The Duggar Family

[disneymama83]

Oh good grief this will go on until the world ends.(and how that will happen will be a debate in itself) .there isn't a religion or household in the world that someone won't agree/disagree with how things are done right?

May they all live healthy happy lives

You are so right. It seems that some are taking things way too personal(I have been guilty of that myself). I think it is time to agree to disagree. I hope everyone has a good afternoon or for those of you on the East Coast a good evening!

 

[princessmom29]

lol, do you know any people who actually live like this? I do. Their children are not scarred, they are taught the skills to get by, allowed to go to college, even if they are women, God forbid, and they are relatively happy people. It would be great if the rest of the world were so. You believe far too much of what you read, especially if it supports your biases.

I lived it. I escaped. I hope they do too. My family was a part of a fundamentalist church that subscribed to everything they do except the out of control breeding. Those girls WILL NOT be allowed togo to college. Anna got a Gothard approved bible college degree online. They will NEVER be allowed to go to college away from the family. It is too risky. I believe what I read when it is direcly quoted from the mouth of their parents. That is what I base my opinions on, not what soemone else say about them and what they do. What I have read of direct interviews, primarily with Michelle before they started the series, when they first did the inital special on TLC is where i am getting most of the info on what they believe. She was far less gaurded in what she said then. They are card carriny members of quiverfull and the Gothard movement. They use his homeschool curiculium, or did when the series began.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I lived it. I escaped. I hope they do too. My family was a part of a fundamentalist church that subscribed to everything they do except the out of control breeding. Those girls WILL NOT be allowed togo to college. Anna got a Gothard approved bible college degree online. They will NEVER be allowed to go to college away from the family. It is too risky. I believe what I read when it is direcly quoted from the mouth of their parents. That is what I base my opinions on, not what soemone else say about them and what they do. What I have read of direct interviews, primarily with Michelle before they started the series, when they first did the inital special on TLC is where i am getting most of the info on what they believe. She was far less gaurded in what she said then. They are card carriny members of quiverfull and the Gothard movement. They use his homeschool curiculium, or did when the series began.

I am truly glad that you were able to get out of a life that was not suited for you but can't you see that you can't form an unbiased opinion becaise of what you lived? We had a physically abusive mother..I mean in the hispital with stitches in my head (twice) abuse...I can forgive her but I can never forget it,,I'm reminded everytime I go to a new hairdresser, its obvious scars under the hair in the back. I have a very hard time keeping my experiences out of a discussion about an accuesed child abuser, I could probably never serve on a jury and keep an open mind...doesn't that make sense to you?

and FWIW can we quit the "breeder" term I see it here on the Dis so often and think its disgusting, show horses are bred pedigree dogs are bred

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Oh good grief this will go on until the world ends.(and how that will happen will be a debate in itself) .there isn't a religion or household in the world that someone won't agree/disagree with how things are done right?

May they all live healthy happy lives

Very good point. Happy evening. I get to take my teens to cosmic bowling tonight, and there will even be a few quiverfull people there. It should be an interesting conversation. It may even keep me awake until midnight. Ick!!

 

[badblackpug]

What the h*ll kind of name is Jinger?

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I am truly glad that you were able to get out of a life that was not suited for you but can't you see that you can't form an unbiased opinion becaise of what you lived? We had a physically abusive mother..I mean in the hispital with stitches in my head (twice) abuse...I can forgive her but I can never forget it,,I'm reminded everytime I go to a new hairdresser, its obvious scars on the hair in the back. I have a very hard time keeping my experiences out of a discussion about an accuesed child abuser, I could probably never serve on a jury and keep an open mind...doesn't that make sense to you?

and FWIW can we quit the "breeder" term I see it here on the Dis so often and think its disgusting, show horses are bred pedigree dogs are bred

I'm sorry.

PM, you obviously got an education. You are a teacher, aren't you?

 

[Luvchefmic]

What the h*ll kind of name is Jinger?

they picked all J names I guess you have to come up with something...honestly I don't know how anyone can keep all the names straight....my Dad used to resort to "Hey you" after a few wrong attempts and there was only 5 of us

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'm sorry.

PM, you obviously got an education. You are a teacher, aren't you?

me? no not a teacher jack of all trades master of none no actually I was a police dispatcher for awhile

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

me? no not a teacher jack of all trades master of none no actually I was a police dispatcher for awhile

lol, sorry, just too lazy to type out princessmom.

sorry. I have arthritis and try to type shorthand thoughts! It screws me up occasionally!

 

[Luvchefmic]

lol, sorry, just too lazy to type out princessmom.

sorry. I have arthritis and try to type shorthand thoughts! It screws me up occasionally!

Ouch...no problem you wrote PM though and quoted me so you screwed it all up for sure ! and I went right to look for a PM ...so since its not directed at me ...hope your hands don't hurt too badly & go take those kids bowling

 

[princessmom29]

lol, sorry, just too lazy to type out princessmom.

sorry. I have arthritis and try to type shorthand thoughts! It screws me up occasionally!

I was lucky enough to have parents who came to their senes when they saw how what they were doing was hurting thier children. We got out before middle school, and actually got a pretty good education at public school. Some of my friends were not so lucky.

As to the poster who said I cannot have an objective opinion I tried really hard to believe that this family was not like what i lived, but the more I read out of Michelle's own mouth the more the rethoric and phrasology were way too much the same to deny. I mean really they have essentially the same scripted responses wer were given to explain things away. The children sounded exacly like what we were told to say when they were interviewed for the first special. I just couldn't deny what was going on, no matter how much i wanted to believe otherwise.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

haha. They are a pack of teens from our co op. None want to associate with the parents for that 3 hours. I am free of all bowling responsibilities! Thank goodness...I HATE bowling. I've always sucked at it.

 

[princessmom29]

What the h*ll kind of name is Jinger?

After a while you really have to start stretching for something new that begins with J. Some of the younger ones are worse.

 

[badblackpug]

After a while you really have to start stretching for something new that begins with J. Some of the younger ones are worse.

Worse than Jinger? Oh my! That alone is enough to psychologically scar that poor child! Forget the rest!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Princessmom, you live with the bias in your history and it sounds like the right choices were made for you. That doesn't, IMO? Mean they are the right choices for others.'

 

[C.Ann]

I love how the people who admit they don't watch the shows are quick to judge and condemn the family.
1st thing I want to point out I think it is horrible how many of you are saying perhaps this latest child is a message from God to stop, again if you knew anything about her you would know this is not her first time having pre eclampsia, she has also had a few c-sections as well. I just think it's pure mean to say a sick child should be a message from God to stop what you are doing.
The older children do not raise the younger ones. They have a well working system in place that keeps their house hold functioning. If you take the time to watch the family you don't see child slaves you see a loving family with mom and dad present and always helping. They coach their children through everything you guys make it sound like the older kids raise the kids and Michelle is kicked back eating bon bons watching Maury. Their 18 year old sons are more handy then most grown men I know and they learn this from their parents. I was amazed as I watched them fix one of the rental houses, they are all taught life skills that most of America do not possess. My older kids do chores and help watch my 2 year old. Much like the Duggar household only on a much smaller level obviously. I can assure you they have a wonderful childhood and will be self sufficient when they are adults.

Also they took these big vacations long before a show was around long before pay checks from books, they have always always worked hard and done very well for themselves.

They are all very giving and have taken many trips out of the US to help other countries, I am sure they use their money from TLC for it so good for them! Two of their older children just left on another mission trip by themselves, several of their sons are volunteer fire fighters and one saved a child's live in an accident. He credited his parents for his quick action and knowing how to handle the situation. Man they sure are horrible parents....

It seems to me the Duggars are raising healthy, happy, quality individuals who have already contributed more to society in their short lives than your average American does in an entire lifetime.

How many kids they have is their business, and theirs alone.

People want to believe their way is the only way. That is why the Duggars bother people. I've never seen a perfect family nor have I seen the perfect way to raise children that guarantees happiness and health for everyone.

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.

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..

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.

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).

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.....

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Well - no one ever did come through with that link that stated Michelle knew of a pre-existing health condition prior to Josie's conception that would have definitely put both of their lives in danger and caused her to go into premature labor, so I guess I'll have to assume that was just an assumption someone chose to make somewhere along the line..

I agree with everything in the quotes above - but I also see where this thread is heading, so I think I will keep my additional thoughts to myself..

I am not here to argue about this - but until such time that I see a valid reason "not" to admire the Duggar's for the good works that they (and their children) are doing to help others not only here, but all over the world - as well as the wonderful job they are doing in raising such well adjusted, happy, and morally sound children - I guess I'll just "zip it"..

The train wreck of this thread is right around the bend..

 

[Luvchefmic]

The train wreck of this thread is right around the bend..
__________________
C.Ann

No worries the trains run pretty much on schedule around here ..another one will come along very shortky ...all aboard

 

[princessmom29]

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Well - no one ever did come through with that link that stated Michelle knew of a pre-existing health condition prior to Josie's conception that would have definitely put both of their lives in danger and caused her to go into premature labor, so I guess I'll have to assume that was just an assumption someone chose to make somewhere along the line..

I agree with everything in the quotes above - but I also see where this thread is heading, so I think I will keep my additional thoughts to myself..

I am not here to argue about this - but until such time that I see a valid reason "not" to admire the Duggar's for the good works that they (and their children) are doing to help others not only here, but all over the world - as well as the wonderful job they are doing in raising such well adjusted, happy, and morally sound children - I guess I'll just "zip it"..

The train wreck of this thread is right around the bend..

the info about hert having gall stones was in the very first MSN article about the birth of Josie. I happen to know that gall stones in pregnancy were an increased risk of premature labor bacause I had them. They didn't make that point. I didn't make it up.

 

[princessmom29]

Princessmom, you live with the bias in your history and it sounds like the right choices were made for you. That doesn't, IMO? Mean they are the right choices for others.'

How is abusing a child ever a right choice??? Irealize that most poeple are willing to just throw what I have to say out becuase there is now a convinent reason to do so, but I am tellnig you that this family has all the hallmarks of what I lived. Those girls have no choices in life .They will be married off to be baby machines. My firends were married off into servitude. I don't understand how having lived what they are living means I cannot identify it when I see it, or that anything that I observe should automatically be tossed out the window. If anything I should have more insight than the average person becuase I have been there. Nothing else I say is going to make any impact, becuase my experience has become a convinent reason to write me off as biased.

 

[chimo2u]

I just wanted to add...regarding "arranged marriages". Josh's marriage was not "arranged". He states that he really liked Anna and went to his father for advice regarding his feelings and wanting to further his relationship with her.
His parents where open to him and very supportive, and there to listen like Many other parents would be (myself included) if my child was to ask my advice/opinion about something that is important to them. I think Josh wanted his parents blessing/approval, which is not a bad thing!!!
Josh and Anna seem very much in love (with the amount of kisses they give each other all the time, LOL)....I think they where both just very concerned about making sure that their relationship was off to a good start and approved of by their parents. JMO

ETA: I am happy that this thread, for the most part has stayed civil and so far not been shut down. It is nice to read everyone's opinions and have a conversation about this very different and unique family. I hope it doesn't become de-railed because it has been very interesting reading views from every angle