The Duggar Family

[leahjade]

People want to believe their way is the only way. That is why the Duggars bother people.

I've only seen a few episodes but have never seen the Duggars say "their way is the only way to raise a family". I've never heard them say a negative word about any other religion or way of life. That's why it's hard for me to fathom the hatred for their family. Their children seem happy and are certainly not abused so why all the malice?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I've only seen a few episodes but have never seen the Duggars say "their way is the only way to raise a family". I've never heard them say a negative word about any other religion or way of life. That's why it's hard for me to fathom the hatred for their family. Their children seem happy and are certainly not abused so why all the malice?

i agree. There are a million ways I wouldn't choose for raising my kids. That doesn't make them wrong or bad.

 

[leahjade]

The girls cook, do the laundry, take care of the children, homeschool the younger children and care for younger brothers and sisters.

In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt for more American kids to be helping out more at home. But I guess playing video games, watching "Jersey Shore" and sexting are more socially accepted hobbies for our youth in this country then going to church or doing chores.

having multiple children with a man they barely know who is chosen for them by their parents

What? The only Duggar child who got married was the son who didn't have his wife chosen for him and they have 1 baby? This is how bits and pieces of information get distorted and posted on blogs and websites. If you don't like the show, don't watch - it's pretty simple!

 

[bgdiznee]

Well, I do watch the Duggar series. I like to watch how such a large group of people do try to work together for a commomn goal.
I don't agree with everything, but it is their life ( and a lot more pleasant than watching Kate Goselin whine,IMHO).
I do however think the real litmus test will be how many of their children choose to replicate the parents lifestyle. I'm thinking 50/50. But I don't think Michelle and Jim Bob are the sort who would shun a cild for that choice. "Cousin Amy" always seems welcome in their household and she is about as 180 from the Duggars as possible.

BTW, the house that the oldest son lives in was a former rental property of Michelle and Jim Bob.

So what they do and how they live is not for me, but I could probably say that about a lot of people I meet.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I'm not sure that i agree with the litmus idea. I think that whether the kids make the same choices may have far more to do with the personality/nature of each child. I was raised in a single parent home. By not raising my kids in the same environment I am not saying that I have a problem with my childhood or raising. it is just not for me.

my step mom was raised in a large alcoholic dysfunctional home. She has chosen not to have any kids of her own not because she had a problem with raising her sibs, but because she feels she already raised a family.

 

[badblackpug]

As to the poster who asked about higher education for the girls, no. Women are taught to be breeders and homemakers, men earn the living. Harsh way to put it but in reality that's the way Quiverfull works.

That's what I thought. Let's face it, in today's society that is not realistic. To assume that everyone of the daughters will marry a man that can and will support them is very unrealistic. Let's face it, bad stuff happens, men leave, men die. I had a very good friend as a child her mother got married right out of high school, she never worked outside the home. Her father died suddenly at age 42. Her mother was left with 2 young girls to support and no skills with which to do it. It was quite a struggle. Best case scenario is that one of the Duggar girls marries a man that just doesn't make enough money to support a family on a single income

This . And to those who say others should 'mind their own business' about the Duggars, they are the ones who agreed to open their lives and prance their kids on television. If you put it out there people will criticize.

Absolutely! They put themselves out there, for whatever reason.

That's false - you have to work 10 years in Congress to get life benefits. I notice the only HATE speech allowed in the country any more is against Christians. If people spoke about a minority or gays the way they are allowed to bash Christians, everyone would be outraged.

After this quote I was going to say "Obviously you aren't Muslim."

They are not forcing you to adopt their lifestyle. If anyone ridiculed the way Muslims dress or their believes, they would be called intolerant and bigoted so I don't understand why this family isn't entitled to the same respect. I don't agree with all their beliefs but I rarely have ever seen such hatred towards a family as I see towards the Duggars.

... now I know you definitely are not!

I don't think anyone has expressed any "hatred" toward this family. I seriously think that is overstating it. I think a lot of people disagree with their lifestyle and parenting choices. Again, the Duggars, themselves, are the ones that have put their life and lifestyle on display, they have knowingly opened themselves up to criticism. No one has ridiculed them, no one has acted in any prejudiced or bigoted way against them. People disagree with their choices, and have voiced that, everyone is entitled to their opinions. Again, they decided to profit off these choices and this lifestyle, they chose to accept the good with the bad.

 

[SarahKate]

I am entertained by reading these posts by those who seem to be experts in knowing what the Duggars are doing at all times, even though what we see on TV is such a small SLIVER of their actual day-to-day experience. We don't see everything that goes on in their household, so for people to make these judgments is just crazy.

If we see them go on a road trip for a few days, we see about 24 minutes of that entire experience. What's happening those other 2,880+ minutes (if it's just a 2-day trip!)???

We watch the show and just basically keep an open mind about it. Do I believe what they believe? Heck no. Do I believe that they have seemingly well adjusted children, well mannered, respectful and with an attitude of helping others? Absolutely. Whether or not I agree with their religious beliefs, they are absolutely 100% doing SOMETHING right.

 

[charming23]

I love watching the Duggars and even though it is not the life I would choose for myself I can appreaciate that it works for them.

All of the kids seem happy and healthy. I think it is great that everyone helps out around the house and it seems as if the older girls are given the opporotunities to explore other interests.

As for how many children thay have it is none of my business. I do worry about what mulitple pregancies has done to Michelle but they know what they are doing.

 

[badblackpug]

I am entertained by reading these posts by those who seem to be experts in knowing what the Duggars are doing at all times, even though what we see on TV is such a small SLIVER of their actual day-to-day experience. We don't see everything that goes on in their household, so for people to make these judgments is just crazy.

If we see them go on a road trip for a few days, we see about 24 minutes of that entire experience. What's happening those other 2,880+ minutes (if it's just a 2-day trip!)???

We watch the show and just basically keep an open mind about it. Do I believe what they believe? Heck no. Do I believe that they have seemingly well adjusted children, well mannered, respectful and with an attitude of helping others? Absolutely. Whether or not I agree with their religious beliefs, they are absolutely 100% doing SOMETHING right.

So true, but you know that goes both ways? These kids could be whining and complaining and ripping each others hair out when the cameras are off! The "happy to do it" attitude may just be for the camera!

 

[SarahKate]

So true, but you know that goes both ways? These kids could be whining and complaining and ripping each others hair out when the cameras are off! The "happy to do it" attitude may just be for the camera!

I totally agree with you! We have NO way of knowing. I am going by what I see and my gut feeling....

They are not perfect all the time. The younger kids get rambunctious and are not always perfectly reserved like the older kids. AND, I can't help but wondering about the iPhones that I've seen a few of the older ones have. I wonder if they have strict limitations with what they can access on it.

 

[herdtoDisney]

I believe that Jim-Bob stated, on an episode of the show, that they purchase health insurance privately, some high-deductible plan. So, I do not think they get insurance from their state (this was before Josie-I don't know if she gets medicaid due to her premature birth). He explained on the show that their insurance paid part of their health costs-in that episode, they were going to the dentist and it seemed he paid the rest in cash.

I have read their book, and they explain that they had already owned the property they built their home on-they sold another business to get cash for the steel-house kit, they did most of the work themselves but explain that TLC did help and pay for some finish work, and they didn't even put air-conditioning in it till a year later because they needed to save the cash.

I'm sure they've got some money now, but it wasn't always that way. I really do like this family, they have some values and beliefs similar to mine-some different, also-and they seem to really love each other.

 

[JB2K]

Family trips they have a big tour bus the cost of gas is a killer! But i'm sure they get free entrance to place for promotinig place . because it televised

Like, perhaps...Disney????

In one of their earliest shows, they rode in a modified RV to Disneyland.

And that particular episode did play-out like an advert for DL (much like the "Jon & Kate" episode from WDW).

Not saying it's right or wrong, but for those of you who have chosen to relentlessly rag on this family, you might as well start ragging on Disney a little, too...

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

badblackpug, I suspect that if their lives were like that there would be talk of it. Gossip would abound. So, while you may be right, I think that they are probably about what they seem.

 

[Evi]

I notice the only HATE speech allowed in the country any more is against Christians. If people spoke about a minority or gays the way they are allowed to bash Christians, everyone would be outraged.

Hrm does being a minority as you put it or being homosexual mean they can't be Christians? Wow so like if you have a friend whose of a different ethnic group then say Anglo American do you refer to them as your minority friend or someone who is homosexual, transgender, bisexual they are your gay friend? There are lots of people who would not fit into your categories. It also left me wondering do you think speaking against those groups is justified? Just a thought.

Honestly I think you should go out and read the newspaper or watch the news on tv or go online to BBC, and CNN, you can go strait to Reuters. I can't believe anyone would say they are being attacked because of religion and no other religion or group is affected. I think some of us need to spend less time online and a little more time in the real world. WOW that's just all I have to say.

I'm all set though, enjoy turning the boards into something ugly. Personally I thought this was a budget board not a religious/this is how America should be fanatics club. Maybe this would be better suited to the community board. I don't know. But I'll go back to planning my wonderful vacation in Disney and hope not to have to wait inline behind a family of 21 when we get there.

Oh and please stop preaching religion to everyone those of us who do believe know that its one thing to believe and practice those beliefs in our daily life and another to just talk and preach about it to everyone else. Its not what I was taught about religion.

Also for all of you freaking out they put themselves on tv we are all entitled to watch and think what we want about it. We did not go knocking down their doors to see what was going on inside.

 

[TIAMOMMA]

I'm also amazed how the Duggars provokes such emotions from people. I think it comes down to a couple of basic things:

1. Can they provide and take care of their children? (Yes, and they seem to do it well).
2. Do they judge others for the way they raise their families? (No, they just know what they want and how they want to raise their children, which is their right).

Do I believe in all the things they do? No. However, they respect others way of living so I can't help but respect them more just for this alone. I admire their patience and the kids all seem well adjusted and happy. Why does the Duggars provoke such strong emotions? Sometimes I think a small part of it is because people may envy them in small ways, their faith is strong, their work ethic is strong, their patience is abundant....if you don't agree with their lifestyle that is COMPLETELY your right, but until they expect everyone to foot the bill for their choices in life or start to neglect and mistreat their children this is NOBODIES business. They are happy, let them be.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I haven't seen anyone preaching religion. Major overreaction.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I am interested in the Duggar story precisely because their beliefs are very different from mine. Mine work for me, theirs work for them and that is fine by me. I admire them.

I do wonder, however, if all of their good fortune so far in having so many healthy babies with a healthy mom can be attributed to faith, or if they have also had a tremendous amount of good luck. Good people of all faiths can be devastated by horrible circumstances....some things so horrible that it would be hard to envision a God cruel enough to inflict that much suffering. I'd hate to see this family lose the mom they depend on and love so dearly.

Like many of us, they seem to pick and choose when to trust exclusively to "God's plan" (to bear children), and when to rely on more human-based resources (Josie in the NICU). I personally don't see birth control for an increasingly medically compromised mom as any different than a decision to allow doctors to support their daughter's fragile life. I wouldn't want them to, as Dr. Phil says, "substitute my judgement for their own", but I do hope they are truly emotionally prepared (as much as anyone can be) for the possibility that their luck may run out (in my view) or that God wants to take Michelle home (in their belief system).

 

[herdtoDisney]

. I don't know. But I'll go back to planning my wonderful vacation in Disney and hope not to have to wait inline behind a family of 21 when we get there.

.

What is the difference between standing in line behind a family of 21, and standing in line behind 21 unrelated people ? I'm planning a trip to Disney, too, and I assume I'll be standing in line behind any number of people. Some of whom may be families, and some which may be strangers.

 

[DMRick]

I'm a Christian. I don't hate the Duggars. I just don't get why they are on TV. Most Christians I know would not put themselves publicly out there. I don't think they are sharing the Word, which might have been a reason to be on TV. They have said they are saving their money, so I don't think they are on just to donate to missions. They go on trips, but we've never shown them talking about the Lord to others on these trips.

I just don't get why they are bringing their children up on TV and sharing their private lives. I don't get why it's ok for them to do it, but not others. I do hope the kids get to keep some of the money they are working hard for (and that people have fought for other kids to get). I also strongly believe that these kids totally believe in obeying their parents, and would not say that they didn't want to be on TV, if the parents feel that is what they should be doing. I believe they have been told how to act and be all their lives and that is how they will act.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

did anyone say it wasn't alright for others? i think they just caught someone's attention and next thing, they were on tv.