the duggar family

[jimjim]

has anyone ever seen the specials they have on tlc channel about this family? this man and woman have 17 children and she gave birth to all 17. they are in their early 40's and started having kids back in 84. a few of them are sets of twins. but thats still allot of kids..

[summergirl]

dude i know.... too many kids. the parents cannot give each child the love they deserve with THAT many kids. they have a "buddy system" where each older kid literally takes care of a younger kid... so its like they raise each other.

[sscc8220]

that is crazy! i have not seen that but wow. 17 kids. how in the world????? i can't imagine even having ONE. i can't even keep up with myself and my critters (my babies) lol much less a bunch of kids running around. i think i would find myself an insane asylum and check in ASAP. :lol: don't get me wrong, i love kids, i love em to death but the thought of having a child, even at the age of 26, freaks me out. they are cute and cuddly then they spit up on you. wth???? i cuddle you and give you kisses then you vomit milk on me. very nice. :lol: this is the only reason i did not decide to become a nurse-i have an extremely weak stomach!

[Jules211]

that is crazy! i have not seen that but wow. 17 kids. how in the world????? i can't imagine even having ONE. i can't even keep up with myself and my critters (my babies) lol much less a bunch of kids running around. i think i would find myself an insane asylum and check in ASAP. :lol: don't get me wrong, i love kids, i love em to death but the thought of having a child, even at the age of 26, freaks me out. they are cute and cuddly then they spit up on you. wth???? i cuddle you and give you kisses then you vomit milk on me. very nice. :lol: this is the only reason i did not decide to become a nurse-i have an extremely weak stomach!


LOL! It's really not as bad as it sounds... when it's your baby, you don't get grossed out as easily (that's not to say there aren't moments that you could do without- like changing the first poopy diaper :lol:).

I was just watching that show last night... I have to agree there is no way they can give each child personal attention every day- and I don't think that's fair, but the kids did seem pretty happy and well adjusted so... who am I to judge? As much as I love my son, one is enough for me! :eek:

[Princesa]

OMG they trip me out..I couldn't handle that lol my aunt comes from a family of 17 (they were all a lil spaced apart)and I have heard her horror stories lol

[jessica.lanelle]

That is WAYYYYYYYYYYY too many.

[phoenixrising]

And doesn't each child have a name that begins with J? Tha's just sad...

[jimjim]

yeah they all start with j i was looking on line they had the first child in 88. she had twins twice over the years.
Joshua Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2280861/), Jana Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2284841/), John-David Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2284229/), Jill Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2285408/), Jessa Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2280248/), Jinger Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2283810/), Joseph Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2284664/), Josiah Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2281264/), Joy-Anna Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2285826/), Jedidiah Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2283556/), Jeremiah Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2286073/), Jason Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2286180/), James Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2280412/), Justin Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2283140/), Jackson Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2283303/), Johannah Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2286339/), and Jennifer Duggar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2819646/).

[BlueyesMS]

That's just freakin crazy!

[jimjim]

one of thems named jinger id hate growing up with that name

[phoenixrising]

I wouldn't be too happy with Josiah or Jedidiah either.....

[GlitterQueen]

dude i know.... too many kids. the parents cannot give each child the love they deserve with THAT many kids. they have a "buddy system" where each older kid literally takes care of a younger kid... so its like they raise each other.

that buddy system kinda stinks. It seems the kids never get to be just kids, they are raising the younger ones.

[325i]

Imagine all the tax deductions they get with having that many kids!:eek:

[jimjim]

tax deductions. plus im sure they get allot of money from doing those tv specials on tlc on top of what companys and others donate too them

[Val]

I agree that the kids don't really get to have a chance to be kids while taking care of brothers and sisters.

[briannasmom]

she must love being pregnant.

[Oobladi]

she must love being pregnant.


I can't blame her there. I enjoy it. :D

What I'm wondering is how the children will feel about the buddy system when they're adults? Will they see it as a bonding time with their siblings where they learned about responsibility or will they see it as slave labor. Time will tell.

My mom grew up in a tiny family, she was one of eight children, and she has an extremely close bond with her youngest brother due in part to the fact that she took care of him a lot when he was little. I haven't heard her complain about it at all.

[jimjim]

I think they will learn responsibility by the older raising the younger and it will help will their over all character development.. its nice to see children that arnt all about me me me for a change..

[GlitterQueen]

they grew up not knowing anything differant than helping to raise their siblings. Kids deserve to be kids.

I personally enjoy watching Jon and kate plus 8 on TLC, I love this whole family. The sextuplets are adorable, and their twin girls. Kate is a neat freak and Jon is pretty layed back but gets cranky when she bosses him around. You know they love each other though and I enjoy watching them. it is real life and they try to make life normal for the kids taking them places even though there is 8 of them.

[Iroc_86]

I was watch that thing about the duggar's yesterday. I don't think I would want to have that many kinds cause i have a hard enough time trying to give love to my 2 cats, 1 dog, and 2 chinchillas. I'm guessing the only way then can afford them is to have the show. I'm also wondering if they have so many kids because they don't believe in birth control.

[KRISSY]

Do they have that many kids because they don't believe in birth control? I know some families believe that birth control is abortion and just have unprotected sex and if they get pregnant it was meant to me. I know mormans (don't know if all, but I know a couple families personally) and they have a lot of kids because these are their beliefs.

[jimjim]

i use to work with a guy he had 6 kids. they didn't believe in any form of artificial birth control..

[Oobladi]

Well we all know how producers have a way of airing what they want us to see. I want to see what ended up on the cutting room floor.:)

[hotpinkblond]

I can't blame her there. I enjoy it. :D

What I'm wondering is how the children will feel about the buddy system when they're adults? Will they see it as a bonding time with their siblings where they learned about responsibility or will they see it as slave labor. Time will tell.

My mom grew up in a tiny family, she was one of eight children, and she has an extremely close bond with her youngest brother due in part to the fact that she took care of him a lot when he was little. I haven't heard her complain about it at all.


I like being pregnant too. We're lucky because most woman I know have nothing but complaints about pregnancy!

That's so interesting about your mom!! My hubby is the oldest of eight and is also very bonded with his youngest sister because HE was the one who would get up with her at night and feed her (his mom I guess would sleep through it..?). He said he feels eight is too much b/c "Even though my parents did a good job" blah blah blah, he just doesn't feel his younger siblings get the individual attention they want (and deserve) from his parents. For him to say that really tells me something since he lived through it.

I think the buddy system is kind of survival mode and has to be done. I don't really like it, but I do understand the reasoning . I know a family who has seven and they basically do that and the oldest literally HAVE raised kids already.

I want four kids (one adopted) and then maybe a fifth. But that would ONLY be if everyone in the family agreed on another baby. I really think that if all the kids want the baby too, it works out better. Also, we're going to space our kids about three years apart so it's not like we'll have five toddlers running around!! I think when the kids are spaced farther apart you don't need "the buddy system" because by the time you're having your last baby the oldest is really pretty much able to take care of himself so YOU the parent, can take care of the baby your own darn self!! :)

Anyway, time will tell with those kids. I think they are very loved, and obviously they are all fed, clothed and edjucated. Not too bad a life.

[kgymn]

they don't believe in BC anymore.... their website has their backstory on it. She was ON birth control, they got pregnant anyways, she miscarried and they blamed it on the pill and decided it was a sign from God. Realistically, she was just that .1% of women that BC doesn't work for, but hey whatever. They're having a billion kids to try and clear their conscience for the one miscarriage that they think was their fault because she was on the pill.

I have no problem with the number of kids... I have a problem with what they teach them tho. They're all homeschooled and the girls are all taught it's their duty to marry and be a good wife... all the "traditional" female roles. Wonder how many of them will realize they have a choice in what their role in life is and if they choose they CAN wear pants and get jobs and be single.

Edit: just checked their website and they have newer pictures, looks like some of the kids are wearing somewhat normal clothes *gasp*

~Katy

[Oobladi]

they don't believe in BC anymore.... their website has their backstory on it. She was ON birth control, they got pregnant anyways, she miscarried and they blamed it on the pill and decided it was a sign from God. Realistically, she was just that .1% of women that BC doesn't work for, but hey whatever. They're having a billion kids to try and clear their conscience for the one miscarriage that they think was their fault because she was on the pill.

I have no problem with the number of kids... I have a problem with what they teach them tho. They're all homeschooled and the girls are all taught it's their duty to marry and be a good wife... all the "traditional" female roles. Wonder how many of them will realize they have a choice in what their role in life is and if they choose they CAN wear pants and get jobs and be single.

Edit: just checked their website and they have newer pictures, looks like some of the kids are wearing somewhat normal clothes *gasp*

~Katy

It's impossible to truly know what is in their hearts. Some Christians, and there's no mistaking that the Duggar's are Christians, do not believe in birth control at all. Having as many children as God gives them may not be there way of dealing with a guilty conscience. I also feel that judging someone for their religion is really rude.

I get a little protective since I have family members and friends with the same beliefs as the Duggars. Seeing my cousins grow up I guarantee you that the Duggar children are quite aware that their family is different. I don't feel that "traditional" female roles are bad nor is it bad for the girls to learn these roles. I just think , because I've seen it in my own family, that they will at some point make a decision on whether to live life in the manner that they were raised or they will decide to go their own way. The cutting of the apron strings so to speak.

That being said... I wanna know what Mrs. Duggar's stomach looks like after having all of them kidlings. :D

[CariFairy]

They do not have any 'outside' socialization, and that worries me.

People NEED to be able to live and work in a society that has different values and beliefs, and these kids are not exposed to ANYTHING. Sure, they take trips, but it is with each other, not as a single child.

I personally feel that these children need more 'outside' socialization, and time to have friends that can help them see the uniqueness that our society has.

I am an atheist, but I socialize and befriend people of all types of religious backgrounds. This is because I realize that we are all unique, and that we should accept it, and not be afraid of 'differences'.

I worry that these children will have a HUGE reality shock when they try and get jobs, or meet people who are different.

[jimjim]

They do not have any 'outside' socialization, and that worries me.

People NEED to be able to live and work in a society that has different values and beliefs, and these kids are not exposed to ANYTHING. Sure, they take trips, but it is with each other, not as a single child.

I personally feel that these children need more 'outside' socialization, and time to have friends that can help them see the uniqueness that our society has.

I am an atheist, but I socialize and befriend people of all types of religious backgrounds. This is because I realize that we are all unique, and that we should accept it, and not be afraid of 'differences'.

I worry that these children will have a HUGE reality shock when they try and get jobs, or meet people who are different.



how does your family react to you being atheist. my mom hates the fact that i am atheist. we dont even talk about it..

[BrownBabyDoll]

Personally I think it's completly insane. Especially when there are so many poor people and other good donation causes, and these people get all kinds of hand-outs just so they can have as many kids as they feel like. It's bad enough I have to ask for help with my first, if I did it 16 more times....people would get a little sick of it.

[Oobladi]

Personally I think it's completly insane. Especially when there are so many poor people and other good donation causes, and these people get all kinds of hand-outs just so they can have as many kids as they feel like. It's bad enough I have to ask for help with my first, if I did it 16 more times....people would get a little sick of it.

I haven't heard anything about them getting hand outs. I'd be curious to see or hear that. Everything I've heard or read about them says that they are self sufficient.

[GlitterQueen]

I am sure this family is very happy and they all feel loved. This is only my opinion and not a direct stab or judgement on the family. I have alot of mixed feeling on kids being home schooled. I sometimes feel some families don't have the best intentions in mind. Not saying this family. With the Duggar family what saddens me is the fact the girls are raised to dress a certain way, how to be a mother and a wife. Like mentioned above the "traditional female role" To take care of a husband and children and that is all to life. The have no idea how much more they can accomplish and I wonder if that is why they do not attend a regular school. I think women can be a wonderful wife, caregiver and so much more. Let them make the decision without being taught this is the only way.

[CariFairy]

JIMJIM-

My mom is a christian, but she is not a person who feels the need to 'convert people'. With that being said, she was a little upset that I was not a christian.

I was sent to sunday school as a young child, for quite a few years. That was because my mom felt that I needed more friends, and she wanted me to have some christian teachings.

Sunday school is pretty low key.

I listened to everything that they taught. I have read the Bible and I understand the history, but I just did not 'believe' in it, so to speak.

I kept those thoughts and feelings to myself, and studied world religions and theories when I was at the school library.

I do sometimes make mean comments about pushy religious people, but in general I think that people are entitled to their own religious beliefs.

[CariFairy]

Oobladi-

They do receive a lot of handouts and help, but not government 'welfare', so to speak.

Their house was actually furnished by handouts, and in the special about building the house, this was completely out in the open.

They have had a lot of help.. This is OKAY IMO.. IF you wish to offer help to people, then that is great!

AS long as they are not receiving government welfare, I am okay with private help.

[hotpinkblond]

It's impossible to truly know what is in their hearts. Some Christians, and there's no mistaking that the Duggar's are Christians, do not believe in birth control at all. Having as many children as God gives them may not be there way of dealing with a guilty conscience. I also feel that judging someone for their religion is really rude.

I get a little protective since I have family members and friends with the same beliefs as the Duggars. Seeing my cousins grow up I guarantee you that the Duggar children are quite aware that their family is different. I don't feel that "traditional" female roles are bad nor is it bad for the girls to learn these roles. I just think , because I've seen it in my own family, that they will at some point make a decision on whether to live life in the manner that they were raised or they will decide to go their own way. The cutting of the apron strings so to speak.

That being said... I wanna know what Mrs. Duggar's stomach looks like after having all of them kidlings. :D


I know what you mean. How could someone know they're trying to "clear their consciense"? To me that's illogical.

I don't feel that girls should be raised to believe that their SOLE purpose in life is to marry and have kids, however, I DO wish that more woman cared about learning how to be a good mother and wife.

I think if men and woman put in more effort to learning how to communicate with their spouse and really hashed out the important issues in life/marriage BEFORE getting married and having kids, there would be a lot less broken homes in the world. I know that part of why my marriage fell apart was that we were both young, selfish and not ready. Thank God that with time we both learned some good lessons and we're strong now.

Here is my VERY taboo opinion: I DON'T THINK A WOMAN'S CAREER IS HER MOST IMPORTANT ROLE IN LIFE! :eek:

I know that's what society feeds us now.....but I wholeheartedly diasgree. I think the role of motherhood is unmatched in it's importance and the dedication it deserves.

I don't think we should raise girls to believe they have only one path to choose from, but I think we need to stop mimimizing the amazing task of being a mother.

I also think our boys should be raised to respect a woman who WANTS to give motherhood it's proper place and to give it all she's got.

I know way too many guys who want to marry a woman with a high paying job so that they can "marry their fortunes". I'm thankful that I married a guy who wants me to be the one to stay home and raise our children.

I know I got waaaaaaaay off topic here but I had to throw in my two cents as usual!

I'd like to see Mrs. Duggar's stomach too!!!!

[CariFairy]

I think that a womans role in life should be whatever SHE chooses, and it's importance is up to her.

I am a 'career woman', and it is my most important role, as I will not be having children at all. My husband is well off, and we both make a wonderful income together to enjoy nice things in life.

Being a mother is one of many paths that a woman can follow, and I want women to choose the path that they feel most rewarded in.

[ucsdblonde]

I watch the shows about the Duggars when they are on, I think how they run their house is fascinating. They seem so organized and well-behaved! I'm sure we don't see a lot of what goes on and it probably isn't as good as they put it together in the show, but I'm kind of impressed. Those are some well-behaved kids!!

[GlitterQueen]

I think that a womans role in life should be whatever SHE chooses, and it's importance is up to her.

I am a 'career woman', and it is my most important role, as I will not be having children at all. My husband is well off, and we both make a wonderful income together to enjoy nice things in life.

Being a mother is one of many paths that a woman can follow, and I want women to choose the path that they feel most rewarded in.


I agree. I am sure motherhood is the most rewarding and hardest job. But there is more in life for some women than being a mother. Career, school, traveling, volunteering, arts, whatever a woman chooses. It shouldn't be motherhood vs. career. It should be about a woman making her own happiness.

I think people forget how many woman are out there and cannot conceive a child. So they must choose a path that makes them happy.

[GlitterQueen]

I know what you mean. How could someone know they're trying to "clear their consciense"? To me that's illogical.

I don't feel that girls should be raised to believe that their SOLE purpose in life is to marry and have kids, however, I DO wish that more woman cared about learning how to be a good mother and wife.

I think if men and woman put in more effort to learning how to communicate with their spouse and really hashed out the important issues in life/marriage BEFORE getting married and having kids, there would be a lot less broken homes in the world. I know that part of why my marriage fell apart was that we were both young, selfish and not ready. Thank God that with time we both learned some good lessons and we're strong now.

Here is my VERY taboo opinion: I DON'T THINK A WOMAN'S CAREER IS HER MOST IMPORTANT ROLE IN LIFE! :eek:

I know that's what society feeds us now.....but I wholeheartedly diasgree. I think the role of motherhood is unmatched in it's importance and the dedication it deserves.

I don't think we should raise girls to believe they have only one path to choose from, but I think we need to stop mimimizing the amazing task of being a mother.

I also think our boys should be raised to respect a woman who WANTS to give motherhood it's proper place and to give it all she's got.

I know way too many guys who want to marry a woman with a high paying job so that they can "marry their fortunes". I'm thankful that I married a guy who wants me to be the one to stay home and raise our children.

I know I got waaaaaaaay off topic here but I had to throw in my two cents as usual!

I'd like to see Mrs. Duggar's stomach too!!!!

I think you have made some good points. I think motherhood is under appreciated and is the hardest job there is. Boys and girls need to be taught the importance of respect for themselves and the opposite sex and motherhood and fatherhood. I don't know any men that don't support there wives staying home to raise their children. What man wouldn't?? And if he wouldn't who would stay with him?

I don't feel a womans career is her most important role in life. I think woman today are more goal oriented, and can achieve and accomplish whatever they set there mind to.....family, career, school.....etc. Many women today cannot get pregnant so they fullfill and enrich their life with their career, school, travel whatever.

If anything..... people in our society today act like it is a strange thing for a woman not to have kids. I get that question alot. You are married with no children, why not, don't you like kids. Well...so far I am not able to get pregnant....it isn't meant to be I guess. So I could let that ruin my life or I can move forward and do what I can to make my life with my husband happy. I think this question comes up alot because it is expected for people to get married and have children, well that happy ending doesn't happen for everyone, so they have to create a new one.

[CariFairy]

Hey GlitterQueen, may I be so bold as to inquire about your fertility problems?

Not fertility drugs, but women with PCOS are ovulating more regularly and getting pregnant when they use Metformin, a diabetes drug.

PCOS tends to be a cause of infertility... HOPE I am not overstepping.. I just though that maybe if you may want to get pregnant, you might be open to some neat ideas and treatments.

AS a side note, I think that women who have trouble conceiving are often questioned by society, and even their worth as a woman could be questioned in some way..

I think that women should just be trusted to know what is best for us :)

[hotpinkblond]

I think you have made some good points. I think motherhood is under appreciated and is the hardest job there is. Boys and girls need to be taught the importance of respect for themselves and the opposite sex and motherhood and fatherhood. I don't know any men that don't support there wives staying home to raise their children. What man wouldn't?? And if he wouldn't who would stay with him?

I don't feel a womans career is her most important role in life. I think woman today are more goal oriented, and can achieve and accomplish whatever they set there mind to.....family, career, school.....etc. Many women today cannot get pregnant so they fullfill and enrich their life with their career, school, travel whatever.

If anything..... people in our society today act like it is a strange thing for a woman not to have kids. I get that question alot. You are married with no children, why not, don't you like kids. Well...so far I am not able to get pregnant....it isn't meant to be I guess. So I could let that ruin my life or I can move forward and do what I can to make my life with my husband happy. I think this question comes up alot because it is expected for people to get married and have children, well that happy ending doesn't happen for everyone, so they have to create a new one.


Thank you! I wish I'd clarified....I should have said;I don't feel a MOTHER'S career is her most important role in life.

Once a woman is a mother, to ME, that is her most important role and I wish more respect were given to that role.

Sadly, I know guys who don't want their wife home with the kid because they want her to be making money!! A LOT of families need two incomes and I'm fully aware of that fact, but I know a lot of families around here who could do just fine off the husband's income but the wife works anyway and her kids are in daycare all day.

I have huge respect for women (like you Cari!) who choose not to have kids. I don't think people should have kids just because society expects it. Kids are a huuuuuuge responsibility and require life changes and some people want other things to be the focus of their life. There is so much out there and I definitely don't think women should feel like their only choice in life is to make babies.

I think women should know they have the world at their feet and can pursue their dreams...whatever they may be.

It's very true that infertility is fairly common these days and that breaks my heart. For one couple kids may be the last thing they desire, and for another it's all they've ever wanted.

I know how impatient I was once hubby and I decided that we wanted another baby!! It must be very hard and frustrating.

Cari's info on PCOS is right on (I supposedly have it so I know some info). I have some helpful websites so feel free to PM me.

[GlitterQueen]

Hey GlitterQueen, may I be so bold as to inquire about your fertility problems?

Not fertility drugs, but women with PCOS are ovulating more regularly and getting pregnant when they use Metformin, a diabetes drug.

PCOS tends to be a cause of infertility... HOPE I am not overstepping.. I just though that maybe if you may want to get pregnant, you might be open to some neat ideas and treatments.

AS a side note, I think that women who have trouble conceiving are often questioned by society, and even their worth as a woman could be questioned in some way..

I think that women should just be trusted to know what is best for us :)




I agree with your side note. In some respects society acts like something must be wrong with a woman that doesn't have kids.

Cari and HPB/Brittany, I don't know if I have PCOS, it has never come up with my Dr. I know what it is. I do get frequent simple ovarian cysts, irregular and extremely painful cycles, pelvic pain. I also have endometriosis. I assume it is the Endo and my age. I am 36....my age is working against me. That is why I am not pursuing infertility treatment. I figure with my age, what is meant to be will be. I just started Yaz birth control this month for 4 months to help calm down my cycle and symptoms and regulate my cycle and hopefully get pregnant. I really want a baby, I am scared to death of being pregnant, scared!!! to death but want kids so bad!! I think I put it off so long because I am scared of the pregnancy part. (And my multiple wrist surgeries.)

I envy you Brittany and other pregnant woman (Gwena :) )that feel great and love being pregnant. That is awesome. I wish you a very healthy and safe pregnancy.

[fbx22]

I know a family who had 12 kids. They didnt believe in birth control methods of any type. Dear gawd the idea of just 1 is kinda scary to me