Pantagraph.com | News | Happy Mother's Day: Woman pregnant with 18th child

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

knowing is half the battle wrote on May 24, 2008 10:18 PM:

" I just want to say Pa Duggar must be a true Genetic Jackhammer! "

girl wrote on May 23, 2008 4:13 PM:

" It is my opinion that anyone who has 17 children with one on the way needs to get a good psychiatric evaluation. And I have seen this family on TV and they do seem happy although just a little too goody goody and what is with their fashion sense? But just because it would not choose their life doesn't mean that they shouldn't. We have all been molded by our parents values, and their children seem better off than many. As far as contributing to overpopulation, yes they are but I do not think that if they didn't have so many children the resources that they are using would magically go to some starving person in a third world country. It just doesn't work that way. When you mother told you to eat your lunch because their were people starving in the world didn't you ever offer to send your lunch to the starving person? Unfortunately I do not believe that the human race will ever figure out a way to equally distrubute the worlds resources. "

tammy wrote on May 23, 2008 11:11 AM:

" if you look up discovery.com it has amny different sites to go on there or you can even do a web search of the family and it does state that the older children take care of the younger ones by changing diapers,bathing them, feeding them and so on they might love each child but its not a childs responsibility to take care of another child my sister babysat me and my brother but she never ever had to care for us like a mother is suppose to care for a child "

mom&wife6 wrote on May 22, 2008 9:56 PM:

" re bngurl comment-
my husband and i have not had time out together in over 10 years.i do not make my older children babysit.only one would be old enough and he has severe medical issues.
as the mother of 6 i choose to stay home and care for them.i dont use babysitters.my husband and i have found ways to get things done with our children by our sides.there will be plenty of times for us to enjoy ourselves after our children have grown up and moved out. "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on May 22, 2008 3:15 PM:

" also bngurl - you say make them do chores like cleaning and washing the dishes. But if you make them babysit pay them like you would a babysitter. So then should the parents have to pay their kids to clean and wash dishes like they would the maid? Hmm... allowances are fine but should not be expected. What should be expected is your kids to do what you say. "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on May 22, 2008 3:13 PM:

" bngurl- They are the parents and it's their home. Until you are 18, you live under your parents roof and need to follow their rules. Leave when you are 18 if you think it's so unfair. If their rule is that you have to watch your little sister so your mom can have one night off, that is the rule. Too bad that you want to go to your friends house to call boys. If these parents are stopping the older children from being involved in sports or other extra curricular activites to help care for the young ones, yes that is wrong. But they seem like a pretty decent family to me and it's doubtful that is the case at all. Maybe if some parents were stricter and didn't just let their teens do what they want (since they are teens, not adults) we wouldn't be seeing school shootings from teenagers, teens beating others up and putting it on youtube, etc. But your opinion is you didn't have the kids so why should you have to watch them. Well how about because your parents said so! "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 22, 2008 9:06 AM:

" I seriously doubt they are forced into babysitting. How do you know those older kids don't enjoy taking care of them? There is nothing wrong with teaching your kids to care for others. It teaches them to be compassionate of others and not be self centered by thinking the world owes them everything and evolves around them. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 22, 2008 8:58 AM:

bngurl wrote on May 22, 2008 12:55 AM:

" If you want to teach your kids responsibility, make them wash dishes, clean house, mow the lawn. If you want them to babysit, pay them like you would a normal babysitter. My mother had 3 of us. I was the oldest, my sister was 7 years younger and my brother 10 years younger. My mother respected that I had a life as a teenager and never made me miss out on my social life because she wanted to go out and have a good time. When she needed a babysitter, my grandmother babysat and if she couldn't, I would. She would give me an allowance for it. She knew she had the kids and it was her responsibility. "

bngurl wrote on May 22, 2008 12:55 AM:

" To mom&wife6 and mixdown: What I am saying is that it is not that they shouldn't help out with their other siblings- its when parents deprive their children of going out and having their own life because they HAVE to babysit their siblings. How is that right? The parents are the ones that decided to have the children, they should be doing the job to take care of them. I feel that the children should be asked if they would help out and not be told. Your children have lives too and I hope you will not use them to be your babysitters while you go out and have your own lives. If parents can not take care of their children, they should not have them. No parent should rely on others to do their work for them. "

bngurl wrote on May 22, 2008 12:54 AM:

fishpoop wrote on May 21, 2008 2:20 PM:

" I like your comment wife&mother you are right that to many self centered people are in this world and I do agree that it is good for them to learn how to take care of other people besides themselves "

mom&wife6 wrote on May 21, 2008 1:50 PM:

" as the mother of 6 children(no we dont recieve welfare),i say as long as they are not being raised on welfare and are not out causing problems let her have as many children as she wants.as far as helping out with younger siblings,whats so wrong with that?maybe if we taught all of our children to look out for someone other then themselves we wouldnt have so many problems with todays youth.most of the teenagers i meet these days are so self centered and spoiled they think the world revolves around them.they are in for a big disappointment when the become adults.and no i am by no means saying my children are perfect. "

fishpoop wrote on May 21, 2008 12:40 PM:

" I don't mind them I just like to people watch and to get a true look at people it has to be when they are drinking it is great. Plus at Gill it is outside to enjoy this wonderful weather. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 21, 2008 11:38 AM:

" lol sorry, im not a bar fan. "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 3:27 PM:

" you could have your own baseball team wiht a pitching staff! Don't drink or play golf? Wow I couldn't live then! "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 2:44 PM:

" you could have your own baseball team wiht a pitching staff! Don't drink or play golf? Wow I couldn't live then! "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 2:21 PM:

" you could have your own baseball team wiht a pitching staff! Don't drink or play golf? Wow I couldn't live then! "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 20, 2008 12:47 PM:

" I don't drink or play golf lol Although with 18 kids I bet I could start my own sports team. "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 12:20 PM:

" starbucks what the heck lady it will be friday the start of a 3 day weekend (well in my case 4 because I am taking the day off an going drinking I mean golfing) LOL "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 12:02 PM:

" starbucks what the heck lady it will be friday the start of a 3 day weekend (well in my case 4 because I am taking the day off an going drinking I mean golfing) LOL "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 20, 2008 11:46 AM:

" I bet this family has awesome holidays "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 20, 2008 11:46 AM:

" Hhmmm....Starbucks at 4:30..lol "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 11:15 AM:

" On Thanksgiving at this home the kids table would probably be the main table and the adults would have to sit at the small table! "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 11:13 AM:

" no kidding sweetcheeks and look at this we are getting married and never met! I think we will have to have a sweetcheeks/fishpoop fan club meeting this friday somewhere!!! Name the place and I will be there "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 20, 2008 10:44 AM:

" LOL Sweet! I have a fan! and to think I have never seen Fishpoop lol "

michelle24 wrote on May 20, 2008 10:22 AM:

" That's it! I just made myself an official member of the "Fishpoop-Sweetcheeks fanclub! :) "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 20, 2008 9:12 AM:

" LOL I see that.
I like your post Robert. It will be funny to see how many of the haters come in contact with the kids in this family in the future when they are seniors and must rely on one of them when they are too old to fend for thenselves. "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 8:47 AM:

" Sweetcheeks I like hijacking this thread and keeping it going :) "

fishpoop wrote on May 20, 2008 8:44 AM:

" lol @ michelle, I have just the two kids I need already and heck the way I am I am a third! "

Robert Edward Johnson wrote on May 19, 2008 4:36 PM:

" The only thing more freakish than a couple having 18 kids is the vast majority of Americans, Europeans, Japanese, and even South Koreans and Taiwanese "forgetting" to have children and going towards negative population growth. If you want the world of the future to be just like the Mike Judge movie Idiocracy, keep on being smug about your own LACK of reproduction, sneering at the "breeders" and you'll soon be overwhelmed by folks who, unlike this PARTICULAR family, really can't cut it and are a cultural and even economic burden to all of us. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 19, 2008 2:36 PM:

" LOL Michelle..that is funny "

michelle24 wrote on May 19, 2008 2:02 PM:

" Re: Sweetcheeks and Fishpoop:: I want an invite to the wedding! Have all the kids you want! LOLLOL :) "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 19, 2008 1:09 PM:

" LOL shouldn't that be the other way around? I agree some have a lot of trouble with just one or two. "

fishpoop wrote on May 19, 2008 12:25 PM:

" sweetcheeks are you following me around? :P i think you are hitting on me when are you going to take me out for a drink? "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 19, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Fishpoop LOL --good point Mix. I The responsibilty they have will make them better adults. "

fishpoop wrote on May 19, 2008 11:53 AM:

" sweetcheeks but when did he take a break? I would hate to see what the stroller looked like, and can you imagine what the McDonalds employees thought when they saw them pull up! "

mixdown wrote on May 19, 2008 11:45 AM:

" Good for them! I really admire large families who have it all together. I don't plan on going that high (note I said plan), but my wife and I have 4, the oldest of which is 5. And yes, older children should help take care of younger ones. All of you who seem to believe that teens should be responsibility-free and then released into world should realize that those will be the ones raising dysfunctional families some day - they won't even be able to handle their one or two kids! What a sad culture we live in, that kids are places behind everything else in the priority list when they should be the first. You want craziness? We are willing youth leaders to Jr. High kids. 15-20 in one room? Piece of cake. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 19, 2008 11:31 AM:

" LOL Fishpoop thats funny. It would appear that he was, probably sold them when he took his breaks lol "

fishpoop wrote on May 19, 2008 10:09 AM:

" when did he have time to sell homes, looks like he was in bed most of the time making babies! "

Danser61701 wrote on May 16, 2008 1:30 PM:

" Saw them on tv and they made me want to gag! "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 16, 2008 12:25 PM:

" He is a former Congressman that deals in Real Estate "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 16, 2008 12:14 PM:

" He is a former Congressman that deals in Real Estate "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 16, 2008 12:13 PM:

" I never thought of that lol Do they even make them that big? Or are they using a small bus? "

tucker wrote on May 16, 2008 12:08 PM:

" Can anyone tell me what dad does to support 18 children???? I'm sure Discovery is now paying them something but still! Who among us could support that? "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 16, 2008 12:03 PM:

" I never thought of that lol Do they even make them that big? Or are they using a small bus? "

fishpoop wrote on May 16, 2008 11:32 AM:

" her mini van must look like it is on crack with room for 20.... somehow I miss that sales point in the commercials "

stanford friend wrote on May 16, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Holy cow 18 kids. I have 5. I love every minute of it and I'm sure they do too..lol
I would have 10 more if I could afford to give them every thing they need equally and pay for their educations. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 16, 2008 9:54 AM:

" Sure lol

I would like to see the new Discovery Health on this family to see how they do it because I would be totally crazy with that many kids. "

fishpoop wrote on May 16, 2008 9:35 AM:

" they have 2 1/2 brady bunches! "

fishpoop wrote on May 15, 2008 9:59 PM:

" sweetcheeksp i am ok had a rough day. are you meeting me at Gill St friday? i will be there until around 5:15 just let me know "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on May 15, 2008 2:44 PM:

" Anyone ever watch "John & Kate + Eight" on TLC? I don't know how they do it but they do it well. Those kids are the cutest!!! : ) "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 15, 2008 12:03 PM:

" Good and yours? I would never have that many kids but I won't condem those who do. I surley would go NUTS! But hey what ever floats their boat lol "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 15, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Good and yours? I would never have that many kids but I won't condem those who do. I surley would go NUTS! But hey what ever floats their boat lol "

fishpoop wrote on May 15, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Hey sweetcheeks how is your thursday going?

I think these people are starting their own race! "

snarky wrote on May 14, 2008 7:40 PM:

" From what I've seen, the family owns a large tract of land so the children will have a place to build their houses close to Mom and Dad. I would never date one of them, I'd be scared to death! "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 14, 2008 2:24 PM:

" (((((((((((FISHPOOP))))))))))))) "

spottyjoe wrote on May 14, 2008 2:13 PM:

" To editorgirl62: chores, there is nothing wrong with chores, I did chores, my kids did chores. As for caring for a younger child, there is nothing wrong with that either. Our oldest helped with helped with our youngest. Today she is a very good wife and mother. This is the way families used to be before we got the hairbrain idea that kids should run wild and do what ever they wanted. Our kids have gone to pot, they have no respect and no responsibility. "

fishpoop wrote on May 14, 2008 1:44 PM:

" I am sorry jipsi forgot that you are the mayor of the forums and I hurt your feelings by being nice to someone on here. I didn't mean to blast this story by talking with someone on here, how wrong of me! "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 14, 2008 11:21 AM:

" stop being so negitive jipsi "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on May 14, 2008 8:18 AM:

" jipsi - I happen to remember agreeing with you on another post (the Yucab letter) and you still called me out for the heck of it and you have mentioned how I used the word ignorant a lot. So I said that, big deal. Don't take anything on here personally, it's all a way for me to pass the time and be the sarcastic person I am. : ) "

jipsi wrote on May 13, 2008 11:18 PM:

" to JimmyChooGirl: Your little "last word" to me was out of line... did you READ my post? You and I (God Forbid!) are actually on the SAME SIDE in this discussion!
Why the disrespect??

And, to Sweetcheeks and FishPoop: This is an open discussion area for the host article, NOT a "chat room", for Pete's Sake! NO ONE CARES... email each other, already, alright?
SHEESH... "

fishpoop wrote on May 13, 2008 3:00 PM:

" been going to Gill St on the nice weather days, they have wifi LOL I will be there tonight until around 5:15 "

fishpoop wrote on May 13, 2008 2:59 PM:

" doing ok girl missing you though wondering if you are looking around for me at the bars yet? :P "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 13, 2008 2:36 PM:

" When and where lol "

fishpoop wrote on May 13, 2008 2:14 PM:

" doing ok girl missing you though wondering if you are looking around for me at the bars yet? :P "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 13, 2008 1:37 PM:

" Why howdy Fishpoop I am fine how are you?
"

fishpoop wrote on May 13, 2008 12:54 PM:

" I guess he isn't sponge worthy "

fishpoop wrote on May 13, 2008 12:52 PM:

" hey there sweetcheeks how are ya!!!!

All I know is that these people need to learn about the birds and the bees a little more! "

Scapegoat wrote on May 13, 2008 10:09 AM:

" I won't beat a dead horse and reassert which of your statements I disagree with. Fair enough. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 13, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Re-read it-I didn't single you out on that statement I said blaming them for overpopulation and world starvation is ignorant. They are not causing the problem. I guess I can see better things to complain about since these people are really not hurting anyone. I can't see calling them irresponsable since they are not receiving any form of assistance at all. It is not disgusting or a freak show either. I would never have that many children, I am happy with my 3 but I certainly am NOT going to throw insults at a family that does. "

Scapegoat wrote on May 13, 2008 8:56 AM:

" Calm down, Sweetcheeks. I didn't call you ignorant or insult your reading comprehension, though it seems I should. Go back and re-read my post and tell me where exactly I blamed this one family specifically for overpopulation. I'm happy that this family seems so loving, tight-knit, and fiscally responsible. I wish them the best. I was simply making a generalization in response to others' previous questions as to why some people might find this to be irresponsible. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 13, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Scapegoat: I never place value on negitive remarks. I consider others opinions when they are warrented. Blaming this family for the overpopulation and world starvation is just ignorant. If you had read the post properly you would have seen the part where I said I would probably get blasted for it)hense the no value comment)...learn to read or dont comment at all. These poeple are NOT hurting you so lay off. When you have to suport them then start whinning about it otherwise leave them alone. Irresponsable is having these kids and not caring for them or providing for them which they are doing and they all live better than most here. "

notthere wrote on May 12, 2008 3:37 PM:

" Irresponsible would be having multiple children and NOT taking care of them. They are taking care of them, quite well actually. You disagree? Then DON'T have 18 children. I can't figure out why people care so much about what other people are doing with their own lives....it's called openmindedness and wouldn't kill anyone to try it out. "

Scapegoat wrote on May 12, 2008 3:32 PM:

" "It isn't like I will actually place any value on what is said." -Excellent philosphy. I disagree with people all the time, but I still learn things by taking a moment to listen and consider the opinions of others.

No, this family is personally not causing overpopulation, but excusing one group of people will open up to excusing every other family that decides something similar is a good idea. What I'm stressing here is individual responsibility instead of individual irresponsibility. Individual action can lead to change, for better or for worse. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 12, 2008 3:31 PM:

" wow...my typing stinks..they arnt the cause of world overpopulation........... "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 12, 2008 2:15 PM:

" JimmyChoogirl-yes it is, the opinions on here are just disgusting. I say live and let live. This family is not hurting anyone so everyone can just lay off. They are causing the world's overpopulation or hunger issues and they certainly arn't the cause of the economy crises since they arn't on welfare so lay off of them completly. I may get blasted for that but oh well I don't care. It isn't like I will actually place any value on what is said. "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on May 12, 2008 1:35 PM:

" Scapegoat - I get your overpopluation statement but a family like this one should be allowed to have as many children as they like. It's the people who throw their kids away in the garbage and aren't mentally stable in the first place that should not have children...stop them from reproducing and then families that want kids can have them, and many of them. : )

"

JimmyChooGirl wrote on May 12, 2008 1:35 PM:

" Mother of 5 killed - you leave comments about welfare and how your tax dollars shouldn't help others (even though she wasn't on welfare). Young hybrid gangs - you ask where the parents are and who is raising these young kids.

Now this article about 2 married adults, who's income is substanctial, their children are healthy, seem happy and their lives have absolutely nothing to do with yours (their not using your tax dollars, their kids aren't young thugs threatning your lives) and you still complain? It's disgusting? Are you serious? Having children in a safe environment where they will get supported by their parents and brothers and sisters is disgusting??? Um no, that's called family!

Sweetcheeks - It's sad isn't it? I don't think I am a perfect person but some of the people that comment on here come off as racist, hypocrital & just plain ignorant Yes jipsi I said ignorant, shoot me.
"

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 12, 2008 11:14 AM:

" oops: what a wake up call... "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 12, 2008 9:37 AM:

" Wow..I have only been living in the twin cities since December and I was under the impression the people here were really nice but after reading these posts I am really embarassed to admit that. what a wale call...... "

Scapegoat wrote on May 12, 2008 8:34 AM:

" That's what I dislike about these boards -- it's all cries of socialist/liberal and fundamentalist/conservative! Try having discussions without insulting one another and you might actually learn something.

Back to topic: the reason we don't have government telling us how many kids we can have is because most people are reasonable enough not to have enough to reach double-digits. When overpopulation here reaches the proportions it has in China, I don't doubt some measures will be put into place. Unfortunately, those measures will inevitably bring as much bad as good... "

G. Larson wrote on May 12, 2008 8:04 AM:

" to jipsi: those benefits, whatever they are, exist SOLELY for that family only. For those that daily suffer for material things, meaning, for the majority of the world's population, they will be nothing but burdens, as they will suck up a far larger portion of the world's resources than they will contribute back. So, I fail to see how this is anything other than a threat to most living people, and the most desperate people. This is not cute, this is not something to coo at. This is a part of why the world starves, this is part of why those barely surviving nations claw so desperately at each other. Such large-scale suffering doesn't contain itself conveniently, as the current trends of terrorism strongly suggest. Things like this are not "helpful" to anyone, and such things should be strongly questioned by everyone at all times. And yet, the most our intelligence can muster is, "awwww, thew aw soo coot!". "

G. Larson wrote on May 12, 2008 7:55 AM:

" ...and one more entire village somewhere starves to death, so that we can be "cute". Oh, that's right, God "wills it". My bad. No, not like they CHOSE to do this, or anything. If there is any issue with such gross procreation, its simply that in choosing to have a child, you are always very much neglecting the needs of one that is already living and suffering. When we have children, we like to imagine they can help out the world, that they can contribute something further. But at this magnitude, the Duggars are little short of waging war on the poor countries of the world. What egotism, what self-importance. But, as long as a person can use "God's Word" as justification without question, anything goes, and the world suffers further at the self-centered "good intentions" of the "faithful" and "righteous". Wonderful. Nothing new, though, that's for sure. "

jipsi wrote on May 11, 2008 10:19 PM:

" I look at it this way: with a family this big, later on, if one or several grown children run into hard times, their family will be a source of support and encouragement that will most likely mean NONE of them will ever have need of public assistance.

I agree: if they are financially able, then Godspeed! The BENEFITS far outweigh the negatives, as every child will be learning how to care for others as well as understand a strong work ethic.
Mom and Pop may never need assistance from the government in their senior years, as, with this many kids, their needs can easily be shared and met.
In a way, creating a "little community" is more beneficial for everyone involved, than a smaller family, where helping each other would be more of a BURDEN as it would be carried by fewer "shoulders"...

I have a feeling, since this couple has made being PARENTS their life's work (read: priority) that these kids probably get MORE ATTENTION and love than many kids in smaller families, where the parents are often obsessed with their "own lives" and careers... "

miskaffon wrote on May 11, 2008 9:24 PM:

" Typical Liberal junk; it's not what they would do so they cry LOUDLY about it and boo-hoo until someone "makes" a law about it. Yuck! So, is population control next? How much totalitarian control are the liberal Socialists going to subject us to???!!!! Well organized, well-loved, well-cared for children...give me a break that there's anything wrong with that. The liberals are simply jealous and looking for a way to criticize...so they look at the number of children and start drawing scary and very inappropriate connections to the cult in Texas. "

bngurl wrote on May 11, 2008 5:58 AM:

" What really bothers me about people who have this many kids- they expect their older children to take care of the younger kids. They are the ones that make the babies, the parents should be the one to take care of them. I guess it bothers me with any parent who feels their older children should be the ones to baby sit- Please let your older children have a life and don't force them into baby sitting.

I had a friend who was 10 years older than her brother and 12 years older than her sister. All throughout junior high and highschool she couldn't have a normal life because she had to baby sit on the weekends while her parents went out and had fun. "

Bama Yankee wrote on May 10, 2008 11:02 PM:

" There are a lot of arrogant, hypocritical people in Bloomington/Normal and reading these comments make me feel even better about retiring to another part of the country.

Many of you people sit home watching TV, paying your taxes, supporting welfare couch potatoes squirting out babies annually just to collect more money and not a peep out of you, yet when you read about a large family, making their own way in the world, quite nicely, I might add, you go all ballistic in condemning them.

You make me proud to be from the twin cities.... a long way from the twin cities. "

cocoa wrote on May 10, 2008 10:32 PM:

" I went to school with children that were part of a clan of 21 kids. They were a farming family (when farming was still somewhat dependable and profitable), and they were organized very similarly to this family, with older children taking care of younger siblings, etc. Every single one of those kids took off the second they turned 18 and never looked back. A few even quit school and took off when they were 16. They were not happy, no matter what story their parents tried to spin. Maybe this family is different, but I have a feeling they aren't, and those kids will be heading out the door at the first opportunity. "

alwayssomething wrote on May 10, 2008 10:20 PM:

" This just disgusts me...there is something wrong with these people...#17 wasn't even a few hours old when they were discussing having ANOTHER ONE!!!!!!!!!!! I think these 2 are in love with the euphoria of having a baby....I can remember how it was with each of my children....it is a very exciting time.....someone needs to wake these people up or MAYBE since shes already over the safe age to have a baby ...when the babies start having health problems due to mothers age they will stop. I also feel sorry for their children...they aren't allowed to have a normal childhood....they have to long for a normal life like their friends. "

3pete wrote on May 10, 2008 9:47 PM:

" I thought this family was a little crazy too until I saw a documentary about them on TLC. What an amazing family. They are great parents that were blessed with some amazing children. They do not believe in taking on debt and built their 7,000 square foot house debt-free. I heard there will be a new documtenary on them on Discovery Health. Watch it for yourself before you form an opinion. I just wish more parents could be like them! "

Townie here... wrote on May 10, 2008 7:48 PM:

" All i have to say is....OUCH! Hope they weren't all natural births.....ouchie. "

garden lady wrote on May 10, 2008 12:31 PM:

" These people have so many kids= deductions they don't have to pay taxes until they make over 165,000$. "

Lively1 wrote on May 10, 2008 11:12 AM:

" She looks to be in excellent shape for having 17 children... "

dancinggirl wrote on May 10, 2008 6:31 AM:

" adding more to the ever growing population on this earth..... i guess it's good that they are at least self supporting and the kids are being trained to be productive. let's hope those kids don't have 18 freakin' kids of their own!! "

Jarhead71 wrote on May 9, 2008 10:49 PM:

" Their home looks clean, organized and well maintained. They all look clean and well cared for. Whether they are Mormons or careless Baptisits or very practicing Catholics, who really cares. I think 18 is a bit much, but as others have said, they are not on welfare, they obviously look as though they are living an upper middle class life style, so who has a right to judge how many children they are allowed to have? If they aren't costing you any of your money, it is none of your business. "

Annienap wrote on May 9, 2008 10:23 PM:

" I don't think it's considered irresponsible when the children have two parents who love them and who provide excellent care for them. This family can provide financially so taxpayers' dollars aren't supporting them. There is not one thing that is disgusting about this, either. Those who think children are disgusting should not have children. I've seen a whole lot of families with only ONE child who do not feed and clothe their children properly and could care less about the child's welfare. I say GO FOR IT! "

editorgirl62 wrote on May 9, 2008 10:11 PM:

" This is terrible! The Duggars have essentially made their older children their free live-in nannies, au pairs and maids. The older ones have a right to a childhood, too, and to enjoy themselves and have fun before going into the adult world where work is the order of the day and fun happens a lot less. While it's important to teach children responsibility and the value of work and the honor found within, their most important job is to be a kid, not worker bees for overzealous parents. I have to say it, I feel this is a form of neglect to make the older children take care of the parents responsibilities and to make so many children live one on top of another. Perhaps the more they have, the more free stuff they get from companies. Sad, sad, sad... "

Archie Goodwin wrote on May 9, 2008 8:03 PM:

" I think what is upsetting all you people is that these children will grow up intelligent, well-educated (home schooled), responsible, self-sufficient, possess a love of God country and family--in other words, Conservative. If we can raise enough children who do not depend on government for their happiness and fulfillment, we won't need liberals at all!! What a wonderful world that would be. "

FYI wrote on May 9, 2008 6:54 PM:

" Disgraceful "

MiddleofCorn wrote on May 9, 2008 6:22 PM:

" For those who have not seen the special on TLC regarding this family, each older child is responsible for a younger child. They must bath them, dress them, teach them, look after them and are responsible for that child, until that child is old enough to be responsible for another child. In addition to that, from what the show said, the girls are also responsible for cooking the meals, laundry and a majority of the cleaning *these are considered female chores.* The boys do the *male*chores.
The mom and dad are the managers, the kids their employees (without pay) - Look at this how you want, but even though these kids are not having babies, they have the same responsibilities as any mom (and from what I have read in past comments, kids should not be having kids).
"

What?!?! wrote on May 9, 2008 5:29 PM:

" What would happen if everyone had 18 kids....then those kids all had 18........then they had 18........x18..........x18..........x18..........x18...........x18......
THAT is why it is irresponsible. "

Common Sense wrote on May 9, 2008 5:19 PM:

" I personally would not want 18 children and could not be as selfless as these parents must be. I respect their RIGHT to have as many children they want; as long as they are supporting them and raising them to be good US citizens. They seem like they are doing something right and that is more than I can say about a LOT of other parents I see. "

pebbles wrote on May 9, 2008 4:55 PM:

" I am also trying to find in this article where it says that the older kids are responsible for the younger ones. Who cares how many kids they have. I have also seen the documentary on their lives, and they seem to be a well adjusted happy family. Maybe the people posting about how disgusting it is should move somewhere like China, where you aren't allowed the freedom of choosing how many children to have. These people seem like better parents to their 18, than some seem to their 1 or 2. Not sure what is so disgusting, or "freakish" about that. "

McLovin It wrote on May 9, 2008 4:39 PM:

" It's a uterus, NOT a clown car!!!! "

Scapegoat wrote on May 9, 2008 3:08 PM:

" I'll repeat: overpopulation is a legitimate concern in the modern world. Since they're organized, supporting themselves, and obviously have a loving family environment, I take no issue with the rest. "

lizzie wrote on May 9, 2008 2:53 PM:

" They can support themselves? Then congrats! Whatever floats your boat. I have two and I can't imagine more... "

mds1 wrote on May 9, 2008 2:43 PM:

" No where in the article does it say that the older children are taking care of the younger one's. It says that all of the children have chores; there's nothing wrong with that. It instills responsibility and accountability. It's possible the parents have taught their children there are rules of respect for everyone, or punishmnent will be forthcoming. If the parents are the organizational managers, I believe it's possible they are the ones doing the child rearing, not the children. I was raised in a children's home, and it was possible to have many many children in one cottage with only two cottage parents, and believe me, they didn't put up with any disrespect either. So please stop judging this family, since you have no idea what they are capable of in their own family. "

betty_blast wrote on May 9, 2008 1:28 PM:

" They used to have a TLC special...it was fun to watch...they talked about how they transport them & go on vacation....they also showed a seasonal trip to the goodwill & how they shop for everyday stuff...it was interesting! They seemed like a very nice family. "

SoTrue wrote on May 9, 2008 1:08 PM:

" I certainly admire the organizational ability. I would be completely nuts. "

Scapegoat wrote on May 9, 2008 12:43 PM:

" cheesehead - Thank you for the info. I've not seen any of the documentaries about this family, and I'm glad that they're able to provide financial stability for all of the children. Still, that doesn't negate my other comments. "

sahmomma wrote on May 9, 2008 12:42 PM:

" to .......- how is my thinking that older kids should be allowed to persue thier own intrests and hobbies rather than doing their parents jobs of raising all these kids what is wrong with kids today? What is wrong with kids today is parents not being involved in their kids lives and you cant tell me that 2 parents can be that involved in their 18 kids lives! You can't tell me that this woman has the time to change diapers, clean the house, potty train the kids, cook dinner, bathe the kids, home school them, and give the amount of time and attention that each of these kids deserve. These older kids are basically employees with their "jurisdictions". They didn't choose to have thier parents keep popping babies out. I agree with kids having chores and responsibility, and older kids helping out with their younger siblings here and there, but to make it their "job" is sick. It is the parents job, and if they can't do it on thier own, then they should have stopped about 15 kids ago. "

cheesehead wrote on May 9, 2008 12:28 PM:

" SCAPEGOAT:

I have seen the documentaries on this family. The ARE independently wealthy. He is a former congressman who has made some big money in real estate. In fact, the 7000 sq ft house they live in is paid for. They built it themselves for the most part.

"

pixie wrote on May 9, 2008 12:24 PM:

" if they want 18 kids and can provide for them- then more power to them. If the kids are happy, they are happy. You grow up being comfortable with a lifestyle like that, I don't know why anyone cares how many children they have, it's their right- they aren't mooching off the government at all. And have you seen these children? They are sweet, smart, very well behaved (even the little bitty ones) and they all seem happy from what we have seen on TV. "

Scapegoat wrote on May 9, 2008 12:18 PM:

" I don't doubt that they love each of these children very much and do their utmost to provide for them, but unless they're independently wealthy, it's going to become increasingly (financially) difficult for them to do so.

It's irresponsible because overpopulation is a legitimate concern and because it puts the older children in the unfair position of having to raise their younger siblings. "

newshound wrote on May 9, 2008 12:15 PM:

" Wow.. a trip thru a Mc Donalds drive thru here would be interesting....:) "

CapricornKaren64 wrote on May 9, 2008 12:13 PM:

" Why is everyone so negative about this? My guess is those of you who said it all the negative stuff are poor parents themselves! Geez! Back off and judge your own lives before bagging on anothers. There is more love in their household than any of yours! Learn to know that not everyone is like you. Thank Goodness for that! "

Home Plate wrote on May 9, 2008 11:41 AM:

" What's the problem? It's Arkansas for cryin out load! Get off their back, it seems that the kids are well cared for, they have a mom and a dad, which is a rarity in itself now days. I didn't hear anything about welfare checks being handed out, or DCFS being called in, or any charges filed about domestic violence, or child endangerment. It's better than a mother with 6 kids, on welfare, and 6 different dads who pay nothing to support them. Good For Them!!!! And God Bless!! "

College-Town wrote on May 9, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Interesting outfits on the girls - seems a little reminescent of the dress style (early frontier?) of that recent nightmare of 40 kids removed from their "families" in that bizarro camp! Who's to say proliferation isn't "ok"? Odd, maybe - ego-fanatical, maybe. But the kids will probably become really sensible, organized individuals with very FEW kids of their own!!
"

....... wrote on May 9, 2008 11:33 AM:

" While I would personally never want this many children I dont understand what you people are all worked up over. This isn't inconveniencing any of us at all. Besides, teaching your children to share and look out for eachother is hardly a bad thing. Sahmomma it is your line of thinking that is so irresponsible and what is wrong with most kids today! "

GeorgeHarrison wrote on May 9, 2008 11:24 AM:

" That's one dinner table you don't want to be late to. Hey pass the bucket of potatoes would you please !! Daddy can we go to Red lob for dinner ?? "

New Nana wrote on May 9, 2008 11:24 AM:

" More power to them!! But, I do think that if they wanted LOTS of children.....there are sooooo many waiting to be adopted and in Foster-Care, that they could spread their love to many who so very desperately want and need it. "

Tom Terrific wrote on May 9, 2008 11:18 AM:

" I see nothing wrong with this family. I do not see it as irresponsible or disgusting. "

Meh wrote on May 9, 2008 11:14 AM:

" I agree with CentralIllinois. As long as they aren't expecting us to support them, then more power to them. Not something I would want, but to each, their own. I do pity the older kids. They have all the responsibility of caring for kids but got none of the fun of making them. "

Crybaby wrote on May 9, 2008 11:06 AM:

" What a lovely story. Surely a candidate for 'Ripley's'. Better yet, from the looks of it, they're all in training to work in the Hospitality Industry. George and Ira Gershwin put it best: " I've got Bio-Rythym, I'm a Catholic...." "

CentralIllinois wrote on May 9, 2008 10:51 AM:

" It's seems pretty far out there but if they're not getting govt aid for each kid, can afford them, and aren't raising miniature felons, go for it. As for scheduling one on one time with mom, maybe they're raising kids without the concept of the child being at the center of the world. That in itself is refreshing. "

cats55ire wrote on May 9, 2008 10:49 AM:

" PUT A CORK IN IT!!!!!

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! SO MANY KIDS IN THIS WORLD ALREADY WHO NEED LOVING PARENTS AND THESE TWO CAN'T STOP . . .

GIVE ME A BREAK! "

jms2k wrote on May 9, 2008 10:41 AM:

" to everyone complaining... how is this irresponsible? They are able to provide for their children... and provide a loving home for them. It's not like they are just pumping out the babies to collect a welfare check. "

theProf wrote on May 9, 2008 10:36 AM:

" all the more to them, i watched the documentary on them and the parents take an active interest in each childs life, unlike most parents. Most parents today dont even care enough to raise their kids... "

4moore wrote on May 9, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Yeah I think it's crazy too. Jmmy james I don't think you can call them being irresponsible because they do love and take care of all the children. They seem to be happy. They are probably more organized than any of us ever will be. "

Sweetcheeks wrote on May 9, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Well when they are all grown she will have one blessed mothers day wont she..she will get showered with gifts lol "

BNHuman wrote on May 9, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Why is this a freak show? Why is it a trainwreck? Why is it irresponsible? "

chickster wrote on May 9, 2008 10:29 AM:

" They need TV! "

sahmomma wrote on May 9, 2008 10:23 AM:

" Ugh! These people make me sick! That is so irresponsible to have that many children. I saw them on the today show this morning, and they showed how they actually have a chart that they schedule one on one time with their mom. Why should a child have to be scheduled on a chart when they can sit and chat with thier mom? It is so unfair to these older children to make them care for their younger brothers and sisters. They didn't choose to have a million kids, so why should they have to have chores that involve taking care of the other kids thier parents keep popping out?! "

curliegirlie wrote on May 9, 2008 10:17 AM:

" are they apostolic christians, or what's the deal? "

default wrote on May 9, 2008 10:11 AM:

" I remember reading this story a few years ago, obviously a few kids ago, too. That is craziness. "

jimmy james wrote on May 9, 2008 10:11 AM:

" they should put this picture next to the word "irresponsible" in the dictionary. "

foreverillini07 wrote on May 9, 2008 10:04 AM:

" this just seems like a ridiculous trainwreck. haven't these people heard of birth control?? "

garden lady wrote on May 9, 2008 9:51 AM:

" What a freak show. Theses people need to get another hobby. "

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