14 kids, 17 kids, OH MY.....

What do I think? =P Well, I try not to judge but it depends on a variety of things. If you have a family that size, are you completely self sufficient? If you aren't, then I am not sure it's a good idea. I'm not saying they have to be debt free or anything, but not living on welfare or other programs, not getting major help from either set of parents, not getting excessive help from other people as individuals. I wouldn't count help or donations from the community at large, I know that often happens with families of multiples such as donations of baby food or formula, carseats, etc. I figure you are probably talking about the Duggars, I have seen several of the shows about them on TLC and Discovery Health. They seem like a nice family but a little bit 'cultish' to me, they homeschool all the kids so the kids seem to have limited exposure to the world in general. They are also very religious and the kids all look so similar, the girls have mostly long hair and they all wear dresses. I like how the kids are pretty independent and learn things like how to take care of their home and cook and whatnot, but I don't so much agree with each of the older kids being totally responsible for one of the younger kids. I suppose you have to do something if you have 17 kids, but I'm just not sure that's the only way. I enjoy seeing large families who have more of a 'normal' existance - say Jon & Kate Plus 8 (although sextuplets isn't quite the norm) and I've seen a few more shows with multiples showing them as teens. Having 5 or 6 teens at once must be a struggle anyways, hard to find enough space in a house, hard to get them to share something like a car, everybody's clothing and extra curriculars are all pretty expensive when you multiply them times 6! It makes more sense to me to see them living regularly though, going to school, having certain chores but not raising or co-parenting a sibling, each of them having their own style, maybe sharing house straightening, laundry, or dinner etc.

I think that as long as the parents are supporting the children and not relying on public assistance, then its their business how many children they have. Of course, the amount of children in the family, especially the amount living in the home, would qualify the children for more financial aid when it comes time for them to go to college - which isn't necessarily fair to those families who chose to limit the number of children they have. I don't feel, however, that you can give each child the individual attention they deserve with that large a family, and it usually means that the older children are taking care of the younger children instead of the parents.

I people want to have really really large amilies, it's up to them. Let them do whatever they want to do, just as long as all of those kids are well cared for. I do not want to have a large family, but tat is me. My husband and I don't want children. As long as people don't push teir beliefs o me, they can do as they please.

If a couple can afford to have all those kids, then let them. I just want my daughter and thats it.

I guess if someone wants a big family, that is their choice. Personally I couldn't imagine having so many kids, but that's just me. As it is I have 2 kids and that is enough for me! LOL If only my husband felt that way...

Oh yes, the Dugger family. They seem to be a family that has no problem working together and helping one another. Did you know that they recently had the first Grandchild?? I think that huge families are great, but I am not so sure that they are the best of things with the economy as it is today. Years and years ago, it was common for families to have many kids and somehow, they did just fine. I don't think it wouls be as easy these days though.

I think alot of it depends on the family. If their able to support the large number of kids, then I think it's up to them to decide how many they want. If they are living on the system and popping one out after another, then I think they need to quit until their on their own feet and can support them. I believe the Duggar family is the 17+1 that your referring to and I've read up on them. They really are an amazing family. They get no benefits whatsoever, they built their own home, every child is homeschooled, every child plays the piano and violin and the girls also play the harp, all the kids are going to college for professional careers, they have a strong religious upbringing but not fanatical and they still go on family vacations and trips. It really is something and kind of an inspiration to others, I mean if they can do all that with 18 kids, ppl with only 2-3 should be able to do at least some of it. [b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~ **STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]

I think if the parents can support and take care of their kids then I don't care how many they have. It is the parents that want all this welfare and the kids run wild. When you see these parents that only have kids for the food stamps and checks. They our the ones I think should not have kids. But, when I see couples taking care of their kids and teaching them right from wrong. Lots of family values in the family. Then, I think people should learn that anyone who wants kids no matter how many should learn to take care of them right. **Peace and Love get's you through everything in Life**