[mollyduke]

She doesn’t “strike” him-she pats him on the cheek (face)and the belittling part is just what you want to take from it. They addressed this in one episode—she is blunt and they both admit that some of their comments will appear strange to others, but that is how they communicate in certain sitations and they understand what is meant.
Honestly, are we all so touchy feely these days?

[svcw]

You are correct. They both have said many times, that's how the show is edited.
If you notice they wear “Christian Witness” t-shirts allot.
As far as behavior issues with the kids, they address Mady's issues. She is the oldest of 8 kids of course there will be issues, she seems perfectly normal to me.
People need to remember the crews are there from early am to late pm and edit the show to 30 minutes, of course the crew will edit to show drama. (Ok I love the show.)

[timm22]

She doesn’t “strike” him-she pats him on the cheek (face)and the belittling part is just what you want to take from it. They addressed this in one episode—she is blunt and they both admit that some of their comments will appear strange to others, but that is how they communicate in certain sitations and they understand what is meant. Honestly, are we all so touchy feely these days

Maybe I'm a little overly sensitive because I've had to help friends and family deal with abusive relationships. I've found that what often appears like mutual understanding in a relationship is really just one partner submitting to mistreatment for the sake of the kids, or for fear of being alone, not wanting to cause a scene, etc.

But I don't know these people or what really goes on in their relationship. So like you suggested, I'll just choose to watch other things.

[Mr. Silverback]

Honestly, are we all so touchy feely these days?

If it's just a pat, why does the person referenced in post 59 mention it makes an audible sound? I pat my kids on the cheek all the time, and I doubt somebody could hear it if they were sitting next to me.

And expecting spouses to be respectful to each other is "touchy feely?" That's funny, I thought that sort of thing was old-fashioned. As in, that's how my parents and grandparents did it.