Michelle Duggar. Let's Discuss.

[Jennifer]

I've read quite a lot about Michelle Duggar, the Arkansas mother of 17 children. She absolutely fascinates me.

What do you all think about her?

[M3]

I am in awe of the tranquility that seems to pervade their lives. Every time I watch one of their specials, I think to myself, "Man, we are so chaotic compared to them." Then again, I can't imagine speaking in a little-girl voice all the time. I do wonder how the older ones deal with parenting their siblings, but then I think that part of our problem as a society is that we don't think we have to care for each other. I don't know. I just know I try never to miss their shows because I always take away positive feelings from the peeks into their lives we get.

[Carrie]

I sort of wonder how much of it is "real" though. I mean, if I were on television, I am sure you all would think I was sweet as punch (I am, aren't I?). I certainly would censor the heck out of myself - and maybe she is always that sweet, but it seems sort of fake to me.

I prefer John and Kate Plus 8 - I love her honesty and humor and realness, even in front of the cameras!

It is so funny to think that watching Eight is Enough as a kid, I thought that was a HUGE family - and now The Duggars are having eighteen. Sheesh, was I wrong! :)

[Marie]

I LOVE Jon and Kate Plus 8. I dvr it every week. I say Thanks through the entire episode that I only had one 3 year old at a time. Yikes.

[SAHMmy Says]

Love Kate--she's so anally organized, I watch it just to get inspiration! The episode where she tried out housekeepers was hilarious!

[Darla]

What channel is that on??? And when?

[Cara]

I do find the family fascinating - but freaky. Seriously - hasn't she thought about what she is doing to her body? I just can''t be healthy. Will she be around for all her children? To help them all grow up into adult hood?

[M3]

Don't you wish you knew of someone who actually knew them? The real scoop would be awesome (since we all seem to be skeptics).

[Jennifer]

I doubt they really know too many people outside of their faith community...and I suspect they aren't going to dish any dirt!

[M3]

That's my take on it, as well. I'm not after dirt, I just would love an honest assessment rather than an edited version. One hour of video to cover weeks can definitely be just the highlights.

[Jenni]

I don't watch TV, so I've never actually heard her, but I've read several articles written by her family in regard to rearing large families.

I think they seem like a sincere and wonderful family. Who are we to say what is best for anyone else? There are many people who think we are insane for having 5 kids in 61/2 years, but it is the right choice for our family. And as for the medical community not recommending more than 5 kids? This is the same medical community which can't seem to control the outrageous c-section rate, has the highest maternal mortality rate in any 1st world country and thinks birth is a medical procedure instead of a natural process. I'm more apt to follow God's advice and be thankful for as many blessing as He gives us.

More power to the Duggers.

[M3]

I agree - all things are relative. My family couldn't figure out why we decided to have such a big family (we have three kids!) or why we spaced them the way we did, etc. I wish, however, that they would give more depth on their child-rearing and family dynamics, not as a voyeur, but to learn from them. As someone who comes from a not-so-good example, I would truly love to learn how to have a more harmonious family (even with teen-agers). I like their debt-free, not-focused-on-the-material life and spiritually-driven life and wonder if separatism is really the only way to accomplish that.

[Antonette]

I was driving home on my two hour commute tonight when the thought hit me...
When the Duggars get their stimulus check, are they REALLY going to get $300 per child? Gah!