Arkansas mom Michelle Duggar gives birth to 18th child

Dallas Morning News ^ | 12/18/2008 | AP

[Marie2]

“Sometimes I wonder if the Duggars will inherit the earth.”

Statistically, it’s highly likely. :)

[PennsylvaniaMom]

I think you are correct there is waaaaay too much emphasis (in our culture) on every nuance of our childrens' lives being recorded; scrapbooked; and memorialized for all time.

But the camera's catching the lack of individuality of any of the Duggar kids (hey its red day! allll of us are together allll of the time...no outside scouts; sports teams; going to a movie with a friend!?!!?...how do you find a husband/wife later in life, if you don't learn how to find a friend when you are 12)...its the overcontrol that they have to have to make their family work. Can anyone of the kids have a friend over? I never saw 'outsiders' on the their shows. Do any of the kids have a job away from the family? I didn't see it...do any of the girls get to say...'four feet of hair is really hot in the summer...I'd like it cut (or hey, color it purple LOL...but kids do that) and these kids don't. But yet they (the parents) as a cottage industry bring the TV crew (and it brings good money I am sure) and put these very sheltered kids 'out there' in the media. I just can't see having it 'both ways.' If you want to remain 'pure' and unscathed, don't alert the wire services and release the group hospital shot.

My asbestos jammies are on.

[Tax-chick]

There are various ways to look at these things. We’ve had magenta hair and Scandinavian thrash metal (with cellos), but that doesn’t mean people can’t live healthy and fulfilling lives without those delights.

[Twink]

“more advanced than average kids”

They’re on a tv show. I suspect it’s heavily edited. It’s “entertainment.”

[Deo volente]

Thanks for reminding us of St. Catherine of Siena. Her parents obviously cherished the gift of life and were open to God's wonderful designs.

When my dad got a genealogy done of his mother's side of the family a few years ago, he found out that one of his direct ancestors from Germany, who lived in the 17th century, was the youngest of 16 children. If that man's parents had not been so open to life, I wouldn't be typing these words right now, since I never would have existed.
I was already pro-life, but that news really sealed the deal!

[CindyDawg]

Money for extras may be a part of it but I think it's more a mission to get the word out about having large familes is good. I do think they ought to show a little bit about problems that do occur so they don't seem too perfect though. I don't watch that much but I did see the one about Josh getting engaged and I was uncomfortable with it. Some things should just be private IMO. I also was impressed that the girls were asked if they dated . They all said they could if they wanted but chose courting instead. In todays society more supervision and less hanging out might not be so bad.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

We have had aubergine (purple); bleached white; etc., but they had the 'choice' as I am guessing your kids did too...a little (emphasis on little...that grows to alot more) freedom on inconsequential things (music choices; sports teams; hair colors/lengths) lead to learning to make wise choices later on. The Duggars (from what they present on camera) don't have those choices. And a couple of the girls were just work horses. And they don't seem to have friends...or any activity 'away' from their siblings.

The homeschooled kids we know are great...we know them from Scouts and from sports (in our district homeschooled/cyber schooled kids participate in school activities like sports/plays/band)...the Duggars never left the homestead (unless it was a well planned road trip).

What is funny (to me) the polar opposites of Kate (of Jon and Kate Plus Eight)...shrill, hyper, sarcastic (and my criticism of her...waaay to critical and bossing of Jon) and Michelle (of Duggar fame) who is spacy calm and talks in such a monotone...Somewhere between these two mommyistas the rest of us fall...(and I do mean fall...my house is boobytrapped most of the time).

[PennsylvaniaMom]

I saw that one (the engagement one too)...and I guess why I am commenting on the thread. Some of their 'shows' cross the comfort line. And when the girls were asked if they could date...well that was uncomfortable too...like 'who would we date...' (do we know any guys our ages?...uncomfortable silense) oh yeah...we'll 'court.' Its just too much private stuff being played for the cameras (for fun and profit). I just think their kids need more privacy (and a little) freedom.

Fwiw, I have watched Jon and Kate Plus 8, and I can't stand how Kate belittles the husband (did anyone else cringe with hair plug episode...Kate...your kids will see that some day)...and smacks him...I don't 'get' them either...except Kate (smacks asides) seems more 'normal' of a organized, controlled person, than Michelle who seems (to me) spaced out.

[Cicero]

Yes, exactly. If her parents had stopped with 23 children, there would have been no Catherine of Siena.

[RepublicanChick]

Bmk

[CindyDawg]

Yeah, I've watched several of their shows and was impressed. That one though...as you say...should have been private. I think they just turned him loose and he needed more supervision on what to allow taped and what not to.

kate was saying the other day...this is the way we are. I'm not always nice or something like that lol. My favorite family show are the little people though. She gets so aggrevated with him and he's a "general"

[CindyDawg]

Yeah, I've watched several of their shows and was impressed. That one though...as you say...should have been private. I think they just turned him loose and he needed more supervision on what to allow taped and what not to.

kate was saying the other day...this is the way we are. I'm not always nice or something like that lol. My favorite family show are the little people though. She gets so aggrevated with him and he's a "general"

[AmericanMade1776]

But Why ? Bet she can not even name her own Children.

[Allegra]

Wow....they've got enough for TWO baseball teams now.

Congratulations to the Duggars.

[A.A. Cunningham]

cretin

[A.A. Cunningham]

One wonders if your parents ever got a refund for all of the money that was wasted on your education.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Excellent time management.

[stormer]

LOL. Looks like my friends have been right all along.

[PennsylvaniaMom]

I think they just turned him loose and he needed more supervision on what to allow taped and what not to.

And that's my point...as nice a kid, mature, that Josh seems to be...when given the opportunity to finally makes choices on his own...well...he should have been guided. And I think that is something you learn in increments...

Now Amy Roloff...that's a woman who can kick some butt :)

[A.A. Cunningham]

You didn’t get spanked enough when you were little.