they have really capitalized on the extra interest that resulted from the divorce. Even though they announced a hiatus, apparently they continued filming throughout that time, otherwise there wouldn't have been any new shows ready to go in August. That just bothers me.

I agree that TLC is part of the problem right now. Who knows what they're promising J&K behind closed doors if they promise to continue the show. I too remember them saying they were taking a hiatus but then it seemed as if they didn't, right? So, they announce their divorce in June and then say they'll begin filming again in August? Is that right? Where's Madge?? Even if it's true that they took that hiatus, how is that enough time for the kids to adjust? I won't even tell you all how long it took me to come to terms and be completely fine with my parents divorce. I'll give you a hint, I wasn't a child when I did. The more I keep thinking this over, the more it comes across as greedy and selfish on J&K's part. I'm sure they could certainly bring TLC to court if they denied letting them out of their contract due to the kids' welfare. What judge would force them to continue when 8 little kids are involved with the potential (or maybe already the reality) of being affected by continuing? I just keep thinking of my sister and myself when our parents divorced and how painful it honestly was. J&K have blown it IMO. They had the power to make it as painless as possible for the kids and they didn't. Instead it became he said/she said in the media outlets. I'm just not understanding how Kate (especially because she is the mom) can look at those 8 precious faces and not think they deserve time away from the cameras and paps. She always claims that she 'will not lay down and die' and seems to apply that to her kids as well, like she expects them to have the same attitude about things. Well, they're kids and I'll bet my paycheck (ok I don't work but if I did) that those kids are confused, angry and sad. How could they not be? Even though my parents nastily fought in front us, we still wanted them to work it out and stay married. That's the way a kid sees it I think.

Geez, sorry for the rant and I'm off my soapbox now!

 

[redrosesix]

I agree that TLC is part of the problem right now. Who knows what they're promising J&K behind closed doors if they promise to continue the show. I too remember them saying they were taking a hiatus but then it seemed as if they didn't, right? So, they announce their divorce in June and then say they'll begin filming again in August? Is that right? Where's Madge?? Even if it's true that they took that hiatus, how is that enough time for the kids to adjust? I won't even tell you all how long it took me to come to terms and be completely fine with my parents divorce. I'll give you a hint, I wasn't a child when I did. The more I keep thinking this over, the more it comes across as greedy and selfish on J&K's part. I'm sure they could certainly bring TLC to court if they denied letting them out of their contract due to the kids' welfare. What judge would force them to continue when 8 little kids are involved with the potential (or maybe already the reality) of being affected by continuing? I just keep thinking of my sister and myself when our parents divorced and how painful it honestly was. J&K have blown it IMO. They had the power to make it as painless as possible for the kids and they didn't. Instead it became he said/she said in the media outlets. I'm just not understanding how Kate (especially because she is the mom) can look at those 8 precious faces and not think they deserve time away from the cameras and paps. She always claims that she 'will not lay down and die' and seems to apply that to her kids as well, like she expects them to have the same attitude about things. Well, they're kids and I'll bet my paycheck (ok I don't work but if I did) that those kids are confused, angry and sad. How could they not be? Even though my parents nastily fought in front us, we still wanted them to work it out and stay married. That's the way a kid sees it I think.

Geez, sorry for the rant and I'm off my soapbox now!

No need to apologize -- this is the place to rant, and IMO you have a perspective that is really important here.

My DD competes in baton twirling. I know that more than a few girls have taken time off from competing (but still kept active in the sport) when their parents divorced or separated -- sometimes more than a year. IMO their mothers did the right thing by taking some of the pressure off.

In the past year, this family has moved, gotten dogs (then got rid of the dogs), started living separately, the tups started school (when did the twins change schools?), and on top of that had to deal with the paparazzi everywhere they went, including at home. Add to that the stuff they likely have to deal with from each parent speaking about the other (which we know probably is happening). IMO, this is already too much.

And on top of that, they have to work? You're right -- if J & K wanted it to stop, it would stop.

 

[DMRick]

I didn't know the twins changed schools. I thought they were still at the same schoo
I do think of the kids..I don't see it just as a TV show. That said, I only see what the tabloids report on (and I have no idea what is truthful, but I am sure a spin is put on it to make us want to know more), and what TLC chooses for me to see. These kids that were loud this past show, were the same level of noise when I first begin to watch the show. I can't say that their behavior is because of the pending divorce. They used to be so loud and Mady so , well Mady, I had to stop watching for a while (I've since caught up on the reruns, those I missed). Since the divorce (other than this family night show), I have thought the kids were doing much better. Many thought it was because they didn't have to hear their parents argue. I have no idea if they are getting any sort of help, because that would not be something that TLC would want to share.
I think the show will be self limiting in any case, as the girls get older and will not want the taping to go on. PLus, if Kate finds a new way to support her brood, I hope she will grab it.
Not every divorce tears apart a family. It's become a lot more common than 20 years ago, and kids seem to be prety accepting. What would be bad, would be if they didn't see both parents on a regular basis. Although again, not seeing behind the scenes, I have no idea just what home life was like with mom and dad in the same house. I don't know if this is better for them (the divorce). Things have been quiet..I can only hope the kids are getting help, and that the parents have acted accordingly.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I didn't know the twins changed schools. I thought they were still at the same schoo
I do think of the kids..I don't see it just as a TV show. That said, I only see what the tabloids report on (and I have no idea what is truthful, but I am sure a spin is put on it to make us want to know more), and what TLC chooses for me to see. These kids that were loud this past show, were the same level of noise when I first begin to watch the show. I can't say that their behavior is because of the pending divorce. They used to be so loud and Mady so , well Mady, I had to stop watching for a while (I've since caught up on the reruns, those I missed). Since the divorce (other than this family night show), I have thought the kids were doing much better. Many thought it was because they didn't have to hear their parents argue. I have no idea if they are getting any sort of help, because that would not be something that TLC would want to share.
I think the show will be self limiting in any case, as the girls get older and will not want the taping to go on. PLus, if Kate finds a new way to support her brood, I hope she will grab it.
Not every divorce tears apart a family. It's become a lot more common than 20 years ago, and kids seem to be prety accepting. What would be bad, would be if they didn't see both parents on a regular basis. Although again, not seeing behind the scenes, I have no idea just what home life was like with mom and dad in the same house. I don't know if this is better for them (the divorce). Things have been quiet..I can only hope the kids are getting help, and that the parents have acted accordingly.

I think the show too is on it's last legs but regardless, I just can't help but wonder if the kids (particulary Cara & Mady) will look back on the shows with resentment or bitterness. If I'm really being honest with myself Doris, I'd have hated being on TV during my parent's divorce. I could barely conceal my anger toward both of them and I certainly wouldn't have wanted any of it documented for the world to see or myself to see later. Granted I was 11 at the time but still I think it's going to take a huge toll on the kids. Unfortunately they may not know how to express their feelings about the divorce so it might come out in other ways. Maybe stubborness, tantrums and just being incredibly difficult when it's time to film. Why add that extra stress in their lives? I'd rather err on the side of caution and give them time and space without a camera crew around.

I do agree with you though that TLC wouldn't let on that the kids are getting help because then that would open a whole can of worms for them. I hope they are getting help though, all of them. I still think they need more time to adjust. Kate is very resourceful and it looks like she's going to land that new talk show gig. Hopefully that will translate into the show stopping for the kids. Who knows.

 

[redrosesix]

I just assumed they had changed schools because the bus used to come to their home -- maybe they didn't and the bussing changed.

 

[redrosesix]

I think the show too is on it's last legs but regardless, I just can't help but wonder if the kids (particulary Cara & Mady) will look back on the shows with resentment or bitterness. If I'm really being honest with myself Doris, I'd have hated being on TV during my parent's divorce. I could barely conceal my anger toward both of them and I certainly wouldn't have wanted any of it documented for the world to see or myself to see later. Granted I was 11 at the time but still I think it's going to take a huge toll on the kids. Unfortunately they may not know how to express their feelings about the divorce so it might come out in other ways. Maybe stubborness, tantrums and just being incredibly difficult when it's time to film. Why add that extra stress in their lives? I'd rather err on the side of caution and give them time and space without a camera crew around.

I do agree with you though that TLC wouldn't let on that the kids are getting help because then that would open a whole can of worms for them. I hope they are getting help though, all of them. I still think they need more time to adjust. Kate is very resourceful and it looks like she's going to land that new talk show gig. Hopefully that will translate into the show stopping for the kids. Who knows.

I was thinking about the divorce when I was watching Cara on the last show -- IMO if her foot had been hurting for 2 weeks, and she had been acting like that the whole time, somebody would have taken her to the doctor sooner.

And there have been at least 2 instances when Jon apparently excused the kids from filming -- one when he let Mady goes shopping with his mom, and one when he let all of the kids stop early for the day. There may have been more, or there may have been other times that she wanted to leave but wasn't allowed to. This may have even happened before the separation, but we didn't hear about it so I'm assuming it didn't.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I was thinking about the divorce when I was watching Cara on the last show -- IMO if her foot had been hurting for 2 weeks, and she had been acting like that the whole time, somebody would have taken her to the doctor sooner.

And there have been at least 2 instances when Jon apparently excused the kids from filming -- one when he let Mady goes shopping with his mom, and one when he let all of the kids stop early for the day. There may have been more, or there may have been other times that she wanted to leave but wasn't allowed to. This may have even happened before the separation, but we didn't hear about it so I'm assuming it didn't.

The last episode with Cara's foot and game night was difficult to watch. Poor Cara had a complete meltdown over the musical instruments. It was really sad to me because she just kind of exploded and in my mind, I wondered if she's just overwhelmed with everything going on. Kate even said during that episode that Cara doesn't know how to really talk about what she's feeling so then she bottles it up and explodes. Cara's reaction to the musical instruments was really over the top IMO and reminded me of myself actually. I had a lot going through my little head during my parent's divorce and I was angry. That's how Cara came across to me and I don't think she needs to have it on film. Kate's attitude was very dismissive about it. If it were me, I'd be on alert for behavior like that since I'd think it would indicate my child is having trouble coping. Again, that's just me and it doesn't mean I'm right. It just illustrates that I can't watch the show now since I'm looking for things like that.

 

[whitneyNC]

The last episode with Cara's foot and game night was difficult to watch. Poor Cara had a complete meltdown over the musical instruments. It was really sad to me because she just kind of exploded and in my mind, I wondered if she's just overwhelmed with everything going on...That's how Cara came across to me and I don't think she needs to have it on film.

Good post. Kate is dismissive, and can't seem to see the forest for looking at the trees. Can you imagine Cara's 8 and 9 year old friends watching this past epidode? Humiliating.

I don't think the twins have changed schools. It is maybe just further away now, and the bus comes to a community pick up point as opposed to in front of the house.

Kate has a very marketable skill. Nurses are in high demand and make excellent money. Her kids are school aged, and she could earn a living. Jon is able bodied, young and could work a public job. They have chosen the show and celebrity not to provide, but to live lavishly. I don't know if there is any going back. They are a punch line to the joke. The kids don't need to worry about college funds. The state set up the TAP accounts at their first birthday and can you imagine the loans, grants, and scholarships for people with eight kids in college at once? Kate has said she won't be handing over money for cars, they will need to get a job when they are 16. I thought that was the point of the show? I think she uses the show, and fans and people who work for her in place of family and friends. She is surrounded by people and all by herself.

 

[Jeanne B]

I think she uses the show, and fans and people who work for her in place of family and friends. She is surrounded by people and all by herself.

I only started watching the show last year and even then not on a regular basis but I was thinking about this exact thing as I was watching this weeks episode...I've never seen her around any girlfriends or family and as someone who is going through a divorce myself right now I was thinking about how alone she seems.

 

[Debbie]

I think that TLC deserves a lot of the blame here -- they have really capitalized on the extra interest that resulted from the divorce. Even though they announced a hiatus, apparently they continued filming throughout that time, otherwise there wouldn't have been any new shows ready to go in August. That just bothers me.

I agree that the show has continued because of the third parent. We are not privy to the legal obligations, but it would have been kinder had that 'hiatus' been longer for the children to adjust. But then again...what was the last show before the hiatus. It aired in June, but was it the birthday in May?

In the past year, this family has moved, gotten dogs (then got rid of the dogs), started living separately, the tups started school (when did the twins change schools?), and on top of that had to deal with the paparazzi everywhere they went, including at home. Add to that the stuff they likely have to deal with from each parent speaking about the other (which we know probably is happening). IMO, this is already too much.

Thanks. I hadn't thought about that. Looking at it from the children's perspective alone, they have been through a lot of changes. I remember the stress that I was under when I moved my family to a new home, new school, and was dealing with an impending death. Again, we are not privy to whether they are receiving any help to adjust. We can hope that that is happening for these youngsters.

Kate even said during that episode that Cara doesn't know how to really talk about what she's feeling so then she bottles it up and explodes.

This isn't new. In one of the earlier episodes-when they were in the old house, and the girls were in first grade, I think, Jon and Kate mentioned that quality of Cara. I didn't see the episode (House ), and I wasn't able to catch it on the other days this week. Oh well, I'm sure TLC will run it again. . . . . and again. . . . . and again. . . .

 

[DMRick]

I just assumed they had changed schools because the bus used to come to their home -- maybe they didn't and the bussing changed.

Their home changed, so I assumed that was why the bus didn't come to their home anymore. Maybe it depended on the district they are/were in. I haven't read that they have changed schools...not that that means they haven't.

Also, Kate has said that sometimes the kids don't want to be taped, so they go to a friends house, or another room.

 

[rileyroosmom]

Both Kate and Jon have said in the past that Cara keeps everything bottled inside and doesn't express her feelings until she just lets it all out over something trivial. I don't think Kate was ignoring Cara, she just knows how she is.