The Gosselin kids are ready to head back to school and this year the sextuplets are going to kindergarten! They gather all of the needed supplies like uniforms and tennis shoes and even get back to school hair cuts.
By Pam@IW
The Gosselin kids are ready to head back to school and this year the sextuplets are going to kindergarten! They gather all of the needed supplies like uniforms and tennis shoes and even get back to school hair cuts.
The little kids look so cute and so excited in the clips.
I am looking forward to this one tonight.
Is the day over yet? 🙂
I’m looking forward to this one as well! I need to fast forward through the rest of the afternoon, though, because my little man and I have been havinga rough day. He fell down 5 steps after we got home from school, after being up for 3 hours in the middle of the night. Fortunately, he’s just a little sore, but nothing is broken. And then after his too-short nap, he lost his balance pushing down his undies to get on the toilet and hit his head on the tile floor. LOTS of crying today. I’m done. Bring on Kate + 8!!
Oh MamaP,
That is not a good day. Hope things go better for your son and you get to put your feet up for awhile.
Oh MamaP, sorry to read that. They can get hurt doing the simplest things. I remember mine was just sitting on the edge of a chair and boom! right she went over fast first onto the floor. I was sitting right next to her and still couldn’t catch her. I hope tomorrow is kinder to both of you.
I haven’t seen any of the clips. I do remember seeing Kate posing outside of the shoe store w/some fans. I’ll be watching. I’m not sure how many more episodes are left. Is this the last one? I don’t know if they made a Kate + 8 of when they went to Alaska. I think that was for the Sarah Palin show.
Boy, glad I popped in. I can’t seem to get a hang on the schedule. I’m setting my DVR now in case I get distracted and forget AGAIN!!!
MamaP, I hope your little one isn’t too banged up!
Oooooooo! We’re VERY excited about this episode. We shop at this shopping center (too often, for my taste) and a family friend bumped into Kate at the LLBean store (this is the man who had no idea who Kate was.) I think from the previews, they get their backpacks there. I hope we spot our friend!!!
I love how angry the little girls are about the velcro. I never won those battles with my girls. Three against one, and Kate won anyway. Humph!
Well, our friend wasn’t caught on camera 🙁 but he described the scene where Kate told the kids to sit and THEY SAT!
Ah, school days. My youngest had her “last” first day of school today (senior year). No more velcro or cute disney backpacks anymore, but clothes do still bring the drama. It never seems to end. Enjoy.
Thanks everyone, my little man is just fine. I think the issue with his balance hard time sleeping last night is the beginning of a cold. I love school germs, LOL!
This show is so fun! I wish my little guy’s school had uniforms… it would be sooooo much easier!
So true, Brenda, so true. There are always issues about clothes.
Personally, I love uniforms, but, you know, there are problems with them. If you attend an old school with no air, the first few weeks can be brutal in a wool skirt!
Ann, wool skirts at this time of year sound miserable. I kind of like of uniforms, but then again not. Cute show. Again, these 1/2 hour episodes really go fast. How cute was Hannah getting her hair cut? All the kids were adorable. Mady and Cara seem like such sweet big sisters.
It has to be strange for Kate to have them all gone all day. I know I miss my little one now that she’s full time. It seems strange to go through the day w/o PBS kids.
Brenda, sigh the beginning of the end. Sr. Year can be a lot of fun. I hope this is a good one for her.
I think it’s strange that these kids will be seven years old at the end of their kindergarten school year. Strange, and very telling as to the importance of education in that family.
Kate was thrilled to send them to Jr. K. last year, with those long bus rides. I guess PA kindergarten is all day? That’s quite unusual unless she is using the day’care services the school provides.
Kids birthdays fall wrong garnet. Most states say you have to be 5 by Sept 15th, and preemies are always held back a year. No big deal, unless for some reason you think Kate needs to explain to us why . Our state has all day K.
Garnet, many hold to the belief that holding them back a year is good as they will be more mature at the time they graduate. Regardless, schools have a pre-K class for a reason and the G kids aren’t odd for attending. They aren’t the only ones or there would be no class. Just because a child is not attending Kindergarten at the age of 5, does not mean that education is not important in that family. Children mature at different rates. It’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Many schools have full day Kindergarten. I don’t think it’s unusual.
Well, I have never heard of all-day kindergarten.
They do have after school programs/daycare for those who by choice or by circumstance are unable or unwilling to care for their little ones after school. That’s all I’ve ever heard of.
I agree about holding back children who have learning disabilities. It is better for them to enter first grade with the ability to do well in their studies. I don’t see either parent as particularly bright, so perhaps the children really aren’t ready for age-appropriate studies.
It’s unfortunate that neither parent made learning a priority.
Garnet, our state has had all day K for years. I don’t know where you live, but children in my state go all day and have a rest time after they have lunch and recess. They take a matt to school and use it all year. Learning comes when children are young.
I was upset that you posted that you didn’t feel that either parent was very bright . Kate was a nurse and Jon worked in IT. Many people work on a line all day that have degrees and are proud that they make a paycheck to feed their families.
For some reason, you seem to always have a dig about the G’s. None of us have been in Kates home to see what learning both parents did with the kids. A little clip of their lives would not be near enough for me to be the judge of this.
It’s unfortunate that neither parent made learning a priority.
I’ve seen no evidence of this whatsoever. It’s been explained why the sextuplets are a little later than average. If anything, I think it’s the lazy, uninvolved parent who pushes their child through regardless of whether he or she is ready.
Your implication that the Gosselin children are stupid is really quite cruel.
Our state has all day Kindergarten. I don’t think that it is unusual to start children at 6. I see that all the time, and it usually helps them. (especially the boys). If Kate didn’t care about their education, I don’t think she would be concerned about them going to college. A concern that she has expressed on numerous occasions.
It was cute seeing them get their supplies for school. I like how Kate has them have a routine where to put everything. The only thing that bugged me a little bit, was Kate asking the kids questions, then yelling for them to be quiet when they all answered. I would think with 6 six year olds, you would expect chaos when you throw a question out there.
I think it’s strange that these kids will be seven years old at the end of their kindergarten school year. Strange, and very telling as to the importance of education in that family.
Again, I find it interesting how our feelings toward the people involved color our opinions. I believe we have tons of evidence that Kate values education highly. First, she chose an excellent school for them and has worked hard to keep them at the school despite the tuition costs for 8 children. Secondly, we have seen her have the little kids working on worksheets. Third, she frequently speaks about them going to college. She mentioned last night that they would be full time students through college. In an earlier season, when she and Jon were planning their wills, Kate wanted to set things up to encourage them to attend college.
As far all day kindergarten, that is pretty standard in my part of the country. In fact, there was a recent article in our local newspaper about kindergarten being the “new” first grade because kids are expected to be reading by the end of kindergarten instead of some time during their first grade year.
Paige- ITA. I think Kate would have loved to go to college but she struggled financially to complete nursing school at a non-B.S. in nursing program and she said that she wouldn’t have been able to do it, even on what she’d saved, if her grandparents hadn’t helped finance her final year. It’s why the kids being financially able to go to any college they choose is so critical to her.
As has been said earlier, anything I’ve read on preemies is that developmental milestones MUST be measured from their full-term due date, NOT their actual birthdate. Prematurity doesn’t enable a fetus to skip developmental steps. Basically, the NICU is the effort to replicate mechanically, as best we can, the womb so that the preemie can complete the development that a full-term baby has already done in utero. That’s why weight alone is not the only criteria for taking a preemie home-they now look for the ability to nipple feedings, self-regulate body temperature, and ability to breathe without assistance. Some of these are not mandatory for release, but they’re preferable.
I don’t think there’s the rush to get kids into first grade now that nursery, pre-K, and Kindergarten programs are so common. I’ve also heard that school districts are setting the cut-off point to be old enough to start first grade at an earlier point. I have a November birthday and actually was still 5 when I started first grade; I was very reading ready (I suspect I already COULD read because I don’t remember learning) but I doubt that would be allowed now. In addition, my school district was small and rural and started at first grade. I think a lot of the development of extensive pre-elementary programs and setting an earlier cut-off point for being old enough to start first grade was a finding by educators that a lot of children were starting first grade before they were ready to do so and that set the stage for future problems. It isn’t just a matter of intellect but looking at the whole child. The Gosselin kids seem bright and eager to learn.
Kindergarten in the kids’ school is clearly a more formal affair. Unlike last year, they’re wearing uniforms and going all day 5x a week like their older sisters.
As for tying shoes, I learned in first grade (with some trouble; my reading readiness was WAY ahead of my coordination, and, trust me, I had NO learning disabilities.) These days, I’m kind of amazed that kids actually learn since so it’s possible to go through life now without tying a shoelace.
We have full day kindergarten in our area also and have had so for many years.
Also, the trend where I live with many parents is to hold their children back a year if there birthday falls in the summer or later. One reason that many parents are doing this if because their children have a bigger advantage if they want them to play sports in high school.
Loved this episode! The kids were adorable and so excited.
My kids have worn uniforms for years and it sure does make the mornings easier. Our uniforms aren’t as formal as the Gosselin’s, we just have khaki or denim bottoms with a polo or school spirit shirt.
Kindergarten is all day in my area too and has been for many, many years.
I’ve seen no evidence that Kate doesn’t value education, actually from watching the show for years I’ve seen quite the opposite.
Wow, Garnet, nasty much?!? Jeez…
All-day kindergarten has become the norm all over the country. Additionally, given the increased educational requirements placed on children in K, it has become more and more common to wait until kids are a tad older to have them start. Right or wrong, it is what it is. Kids are expected to be able to read and write in kindergarten, which was definitely NOT a requirement when I went.
I’ve never seen any indication that Jon or Kate place a lower value on their childrens’ educations. To the contrary, I believe that holding them back until they were 6 was more responsible as far as their education is concerned. Perhaps they were not ready socially, which would have impeded their learning abilities, and caused more problems in the long run. Additionally, none of us knows if this was perhaps something suggested by the school itself in order to ensure the little kids’ success.
I thought it was a fun episode, and I LOVED watching Hannah get her hair cut. And when one of the boys was talking about getting confused between Hannah and Leah because of their hair… I just laughed – so cute!!
I enjoyed the episode. Hannah taking the big step and cutting her hair was cute. She was so happy and I am glad that Kate put her feelings on the back burner and allowed Hannah her day. My youngest son was 6 when he started kindergarten also and it was the best decision I ever made. He had a September birthday. He had a great class of kids. Did I think I was wrong at the time, yes. But when he began his kindergarten teacher told me that if he would have been in the other class they would have ate him alive. It apparently was a very difficult class. I was also glad of velcro shoes because he also did not tie his shoes at that time, plus it is much easier. My son wasn’t dumb because of it and to insinuate that education isn’t important to Kate is ridiculous. The kids are just normal kids. I don’t think that the uniforms are any different than the uniforms my sons wore. Khacki pants, white polo shirts but they had to wear dress shoes from 1-8 grade.
My daughter was born with a condition that caused some problems with motor skills, so we held her back to catch up a bit. She turned 7 right before the end of kindergarten, and her friends who missed the cut-off date turned 7 the first month of first grade. Not a big deal.
To further confuse things, she went all day every other day. Now she’s in eighth grade and makes straight A’s, so I guess at least she thinks education is important.
Hannah was adorable when she got her hair cut. I don’t remember seeing her so animated before.
October birthdays miss the cut off for going to K. If you have a boy, it seems like it does not hurt to hold them back as they seem to squirm a lot. I know of a boy with an Oct birthday, went to pre K for a year and now in the 1st grade, he has been put in a challanged program already. Age has nothing to do with anything, parents know what is best for their children.
No uniforms here, but I would love to see it happen. Much easier to wash clothes for the week, and everyone looks alike. Public schools have tried for years to make the change, but it’s the parents who throw the fit, not the kids.
Garnet, please do some research into the education system. Kate is working and saving for her kids to have an education. An apology from you would be welcomed here. Just saying—-.
Snickers, you are correct.
I apologize for making a sweeping and negative statement about the Gosselin’s when it comes to knowing their children, and doing what’s best for them.
I do not know these children, and it was decided by people who do that they would benefit from starting kindergarten a year late.
I was also wrong to assume that all day kindergarten is not the norm. I honestly had never had heard of it, but it’s familiar to many of you.
I read (from someone who knows) that the school determined that the Gosselin sextuplets were not ready for full kindergarten last year. I think the children were tested and did not meet the requirements to attend full kindergarten until this year. With everything else on their plates, I’m glad that they didn’t have to start full time last year. What a year for them!
I didn’t watch the show, but I’ve read some comments. Sometimes I think Kate is too hard on her children. She speaks to them rather harshly and seems so stressed when she’s dealing with them. I know there are “8” of them, but still, after 6 years you’d think she’d get the hang of it! Why must everything be so dramatic? I’d like to see her calm down and then maybe the children would calm down, too. I grew up with a dad who was Type A and he yelled and screamed. I get knots in my stomach even now, remembering that… not pleasant childhood memories.
One more thing, I do NOT like the outfit Kate is wearing in the above picture. It looks ill-fitted and inappropriate. I hope she comes out of this hotpants and hooker heels phase before too long!
PeggyP, I really enjoy your posts. I learn something each time. Thank you!
Just saw the episode and so thrilled that Hannah got her wish! She looks so happy! Beautiful cut on a beautiful little girl.
LadyBird….I read (from someone who knows) that the school determined that the Gosselin sextuplets were not ready for full kindergarten last year. I think the children were tested and did not meet the requirements to attend full kindergarten until this year. With everything else on their plates, I’m glad that they didn’t have to start full time last year. What a year for them!
Well, personally I would take that information with a grain of salt. There have been a lot of people “in the know” that have come forward on Gosselin blogs making claims. Most of them are fakes.
I don’t think any of us know (and it is not really our business) what exactly went into the decision to hold off kindergarten until this year.
The six seem more than ready now, however. I watched the entire episode and these are clearly very bright and well-cared for children. Kate deserves a lot of praise for this. One of the parts I really enjoy is how casually sweet and affectionate the kids are with each other. Yes, they also hit and fight – that is to be expected too!
Yes, Kate can be testy and dramatic too, as you alluded to. I do notice, however, that the kids don’t seem really bothered by it. Their stomachs don’t seem to be “tied up in knots.” Now, clearly you can’t tell everything by watching an edited TV show, but I do think the kids reactions (or lack of reaction) speaks to the fact that the kids respect their mother’s authority, but are not scared of her. There is a difference.
Yeah, I don’t love the outfit above either. I do like a lot of what she wears, but not everything. Kate probably wouldn’t care for my wardrobe today – a bit on the frumpy side! LOL.
The six seem more than ready now, however. I watched the entire episode and these are clearly very bright and well-cared for children. Kate deserves a lot of praise for this. One of the parts I really enjoy is how casually sweet and affectionate the kids are with each other. -Anya
So true Anya! I also liked how they told Kate her feet looked wrinkley in the high heels she wanted to buy. That was funny! And, they were all so nonchalant about it, yet gave their opinion so matter of fact.
You can definitely see the closeness and love between all 8 and their mother, as well as with each other.
I always thought Kate looked good in her frumpy clothes! LOL
The poster who claimed that the school tested the children actually has children in the same school. She was defending Kate for not sending the kids to full -K last year. My son was born in September (8th) and didn’t start K until a week before he turned 6. He did fine. On the other hand, I was a room mother at the time and I saw children who turned 5 in June, July or August and started school at barely age 5. They didn’t fare as well. There was a huge difference in the maturity level, concentration abilities, etc.
Sometimes I think the kids look afraid of Kate. Sometimes they look very uncertain about what’s going to happen. We’ve all seen her yell at them since they were little bitty (if you’ve watched the shows). I remember one in particular when there was a drawer knob she found on the floor. Those little ones looked terrified of Kate. That was an uncomfortable show for me to watch.
Thanks Garnet!!! 🙂
My input on Kate yelling loudly is that to be heard above 8 children talking at once in a small area would be very hard for any of them to hear her, just like on a playground full of children and you wanted to get the attention of a few. Impossible. My family was large, when we were all talking at once, my Mother would be like a drill sargent calling for order. LOL. To this day we have great laughs over all the chaos that went on when we were growing up. Let me tell you, we all grew up to be very responsible adults. I worry for more kids that are bullied in school everyday, then Kate wanting structure and rules in her house.
I LOVED the drawer knob scene, LadyBird. One of my favorites! Kate was so angry that a piece of thebedroom furniture was thrown downstairs and she DEMANDED to know who did it. Why, it was the same person who does it my house…Idunno and Notme. Then, when she left the boys’ room, Collin did his little victory dance for getting away with it. Scared? um, NOT! Those kids had Kate worn ragged. It was too funny.
Hannah did one of those sassy dances on a stool when she was getting on Jon’s last nerve, and he yelled at her, then turned away. You know, It would have ticked me off if I were the parent, but as a viewer or as an adult looking on at a show or in the store or whenever, it’s just the normal interaction between exasperated parents and their little darlings.
Ann…”Why, it was the same person who does it my house…Idunno and Notme”.
Hahaha! I raised the same two kids!
Funny story about parenting… my son is 2 years older than my daughter. They fought CONSTANTLY when they were about, well, they still fight a lot. Anyway, they were around ages 8 and 6 and I was driving them to school one morning. The incessent “stop looking at me!” and “you’re stupid!” and “so! you’re stinky!” was going on behind me the whole trip. I was supposed to stop at the store and pick up some snacks for them (didn’t have any at home that day). I wearily, and distractedly walked into the store, put the snacks on the counter and asked the clerk to put them in separate bags because one was for Stinky and one was for Stupid. She looked at me like I was a mass murderer! I didn’t even realize I’d said it! It was just a subconscious thing, I suppose, from hearing it over and over and over …
I think I could relate to Kate in the beginning, even with just two kids. If that slip of the tongue, or lapse in the brain comment had been caught on film, I’d be “crucified” for it! LOL
Kindergarten is not mandatory in Pennsylvania. Children do not have to start school until they are 8. This is the law for public schools. Since they are enrolled in a private school the school didn’t have to admit them until they (the school) thought they were ready. I think that Jon and Kate decided maybe with the recommendation of the school, to start full day this year. I wish them well and hope they have a great year.
I actually find comments like “neither parent made learning a priority” to be incredibly uninformed and misleading. For years we have seen Kate work with the kids, give them little assignments. Even when they were on vacation they were seen doing their “assignments” before going to fly kites. Kate has always made learning a priority.
Furthermore, I think the kids are very bright and clever. If they are in kindergarten this year and they are enjoying themselves and learning, that’s terrific. I never understood why some parents felt a RUSH to have their kids start/finish school. I was put on that “treadmill” of hurry hurry hurry, finish, get it done and ended up having enough credits to graduate high school a couple of years early. At the end of it all, I thought, ‘what was the rush?’ Now I get to go to college 2 years early and graduate there two years early and start earning a living 2 years early. I was studying and working hard when I could have been studying and working at a normal pace. I probably would have enjoyed my childhood MORE, and now those years are gone. I hope the Gosselins go slow and steady and enjoy their youth while they learn, and I hope they KNOW that there’s no rush. They should go at their own pace while being challenged, and enjoy themselves as they learn.
I enjoyed this episode. It was fun yet I could feel the enormous stress for Kate, having all 8 kids picking out backpacks and uniforms and shoes all at once, while they were also running around in the store. What kid doesn’t love running around a department store? Well, times 8 it must be quite a difficult situation to try and manage. Sweetest blink and you’ll miss it moment for me was Alexis, finished with her haircut, running into Cara’s arms for a hug. So adorable.
Nicole, was there a helper there with Kate? I didn’t think she ever took all 8 of them out without at least one helper. It’s sad that she and Jon can’t be more civil for the kids’ sake. Then Jon could have taken the boys shopping and Kate could have taken the girls. That would have alleviated some stress for Kate. But then, I suppose, there wouldn’t be any film footage…
I totally understand why Kate would need to raise her voice to get the kids attention, and they don’t look scared of her at all. I just didn’t understand during this episode why she kept asking them questions and then yelling for them to hush when they all answered her at the same time. It surprised me that she hadn’t worked out a better system by now, like calling on one child at a time. Seems like that would cut down on her stress.
Cute story, Ladybird. Stinky and Stupid. See, if the clerk were a mom, she would have KNOWN who they were and why the snacks must be in separate bags!
My kids also tested me with their bickering and I have overreacted myself. In fact, I am teaching my 16 year old to drive and I have to keep apologizing for my overreactions! Good thing she’s laid back and has my number. Again, had I allowed a TV camera to film my ride home, I’d have my own hate blog named after me. Would I do it? Would I allow TLC to film my imaginary show “Driving Me Crazy?” Hmmmm, show me the money…
It’s sad that she and Jon can’t be more civil for the kids’ sake. Then Jon could have taken the boys shopping and Kate could have taken the girls. – Ladybird
What a nice idea. They wouldn’t have had film of the boys because of Jon, but they’ve done that before. Kate’s done things just with the boys or just with the girls, and of course she was criticized! Oh well.
There is a lot more to school shopping than what we saw. My girls are old enough that they didn’t want anything but new knee socks and shoes. (They wear uniforms, too.) We bought the shoes online! We made two trips for the school supplies…notebooks, planners, pens, folders, etc. I imagine the Gosselin kids needed some of those things, too. Maybe Jon helped them get those? Or Kate took them in smaller groups? Or only took the kids that wanted to shop? My daughters enjoy shopping for my school supplies, too. They steer me toward the good stickers!
As a parent that have held one of my children back in school I wish he could tell you himself what a wonderful gift we gave him. It was a tough decision at the time because my husband had the same ideathat many people have in that oh the child is stupid, or the child is slow for his age. With lots of discussions and meeting with his preschool teacher my husband finally gave in and said he would leave the decision to me. It most certainly wasn’t because he was slow or behind in school as later on because he advanced so quickly in school and never even had to study for tests we had his IQ tested and his IQ score was 148. That put him in the genius category so the decision wasn’t based on his IQ but other factors.
Our son was extremely ill from the day he was born and he went from one illness to another and the doctors didn’t know why. Finally because of a family history of leukemia on both sides of the family I insisted they test him for that. The doctors resisted because they said it’s not a hereditary illness but I was persistant and wouldn’t give up. Finally the doctors gave in and ran the tests needed and they were frankly quite embarassed when they gave me the news I was right and he was borderline leukemia. Thankfully after a couple of years of treatment he was fine ever since.
Of course because our son was sick so much I tended to baby him and oh what an adorable beautiful child he was. So I’ll admit I was kind of an overprotective mother but I was so afraid he would catch something else until he was cured. Also because of the illness it affected his growth and weight and he was far smaller both in height and weight then other boys his age. So when he entered preschool I did notice a problem. He clung to me and it broke my heart when I had to leave him but I knew I couldn’t let him cling to me forever and he needed to be around other kids and of course education. Because of his size and weight and then factor in his dependence on me it was decided to hold him back.
One day as a senior in high school he said to me “Mom that was the best thing in the world you could of ever done for me by holding me back from entering school “on time” because as he said he had more size and more self confidence. Our son was extremely popular in school, a straight A student from the day he entered first grade all the way through college. What was interesting is he did have a life long group of friends and ironically almost every single one of his friends had all been kept back a year in school by the parents for various reason. Our son played high school football and was really good, also a great swimmer and he said that when he thought about how he should have been a senior that’s when he said he was so grateful I held him back because if we hadn’t held him back he would have been always considered too small for his age.
It really isn’t until high school that especially with boys you see the big difference holding back can make. Holding our son back gave him more confidence through his school years. Like the preschool teacher said it’s much better to hold a child back before they actually enter school then to make the decison later on because if a child is held back in say First grade another year it does damage to the child’s ego and self confidence besides the fact that kids can be cruel and tend to taunt a child that has been held back that they know.
So without a doubt I’m not sure of all the reasons that Kate had for holding the kids back but I can tell you from a parent with experience after doing it that Kate and Jon have given their children a wonderful gift. They will be more mature and self confident that will show more in their later years in school. Basically what Kate and Jon did was give those kids a wonderful gift in so many ways and hopefully one day they will say to their parents, “Mom, Dad thank you so much for that decision you made to not rush us into school.”
It’s sad that she and Jon can’t be more civil for the kids’ sake. Then Jon could have taken the boys shopping and Kate could have taken the girls. – Ladybird
Jon has unsupervised visitation with the children, and he does not appear to be restricted on where he takes them so long as he returns them when he’s supposed to do so. Other than the fact that it would require him to spend money on them, I can’t think of any reason that he couldn’t take the kids shopping.
Hannah was adorable when she got her hair cut. I don’t remember seeing her so animated before.
I forgot to mention this, I think – I totally agree! Hannah is usually a little more subdued and quieter – it was so sweet to see that side of her come out.
This has nothing to do with the latest show, but is the show over?? Is TLC going to announce they are done!! I know they have Murt’s hearings (eye roll) coming up and the cs issue for Jon. I hope Kate and the children can take the year off, maybe do a special and finally make Jon stand up and get a real job!! Just saying—————
Gammy-Excellent post! While I don’t think I qualify as a genius (I have no idea what my IQ is), I was a bright kid. My experience has been that, with bright kids, adults tend to make the mistake of thinking that social maturity is on the same level as their intellectual maturity. BIG mistake! With my great-niece, who is very bright, when she was younger there was a great deal about her that reminded me of myself as a child, including a great deal of reserve & holding back in social situations. However, even though her mother is a SAHM, she and my nephew had their daughter in a day-care a couple of days a week once she was a toddler; they then found an excellent school for her that she’s been enrolled in nursery school. It’s a very supportive environment that helped her develop socially while stimulating her intellectually. In addition her school has a much earlier birthday cutoff for first grade than mine did. so she’s over a year older when she started first grade than I was when I started first grade (with no pre-school program other than two older sisters and a younger brother). She’s just blossomed. I doubt she’ll ever be an extrovert but she so much more socially confident and at ease with herself than I was at that age.
Well, I watched the re-run last night. Ugh. I’m disappointed. I’m not criticizing Kate for yelling “Stand!” or “Sit!” or anything, but the part where Mady was going towards Alexis and Alexis screamed. Kate turned around and said, “We don’t scream! Are you hurt? Is there a fire?” Then she made Alexis go off to wherever she sent Mady. If Kate could only hear herself! She screams all of the time! Maybe they would stop screaming if she would use some self control. Kate’s been asked several times not to scream: at the dude ranch on the horses, practicing with Tony for DWTS, surfing lessons, etc. How can she expect the children to not mimic her behavior?
Now, the reason that I was upset by this scene is because I remember the scene when they were moving into the big house. Alexis was in Mady’s room, Mady found her there and proceeded to hit her. Alexis fell to the floor where Mady then proceeded to kick her some more. No one did anything at all about it. Just filmed it! Then Kate told Alexis that it was her fault because she was in Mady’s room.
I think when Alexis screamed at the store because Mady came towards her (allegedly to “hurt” her, Alexis said), that she was genuinely afraid. I know this won’t make me popular for stating my opinion, but I worry that Mady is terrorizing those little ones.
Anyway, I was hoping I would enjoy the show. I think I’ll have to stop watching because I get too upset by not seeing any progress with Kate and the children.
Lady Bird, Kate sounds like any mom correcting her children to me. To think that Mady is terrorizing her sibs because of a clip you saw over a year ago and a clip Monday night is a ridiculous assumption. I’ve seen many sweet moments between Mady and her sibs, so I could worry that she’s loving them to death. Or, we could think she’s like any kid that has good and bad moments w/their family. Please watch what you say about the children.
Ladybird, we see what we look for and I agree you should stop watching if all you see is “bad” in any of those children.
I see normal kids loving on each other one minute and fighting the next.
Thanks Lily. I was beginning to think I’d tuned into another program than the one Lady Bird had seen. Then again…I never tuned in w. a critic’s eye. Actually felt sad to think this may just be the last of Kate+8 as we know it. Perhaps a special or two…that would be fun IF that’s what TLC sees as a future.
If Kate could only hear herself! She screams all of the time! Maybe they would stop screaming if she would use some self control.
Wow, you know….you’re right! Kate does shriek a lot, when she’s scared of something or when she’s excited about something. When she was surfing, every time she fell of the surf board she screamed loudly, and even mentioned that the instructor told her that when she’s falling into the water she should work on keeping her mouth closed and not screaming so that she wouldn’t swallow the ocean. She’s teaching the kids by example and then punishing them for reacting to things the way SHE reacts to them! Somebody should point that out to her because I don’t think she realizes it. It’s funny how parents sometimes just don’t see that a habit that they find “annoying” in their kids is something that they themselves do, all the time.
I didn’t really see what was going on between Mady and Alexis, but Kate must have seen enough to send Mady into the corner. Jon and Kate have said in the past that Mady is rough with the little kids. Remember in the first episode of this season where Hannah said that Mady hit her for “no apparent reason?” I have to agree that she’s probably like any kid that has good moments and bad moments, and it doesn’t look like Kate allows Mady to get away with “terrorizing” her siblings, to the point of punishing Mady just because she was about to do something. She didn’t let it go. Even if Alexis ended up in the corner for screaming, it worked out best for her (from what we saw) because she managed to stop Mady from doing whatever it is she was about to do, and Kate is aware of it.
Nicole, was there a helper there with Kate? I didn’t think she ever took all 8 of them out without at least one helper.
I didn’t see a helper with Kate on any of these shopping trips.
Thanks for politely telling me to stop watching. I’ve already decided to stop. I thought this was a site that opinions were welcome; I haven’t been rude, I’ve talked about the show. I don’t “see what I want to see,” I see what they show us. Jon and Kate have both stated that Mady is rough with the little ones. I think she can be sweet when she wants to be, but I also think she has impulse control problems. I think she has a lot of Kate in her. LOL
I still believe that if Kate tells her children they are not allowed to scream, then she should set a good example and stop that horrible screaming and squealing that she does all the time.
Again, thanks for your polite tone with me. I realize I’m not “one of the gang.”
One more thing, TLC has, from the beginning, edited things to make Mady look, well, bratty! I was babysitting for a friend and this little girl had a little brother who was 4 years younger than she. She constantly hit, bit, scratched, and kicked her little brother. She loved to watch Jon & Kate + 8. I babysat with them several times and one day while we were watching the show, she told me that her mother said that she was a “Mady Gosselin.” That made her decide to stop hurting her little brother because she didn’t want to be “a Mady.” I thought it was really sad for Mady because I’d read that there were sites devoted exclusively to this little girl and the behavior that TLC decided to air. That’s about the time I started watching, not with a critical eye, but with a curious eye about the effects a reality tv show would have on a family. I’ve been curious ever since, from a sociological point of view.
I’m glad that sometimes Mady is not on the show, whether it be her choice or Kate’s. I would hope that Kate would step in and prevent TLC from exploiting Mady further with the “bratty” angle.
I think there are a lot of people and parents that practice “do as I say and not as I do.” It is human nature. I also think it is part of Kate’s nature to let out a yelp once and awhile.
I don’t think you have to be part of the “gang’ here know that we don’t want people accusing the children of things such as “terrorizing” another one.
I thought this was a site that opinions were welcome;
They are but we have never asked people to not challenge others opinions. We have asked them to discuss and debate the opinion without being disrespectful or calling the other person names.
I think there are a lot of people and parents that practice “do as I say and not as I do.” It is human nature. I also think it is part of Kate’s nature to let out a yelp once and awhile.
It might be that the whole family made the promise to stop screaming. I know I’ve made those kind of goals with kids. Doesn’t mean we don’t fall short of the goals. I would kinda like to see one of the kids tell her that ‘we don’t scream in this family’. Not because it would be wicked but because it would show that they are all working on the same family goals.
I’ve heard the children ask Kate not to scream. When she was going to practice dancing in the basement, she wanted them to come and watch her. They said, “Only if you don’t scream.” I think they’re old enough to realize that most things are “do as I say and not as I do” with Kate. The gum smacking comes to mind. I don’t think for one minute that Kate would allow her children to chew gum, noisily at that, almost constantly. Also, Kate dictates what they eat, how much they eat, etc. I know she’s not a short order cook, but in a restaurant I think she can let them order what they want from the menu. I don’t like to see her handling the food that she’s giving them so much. Just funny about that.
If Kate’s screaming is an issue than I have the same issue. You should hear me when my favorite team plays. My two sons absolutely refuse to watch w/me because I am so animated and scream at every good play and cuss at every bad play… He! He! I was also annoying when my sons proceeded to watch world cup soccer w/me this year and I kept saying “head shot” . I was corrected each time. Don’t get me started when the boys come w/me to the Big House…. and we watch a game… I know every song, every gesture, etc… I could fit right into the student section. Also I sing in the car (even though I don’t know the words)….
Ladybird, we respect your opinions but IMHO you seem to want to goad the commenters on this site to attack you which they will never do. I have been disagreed w/on this site also but they always have respected my opinions. I hope that you don’t leave this site and go to that other negative site. Just my opinion.
Dunno, Lady Bird…do you FIND anything that might be something positive to say? (I can not imagine spending time on someone’s blog that rips this 9 yr. old twin girl to shreds.) The one thing that I loved about this show…BOTH Kate & Jon knew their children’s strenghts & weaknesses inside & out. Mady is the dramatic twin…Cara not so much. Mady is the one who emotes…Cara is the passive one. ETC. All so normal w. twins, not factoring in that there 6 siblings that demand so MUCH… all at the same time. I would imagine that the clips of Mady make for better t.v. than selecting clips of mute children w. their legs crossed, doing sign language. Just perhaps t.v. filming is capturing exactly what goes on day in & day out in the Gosselin home…not buying the ‘exploiting’ bit.
I believe the WHOLE family watches their own shows…the good, the bad & the ugly. I hope they hone in on the GOOD! (How I remember my children at 9 going on 10…& they did it one child at a time. Thank goodness!)
I don’t subscribe to negative sites. I read that there were sites dedicated to Mady Gosselin and they weren’t flattering. Disgusting. (I didn’t go to the sites).
I don’t think anyone is feeling goaded; I’m expressing an opinion and although it may not be the popular opinion, it could change tomorrow. The most recent episode just didn’t “set well” with me. 😉
In all seriousness, I can see a lot of good in Kate, but I can also see the pitfalls that she dances around while the world watches and waits for her to fall. I don’t want to see that; I would hope that the Gosselin children are all going to be just fine and dandy in the future. It just frustrates me when I watch and I think, “No! Don’t do that, Kate, don’t say that! You know they’re going to tear you a new one tomorrow!” But I have to hand it to her! She gets up the next day and does exactly what she wants to do, regardless of what the critics say!
I only see a few regular posters on this site. Maybe I’m in the wrong place, darnit, and here I’ve been happy to see some other Imperfect Women, such as myself. Are you not accepting any new members? 🙂
Ladybird-I’ve seen enough of the hater (and I’m not putting you in that category) criticism of Kate to realize that no matter what she does, they’ll tear her to shreds over it. IMHO, she decided a long time ago not to conduct her life, including raising her children, trying to please people who refuse to be pleased. I know we only see small portions of the kids’ lives, but, I suspect that if the kids were acting like spoiled brats off camera, etc., we’d hear about it. Instead the kids seem bright, curious, and respectful of their elders without seemed cowed by them.
I’ve seen a lot of people who couldn’t manage one toddler without cracking (I suspect that, if I’d had children, I might well be in that category<g>), how Kate managed with 6 simultaneously, I can’t even begin to imagine. I think a lot of it, like when she told them all to sit down on the floor at the store, is just trying to keep track of them all; the same with screaming, one is bad enough, 8 simultaneously may produce permanent hearing loss.<g>
Just me, but I think Kate is like most of us, trying to get through life doing the best that she can.
As for this site, I’ve found it pretty accepting. Sometimes, it takes a while to get the rhythmn of a particular blogging community. Each seems to have its own identity.
Thank you, Peggy. I really want to discuss the sociological aspects of Reality TV, especially Kate + 8 and the previous series. I just can’t seem to find the right place! I haven’t posted anywhere else, but I’ve read on some sites. You’re either a hater or a lover, and I’m not either. Just curious about life in front of a camera, living in front of a camera. I hope it all turns out well. Part of my interest is the fact that Kate seems oblivious to what people say about her. (I know she’s not, she said she reads it and hears it). But she sure puts up a good front!
I don’t “see what I want to see,” I see what they show us.
I should have used the word “interpret” instead of “see,” We all see what they show us but people can interpret things differently based on our experiences, focus, values, personality, our emotions, etc. For example, I value higher education and am pleased to see how much Kate wants her children in an excellent preperatory school and emphazies often her desire that all go to college.
TLC has not changed on they have portrayed Mady but the penduluam has swung on how she is viewed by the haters. Where once she was called “bratty,” she is now often referenced as a “little hero” who speaks up to her mother (think that happened when she called her Mom mean on camera). I view Mady as a multi-faceted child – dramatic and high spirited, somewhat prone toward jealousy but also very caring, bright and insightful. She both challenges her mother (and father based on one episode last year where Jon punished her and Car for doing so) and often helps her mother with meal preperation.
I think they’re old enough to realize that most things are “do as I say and not as I do” with Kate.
This is another interpretation that I do not share. I see Kate setting examples that she lives by in many areas. Most obviously, she shows an incredible willingness to push beyond her fears to encourage the kids to do so. Mady seems to share many of those fears and Kate participates in activities to encourage Mady to do see (getting on the floaties in the ocean in Hawaii to see the sea turtles under water, climbing to the top of the lighthouse, surfing). I see the same with her eating habits. She is not expecting the kids to eat healthily while she is pigging out on bonbons. She models the value of a healthy diet for the kids. She also models the values of staying in shape and working hard.
Generally, I interpret Kate’s behavior as imperfect but not out of the realm of reasonable and understandable most of the time. If I had to 8 kids age 9 and under I would be stressed out to the max. I am not going to judge her by standards that I know I could never live up to 100% of the time.
I really want to discuss the sociological aspects of Reality TV, especially Kate + 8 and the previous series. I just can’t seem to find the right place!
I would love to see that kind of discussion here but only if it went beyond the Gosselins. I don’t think social policy or law should have been designed around one individual or family. I don’t think reality TV is okay for everyone but the Gosselins. Frankly I am much more disturbed by the Duggars than the Gosselins.
I would love to see that kind of discussion here but only if it went beyond the Gosselins. I don’t think social policy or law should have been designed around one individual or family.
Oh, I totally agree. I’ve been following the Gosselins since their very first special. I’ve only just begun to follow the Duggars. That’s because they’re on at 6 a.m. where I live and I watch them before I have to get up at 7 for work. Now that is a family to discuss! I know people say that the Gosselin kids are working (I don’t really know; kind of on the fence about that from the past episodes), but those Duggar girls are servants! With a servant’s heart and a smile on their face, of course. LOL
Hi, Lady Bird.
I think this is the only site where people can honestly discuss the Gosselin family. The love and hate sites are so extreme and they both make me sick. I’m studying the Duggar family, too! They are really strange.
What I miss about the old Kate is her sense of happiness. The new Kate thinks she looks better, but I think she looks cheap and desperate. The new Kate doesn’t ever seem happy and there is no sense of joy in anything she does. There’s a bitterness and a “look how hard my rotten life is” attitude that makes it appear that she doesn’t even like her children.
I remember the old Kate and I liked her. I’m hoping she will find some genuine happiness and start enjoying her children.
It’s so interesting to see how different people see Kate. I don’t think she seems unhappy or that there is no sense of joy in anything she does. And “bitterness?” “Look how hard my rotten life is?” I don’t see her as having that sort of attitude at all. She has fun with her kids, she “enjoys” them, and I have never seen anything to indicate that she thinks her life is “rotten” even though she admits that taking care of 8 kids isn’t easy. I think that anybody who’s taken care of ONE kid can just imagine how much more work EIGHT would be. She also is firm with her kids, because she has to be.
I think the whole “my life is so hard” is Kate’s schtick. I think it’s part of her personality. It wouldn’t matter how much help she received or how much money she has in the bank, it’s part of “make-up.” I know a couple of people exactly like that. If you compliment them, they always say the same thing, “It was hell getting myself and the kids ready!” rather than just saying, “Thank you!” I think she gets a lot of criticism for it, though.
I saw bitterness on her last appearance of Regis & Kelly. My, my. I was cringing.
I don’t see her having an abundance of joy around her children; she strikes me as the type that wants to keep moving, see what’s around the corner. That need to keep the momentum, or find something better to do really does diminish the joy of the moment. But a couple of times she seemed to be having fun. At the kids’ birthday party in Florida, she really liked the dolphins. But of course, lunch had to be all drama and not peaceful.
As far as her new look… well, I can’t stand what she’s wearing in the above-picture (already said that). It’s probably one of the more unflattering things I’ve seen her in. I don’t particularly care for all the cleavage shots we’ve been privy to, but I think she’s kind of sowing a few wild oats. She got a makeover and wants to show it off a bit. She’ll calm down. She looked very nice on the cover of her last book.
Nicole, I think what Garnet is referencing about Kate not being joyful around her children is her interactions with the children(that we see on tv). When they’re playing, she’s usually standing around with her hands on her hips, pointing and scowling. When they’re eating, she’s yelling at them about what they have to eat, standing over their plates dividing up the food that SHE insists they have (rather than have them order for themselves). When they want her attention, most of the time Kate tells them to wait (remember the “a one bedroom apartment looks really good to me right now! comment?) or she yells for one of her helpers to “take this child!” When they are doing something simple, like having ice cream for dinner and wanting to roll down a hill, she tells them NO. Or play with markers. NO. Or when they’re hot and tired on top of a bus, she brings them ice cream from blocks away that is melting and she shoves it in their faces and yells at them to JUST EAT IT! It could all be editing, but Kate was like that from the beginning of the show. Remember Disneyland (she’s ruined!). Kids screaming, begging for the ice cream that she’s already shown them, but now won’t give them because it’s melting and sticky. It would have been nice if she’d have just said “take a bath in it! We’re in Disneyland!”
I do understand that she has 8 kids, but they’re almost 10 and 6 1/3 years of age now. They don’t seem to give her all that much trouble. Like many on here have stated, they seem rather well-behaved and they listen to her. I think she could calm down and “get in the moment” with them sometimes.
Sorry, Garnet, if that’s not what you meant. That’s how I understood it.
Ladybird-Do you always focus on Kate’s worst moments? I grew up in a family about 1/2 the size but still large and close in age, and I haven’t seen anything that looks that unusual to me. I see loads of occasions where she enjoys and has fun with the kids, but, with 8 very active kids, there are plenty of times she has to play traffic cop. Telling a child to “Just eat it” instead of standing there with ice cream dripping down her arms while they dither over who gets which cone doesn’t strike me as a hanging offense.
The one thing I’ve heard from every mother of multiples is that organization is central, that the risk of everything collapsing into chaos is ever present. Kate’s spoken frequently of balancing the need to stay organized with the need to give each child attention. In addition, while she has “help”, she no longer has a partner to share the load and the burdens; instead she has an ex whose major goal in life seems to be to (1) torment her and (2) do as little as possible of the scut work of childrearing while bragging about what a great dad he is for doing the fun stuff.
So please cut her some slack, rather than looking for things to hold against her.
In other words, she’s being a “Mother,” not a playmate to her kids. The kids each have 7 other built in playmates. I think Kate is very “old school” in that way. Moms are supposed to care about what their kids eat, and keep track of, monitor that sort of thing. When she’s dividing their food, it’s USUALLY burgers and fries. I don’t know too many children who’d have complaints about Mommy ordering them burgers and fries!
Waiting has rarely had permanent detrimental affects on a child, has it? She called for her “helper” to take the child who threw sand in one of her other children’s eyes and mouth – is that what you’re referencing? What do you think she should have done? Let the culprit continue to run “amuck?” Throw more sand in more kids’ faces?
Oh, my! she gave them ICE CREAM and told them to JUST EAT IT! You’d think she was forcing them to eat a fried liver and onion sandwich! It was ice cream, it was melting fast, I don’t see how being told to eat it was a mean Mommy moment. I just don’t.
Mom gets to set the rules. Rolling down hills, coloring with markers, those are calls that every mother has to make. I don’t judge her for making the rules and expecting her kids to follow them, especially when I’ve seen a lot of parents who set no rules for their kids, and the result is the KIDS end up ruling the roost. That’s unacceptable to Kate, and it should be. Jon gets to say “let them take a bath” in the ice cream because he had no responsibility or cares about handling what came next. Sticky kids who are going to feel uncomfortable, dirty clothes. That doesn’t mean anything to Jon.
If you don’t think the kids give Kate much trouble, it must be because she set the rules for them a long time ago, and the kids follow those rules. they’ve been raised in a loving yet disciplined home, and it shows. Every time someone comments about how the kids seem well behaved, it’s a result of their upbringing so far.
And, of course, in the interest of balance, moments were Kate is clearly enjoying the time with kids:
1) watching the turtles hatch, turning to Cara with awe on her face and sharing a moment of wonder and delight;
2) going back with Lexi and re-doing the previous day activities (string rays and dophins) with just the child who missed it all because she was sick; Kate showed real delight in spending time with the child who would have missed it the most;
3) sitting on the ground watching the shuttle launch with the kids;
4) camping with the kids in the tents outside in the backyard;
5) watching movies with the kids in the basement on movie night.
I can give more examples later if desired … have to go pick up my son now.
IMO some only want to see bad or negative in a person so they become blinded .
Kate does not speak quietly like Michelle Dugger , Kate is more direct but it doesn’t make her a bad mother.
I’m guilty of everything Kate has been accused of – I’ve yelled at my kids, I’ve made them eat something they didn’t like, I don’t always have time to “play” with them, others may not always like the clothing I choose to wear and I’ve done many, many of the other things Kate has been accused of.
Its funny how we can all watch the same show and come away with a different opinion. I have 4 kids so in some ways I can relate to Kate.
When I watch Kate + 8 I see 8 well adjusted, happy, well loved kids with a Mom who is doing her best to take care of them.
LadyBird, I enjoy reading your comments here. I am a Kate fan, primarily because of two things: I read the book Multiple Blessings and got a better understanding of that first miraculous year, and she has handled her ex-husband’s public meltdown very well, considering just how badly it went.
I give Kate a lot of credit for handling the pregnancy. I give her familya lot of credit for helping her through an incredibly difficult year. I remember how hard it was the year two of my sisters and I had children. Just three babies, and my parents were exhausted with helping us all. Can you imagine 6+ new babies in one extended family? Kate had a lot of helpers. She still had to organize and oversee it all. She was still the mom, and she acted like it. She repeatedly acknowledged, was thankful for, and called her helpers a blessing.
Post-separation, Kate struggled to take the high road at times. I also cringed for her (not really ather) listening to her on Regis and Kelly. I feared the backlash she’d get for clumsily telling that she is the sole support for the kids and that the visitation isn’t always smooth. I feel for the kids perhaps (maybe! Don’t really know!) being expected to explain or defend her comments. 🙁 Despite her missteps (IMO) she has behaved commendably compared to Jon. She’s behaved well compared to the opportunities and temptations to knock Jon in the press. We rarely hear one of her “unnamed sources” leaking her side of anything to the tabloids. It all seems to come from Jon’s side, and it’s never trustworthy.
I understand why people see Kate as a complainer sometimes, but I don’t understand missing all the fun and joyful moments she has with the kids. I see both. It’s really a personal thing how much complaining will get on your nerves. My confession is that too much sugary sweet stuff annoys me! It’s me, not the sweety, but I can only take so much of the Michelle Duggar/Aunt Jodi types before I change the channel or excuse myself (in real life.)
CocoPuff #76 and stxmom #77 couldn’t agree more!
I have read the comments here and a couple of posters have not one good thing to say about Kate. I have always felt that balance good and bad were welcomed, but they seem to want to argue the point of things that happened years ago, or a small clip of Kate and her children.
Kate is held to a different standard than anyone on TV . Messy divorces have been played out in the public for years, but for some reason Kate is being bad mouthed for a couple of comments she said on a show. Why anyone thinks she needs to take a high road for anyone is beyond words for me. She has the right to tell the truth, protect her children and make decisions for them.
I have not seen the ones complaining about Kate, questioning what Jon is doing. No amount of filming and experiences these children have had surely will not have bad effects on them when they are adults. What Jon has done in the past year will forever scar those children. I read and hear what will the kids say at school? I would rather crawl in a hole than to have to face my friends with what Jon has put out in the press.
I look forward to see what Kate will be doing in the future. I would rather have lunch with her anyday than say the Duggers. That family, using their children to raise their sibs, while Jim Bob treats Michelle like a sex machine. They also do not promote higher education. I have seem meltdowns on that show, but for some reason because they hold the bible out front, they are excused. Kate will never have people’s support who don’t agree with anything she does, but I give her support for being a working Mom, trying to do the best for her family.
I’d like to say that I completely agree with you PeggyP, Nicole, Paige, CoCoPuff, stxmom and Ann. Kate is the MOM and she has to be the boss or chaos will reign………it’s that way with any family. Too many children these days are allowed to rule the roost and their parents aren’t doing them any favor in the long run. I consider it just plain laziness on the parents part…….let’s face it it IS easier to just give in and let the kids do whatever they want. But down deep kids know they don’t know how to rule that roost and that’s why they act up…..it scares them when they are in control.
Kate doesn’t do that, thank God, and because of the structure of knowing what’s going to happen and when and what’s expected of them, the kids feel more secure. (Much as I hate to admit it, I wish my grands had the structure and thus the security that the Gosselin kids have) .
I am sooo with you, Ann about Michele Duggar………..actually that whole clan kinda gives me the creeps……all that so called ‘sweetness’ makes me suspicious of what’s going on. I can’t stand to watch the show and won’t anyway because I think having that many children is just plain stupid………..the older kids are raising the younger ones, not the parents.
As for Kate’s clothes………..I’m not quite sure why everyone is so interested in what she wears when she goes shopping or anywhere else. She doesn’t dress any different than the people I see every time I go out……..at least not the people her age………..IF they have the body for those clothes. Take that back…….she actually looks better than most I see…..lol I don’t get the high heels but I’ve heard her say she wears them because she thinks her legs are too short and high heels make her legs look longer…….and those of us with short legs are very conscious of our legs’ shortness. Personally you’ll never see me in high heels but I’d probably break my neck from falling off the high heels if I tried………especially at my age………lol
Ann, while I agree it was clumsy the way Kate said things on R and K, if I were in her shoes, I would have said the same thing. Why people would put down a Mother, working and providing for her family, being with them while filming is a dream most of us would have loved to had. I dropped my kids off at daycare up to 10 hrs a day sometimes, so really spent about 2 hours with them, fixing a meal, doing laundry and homework, baths and then bed.
Why can’t a Mother be proud of taking care of her family. Would people rather see her on welfare than to work and support herself and the kids. If filming is over, I want someone to answer my question?? What will Jon do to contribute to the household?? Raising 8 children by herself for the next 10 years will be very expensive, food, clothes, medical, school, housepayments, utlities, insurance, and so much more.
Kate is the MOM and she has to be the boss or chaos will reign………it’s that way with any family. Too many children these days are allowed to rule the roost and their parents aren’t doing them any favor in the long run. – Mariposa
That is a great point and I absolutely agree. I’ve critiqued my own parenting with that same expression (about kids ruling the roost), and I definitely see evidence of it in many of the families I’m around.
Finally had a chance to watch this episode last night. I was cracking up at Maddy and Cara when Kate was trying on shoes. “They make your feet look wrinkly” and “she needs to knock down a wall or something for all of her shoes” I’m a shoe freak as well. I have a closet dedicated to just my shoes (how sad is that).
All I have to say though, is that I am SOOO thankful that I don’t have to worry about school shopping for 8 kiddos. I cannot even imagine what it must be like.