Baby #18 on the way

@Debs_place (10520)
United States
July 9, 2008 12:04am CST
Yes, the Duggar's are having another baby - this one is due Jan 2009. They have 10 boys and 7 girls. The oldest is 20. They have a 7000 sq foot home and are debt free. There are 2 sets of twins in the bunch, they home school and the older children are responsible for the care of a younger one. The children do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning. They also play piano and violin. What do you think? Will this be the last one? According to discovery life Michelle (the Mom) has been pregnant for 135 months of her life...and counting. She is 41. Would you be able to handle 18 kids? Do you think it is fair to all the kids to have that many siblings? Do you think they are as happy as they want us to believe?
11 people like this
28 responses
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Ya know what??? They're supporting themselves, raising the kids in what appears to be a happy environment. The kids are learing responsibility, cultural arts and getting educated to the states standards. I say go for it! My nephew and his wife would love to have 10 children - they just had #2. I hope they will be able to get the finances in order quickly though or they wont make it.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I wonder how many people's first response to these articles was that it was some kind of commune? It just goes to show you that we all put "normal" values onto other families.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I just find it amazing that they can do it. You are right, they seem to be doing a good job raising the kids. We just don't seem to live in a world designed for 18 kids.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Jul 08
At my high school there was a family with 15 children when I graduated and moved away. So, I don't know how many children that family ended up with. But I'll tell you a not often thought of consequence for the children, especially the girls. What if the desire to have large families is genetic? Wouldn't that thought occur to potential suitors? Maybe scare a few off?
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I don't think there is a large family gene but I do have to wonder if the girls will even have a much of a choice in the marriage department. They are home schooled and spend their time with the family. They only seem to associate with other families with large numbers of kids and I think some religious affiliation. The kids don't seem to have their 'own' lives away from the family.
1 person likes this
• Canada
9 Jul 08
WOW!! I cant believe she is having another one. I seriously think they need to think about quitting. 18 kids is nuts. Yea I love being pregnant but 18 kids is a little too many kids. her health is probably not very good anymore geesh. being pregnant does take a toll on your body. I think they are happy because this is the only way they know. It's like having a routine. if it is what your used to your more than likely happy in the routine.
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Yes, i have to wonder how long labor would after that many kids. It does take a toll on the body. They tell you that dogs should have at least 1-2 years between litters but these people don't. I don't understand how that woman has the energy to be pregnant. I wonder when the doc will say enough is enough.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
9 Jul 08
All I can seem to think of to say is, "WOW!". I first heard of this family when they were on, I think it was #15 and I think that was when they were building their own new house by themselves. They were featured on 60 Minutes or Dateline if I remember correctly. They're self-sufficient and support themselves so I guess it's really none of anyone's business how many kids they have but sometimes I think there may be more than meets the eye here. It's good that the older kids are being taught responsibility but then again it seems like they're not given much of a chance to be just kids, which I think all kids need to some extent some of the time. Since the mom is 41 she can't do this TOO many more years! Annie
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
10 Jul 08
yes, I think they are lucky that all of their kids are healthy. I mean this woman is now getting older and statistically the odds of a problem go up with age. I wonder how long before something bad happens. I think they will take it in stride but I sure bet it will mess up their schedules. And yes, the kids are not being given a chance to be kids.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I saw the show where they were building the house..and I must admit girls in dresses (read loose clothing) could be dangerous around power tools and some of those kids were working with pneumatic tools that weighted nearly as much as they did. I thought this was kind of dangerous.
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
9 Jul 08
This family just amazes me. Everything just seems so perfect. I'm sure there is a lot they do not let the media know, but still they seem to keep things amazingly well together. I don't know why I say this, but I don't think this will be the last one for them. I fully expect to hear about another on the way sometime in late 2009 or early 2010.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I am sure that they will continue to have babies until the poor woman's uterus falls out. I agree, everything can not always be as perfect as portrayed. Those kids, like all kids, must rebel in some way.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I am sure that they will continue to have babies until the poor woman's uterus falls out. I agree, everything can not always be as perfect as portrayed. Those kids, like all kids, must rebel in some way.
• United States
17 Jul 08
It is said that God doesn't put on us no more than we can deal with and evidentally this woman feels that she can deal with having all of those kids. I know that I couldn't handle that. I mean, why have so many kids? I am pretty sure that things are not as honkey dory in the household. All mothers at times want to pull their hair out because of the stress being a mom so I know she does, but hey, I could be wrong right?.............................doubt it though
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
17 Jul 08
I don't know about God not giving us more than we can handle - look at all the stress related illnesses we have. She deals with a lot by delegating to her kids, who do not seem to know enough to object. Yes,I don't things are as wonderful as they appear. I hope there aren't people who make family planning decisions based on this family.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 Jul 08
That wouldn't be the wise thing to do.
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I can't imagine having that many kids, having that many siblings, living with that many people, taking care of that many people, feeding that many people, supporting that many people, the list goes on. They must have a good system to be able to handle all that. I think I would go insane. I sit here and just shake my head, thats alot of kids.
1 person likes this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Thats funny how moms and grandmas call everyones names first. I find myself doing that too. If I was the wife I would make sure he had lots of insurance. Thats alot of kids, I don't think its fair to any of them neither, but then they might feel differently, I don't know.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
remembering that many names. My mother had 4 kids and usually she called out 3 wrong names before she got the right one and sometimes for good measure she even got the dog mixed in. I know the responsibility of this is just huge. What if something happened to the father...I wonder how much life insurance he has?
1 person likes this
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
15 Jul 08
She is already over the age where her pregnancies are considered "at risk" for hormonal and chromosomal abnormalities. She may be putting herself at risk by continuing to have children. I doubt that will stop her. I don't comprehend why anyone would want that many children. It seems excessive and almost to me like there is somethng she is trying to compensate for. I just hope those home schooled children have gotten enough proper schooling and attention to be successful in their own lives.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
15 Jul 08
the children are home schooled and you are right, she is at risk and so are her future children. I am surprised that they had so many kids and all of them are healthy. I don't think I have even seen one of them wearing glasses or braces. She is a lucky woman.
• United States
17 Jul 08
They do appear happy. Having them help with the younger ones teaches responsibility. However, I believe they received a lot of things they have for free because the community and others are so impressed that they were able to have that many children and survive...if you know what I mean. There are people who have 1 child and they have a hard time keeping up financially.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
17 Jul 08
That maybe true. It is one thing that we are not sure of, but it does make sense, all of those mouths most cost a fortune to feed and clothe. Not to mention shoes and sneakers and toothpaste. One kid gets the measles and it is an epidemic.
• United States
10 Jul 08
I think it's an illusion. I do not think they are as happy as they let on. Come on now 18 kids, haven't they heard of the term birth control. They must not have a tv to be having all them kids, lol. It is also unfair that the older ones are not being able to live their own life and have fun, mom has given the the burden of the younger kids because it is clearly to much for her. She is in my opinion being selfish by having another one because clearly she can not take care of all the ones she already has if the older ones have to help out so much.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Yes, the older kids are being taken advantage of. I agree, how can they be kids when they are responsible for a younger child, as well as cooking, cleaning etc. Also, they don't seem to have much of a social life outside of their family, that does not seem right either. I don't think they have a TV or the kids would be much more rebellious. I think living in a family that is so caring and cooperative is wonderful but at what cost does that come.
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I'm a little bit put off by this whole thing, mostly because of their lifestyle. I don't think it's exceptionally strange to have lots of kids, the homeschooling part would drive me bananas though. I also do not think that the older kids should be responsible for a younger one. From time to time of course yes but not on a daily basis and not for everything. I would agree with each child being responsible for ALL of their own things and ALL of their own messes - this would mean each of them does their own laundry, takes care of their own towels, their own dishes, etc etc, and of course they'd clean their own bathroom, and maybe they'd help with some meals but not everything. I could not imagine doing that to my body,18 kids? Even 6 is pushing it. These days you'd have to have a HECK of a savings put away and a really really excellent salary with all the benefits, a close commute to work (to save gas) and obviously no mortgage to pay on since all the other reoccuring bills including groceries would be sky high. I don't know if it's fair to the kids, the kids don't really know any different than their lives, know what I mean? It bothers me some that they do not get the social atmosphere of school, because they also do not get that social education - seeing how other families live and seeing that they are more the exception than the rule. It would be hard for ME to exist in a family like that because I have always wanted my privacy. I had to share a room when I was growing up and I hated it! Just because you come from a large family does not mean you're necessarily the best of friends with all of your siblings, nor do you always want them in your business and around you all the time. I am much more a fan of the couple with the twins and sextuplets - Jon and Kate. They seem completely normal, they take care of their little family themselves but they all live a normal life. The kids are all allowed to be kids and they don't have extra people in their business nor do they hide the kids from the world. When they are happy, they are happy, but when things are not good, they aren't afraid to show that either. I like it real.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
15 Jul 08
You are right about the Duggar kids, they seem to be getting the short end of the stick in many ways. I also agree about J&K having a more normal lifestyle but I just don't like Kate. All she does is complain and yell at Jon who seems like a pretty good guy.
@metschica25 (5399)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I would never be able to have that many kids . Yes, I do want to have a big family of about 4-6 but that is all . They seem like they are a happy family and support one another . I am sure there is stress in the house , but stress is everywhere . I went to school with a girl whos family ended up having 21 kids , and only 2 were girls . The only thing the girl didnt like is she felt like she was raising some of the kids . The older ones always looked after the younger ones, and sometimes they felt they did not have a live of their own .
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I wonder if the older Duggar girls 20 years from now will get upset when they realize they have spent their whole lives raising kids and never had a chance to be one?
@Rzelikman (141)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I don't think they will stop, I think they are aiming for 20. I just wonder how they afford it. It is so expensive these days with everything that is needed. She is a stay at home so her husband is the bread bringer in the family. What the heck does he make to support so many people and be debt free?!
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
10 Jul 08
That is an excellent question. They are both real estate agents but given the state of the market they can't be doing that well. But then I am sure TLC is giving them a nice chunk of change. I agree they are aiming for 20. I wonder if there is a record they are going for.
@Virgie60 (556)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I saw them on some morning show when she told everyone that she was pregnant again. WoW!! I could not handle having that many children. I too have to wonder if it is that good to have so many kids. Can you really give them all the one on one that they deserve to have? I just have two kids and sometimes they both want me to do something with them so I have to choose which kid to do what with. How do you do that with 18. I am happy for them but am sooooo glad that it is not me!!!! I wish them the best.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
15 Jul 08
Yes, If the kids get 10 minutes a week it would probably be a lot. I, too, am glad it is not me.
@angelface23 (2494)
• United States
9 Jul 08
That is too many kids. I don't think it's good for the kids cause they all can't be getting all the attention they need as individuals. I think it is pretty selfish to have that many kids. No wonder we are so over populated. I mean I think she only has good intentions but that is out of line.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Well she does home school, giving her a lot more time with her kids then a lot of working parents have. I don't know if it is selfish ---she is also giving up a lot too. Overpopulation -- well if we all had children like that-- you are absolutely right.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
9 Jul 08
No way in the world would this be for me. I only had one child, which is what I wanted and not what I was limited to. I would have been ready for the feather factory a long time ago, 18 kids good grief I would have had to threaten to choke one to scare the rest by now.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I only had one, he was a great kid, but an awful student. I can't say how many times I told him after seeing yet another awful report card --- I brought you into this world - I can take you out. I could not imagine home schooling him ...and then doing it for 17 other kids. Awk! I agree with you. They all must be very patient people.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I find this family fascinating. They are totally self sufficient and have built a magnificent home where they can home school their children. Their children seem very well cared for and loved and seem very intelligent. Having said that, I suppose it is totally their decision as to whether or not they wish to have more children. They are a very religious family and I'm assuming that as long as the wife can still bear children, then she will. My only concern about these children is that they don't seem to socialize much with other kids. I'm not sure how this will effect them with other relationships outside of the family, but other than that I do believe they are very happy which is rare in such a large family.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
10 Jul 08
I think such happiness in any family is rare. And I have the same concerns, how will these children act/re-act when they meet someone who is not at all like them. I think in many ways they are way too sheltered.
@saverio (402)
• India
9 Jul 08
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
You said it all!
• United States
9 Jul 08
I think they are probably happy. It may be challenging for the parents to get individual time with each child per day, but there would probably be lots of love amongst the siblings as well. I certainly CANNOT imagine it! I can barely handle my 2 kids! But God gives different gifts to different people. If it works for them, more power to them!
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
That is true, I always tried to talk with my son for a 1/2 hour a day, with 18 kids that is 9 hours just talking. I am sure these kids are lucky if they get a 1/2 hour a week. And the older siblings are definitely part of the support system this family has and needs.
• United States
9 Jul 08
Oh my gawd. Eighteen kids is just crazy. I can't even stand being around three of my cousins and having to live with them? Wow! I always see them on TV, but they look like the most loving family on the face of the earth. I can't see how they don't fight or anything. I understand that families must love each other, but seriously? I'd be driven to the brink of insanity if I had to live with seventeen other siblings when they're of varying ages too.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I think that this is the way most of us feel...How do they do it. I am sure life is not as perfect as they portray it but it must have it's high points or they would not continue to reproduce. In the early shows they were living in a 3 bedroom, one bathroom house... that to me would be a nightmare.