Jon & Kate plus 8 budget?

[winnapooh]

That Christmas episode really bothered me as well, because Kate was saying how hard it is to afford Christmas for eight kids-then she said some viewers offered to send gifts for the kids, and I thought she would say she told the fans to send the gifts to a toy drive or something. NO! Instead she said, "who are we to say no?" and they accepted the gifts from the viewers. Really, I felt it was very disingenuous to not acknowledge that financially they are doing very well. I have noticed in the more recent episodes, they don't seem to be complaining about the budget anymore.

I thought the exact same thing...I was hoping that she would say she told the viewer to donate them to Toys for Tots or something, but no... I couldn't believe that, especially since it's not like they were short on toys that Christmas! So much for their family mission statement about helping others!

I watch the show because the kids are just so cute; but mostly because I feel I'm learning how NOT to parent and how NOT to treat my husband. I agree the kids seem happy and healthy and all, but I'm now wondering, after reading this thread and some other sites, how much of that is due to the parents care, and not someone they hired!

 

[madge]

I totally agree that the tone of the show is changing.

But please put yourself in their shoes. What would YOU do if your family were in the limelight? They're being given these things, I'm quite sure they don't have to ask for anything it is all being presented to them on a silver platter.

I can't say for certain what I would do in their shoes. I'd like to think that first and foremost, I'd be grateful for any gifts or donations we received. I don't think I'd shop my family around to cable networks, though. That's not really my style. I'm also at least 10 years older than Jon & Kate. What impact, if any, that would have on decisions? I don't know.

More than anything, I would like to think that my husband and I would be truthful in our endeavors. I cannot imagine leading people to believe something and accepting handouts (love offerings, whatever you want to call them), knowing that what you've led people to believe may not be the accurate truth.

And finally, I'd also like to think I would continue to give back to my community, and not profit off the generosity of others. I'd like my children to know that not everyone is as fortunate as they are to have entire wardrobes of Gymboree sent to their home, and donating them to charity when outgrown might be a kind thing to do, instead of taking them to a consignment shop for $$.

And even though it seems like every episode is them going on a trip which to us makes it sound like they're ALWAYS traveling, in "real time" it is more spread out. (Wish I could travel as much as they do!)

In 2008, they've gone to Utah, NYC, the Outer Banks of NC, several day trips within Pennsylvania, and older girls have been to Orlando

I certainly have my opinions about Kate & other things related to the show, but as far as the money & luxury things go, I don't have a bit of a problem with it so long as they prepare for the future.

I agree. They've earned everything they've gotten, in one way or another.

 

[Mickeyherewecome123]

Didn't they say in one episode that Jon's new job was for Beth's husband's company? If they are on the outs, then probably so is the new job.

Yes, I totally remember them saying that on the show. and that he could make his own hours. I bet he lost that job if they had a falling out with Beth. And wow, she was soooo good to them.

 

[Mickeyherewecome123]

I might be wrong. Didin't Jon grandmother invite them to Hawaii? Isn't that what Kate said last nght??

People gripe they get free stuff. People would gripe if they both worked 40 hours. So it seems to be there are darn if they do darn if they darn don't

I think he said he is going to visit with them. But the resort they are staying at (cant remember the name) is putting them up. So thats a freebie, probably a good one, cuz so many ppl watch their show and its advertisement for the resort. Now, I dont know about plane fare and spending money.
Its no differant than any other celebrity getting free stuff. Thats just my opinion. now, my concern would be that the kids have no privacy and thats giong to be hard as they get older and in school.

 

[allison443]

I might be wrong. Didin't Jon grandmother invite them to Hawaii? Isn't that what Kate said last nght??

Actually Kate said "the (whatever name) resort invited us, and you don't have to ask us twice-we're there!" or something to that effect.
They did say they are going to visit some of Jon's relatives, so that will be really nice.

 

[allison443]

Yes, I totally remember them saying that on the show. and that he could make his own hours. I bet he lost that job if they had a falling out with Beth. And wow, she was soooo good to them.

And the kids really loved Beth and her younger daughter-Talia I think? I remember the twins considered her their best friend. I hope for the kids' sake that Beth's family is still around...maybe just not on the show.

 

[brittsmum1998]

I totally agree that the tone of the show is changing.

But please put yourself in their shoes. What would YOU do if your family were in the limelight? They're being given these things, I'm quite sure they don't have to ask for anything it is all being presented to them on a silver platter.

Would you seriously turn down offers for free trips, clothes, etc.? They keep saying that they want to expose their kids to trips & activities, which they are doing. Likely, they wouldn't have the opportunity if it weren't for everything that's been given to them. They know it won't last forever, so why not enjoy the ride???

And even though it seems like every episode is them going on a trip which to us makes it sound like they're ALWAYS traveling, in "real time" it is more spread out. (Wish I could travel as much as they do!)

I certainly have my opinions about Kate & other things related to the show, but as far as the money & luxury things go, I don't have a bit of a problem with it so long as they prepare for the future.

Look at Little People? Remember their house? NOW look at it. It's absolutely massive. They're living the high life as well. Too bad they won't hire a housekeeper though. They're still slobs!

I'm not sure how "spread out" it is. I believe they are taping 3/4 days out of 7. I think Kate mentioned it at one time. It seems to me that this whole season has been them taking trips not to mention the publicity on the national shows.

 

[girli565]

I'm not sure how "spread out" it is. I believe they are taping 3/4 days out of 7. I think Kate mentioned it at one time. It seems to me that this whole season has been them taking trips not to mention the publicity on the national shows.

I think the reason we're seeing so many trips this season is because it was filmed over the summer and the older girls are out of school so they take advantage of that time and vacation. I'm sure once the episodes where school starts for the older girls, we'll see less traveling.

 

[madge]

I think the reason we're seeing so many trips this season is because it was filmed over the summer and the older girls are out of school so they take advantage of that time and vacation. I'm sure once the episodes where school starts for the older girls, we'll see less traveling.

I think we'll have to wait and see on that one. There have been a couple of appearances in NYC promoting the book - live shows aired on school days.

 

[krismom]

Budget? at $65,000 per episode?
Seriously, I had to stop watching when each episode was like a 25 minute commercial for:

~ hair plugs
~ teeth whitening
~ fisher price toys
~ Ski lodge in Utah
~ Beach House in NC
~ Gymboree / Gap
~ Dutch Wonderland
~ Hershey Park
~etc, etc, etc...

The show used to be about the family dynamic and how to manage with 8 kids... now its just about product placement.

 

[littlele]

I agree that while the Roloffs get free stuff and enjoy wonderful trips, they also lead a more normal life and really seem to appreciate all that is done for them.

Unfortunately, I beg to differ on their appreciative nature. Being a local, we hear about them on the news and around town enough to know that they are not quite what they seem on tv. When given something in exchange for product placement, apparently they are never satisfied, but rather always asking for more. And the dui arrests that have been quietly shoved under the carpet (I believe the count is three).....and the fact that Amy was technically teaching last year, but the parents were sad to realize that their teacher wasn't really interested in the kids anymore.....and after witnessing the terrible accident at the pumpkin patch last year and hearing the 'spin' on it.....it is fair to say that I am no longer interested in them or their show.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Unfortunately, I beg to differ on their appreciative nature. Being a local, we hear about them on the news and around town enough to know that they are not quite what they seem on tv. When given something in exchange for product placement, apparently they are never satisfied, but rather always asking for more. And the dui arrests that have been quitely shoved under the carpet (I believe the count is three).....and the fact that Amy was technically teaching last year, but the parents were sad to realize that their teacher wasn't really interested in the kids anymore.....and after witnessing the terrible accident at the pumpkin patch last year and hearing the 'spin' on it.....it is fair to say that I am no longer interested in them or their show.

What terrible accident? Sounds awful!

Sorry to hear that fame (and money) seems to go to everybody's head. Mind you I wouldn't mind the freebies, but would I put my family on TV, no way!!!

 

[Belle4mygrl]

Unfortunately, I beg to differ on their appreciative nature. Being a local, we hear about them on the news and around town enough to know that they are not quite what they seem on tv. When given something in exchange for product placement, apparently they are never satisfied, but rather always asking for more. And the dui arrests that have been quietly shoved under the carpet (I believe the count is three).....and the fact that Amy was technically teaching last year, but the parents were sad to realize that their teacher wasn't really interested in the kids anymore.....and after witnessing the terrible accident at the pumpkin patch last year and hearing the 'spin' on it.....it is fair to say that I am no longer interested in them or their show.

I didn't think the DUI was pushed under the rug. If I recall, the show was advertised quite a bit and it had at least 2 -3 shows about it. UNLESS, there is more to it?????? Are you saying he has had 3 dui's? WOW

What "spin" was put on the accident?

 

[littlele]

I didn't think the DUI was pushed under the rug. If I recall, the show was advertised quite a bit and it had at least 2 -3 shows about it. UNLESS, there is more to it?????? Are you saying he has had 3 dui's? WOW

What "spin" was put on the accident?

Yep, he has had three!

And as I said, unfortunately we were there for the accident (my DD will not go near that pumpkin patch again) and it was very scary to witness. The worst part is, I was wondering why they would let a little boy control this monster of a machine, before it all happened (our kids are around the same age, so I notice these type of things). On the news they were tryng their best to downplay it, and I really felt bad for the man, little boy and all of those who had to witness this and those 5 or so men who came to the aid of the gentlemen trapped by the huge cement block. They screwed up by letting the little guy near the controls and it would just be responsible, IMHO if Matt just owned up to the mistake.

 

[stemikger]

I watched this show a few times and definitely think the kids are adorable and enjoy the wife, but I can't stomach the husband. Maybe it's me, but he rubs me the wrong way.

He dosen't seem like a nice guy at all, never seems happy and always looks soo serious and stuffy.

 

[luna99]

He dosen't seem like a nice guy at all, never seems happy and always looks soo serious and stuffy.

ooooh, this is just too easy.
(of course I'm thinking of saying something about "look at who he's married to")

 

[girli565]

I think we'll have to wait and see on that one. There have been a couple of appearances in NYC promoting the book - live shows aired on school days.

I'm at work by 8 so I never see the morning news shows, which have they been on?

I remember seeing a show when this season first started that it was summer time because they (J&K) were complaining so much about the heat, so I figured they filmed this piece of the season during the summer months.

 

[madge]

I'm at work by 8 so I never see the morning news shows, which have they been on?

I remember seeing a show when this season first started that it was summer time because they (J&K) were complaining so much about the heat, so I figured they filmed this piece of the season during the summer months.

Let's see ... this month they've been on Good Morning America, which was an overnight trip because the children were asked how they liked seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway the night before. They were on FoxNews the same day. About a week or so before that, the whole family was on Live with Regis & Kelly. Kate has also done a couple of talk show interviews on her own.

 

[Crystal824]

Actually Kate said "the (whatever name) resort invited us, and you don't have to ask us twice-we're there!" or something to that effect.
They did say they are going to visit some of Jon's relatives, so that will be really nice.

I believe the resort is the Grand Wailea on Maui. I was there last year for my honeymoon. We didn't stay at this resort, but we had dinner there. It is beautiful and according to my DH, lots of celebrities stay there especially sports celebrities.
Again, good for Jon and Kate and the kids, they probably would never have had this opportunity without the show. I loved Hawaii and am grateful we got to go. I know if we have 8 kids we wouldn't return without some sort of drastic increase in income.

 

[tinkarooni]

What an interesting thread. I don't watch the show faithfully or anything, but my DD8 enjoys it so when we pass by it we will watch. I remember the episode where she took all the girls to paint pottery. I remember thinking (naively) how in the world do they afford to paint so many different pieces? I took my two kids to paint pottery once and let them do one piece each. My family makes a good living but I still have to watch the extras and luxuries. We make each dollar stretch. I couldn't believe how much she spent on painting pottery.....silly me....now I know. It didn't seem very real, most people just don't live like that, especially if you have all those kids to feed, clothe and educate.