Keep the kids clean or have fun?

[Goofy'slady]

I think most people who are saying something negative about Kate do not agree with the ways she goes about wanting them to stay clean. Many times it involves yelling at them or yelling at her husband in front of the kids or just yelling in general about the mess they are creating. When it happens, you can see the confused, sometimes scared look on the kids faces. It's as if they don't know why mommy's yelling or what they are supposed to do or stop doing.

I suppose this means that you haven't be frusterated(sp) or upset and yelled at your husband and your kids. Wow, to be amongst so many calm, cool and mellow women. I feel like an exhausted loser of a mom.

T.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I love that Kate already sees the things in herself and talks about them. I also love that on the show that they did about what they regret etc... she talks about the times when she has yelled at jon. She is a very real person i think and has been very open about how she has "stuff" like everyone has stuff. I think this woman has GREAT courage and I can't imagine having cameras and people in my house all the time and everything she deals with. Yes... they invited this all... but how many of us would do that and be brave enough to handle all of this? this show has taken off and everyone is always talking about them.... a few years ago they were just an ordinary family like any of us... now look at them.
God bless them I could never do it and what wonderful kids it seems she is raising.

but.... I would still get the kids the big white t-shirts to wear over their clothes so they could use markers and paint..... but that's just me!!

 

[labdogs42]

I wasn't trying to kate-bash when I started this thread. I just said I didn't understand why she does it, I didn't say she was wrong or a horrible person. I admire both Jon and kate for doing what they do every day. I'd love to meet them and the kids! Maybe I could take a few of them off their hands for a day, so I can see where they are coming from!!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I wasn't trying to kate-bash when I started this thread. I just said I didn't understand why she does it, I didn't say she was wrong or a horrible person. I admire both Jon and kate for doing what they do every day. I'd love to meet them and the kids! Maybe I could take a few of them off their hands for a day, so I can see where they are coming from!!

It didn't sound like Kate bashing to me.

Whenever Jon and Kate come up ANYWHERE, it seems like a debate follows ... perhaps that is why their show is doing so well for TLC?

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I wasn't trying to kate-bash when I started this thread. I just said I didn't understand why she does it, I didn't say she was wrong or a horrible person. I admire both Jon and kate for doing what they do every day. I'd love to meet them and the kids! Maybe I could take a few of them off their hands for a day, so I can see where they are coming from!!

I didn't think that you were bashing her either. I think many people started responding to each other rather than your initial post. And it took on a couple different directions.

 

[MusiqChic99]

I wasn't really trying to Kate bash when I joined in either. I dont like how she talks to her hubby but only because I would feel bad if someone talked to me like that. It's strange to me because in my home we are quiet and mellow. I live with 2 very laid back boys. I dont really have the craziness that requires me to yell. But like i said I dont have 8 children either!

And I do love the show and give her credit for doing what she does every day!

 

[Zeebs]

We are a family of complete neat freaks, can you tell.

Seriously, kids love to get dirty, getting their hands in and touching things helps them learn.

Even being a messy mum, I very rarely carry extra sets of stuff. There is no harm in him travelling home with a dirty shirt or just in his nappy if the case calls for it.

Kirsten

 

[HGD24]

I suppose this means that you haven't be frusterated(sp) or upset and yelled at your husband and your kids. Wow, to be amongst so many calm, cool and mellow women. I feel like an exhausted loser of a mom.

T.

I'm talking about Kate's all out screaming fits, when she stands there with her hands to her face or up in the air in what looks like absolute shock and disbelief of the "mess" that the kids have created or gotten into, all the while screaming "No, no, no!!!" "Why are you doing that???" "Jon, why are you letting them do that? You know better!" It just isn't necessary to be that frantic over something so trival. If the kids were running toward the road or about to do something that could seriously hurt them, then by all mean, yell, but getting messy is no reason to act like that. They're just clothes, some of which I'm sure are donated by companies wanting to get their products on TV.

Yes, I've been frustrated with my DH, but no, we don't yell or put each other down. We talk about it, resolve it and move on. Our DD is only 6 months old, so I haven't had a reason to be upset with her yet, but when those frustrating moments come along, I honestly hope to never react in the over to top way I've sometimes seen Kate react (see above for description of what I mean).

 

[labdogs42]

I'm talking about Kate's all out screaming fits, when she stands there with her hands to her face or up in the air in what looks like absolute shock and disbelief of the "mess" that the kids have created or gotten into, all the while screaming "No, no, no!!!" "Why are you doing that???" "Jon, why are you letting them do that? You know better!" .

Yeah, it is never good to tell one parent "you should know better" in front of the kids. I have heard her do that one more than once. Whoops! Another one is "what were you THINKING?". Not good to ask in front of kiddos, either!

 

[princessreilly]

I am not a "neat freak" by any means. I let my kids get dirty and have fun. But I want to give Kate the benefit of the doubt. I only have two kids and my life is not on camera. (Even though being the wife of a pastor sometimes seems like it). Eight kids is a big family and she often says how much time she spends on doing laundry. I don't think anyone would watch the show if she did everything perfectly. That's what makes it interesting. Sorry, can you tell I'm a big fan?

 

[3goofyboys]

I love the show and have a personality similar to Kate's. When I had kids, I had to learn to let it go. I would love to have a photo ready, Ralph Lauren family all the time. But you know what I love more? Seeing my kids covered in sticky, messy, popsicle and having the time of their lives! If someone sees my kids with said popsicle stain on their shirts and thinks they look like "trash", well, that's their issue, not mine. When I see a young child with a stain on their shirt, I think, oh, someone had a good time. I do not think, oh, their mother clearly neglects them.
But, I only have two kids and if clothes get ruined it's not a huge deal to replace them. If I had 8 kids, I know I would feel differently. Plus, I teach sunday school for 2-3 year olds and I'm telling you, 8 kids all roughly the same age would make even the best of us a little crazy!

 

[HGD24]

I do agree that their life is chaotic and that they do a great job with the large number of kids that they have. I just have a problem with Kate's outbursts to some things that don't really justify that type of reaction.

 

[christa112]

I can totally get why Kate is the way she is. I mean her kids are being plastered on national television and she wants them to look cute, but when they are going to a place like the Crayola factory and they get play she really needs to ease up on them. And for her to act like a lunatic running around feeding each and everyone of them ice cream while at WDW was out of control. Take a pill women!!!

Ok, Kate!! We get it your kids are really cute and wear really cute clothes that all match great!! Now let them have some fun for heaven's sake!!!!

 

[james'mommy]

My kid is a dirt magnet. He has to wear specific shirts to summer camp every day. They need to last all summer long. He came home the first week with permanent marker all over a shirt. I swear at daycare they used to have a dirt box instead of a sand box. He would be dirty head to toe.

 

[vcgirl925]

I have to start this by saying that i love jon and kate plus 8. I do think that they are great parents and do the very best they can with 8 kids. But the bottom line is why on earth would she take them to the crayola factory? Hello? It's the CRAYOLA factory. They make makers, chalk, clay, colored pencils, and crayons. All of which get kids dirty. I think she just chose a bad place for them to go being that she is so anal. Look, i get that it's hard to keep 8 kids presentable and to wash all those loads of laundry. I get that, but don't take them to a place that makes things for them to get dirty!

I love Jon, he's got the best attitude. But Kate...woah mama...needs a good ole colon cleansing.

 

[chrisw127]

I can't even imagine trying to keep mine clean or even caring. I only buy things they can trash. They're only little once.

That show makes me nervous with all her constant fussing. With all the money they're bringing in, she should hire a full-time maid if it's that important. I certainly would.

 

[RMulieri]

being from Pa, alot of us know Kate.She is a clean freak always has been.She is also a control freak.it's just the way she is.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

That show makes me nervous with all her constant fussing. With all the money they're bringing in, she should hire a full-time maid if it's that important. I certainly would.

Did you see the episode where Kate did hire a maid? She fired her after one day because she didn't get the house clean enough.

My 9 year old son and I enjoy watching the show but we find ourselves constantly saying, "She's awful!" (meaning Kate). She's so particular about everything and constantly picks on her husband. My son says she needs to take a chill pill. After the last episode, my son gave me a hug and said, "I'm glad you're a nice mommy who lets us get dirty!"

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I have to start this by saying that i love jon and kate plus 8. I do think that they are great parents and do the very best they can with 8 kids. But the bottom line is why on earth would she take them to the crayola factory? Hello? It's the CRAYOLA factory. They make makers, chalk, clay, colored pencils, and crayons. All of which get kids dirty. I think she just chose a bad place for them to go being that she is so anal. Look, i get that it's hard to keep 8 kids presentable and to wash all those loads of laundry. I get that, but don't take them to a place that makes things for them to get dirty!

I love Jon, he's got the best attitude. But Kate...woah mama...needs a good ole colon cleansing.

She kind of explains this in the show. Her kids love crayons and use them a lot, they love projects right now and do a lot of them, they had been trying to go for a while, she says she didn't realize how some of the "stations would be set up etc... (I know I wouldn't know) and then at the near end says.. this place is for calm people... not people like me. and laughs.

 

[JUJU814]

I saw this episode. Ok, first of all...yes, I can see her point. However, dear dear sweet Kate is a serious micromanager. AND she had helpers. AND the disney CM to help with all the kids. She was not dealing with all these kids alone with their ice cream with a clueless hubby. For goodness sake Kate..your kids are lucky enough to be in the garden getting undivided attention from the characters because you have a television show. You have all of your crew with you that has been helping you with the kids on the trip (they said it in the show). Let them get ice cream on their shirts! LOL After all, Jon would have allowed it!

Julie, who would be in an insane assylum right now with 8 kids.