16 Children

Has anyone watched the shows on TLC about the Duggar family? There have been three I believe. They are the family that has 16 children, they are home schooled, just built their own 7000 sq. foot house... Anyway, I just saw two of them re-ran on TV this afternoon. They live about 20 minutes from us and we run into them a few times a year, usually at the fair or the Aldi in Springdale.

Just curious about what other people think about them. Everytime we watch the show, my husband says that hes going to drop a case of birth control at their house next time we pass by. I tend to think, if they can afford it, and that's what they want, then good for them!

Yeah I have seen the special and I never want children so I think they are nuts!!! LOL Plus she has been pregnant half her life and that can't be enjoyable. At least it wasn't for any of my friends!

But I think that if they love their kids and are happy and can provide for them then more power to them.

The children seem happy and healthy.


It is those people that insist on having kids they can not properly care for that need the birth control!

You know, I'm amazed at how they all get along better than most average-sized families. They've done a great job, they're financially just fine, and the kids don't seem to mind having absolutely no personal space whatsoever. I just wonder how they'll feel once they grow up. Most of them seem like they want to be just like their parents. The only thing that bothers me about it is how insular and isolated they are, but it doesn't bother them, so who am I to care?

Certainly not my cup of tea, but they love and clearly take great care of their kids (and have no problem doing so monetarily). I'm sure not going to knock them.

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

You know, I'm amazed at how they all get along better than most average-sized families. They've done a great job, they're financially just fine, and the kids don't seem to mind having absolutely no personal space whatsoever. I just wonder how they'll feel once they grow up. Most of them seem like they want to be just like their parents. The only thing that bothers me about it is how insular and isolated they are, but it doesn't bother them, so who am I to care?

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From watching the shows, its seems that they do have friends (I think they worship with the Holt's--another family of many kids who we see quite often) and align themselves with people who have parenting philosophies similar to theirs.

I just watched the Duggar family vacation episode. They do seem to associate with those that share their values, which makes perfect sense. Did you see the episode where they went to the home-schooling conference and every family there seemed to have at least 10 children? Goodness. The mom Michelle always seems kind of blissed out, like she's on Soma or something. And I really don't like the all J-name thing and think Michelle got shafted not having any M-named kids, but that's just me.

I find myself wondering if any of their boys are gay. There's all these studies out about how the number of older brothers a guy has the more likely it is he'll be gay. And they have 10 sons. Whatever

My dad had 10 brothers and 4 sisters and believe me none of them were gay. 2 of my dad's brothers also had large families. One had 14 and the other had 12. When my grandmother passed away, she had 86 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. I have first cousins I've never even met and second cousins I probably will never know.

If they can afford them and love them what more needs saying.

I think it is great. But I do wonder how many women in their 60's laugh at that show, because they and many of their friends raised large families, and no one worried about it.

I agree with other posters...so long as they can love and care for the kids, and support them financially, it is great.

When I was growing up I was the youngest of 5, and our neighbors had 10. Our families took over the neighborhood. We were all loved and cared for. If you want a huge family and can handle all that comes with it, do it.

I've watched the show - and I'm simply amazed at how well behaved and well mannered they all are! I think its great that they can have a big family like that and afford it - more power to them all!