Duggars Welcome 18th Child

[Texas53]

Arkansas family welcomes 18th child, a girl

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/18th_baby

ROGERS, Ark. – An Arkansas woman has given birth to her 18th child. Michelle Duggar delivered the baby girl by Caesarean section Thursday at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. The baby, named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar, weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long.

"The ultimate Christmas gift from God," said Jim Bob Duggar, the father of the 18 children. "She's just absolutely beautiful, like her mom and her sisters."

The Duggars now have 10 sons and eight daughters.

Jim Bob Duggar said Michelle started having contractions Wednesday night. She needed the C-section, her third, because the baby was lying sideways. Jim Bob said both baby and mother were doing well Thursday night.

"We both would love to have more," he said.

The cable network TLC broadcasts a weekly show about the Duggars, called "17 Kids and Counting." Chris Finnegan of TLC — which handles public relations for the Duggar family — said the show's name would be updated to account for the latest addition to the family. He said TLC also will air a show Monday on the baby's delivery.

Jim Bob Duggar is 43, a year older than his wife. Their oldest child, Joshua, is 20.

The other Duggar children, in between Joshua and Jordyn-Grace, are Jana, 18; John-David, 18; Jill, 17; Jessa, 16; Jinger, 14; Joseph, 13; Josiah, 12; Joy-Anna, 11; Jeremiah, 9; Jedidiah, 9; Jason, 8; James, 7; Justin, 6; Jackson, 4; Johannah, 3; and Jennifer, 1.

"Our whole family is excited about Jordyn's addition to our family," Jim Bob Duggar said. "She's just perfect in every way."

(This version CORRECTS the name of the Duggars' TLC show to '17 Kids and Counting,' not 'Seventeen and Counting.')

[nicky]

I just can't imagine....this can't be healthy for her body. I watched the show on tlc(i think). They seem happy enough, but I can't imagine feeding, taking care of them and their expenses. Wow!

[Texas53]

I don't care how many they have. But ultimately, childbirth can take a toll on the mother's body. JMHO

[Claudia]

She's been pregnant for 13.5 years of her life. Eeek! :a1chic:

[Pandabear]

Oh don't get me started on the Duggars! I agree, let them have as many kids as they want, but IMO the parents should parent all these kids they keep popping out instead of the older kids taking care of the younger ones. Helping out is one thing, but these young kids are being raised by their older siblings while Jim Boob and Michele are gettin' busy making another baby. JMO

[Brianne]

Oh...yippy...Now the older children have another baby to take care of....Can you tell I'm not a fan? It would be one thing to have alot of kids, but its another to make all your other kids take care of them...

[texanne]

I think it is extremely selfish to keep having baby after baby and then dropping them into the lap of your other children. I have seen up close and personal the effect this has on someone. My brother was married to a girl who was forced to take care of the brood of babies her parents produced. She had a lot of anger and resentment built up in her, and it affected the way the nurtured (or failed to nurture) her own two little girls. I always had to be there for those babies, because my SIL was always complaining about them. Many years after my brother's divorce (and after the girls were grown) I sat down and explained to them that they should not blame their mother, that she was an abused child herself...and it is abuse. Everyone has the right to have as many children as they want.....they do not have the right to force others (their own children) to take care of them.

[rockford2]

I think it is extremely selfish to keep having baby after baby and then dropping them into the lap of your other children. I have seen up close and personal the effect this has on someone. My brother was married to a girl who was forced to take care of the brood of babies her parents produced. She had a lot of anger and resentment built up in her, and it affected the way the nurtured (or failed to nurture) her own two little girls. I always had to be there for those babies, because my SIL was always complaining about them. Many years after my brother's divorce (and after the girls were grown) I sat down and explained to them that they should not blame their mother, that she was an abused child herself...and it is abuse. Everyone has the right to have as many children as they want.....they do not have the right to force others (their own children) to take care of them.


Excellent post and I could not have said it any better, Texanne!! My good friend from high school was also the oldest of 6 kids and had to 'mother' all of them while her own mother was rarely home. She grew to hate little kids and never wanted children of her own. How sad.

I don't know if any of you have ever watched, "John and Kate makes 8' or something like that, but it clearly shows how a grown woman is exhausted from taking care of 8 kids all under the age of 10, (I think) so why would the Duggers do this to their own children?

[Brianne]

There is another show where the family had 22 kids...and the MOM and DAD raised their kids...They didn't pawn them off onto younger siblings and they weren't like little repeating robots either. Each had their own personalities and interests. The Duggar kids seem brain washed.

[wheezer]

There is another show where the family had 22 kids...and the MOM and DAD raised their kids...They didn't pawn them off onto younger siblings and they weren't like little repeating robots either. Each had their own personalities and interests. The Duggar kids seem brain washed.

I don't care how many kids they have, but like many of you, I do think that the older children are having a tad to much responsibility put on them. I have no issue with older kids taking care of younger siblings while Mom and Dad are out to dinner, or maybe Birthday or Christmas shopping.

I think there tends to be extremes. At one end you have families like this that are just so large that the older children are in essence surrogate parents, and in other families the children learn no form of responsibility. There is a middle ground. LOL

I also think that they are being raised to look at things as black and white, good and evil, right and wrong, when the majority of the time most situations contain a lot of gray areas. I watched an episode where one of the younger boys made a statement that unlike MOST kids, they do not purchase their clothes from malls. Well the fact that the child thinks MOST kids do is silly. Yes, some do, and just as many do not. Small and somewhat silly of an example, but goes to what I was referring to about the whole viewing of the world as black and white.

I do respect the fact that even before the show they owed no one, had no debt, receive absolutely no help from anyone, have never received any kind of public aid type help, they are completely self reliant.

[SaberGal]

I am a huge fan of this family! Their children are well behaved, respectful, resourceful, and seem very happy. I love that Mrs. Duggar doesn't have to raise her voice if the little ones start acting up - she speaks quietly to them and they listen. This tells me that they are very active in the parenting of their children and don't pass it off on the older siblings. I have no problem with their "buddy" system of pairing an older sibling to help look after the younger ones. IMO, it teaches them responsibility AND also to be thoughtful and considerate of others. I wish more people were raised that way! The Duggars seem to have accomplished with 17 (and now 18) children what many parents can't do with just two or three.

I also disagree that the Duggar kids are brain-washed! Most children are raised to have the same values as their parents but that doesn't mean they are 'brain-washed'! The Duggar kids themselves all have different personalities and areas of interests just like you see in every family. The Duggar approach hasn't been to isolate their children from the world, so much as it has been to instill in them values and character that will help them make healthy choices in their individual lives as they get older.

The oldest, Joshua, is 20 and just got married in September. At 20 years old, he has two businesses that he owns and is not only self-sufficient but can afford to provide for his own family. That is very impressive to me!

I think that whatever a husband and wife decide is the best thing for their family, especially as it pertains to reproduction, it is entirely their decision.

All, JMO!

[maryhaze]

sorry, that's not a family, that's a brood, herd or pack. except most pack animals don't pawn off responsibility for their young on other young. if they were really all that & a bag of chips, adopt some unwanted kids, stop squirting them out just because they want to be in a record book. i think they are gross. JMO

[SaberGal]

Wow! So they aren't a family, huh? I guess I just feel like it is absolutely no one's business how many children a couple decides to have, and whether they choose to adopt or not. I have also never heard the Duggar's even mention that their desire is to make it into the record books. I highly doubt that is their motive.

I also think it is quite presumptuous to assume that the younger Duggar siblings are "pawned" off on the older ones simply because of the "buddy" system. That could happen no matter how many children are in a family. I don't live in their house but I always give people the benefit of the doubt until I am proven wrong. I don't see the Duggar's 'pawning' their children off. What I see is a family...yes, a family, who has harmony in their home. Whose children are all loved and cared for emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I see children who are respectful, obedient, content, happy, and unspoiled. I see parents who have exercised their right to raise their family according to their personal values - just like every other parent. I see a family who actually spends time together as opposed to flopping down in front of a TV to play video games or watch soaps. I see a family that loves children and doesn't see them as a burden but the sees them as the blessing that they are. I see a couple that mutually loves and respects each other. I see siblings who enjoy each others company. I see a family that other families can learn a thing or two from, mine included. I sure don't see them as 'gross'!

Respectfully and JMO!

BTW - let me be the first on the thread to congratulate the Duggar family on little Jordyn's arrival! I can't think of a more precious Christmas present than a new baby!! :tender:

[wheezer]

I don't hate this family. I want to be clear on that. I hope my earlier post did not convey that, b/c it is not the case. SaberGal is right in that this family has every right to raise their children the way that they think is right. Same for how many children they choose to have. I may not agree with them on anything (especially how religiously the children are being raised), but I promise I would be the first in line to defend them if anyone tried to take that right away.
I am a huge proponent of parents having the right to raise and educate their children the way that they want. Yes, some will abuse that right, but the majority do not.

[SavannahStar]

I am a huge fan of this family! Their children are well behaved, respectful, resourceful, and seem very happy. I love that Mrs. Duggar doesn't have to raise her voice if the little ones start acting up - she speaks quietly to them and they listen. This tells me that they are very active in the parenting of their children and don't pass it off on the older siblings. I have no problem with their "buddy" system of pairing an older sibling to help look after the younger ones. IMO, it teaches them responsibility AND also to be thoughtful and considerate of others. I wish more people were raised that way! The Duggars seem to have accomplished with 17 (and now 18) children what many parents can't do with just two or three.

I also disagree that the Duggar kids are brain-washed! Most children are raised to have the same values as their parents but that doesn't mean they are 'brain-washed'! The Duggar kids themselves all have different personalities and areas of interests just like you see in every family. The Duggar approach hasn't been to isolate their children from the world, so much as it has been to instill in them values and character that will help them make healthy choices in their individual lives as they get older.

The oldest, Joshua, is 20 and just got married in September. At 20 years old, he has two businesses that he owns and is not only self-sufficient but can afford to provide for his own family. That is very impressive to me!

I think that whatever a husband and wife decide is the best thing for their family, especially as it pertains to reproduction, it is entirely their decision.

All, JMO!

Wonderful post! As is your next one.

Hey this sure wouldn't be for me, but I say more power to them, if that's what they want to do, it's no one's business but their own.

It's refreshing to see a loving, self-sufficient, SUCCESSFUL family...albeit a huge one! I'd rather see that than two unmarried druggies who don't want to work for a living or make anything of themselves, with only ONE child, and on welfare.

[annalyzer]

I don't care how many children they have as long as they aren't depending on welfare to raise them.

[texanne]

I agree. I do not care how many they have as long as they are not on welfare, and their older children get to be just that....children...without having the responsibility of parenting thrust upon them when they should be enjoying their childhood. I am all for teaching responsibility....but having to watch younger siblings 24/7 is NOT FAIR to the older children. Pehaps they need to hire a herd of nannies so the other children can enjoy being children.

[SaberGal]

I don't hate this family. I want to be clear on that. I hope my earlier post did not convey that, b/c it is not the case. SaberGal is right in that this family has every right to raise their children the way that they think is right. Same for how many children they choose to have. I may not agree with them on anything (especially how religiously the children are being raised), but I promise I would be the first in line to defend them if anyone tried to take that right away.
I am a huge proponent of parents having the right to raise and educate their children the way that they want. Yes, some will abuse that right, but the majority do not.

Wheezer! Hope you have been doing well! I didn't for a second think that you hated this family at all! And I know from past discussions that you are a strong supporter of parental rights, as am I!

Wonderful post! As is your next one.

Hey this sure wouldn't be for me, but I say more power to them, if that's what they want to do, it's no one's business but their own.

It's refreshing to see a loving, self-sufficient, SUCCESSFUL family...albeit a huge one! I'd rather see that than two unmarried druggies who don't want to work for a living or make anything of themselves, with only ONE child, and on welfare.

Thanks! Having that many children wouldn't be for me personally either - hubby would faint if I even brought it up! But like you, I find them refreshing!

[SaberGal]

I don't care how many children they have as long as they aren't depending on welfare to raise them.

Not only are they not on welfare, they have absolutely zero debt!

[SavannahStar]

Not only are they not on welfare, they have absolutely zero debt!


That is totally amazing to me!!!!!!

[emmeblu]

Not only are they not on welfare, they have absolutely zero debt!


Wow, that is amazing. Maybe they make a good salary on their TLC Show. They live in an absolutely huge home (which they would need with that many family members). I've always wondered how they managed financially, however; it does not look like money is an issue for this family.

I personally do not care how many children they have as long as they have the love for all and do not depend on the state welfare system.

[SaberGal]

Wow, that is amazing. Maybe they make a good salary on their TLC Show. They live in an absolutely huge home (which they would need with that many family members). I've always wondered how they managed financially, however; it does not look like money is an issue for this family.

I personally do not care how many children they have as long as they have the love for all and do not depend on the state welfare system.

Well, I know when they first got married, he would purchase used cars and restore them, selling them at a profit. IIRC, they also had one or two gas stations that they owned but eventually sold. From there, they made several real estate purchases that they still own and lease out commercially. One of them had a huge communication tower that several cell companies now lease space from. Eventually, Michelle became a stay-at-home mom and at some point in their early marriage, they committed themselves to paying off their debt and staying that way. Their financial motto seems to be "buy used and save the difference" because I have heard them say it a million times! Their home took several years to build because they did much of the construction themselves, learning about the business as they went and saving on construction costs, paying cash as it was built. I do know that they were debt free long before the TLC specials, that eventually led to the TV show. This is one of the things that fascinates me the most about them - their ability to stay debt free! I think that Jim Bob has said that they don't even have a credit card!

I also think their pantry is funny - looks like a grocery store! :girl_haha:

[Pandabear]

"Jim Bob is a former state legislator who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. He is a real estate agent, and owns several commercial properties in his local area.

Duggar ran in the Republican Party of Arkansas primary election for United States Senate candidacy in 2002, but lost to Tim Hutchinson. Duggar sought the Republican nomination to the Arkansas State Senate District 35 seat in Arkansas in 2006, but lost to candidate Bill Pritchard."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Bob_Duggar

Family life

Michelle was named "Young Mother of the Year in Arkansas" in 2004. The Duggars are conservative Baptists who endorse the Quiverfull movement and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Duggars state that their children are blessings from God. When they initially married Michelle miscarried while on birth control. After no longer using it she was able to conceive many more times.

Mr. Duggar is a former state legislator who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. The Duggars now say their income is derived from the commercial properties they own. The Duggars claim they live debt-free which Jim Bob has said is “the fruit of Jim Sammons' Financial Freedom Seminar” he attended years ago. The mansion they live in was completed on January 20 2006 with aid from Discovery Networks and corporate sponsors.

The Duggars raise their children using the buddy system, in which an older sibling assists the younger sibling in daily tasks. The older buddy "will get the younger ones' meals". According to Michelle, "They help them with their little phonics lessons and games during the day and help them practice their music lessons. They will play with them or help them pick out the color of their outfit that they want to wear that day, and just all of those types of things."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duggar_family

[maryhaze]

anyone that thinks that i "hate" them is mistaken. one would actually have to care to hate. still, i wonder what would happen if one of the girls wants to cut her hair, or wear pants or not look like a "little house on the prairie" freak. what's gonna happen if one of the boys is gay or wants to go to a real school? oh, that's right, no free will, no choice. doesn't exactly meet with my idea of a family, but whatever blows your skirt up. :puke:

[texanne]

anyone that thinks that i "hate" them is mistaken. one would actually have to care to hate. still, i wonder what would happen if one of the girls wants to cut her hair, or wear pants or not look like a "little house on the prairie" freak. what's gonna happen if one of the boys is gay or wants to go to a real school? oh, that's right, no free will, no choice. doesn't exactly meet with my idea of a family, but whatever blows your skirt up. :puke:


Ditto

[SaberGal]

anyone that thinks that i "hate" them is mistaken. one would actually have to care to hate. still, i wonder what would happen if one of the girls wants to cut her hair, or wear pants or not look like a "little house on the prairie" freak. what's gonna happen if one of the boys is gay or wants to go to a real school? oh, that's right, no free will, no choice. doesn't exactly meet with my idea of a family, but whatever blows your skirt up. :puke:

Wow - Little House on the Prairie "freak" and a "real" school....topped off with a pukey face!

I have never once heard the Duggar's try to tell other parents how to raise their families or be judgmental of other people's lifestyles. In discussing their admittedly conservative values, it has always been in the context of what they feel is right for their family. Even though I do not agree with them on everything, I respect the attitude they have much more than the intolerant attitude many seem to have towards them.

Respectfully & JMHO

[KittyMom]

anyone that thinks that i "hate" them is mistaken. one would actually have to care to hate. still, i wonder what would happen if one of the girls wants to cut her hair, or wear pants or not look like a "little house on the prairie" freak. what's gonna happen if one of the boys is gay or wants to go to a real school? oh, that's right, no free will, no choice. doesn't exactly meet with my idea of a family, but whatever blows your skirt up. :puke:

"a real school"...

Your passion is evident, but must you sterotype?

[KittyMom]

I have to say...this woman can have no muscle tone in her tummy...I have very little and I've only carried 3 children to birth. lol

[Jenny_92808]

"Jim Bob is a former state legislator who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. He is a real estate agent, and owns several commercial properties in his local area.

Duggar ran in the Republican Party of Arkansas primary election for United States Senate candidacy in 2002, but lost to Tim Hutchinson. Duggar sought the Republican nomination to the Arkansas State Senate District 35 seat in Arkansas in 2006, but lost to candidate Bill Pritchard."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Bob_Duggar

Family life

Michelle was named "Young Mother of the Year in Arkansas" in 2004. The Duggars are conservative Baptists who endorse the Quiverfull movement and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Duggars state that their children are blessings from God. When they initially married Michelle miscarried while on birth control. After no longer using it she was able to conceive many more times.

Mr. Duggar is a former state legislator who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. The Duggars now say their income is derived from the commercial properties they own. The Duggars claim they live debt-free which Jim Bob has said is “the fruit of Jim Sammons' Financial Freedom Seminar” he attended years ago. The mansion they live in was completed on January 20 2006 with aid from Discovery Networks and corporate sponsors.

The Duggars raise their children using the buddy system, in which an older sibling assists the younger sibling in daily tasks. The older buddy "will get the younger ones' meals". According to Michelle, "They help them with their little phonics lessons and games during the day and help them practice their music lessons. They will play with them or help them pick out the color of their outfit that they want to wear that day, and just all of those types of things."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duggar_family

I find it interesting that the Duggers endorse the Quiverfull movement and the teachings of Bill Gothard.

(at your link)
Gothard discourages listening to any "un-Christian" music, including all popular and contemporary Christian music and encourages homeschooling; IBLP publishes its own homeschool material; and, according to one follower, claims borrowing money for any reason, even a home mortgage, is wrong. According to one critic, Gothard protested against the Cabbage Patch Kids because Cabbage Patch Kids or Treasure Trolls could lead to difficulties in conceiving or giving birth to a child, and has discouraged the use of contraceptives or other family planning.

[Pandabear]

Jenny, I missed the part about the Cabbage Patch kids!

:thud2:

[Pandabear]

I have to say...this woman can have no muscle tone in her tummy...I have very little and I've only carried 3 children to birth. lol

I can't imagine what her body must have gone through with this 18th child. I guess as long as the babies are healthy and Michele can stay healthy it's their choice. I don't have a problem with the number of kids they have, I just don't agree with the way they choose to have the older kids act as parents to the younger ones. It's wonderful that all the kids learn to help out and take care of things around the house, but they shouldn't be expected to raise the babies. I have watched the show and I do feel that is exactly what is going on with this family. JMO

[Claudia]

I find it interesting that the Duggers endorse the Quiverfull movement and the teachings of Bill Gothard.

(at your link)
Gothard discourages listening to any "un-Christian" music, including all popular and contemporary Christian music and encourages homeschooling; IBLP publishes its own homeschool material; and, according to one follower, claims borrowing money for any reason, even a home mortgage, is wrong. According to one critic, Gothard protested against the Cabbage Patch Kids because Cabbage Patch Kids or Treasure Trolls could lead to difficulties in conceiving or giving birth to a child, and has discouraged the use of contraceptives or other family planning.

Oh, my. Seriously??? Wow. :waitasec:

[wheezer]

I find it interesting that the Duggers endorse the Quiverfull movement and the teachings of Bill Gothard.

(at your link)
Gothard discourages listening to any "un-Christian" music, including all popular and contemporary Christian music and encourages homeschooling; IBLP publishes its own homeschool material; and, according to one follower, claims borrowing money for any reason, even a home mortgage, is wrong. According to one critic, Gothard protested against the Cabbage Patch Kids because Cabbage Patch Kids or Treasure Trolls could lead to difficulties in conceiving or giving birth to a child, and has discouraged the use of contraceptives or other family planning.

I think like anyone who follows a certain Religion, they might not follow every single belief/doctrine. They might agree with maybe 75% (I do not know any of this, I am just throwing a number out there to work with), so for them it is a perfect fit. Outside of absolute Cult type personalities, the majority of people do not follow any Religion's beliefs/doctrines 100%.

The Catholic Religion does not believe in artificial birth control. That is not stopping millions of Catholics from using it.
Southern Baptists do not believe in drinking alcohol. I think if we check the fridge of many people who claim to be Southern Baptist, we would probably find some beer. LOL
Hinduism encourages people to be vegetarian. Not all Hindus are. Our dear friend from India is hooked on McDonald's Cheeseburgers. LOL

I think most people find a religion that they agree with on the majority of things (the big things). A religion that fits their family and their belief system.

[SavannahStar]

I think like anyone who follows a certain Religion, they might not follow every single belief/doctrine. They might agree with maybe 75% (I do not know any of this, I am just throwing a number out there to work with), so for them it is a perfect fit. Outside of absolute Cult type personalities, the majority of people do not follow any Religion's beliefs/doctrines 100%.

The Catholic Religion does not believe in artificial birth control. That is not stopping millions of Catholics from using it.
Southern Baptists do not believe in drinking alcohol. I think if we check the fridge of many people who claim to be Southern Baptist, we would probably find some beer. LOL
Hinduism encourages people to be vegetarian. Not all Hindus are. Our dear friend from India is hooked on McDonald's Cheeseburgers. LOL

I think most people find a religion that they agree with on the majority of things (the big things). A religion that fits their family and their belief system.


EXCELLENT POINTS, Wheezer!

[Tracian]

I am a bit confused. I have never watched this show, my question is why do they have a show? Is it because they have so many children? Is it because of their religion? Is it because they live outside the 'norms' of society?

TIA

[Brianne]

I am a bit confused. I have never watched this show, my question is why do they have a show? Is it because they have so many children? Is it because of their religion? Is it because they live outside the 'norms' of society?

TIA

They have a show for pretty much all of the above.

[Tracian]

They have a show for pretty much all of the above.



Oh, thanks.

Well, I have issues with radicals on a personal level, but unless laws are being broken they have the right to raise their children and live as they choose.

[SaberGal]

I am a bit confused. I have never watched this show, my question is why do they have a show? Is it because they have so many children? Is it because of their religion? Is it because they live outside the 'norms' of society?

TIA

Hi Tracian! I think the show is primarily because of their large family. Though they are obviously not ashamed of their Christian faith, it is definitely not a 'staple' of the show except when they mention their gratitude towards God and are asked specific questions about their faith. They certainly aren't attempting to preach to anyone, IMO, because when it is mentioned it is always in the context of what they feel is right for their family.

As far as living outside the 'norms' of society - I don't see them as cult-ish for lack of a better word. Though they live debt free, home educate their children, limit TV and access their children have to the internet, they don't isolate themselves from society at all.

TLC will be re-showing the Duggar special of the birth of baby Jordyn tomorrow, Wednesday 12/24, at 8:00pm.

I watched it last night and it sounded to me like Michelle and Jim Bob really feel like Jordyn is their last!

JMHO

[Tracian]

Happy Holidays Saber!!

I wonder why they are having so many children...if it is part of their religious belief system.

Like I said, on a personal level, the Promise Keepers and the Quiverful followers bother me, they are very controling, women have no real 'rights' and in both cases are expected to be baby machines; much like other religions that encourage the creation of 'future followers' rather than children to love.

Again, I have never seen the show, just reading the various comments here.

[SaberGal]

Happy Holidays Saber!!

I wonder why they are having so many children...if it is part of their religious belief system.

Like I said, on a personal level, the Promise Keepers and the Quiverful followers bother me, they are very controling, women have no real 'rights' and in both cases are expected to be baby machines; much like other religions that encourage the creation of 'future followers' rather than children to love.

Again, I have never seen the show, just reading the various comments here.

Happy Holidays to you as well, Tracian! As I understand it, when they were first married, they used BC. But then Michelle had a miscarriage and they decided together to not use BC any longer. I am sure this was based largely on their Christian beliefs regarding children.

I share the same concerns as you regarding extremism in various movements - I just don't see that in this family. In fact, in the special that aired last night, Jim Bob again stated that he has always left the ultimate decision regarding more children up to Michelle. They are also very careful about making sure that Michelle receives the best medical care which is not the norm for many extremist movements. Is this family unusual? Yes, in many ways, no doubt. I just don't see them as 'extremists.'

JMHO

[texanne]

It would be interesting to see a follow up show in abt. 15 years to interview all the children who are adults and see how the life of being from such a large brood of children affected them. The reason my mother would never let me take care of my two younger brothers is because she was from a large family and had to help raise the babies. She is now 90 yrs. old, so that was before birth control pills, etc were so readily available. One of my brothers married a girl who had many propblems "connecting" to her little girls because she retained so much bitterness about being stuck with younger siblings. That is the only reason the whole thing bothers me. We will not know till later how it affects the children.

[Pandabear]

http://www.duggarfamily.com/aboutus.html

Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar married July 21st, 1984. At that time, they chose to use the birth control pill. They thought, “We don’t want children right now. We can’t afford them. We want children in our timing, when we’re ready.” Four years later they decided to have their first child. Then, Michelle went back on the pill, but she conceived and had a miscarriage. At that point they talked with a Christian medical doctor and read the fine print in the contraceptives package. They found that while taking the pill you can get pregnant and then miscarry. They were grieved! They were Christians! They were pro-life! They realized that their selfish actions had taken the life of their child. They prayed and asked God to forgive them, and to teach them to love children like He loves children. They asked God to bless them with as many children as He saw fit in His timing. Right after that Michelle got pregnant with twins!

I understand them being 'grieved', but to think that they believe they were responsible for the loss of a child through miscarriage by using birth control? That's a bit much for me. It could happened whether they used bc or not. Many people, including myself, have lost children to miscarriage when no bc was involved.

Also, I have to think about the day when each of these children goes out into the world to make his/her own way. Surely Mr. and Mrs. Duggar don't think that these kids are going to hang around the home place forever. What social skills will the kids have to interact with the rest of society? Everything they are teaching these kids is great, but there's so much more they need to know just to survive in the world. JMO of course

[RayStar]

It would be interesting to see a follow up show in abt. 15 years to interview all the children who are adults and see how the life of being from such a large brood of children affected them. The reason my mother would never let me take care of my two younger brothers is because she was from a large family and had to help raise the babies. She is now 90 yrs. old, so that was before birth control pills, etc were so readily available. One of my brothers married a girl who had many propblems "connecting" to her little girls because she retained so much bitterness about being stuck with younger siblings. That is the only reason the whole thing bothers me. We will not know till later how it affects the children.Thank you Texanne for the wonderful posts you have posted on this thread. I agree with all of them. As the oldest girl of 10, I was just like a second mother. At times I also hated watching a younger sibling. There is just too much work to be done in raising that many kids. It will be interesting in less than 15 years to see their social skills.

[RayStar]

I have to say...this woman can have no muscle tone in her tummy...I have very little and I've only carried 3 children to birth. lol
I wonder if they have a large amount of Depends stock.:67302:

[SaberGal]

From my observations in watching the show quite frequently, the children have excellent social skills. They are able to communicate and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, including the interviewers for TLC and the Today show which they have appeared on for quite a few years now. They recently aired a show where the family took a trip to New York City - the kids were able to interact with the people on the street just fine, in purely candid moments. The approach the Duggar's have taken is not to isolate their children from the rest of society but to be sure they are prepared for society. Josh, the oldest Duggar child, at 20 owns and operates two successful businesses, is newly married and is able to support himself and his wife, and they have their own home. How many 'traditionally' raised 20 year olds can say the same?

As for how they [the Duggar children] will feel about their own children when they have them - I don't worry too much about that either. This family sees children as a blessing and not a burden - IMO, that attitude makes a huge difference. I too was young and helped my parents with my younger siblings - I enjoyed every minute of it and am still grateful for the opportunity. The Duggar's have also made it clear that every family is special - whether they have no children or 18 - that is a healthy attitude to have.

IMO, the Duggar's are doing something right in how they have raised their children. They have happy, wholesome, well-balanced kids. I would much rather have teenage daughters who dress and carry themselves like the Duggar daughters than others I see who dress like....well, like they are in the world's oldest profession. I'd much rather have teenage sons who have respect for women instead of those who use them, discard them, and seek out their next 'conquest.' The Duggar's have focused on teaching (and demonstrating) character to their children as opposed to winning popularity contests. And, in a world where corruption seems to rule the day, I wish a few more parents would follow suit.

Respectfully and JMHO

Merry Christmas, everyone!

[Texas53]

I was watching the show today where she gave birth to #18. Her doc has told them both (on the show) that at 42 she should consider perhaps not having anymore. I watched her in labor and she was past miserable. Of all the kids, I think she said 3 or 4 were born by C-section. The older she gets having kids, isn't good for her and she could have a Downs child. I realize its there choice, but if they love each other and kids, they might consider putting the childbearing to an end. Their oldest son is engaged and I'm sure they will have grandkids on the way in the next year or so. JMHO, IMO, IMHO

[SaberGal]

I was watching the show today where she gave birth to #18. Her doc has told them both (on the show) that at 42 she should consider perhaps not having anymore. I watched her in labor and she was past miserable. Of all the kids, I think she said 3 or 4 were born by C-section. The older she gets having kids, isn't good for her and she could have a Downs child. I realize its there choice, but if they love each other and kids, they might consider putting the childbearing to an end. Their oldest son is engaged and I'm sure they will have grandkids on the way in the next year or so. JMHO, IMO, IMHO

That's funny - I watched the 'Jordyn' birth special twice and didn't catch the doc advising her to consider not having more children....I saw the interview with her OB/GYN and all I heard her say in a nut-shell is that for Michelle's age, she's in great health and not exhibiting the major health issues one would expect for her age and number of births. I will grant you that Michelle and Jim Bob spoke as though they believe baby Jordyn will be their last child (and I said that in my previous posts) - but I didn't once hear the doc advising them in that direction the two times I watched the special.

Baby Jordyn made quite an entrance - her mom's 3rd c-section! I think her previous two cesareans might have been her two sets of twins...not quite sure but I do know that this latest, baby Jordyn, was her 3rd cesarean.

Their oldest, Josh, is not engaged, Tex - he and his wife, Anna, got married this past September - and are doing very well. I do suspect, that grandchildren are on the horizon for the Duggar's and I for one can't wait for the first Duggar grandchild to arrive!

JMHO

http://www.duggarfamily.com/
http://www.ja20.com/home.html

[Texas53]

That's funny - I watched the 'Jordyn' birth special twice and didn't catch the doc advising her to consider not having more children....I saw the interview with her OB/GYN and all I heard her say in a nut-shell is that for Michelle's age, she's in great health and not exhibiting the major health issues one would expect for her age and number of births. I will grant you that Michelle and Jim Bob spoke as though they believe baby Jordyn will be their last child (and I said that in my previous posts) - but I didn't once hear the doc advising them in that direction the two times I watched the special.

Baby Jordyn made quite an entrance - her mom's 3rd c-section! I think her previous two cesareans might have been her two sets of twins...not quite sure but I do know that this latest, baby Jordyn, was her 3rd cesarean.

Their oldest, Josh, is not engaged, Tex - he and his wife, Anna, got married this past September - and are doing very well. I do suspect, that grandchildren are on the horizon for the Duggar's and I for one can't wait for the first Duggar grandchild to arrive!

JMHO

http://www.duggarfamily.com/
http://www.ja20.com/home.html

Thanks for correcting me. The last show I saw before this one, the older boy was engaged and they had to have chaperones (one of the siblings or 2) go out with them, which was usually one of the older Duggar kids (i.e. a sister or brother both went out to restaurants, etc.) I didn't see a "wedding show" of the oldest because she is so busy popping out an assembly line most shows for Jim Bob (Michelle). The show I saw her doctor stated that at 42 though she was in good health, however, that she was getting older and they might want to think about the day coming to have no more kids. I guess she was hoping they would get and think about the hint!!!

I don't care if a woman is as healthy as a horse, as you get older chances are greater that you might deliver an unhealthy and not healthy child, not to mention the problems the mother can have during delivery. However, Jim Bob makes money off this series and that does help along with their rental properties and buying used, pay for this football team he has and their expenses. Luckily the smallest child hasn't been assigned a kid to take care of because she is luckily still too small.

When Jackson got lost at the airport and people were paged about losing a kid (per Jim Bob), neither parents seemed too excited. Yes, its something for parents to lose any kid at the airport and can certainly happen, but they hadn't even noticed him gone (it would certainly be hard to miss with 18 kids total no doubt!). But why didn't someone go to the restroom with him? He has to be about 7 or younger. Where was his assigned "parent"????? JMHO IMHO :0009:

[SaberGal]

I wondered that too when little Jackson got lost at the airport. I completely agree with you that, IMO, he was way too young to go to the bathroom by himself in a place so unfamiliar to him and with so many strangers around. Thankfully, he was returned safely where he belongs.

Your feelings about them have been made very clear, as have mine - so it is safe to say we view this family quite differently! That's what makes the world go round, I suppose!

[Pandabear]

Thanks for correcting me. The last show I saw before this one, the older boy was engaged and they had to have chaperones (one of the siblings or 2) go out with them, which was usually one of the older Duggar kids (i.e. a sister or brother both went out to restaurants, etc.)

Wow, I didn't know that this engaged couple had to have chaperaone when they go out! What's up with that I wonder? Probably a religious thing.

[Texas53]

Wow, I didn't know that this engaged couple had to have chaperaone when they go out! What's up with that I wonder? Probably a religious thing.


That was before they got married (which I missed). Back in the old days (way old) people did that. Our unwed teen mother rate wasn't so high back then. It may or may not be religious. I'm not sure. Still, I guess some folks still do it.