What do you think of the Duggar family and their almost 18 children?

Question

I was reading an article with different people's opinions on haw many children people have, from the Jolie-Pitt family to the Duggars. Some said that it is none of our business and other mentioned how overpopulated the world already is. Mary Wells referenced the Duggar's religious view as well saying, "There are so many references to God's displeasure with selfishness in the Bible – whatever God turns out to be – we should all be able to show a list of our unselfish choices that saved humans, animals and life of all kinds – and in this world at this time large families are selfish choices that are everybody's business and everybody's problem."

So I ask, what is your opinion?

Answer 1

Someone needs to make sure that zipper doesn't come down!!!!

Answer 2

Well I'm not ...fond of the Duggars but I respect and share their beliefs. My wife is expecting our 17th child and we hope to have many more. Are our lives perfect no. There is A LOT of stress, there are hard times but we love and care for each of our children and ...unlike the Duggars we treat them as individuals not cookie cutter children all wearing the same thing.  My biggest gripe with them is the publicity they seem to crave and if anything is selfish about them its the way they exploit the miracle of life to line their pockets.

Answer 3

Personally, I think having 18 kids is ridiculous and iresponsible. I agree with what Wells said about the earth already being overpopulated, etc.

However, I've gotten a lot more criticism than I ever imagined I would for having simply 4 kids. I've gotten a few comments similar to the ones about the Duggar's, mostly from mothers with the "hallmark" family (1.5 kids, etc), and I know that I absolutely wouldn't have my family any other way and it offends me when people say those things. So I'm gonna be politically correct and go on record as saying that although my opinion may be different from theirs, hey, it's their family. Whatever floats their boat, I guess.

Answer 4

While I admire the Duggars, I do think they have too many children and that's it's irresponsible of them.  They're running a village not a family.  They can't possibly have enough time to give attention to each of those kids.  They have the older ones raising the younger ones, which is not fair to any of the kids.  It's good that they got a tv show which gave them money, b/c that should've been considered child abuse when they had 13 kids in a small 3 bedroom 1 bathroom house!

As for Brangelina, I think they do so much to help the world, they've adopted 3 kids and have opened the world's eyes to the issue of orphans in 3rd world countries.  international adoption has increased dramatically b/c of them, that's pretty powerful!  And really, 6 kids is alot but not an irresponsible number especially when they can afford to care for their kids properly.  Every one sees they are great parents, always with them and not nannies.

Answer 5

im surprised her husband still want that im sure its all tore up lol but if thats what they want to do then hey more power to them but i think its wayyyyy to many  

Answer 6

I go with the 'its none of my business' crew.

my great grandma had 23 children, 19 lived

my grandma had 8

and my mom only had 2

its interesting how it got less with every generation.

Answer 7

The house is listed as a church which means they don't have to pay taxes on it. I think that is bull ****.TLC PAID for most of the items in their house.Also bull ****.The older kids take care of the younger ones.THAT pisses me off because a kid should have the time to be a kid.I think that is neglect.How are each of the kids getting the time they need with mom and dad?

The fact they make them dress alike is just plain scary.There is not an once of individuality among those kids.They think how their parents say they should think. I think that is abuse. A kid has got to learn how to be their own person and they are not.

Answer 8

I don't have an issue with the world being overpopulated but I do have concerns for families that have so many children because a child needs a parent. Not only do they need financial support (which the families you mention can handle) but they need a bond and connection with the parent. I don't see how a parent has time to bond with 18 children. My question is are all of these children's emotional needs  being met? The Duggars use a buddy system where once a child is weened from breastfeeding it is passed on to an older child for care. It doesn't seem to me that the mother is doing all of the parenting. While I think it is reasonable to ask a sibling to help the younger sibilings I think what they do crosses a line.

Answer 9

They are an amazing family!  I think we could all learn something from them, whether we choose to have one child or many, if we (as a whole) would stop attacking their personal choices and look at what they can teach us.

They are able to provide for their children, financially, physically and emotionally.  Their children are respectful, which is uncommon among children nowadays.  Adn the family has ZERO debt.

Answer 10

I admire Michelle and Jim-Bob Duggar. And if it is their choice to have as many children as God gives, who are we to critisize?

Answer 11

I would just like to know how they afford it. If they are depending on federal help, then it is our problem. However,if they are pulling their own weight then I don't have a problem with it.

Answer 12

as a mum of 11 mine are all happy well adjusted children none lacked for love  in fact i have more time than most i love and enjoy my children's company   some have left home and have jobs and family of there own and are doing very very well  others are at school or collage as none are staying idle .. we go on holidays  cinema swimming .. but none hang round the streets if they have friend to go out with that's OK with me but not hanging around cosing trouble for others  

sean r thats nasty and uncalled 4

Answer 13

I think the Duggars are amazing - I think they have a home filled with love, the father has a business and can support all those children, the mother teaches them herself - the kids are polite, well spoken and polite - sheesh, what more could anybody want.

I see families with just one, two or three kids who don't supervise them, don't give them good morals and values, who don't take care of them the way they should, kids are neglected every day - families who are a drain on the economy - heck, we need more like the Duggars and less of the other kind!

Answer 14

I read that article, and really don't care because it's a personal choice. If you can afford children mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially I say "go for it". Some folks can handle 18 children...I'm not one of them even though I wanted to have 12(!) and stopped at two!

Overpopulation and spirituality have been around forever, so it really comes down to individual interpretations on how to navigate these larger issues.

Answer 15

Do they love their 18 children?

Are their 18 children fed, clothed, housed, educated,given medical attention when sick?

If so, then what is worse, a couple having 18 kids and taking care of them, or 18 girls having abortions because they and/or their boyfriends do not want the responsibility?

Answer 16

In all honesty I don't care, unless the kids are neglected or abused or suffer because of it. I have 2 and I know I personally wouldn't want a ton of kids. I like that I can give my kids good vacations, trips, attention, activities etc. If I had anymore than 5- wow- that would be pushing it. I'm quite comfortable with 2.

I do have issues with people that pop out kids for the sole purpose of *taking care of the farm, or house, or animals.* That to me, is cheap labor, and crappy parenting.

Answer 17

they have funny names :]

Answer 18

They seem to be very good parents and handle it so if that is there choice then more power to them. Don't know how her body handles that many births but she is doing it. There are people in this world who should not even be a parent once so those who can love that much and all be healthy the world should not criticize.

Answer 19

Of course God desires each of His tender children to be well-cared-for.  Is that the Duggars?  Idk.  Unless the Lord has burdened the Duggars to raise all of these children, I'd bet that the only raising that goes on is the child-care pensions from the state.

I don't know these people, and I never said I did.  But at face value, I'd be kinda suspicious.

TX Mom

Answer 20

They are crazy as h**l and won't be satisfied until one of those kids comes out a ree-ree aka retarded.

Answer 21

It's their business.  I do know that they live debt free and their kids don't look or behave as if they are neglected or uncared for. If they can afford that many kids and what they do as a family then more power to them. Personally I would not want 18 children, but if it works for them, then so be it.

Answer 22

I honestly respect their decision to have so many children, but I don't like them. They are radically religious and I do not think that children should be brought up that way. The Duggars are Gothardites, and they follow Bill Gothard--the same guy who said adoption is sinful because adopted children carry the sins of their parents. They are a far right wing group and I don't think that's a very good environment for children to be raised in.