America’s Largest Family is Getting Larger
Michelle Duggar celebrates Mother’s Day in a much bigger way than any of us mom’s could imagine. She has announced baby eighteen is on the way.
The 41-year old mom, says she’s thrilled the new addition will join the seven sisters and 10 brothers. For Mother’s Day, the kids got together to get mom some pearls with matching pearl earrings. Dad got her a ring.
“We’re enjoying them so much and we would love more, so the lord has seen fit to give us another one and we’re just thankful,” Duggar said.
At 20, the oldest Duggar child is Josh. Jennifer is the youngest at 9-months.
All the children’s names start with the letter “J” and all are home-schooled.
I know the Duggar family claims they are bless.
I know they claim to function quite well with so many kids.
BUT, as the mother of three teenagers – I have to wonder just how much individual and quality time these kids are spending with their parents.
I love the concept and idea of large families, but I think there comes a time when you have to say enough is enough.
Personally, I believe Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar are being selfish in having more and more children.
I’m really curious too — just how are these folks managing with insurance, medical and health care for so many kids?
(image: newscom)
Technorati Tags: Duggar Family,eighteen kids,America’s Largest Family
Frankly …I don’t think it is any of your business how they manage their finances or insurance.
AMEN! It is nobody’s business but their own how they are managing insurance and finances.
Every life they’ve given is a blessing.
It’s Duggar.
My first reaction to the news was “Holy Shitballs! How is her uterus still intact?” Mine was pretty worn out after only 7. I agree that every baby is a blessing. However, Gayla said that she was wondering how they afforded their large family. I don’t think that is a rude thing to wonder. I’m sure that all of us, at one time or another, have wondered how a person affords a nice car, or how some manage the load that life has given them. Curiosity is only human nature. Now if she wrote them a letter, demanding to know these things, then it would be rude. Asking is rude, wondering is not.
Those parents obviously have a gift to be able to raise such a large number of kids, and do it seemingly well. I commend their efforts and know too well how it feels to have negativity thrown in my general direction, whenever I announced another pregnancy. So I will refrain form any jokes or sarcasm (which is usually how I respond because of my smart ass nature.)
Congrats, Duggars!
On the one hand, gotta hand it to them for figuring out how to support all those kids without taking government money, or selling any on ebay…
On the other hand, I would be a little more convinced of the sincerity of their self proclaimed values if they were not splashing themselves all over the media every time she drops another one. Doesn’t sound like humility and all those other Christian values to me. Seems like a big attention mongering.
I don’t think it’s an out of line question at all.
1. Learning how they care for and provide for such a large family MAY be beneficial to others who may be struggling with three or four.
2. If the Duggars are providing for their family on the backs of taxpayers – then it’s every bodies business.
And finally, I don’t believe it’s the responsibility of the older children to care for the younger ones. If these parents wish to keep having children, that’s fine – but don’t have the oldest daughter fix breakfast for all of them – don’t have the other girls do laundry for all of them – etc. I believe in certain chores, yes, but to the extent of caring for a growing family that is NOT their responsibility – I have to say sometimes you have to take care of what you have and not put anymore pressure on the blessings you already have.
I corrected the spelling.
Di you know that the above comment by Michelle, was actually Mrs. Duggar?
That’s good! I’m glad. Perhaps she can answer some of those questions on the minds of us watching from afar.
I doubt seriously that they are raising their children on the taxpayers – but it is difficult to fathom how they can provide for such a large family when some of us struggle with families a fraction of the size.
I was engaged to a guy one time who was the youngest of 8 in a Catholic family.. The family had a lot of problems, most of which stemmed from the parents being stretched too thin – lack of attention to serious problems, etc. His mom was always bragging about raising so many – but I always thought (to myself) how silly that was seeing as how most of them turned out and how disfunctional the family had been..
BUT, I know that it’s possible to raise many, many children that are happy and functional – and although their day-to-day life is not exactly my cup of tea, the Duggars seem to be raising all of theirs with lots of love and attention. I don’t know if I disagree with the chores either – but maybe there is a fine line between pitching in with housework and being responsible for housework..
I guess what I am uneasy about is the picture of Michelle. I wonder what girls think about her? I worry about her body – and her mental state. I love the Lord, and I love my children, but I cannot fathom taking care of 18 of them on a daily basis (all day long – no school) and still having a smile on my face (all day long)..
Maybe I just don’t understand them. Modesty is one thing, but I can’t imagine my husband and the older boys being the only ones in the family who who have the right to fit in with modern society.. If my religion encouraged me to suppress any hint of beauty or sexuality I think I would demand that my husband have to stick out like a sore thumb also – maybe if the men were required to wear a long beard or bible-times garments I could get on board..
Kadi, do you like it when people wander about your finances…and how you support all your seven children?
Kadi, I am going to be honest. I wonder how you can afford a boob job when you have seven kids to feed…
Kadi, I am not asking…just wondering…so I hope you are not offended by me wondering.
Ashley, who says that Michelle doesn’t fit in with modern society? Obviously she and her husband are very happy or they wouldn’t continue to have more children.
Claudia, I’m pretty sure having more babies than the old woman in the shoe doesn’t necessarily reflect the happiness of a couple.. in fact, most of the time children strain even the strongest of relationships.
Also, give me a break she DOES NOT fit in with modern society. And I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be hurtful or hateful to her because Im fairly certain that it’s an intentional effort on her part.
Both Duggars are real estate agents, and both also host Bible-based “Financial Freedom Seminars.” They also own commercial properties. From 1999-2002, Jim Bob served in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2002.
Both Duggars are real estate agents, and both also host Bible-based “Financial Freedom Seminars.” They also own commercial properties. From 1999-2002, Jim Bob served in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2002.
I think my previous post (along with David) should answer your question about the Duggar finances…sounds like the Duggar Family is doing quite well! I admire Michelle Duggar…
James Robert “Jim Bob” Duggar (born July 18, 1965) of Tontitown, Arkansas, is a former state legislator who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. He is a real estate agent, and owns several commercial properties in his local area.[1][2]
Duggar ran in the Republican Party of Arkansas primary election for United States Senate candidacy in 2002, but lost to Tim Hutchinson.[3] Duggar sought the Republican nomination to the Arkansas State Senate District 35 seat in Arkansas in 2006,[4] but lost to candidate Bill Pritchard.
Jim Bob Duggar[5] and his wife Michelle,[6] who was named Young Mother of the Year in Arkansas in 2004,[7][8] are conservative Baptists[9] who endorse the Quiverfull movement and the teachings of Bill Gothard.
The Duggars say they live debt-free,[10][11] which Mr. Duggar has said is “the fruit of a financial freedom seminar” he attended years ago.
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar recently revealed that Michelle is pregnant again, expecting their 18th child.
Okay – sooooo…um…am I talking with sabrina or david? Because you are either the same person or you are identical twins (one of you oddly named) who think alike and post verbatim..
That’s awesome! I’m really glad they can live such a nice life.
While we only have one car payment and the mortgage – health insurance for self employed is astronomical (I still wonder about healthcare since they would qualify as self employed as real estate agents). I know it’s tough enough to get insurance on three kids — And providing nicely for three kids is unbelievable. I can’t imagine EIGHTEEN KIDS!
Claudia,
Hi there! People have questioned every aspect of my personal life. It is a side effect of being on television. I don’t always agree with the questions that are posed to me, but I know that people are just naturally curious when they see a family that has a lot of kids, but looks well intact. I am not bothered by people wondering about my finances. I can afford a lot of things (like breast augmentation) that many people cannot. It is one of the nice things about working for the family business! It is funny to me that people always wonder about affording a “boob job” and not the fact that we own our vehicle, which was way more expensive than plastic surgery. It almost seems like they ask that particular question, as a dig.
The thing I wonder about the Duggars, is how they came to the decision to put their family on national television. What prompted such a conservative couple (one that seems to shun most modern ideals like reality shows,) to agree to airing their lives on national television? After doing Supernanny, I can tell you that I would never do it on a regular basis. No amount of money is worth the hassel. The help we got was worth it, but I still wouldn’t be able to handle the intrusive nature of the business, in my home more than the two weeks we experienced.
And Claudia, yes you are asking. I am the one you posed the question to, and about. That is the difference, in my opinion. But that was cute…I like the sarcasm.
Hey, if I could trade in my Blazer on a used Yugo sneaker looking car and get a nice set of tits I would!
I am, however, planning a nice pair after the kids graduate. I’m thinking I’ll need a little “perk” around that time just to spoil me and entertain my husband
Sure better than having a pair that sag to your knees or that if you put a sports bra on backwards it actually fits BETTER.
Ha! You make me laugh, Gayla!
Good point about the car – that was definately a dig.
I don’t see it as a dig…most people would spend money on their children…save for their future education…but hey…if you have the money to pay for seven times four years of college education plus help with their weddings…then by all means…you can afford a boob job!
Ashley is apparently your cheerleader. She seems to idolize you. I think it is funny.
Come on, I’m not anyone’s cheer leader and (no offense Kadi) there’s no way in hell I would wish for Kadi’s life. I just see a whole lot of hate being thrown her way all the time and I really don’t understand why. I guess I understand why deep down – I just don’t want to admit it. Deep down I have a sneaky suspicion that if Kadi was about 70lbs heavier, had bad skin and dressed really dowdy she would have been widely and warmly embraced instead of slammed. I believe this is incredibly petty and I believe it’s what you’re doing right now. Why ARE you more concerned about the amount of money spent on her boob job than on her car? Isn’t a fancy car or house a reflection of materialism and pride too? But basically you’re saying
“How dare she look good AND have lots of kids AND a blog?!” So I’m saying “How dare YOU try and bring down someone else because you’re jealous”. Okay, so now it’s your turn…let me have it. Try and bring me down too..
uh…I am done with this conversation. You are freaking out and lashing out. CrAzY. I am not jealous. I am attractive as well and I don’t need to spend money on fake boobs. Just pointing out…that SAVING money is important for your children’s future. Ashley..perhaps you should think about taking Lexapro…or committing yourself to a mental institution. No need to lash out like we are in elementary school.
I have no problem with Kadi..she is indeed beautiful and most of the time she is funny…however, I do have a problem with you being psycho.
We all spend money on things that are not necessities. What I spend my money on is certainly my business.
How do you know that I do not have savings accounts for all of my children? That is also nobody’s business…but they all have one.
Another none of your business topics:
My “fake boobs” were a choice that I made after nursing ALL SEVEN of my children and being left with nothing but hanging skin. It was hard to even wear a bra because bras are not made for just skin. Have you nursed seven children, Sabrina? Then I suggest you have a little compassion about the “fake boob” issue. You have no idea what I go through for my kids and financially do for my kids. I am entitled to do something for myself. Don’t you spend money on make up and getting your hair done? Does that make you any less of a good parent? I don’t mean to prattle on, but this topic gets under my skin. I almost lost my life delivering Reed and spend my life raising my kids to the best of my ability. Having a boob job and my “excessive blogging” are the only things that people like to focus on. It is so completely ridiculous. there, now it is all out in the open. Anything else you want to chastise me for?
So, okay – I’m the psycho.. you’re right. It’s absolutely CRAZY of me to call you out for trying to embarass or shame someone you don’t even know with the flimsy justification that you’re ‘concerned’ about their financial decisions. Whatever dude. You could care less if they do or don’t have a savings account. You’re probably upset now to hear that they do.
And Sabrina, maybe you are very attractive, but I would bet money that you don’t ‘feel’ attractive.. in my personal experience, women that are secure in their own skin are usually okay with another woman being pretty – or doing something that makes them feel more pretty..(you know, kind of like ‘Good for her’, ‘maybe I’ll do that for myself one day’ ) and they don’t usually waste their time being jealous or waste their time accusing other women/moms of being vain..
The funny thing is – I’m not upset at all. I like commenting here and debating this stuff with you. It’s interesting and I like it. I honestly don’t understand why you’re getting upset – don’t you like your own medicine?
Also, to get back on the subject… I do genuinely and non-diggingly
want to know how the Duggars manage financially. We have two and both work and live a very no-frills lifestyle and I am really interested in how they manage. I don’t think there’s any shame in wanting to learn from someone else that’s obviously doing it better..
Also back on the subject, I wonder if at some level does she keep having kids for the attention? If she decided that 18 was enough, then would they still be newsworthy? She has said ‘She always wants a baby in the house’ – does that imply that they are only interesting as babies? Do the kids start to feel like “We are only interesting because there are 18 of us”?
I don’t have answers to these questions. But I guess I get suspicious of people who seem to be famous for being famous. I’m sure they’re fine people, but all the media attention makes me doubtful of their true intentions. If I happened to read one article about them, I would probably not think twice. But repeated TV specials, articles, etc. etc., I start to wonder.
I think they are part of the quiverfull movement. I googled that one day and it’s a really..um..interesting way to look at things. Definately not for me – but basically they believe that they should have as many kids as (physically) possible because by having them and raising them right they are creating and adding to God’s army..
While I’m in agreement with the whole idea of having and raising humans to better the world, I also know form first hand experience, that the more you have, the more difficult it is to give each child a sense individuality. My mother in law, who has 13, agrees. She always felt like someone was getting the shaft. Whether it was being stretched between sporting events (all of their kids played sports,) homework help, or just one on one time. They all grew up to be awesome adults, but it still makes her feel bad sometimes, to think about whether or not she gave them everything they needed.
We stopped having kids for that reason and also because my body could no longer handle pregnancy. Now, I’m not saying that raising a large family of good and emotionally well children is impossible. My mother in law is living proof of that. But it is MUCH harder on the sanity and body to do.
BMS~
Yes. I wonder that too. Is it for the attention? We were offered a few different opportunities after our episode, but turned them down because I have on desire to become a television family. It is not a life I want for my kids. Been there, done that, too much stress.
Sorry for the typo, I meant, “I have NO desire to be a TV family.”
Moms are permanently forgiven for typos
I don’t know if it’s to bring attention to themselves so much as it is to bring attention to their movement or whatever. Does that make sense?
Yes, Ashley. I understand and agree with that possibility.
I still would, personally, not choose that method of advertising my cause. There are so many less stressful, yet effective ways of bringing attention to a movement. Maybe not AS effective as television, but I would take the trade off.
I’m with you Ashley! If they are both real estate agents, it seems it’s an awful tough time to try expanding a large family even more.
Foreclosures what they are and all…
That’s true – but I think they’re very comfortable. I’ve read that a long time ago (like back when they only had 10) they got out of debt. Which is great and all but HOW? With that many kids – HOW?
I admire the Duggars- they’ve made their decision and they’re standing by it. I agree they do not ‘fit in’ with mdoern society but as far as I am concerned that’s a good thing. Look at those kids. Neat, tidy, healthy, nice, practical, kind, seem like a great bunch of people to me. And 18 kids doesn’t cost 18 times what it cost to have one. Hand me downs, simple tastes, no TV or trashy food, quite the cheap lifestyle really. No Xboxes or DKNY jeans in the Duggar house!
Don’t get me wrong, I think that their religious ideas are barmy- but I admire that their morals and principles are true and they really do want the best for their kids and their fellow man. I don’t think their children would do so well in the ‘real’ world of sex drugs and violence, but then I hope and think that they will never have to. In this day and age the large family is the exception but 100 years ago lots of people had very big familys, 10 or 12 was pretty common, maybe not 18 but their would have been more than one. Did those parents love their kids less? I think not. I think they really try and do their best for their kids. I know plenty of people with 2 teens who go weeks at a time and barely say two words to them. Are they better parents?
Each to their own. But I admire what they do. There are few people of principle left, and I don’t think 18 more will do the world any harm.
I am happy for the Duggars and wish them well. I love the way the family all help out and seem to really love each other. I see nothing wrong with the older kids helping out. You don’t see many teens, in these times, who want to do anything at home to help or even spend time with family. I also commend this family on not using their family as a regular television series like Jon and Kate Plus 8.That show is only an exploitation of all their young children. It saddens me to see how Kate can’t seem to be the mothering type and is constantly whining about something, while accepting every free thing they can and of course, their tv series. Now, the Duggars are a family who I give high regards to. They care about their kids and do all the child care themselves. The older siblings help and it all stays within the family unit. They do not exploit their children and I see nothing wrong with a few tv shows. After all, they are the largest family in America and we are curious. They give enough tv time or interviews to curb public curiosity without exploiting the family. They also are not selfish and not claim to need help. I admire them and wish them all the best always. Duggars, if your read this, God Bless you all and the new arrival next year.
I think they are doing fine, I am happy for them. ALong if they can handle the kids its their bussiness.
I don’t know about the reality show, but from what I read I didn’t see Michelle’s name. It’s always Daddy this and Daddy that. How bizzare is that? Isn’t MOMMY doing all the work here?
We love to criticize… it’s crazy. although i wouldn’t want that many children ever in life but people who have them know how to deal. clearly they know all their kids and spend time and love all their kids and if have watched the show you know they arent hurting financially and they are thrifty. they are fine. and this whole thing is gross. stop criticizing people and judging them because they do things you dont understand.
As a father of 7 children and number 8 on the way I’m amazed by the misconceptions of large families. The best gift you can give your children is brothers and sisters, their lifelong partners. Our children are so loved. They are home-schooled but they interact with children at gymnastics, piano and guitar lessons. They are all very successful students. They don’t use bad language. They don’t steel, they don’t know what illegal drugs are and they are loving caring individuals. I work hard and ask nothing of anyone. Our family and friends are very supportive and a huge part of our lives. The person with 3 teenagers probably buses her kids off to school with other children that get little or no love and direction at home.
Let’s check with each other in a few years. I wager my children will be drug free, hard working mothers and citizens, not pregant welfare drug attacks.
Erno Lukacs and his wife Julianna (living in a small village of Facankert in the south of Hungary) have twenty (20) children: Edina, Andrea, Erno, Zoltan, Laszlo, Janos, Krisztina, Anita, Lilla, Gabor, Julianna, Zsuzsanna, Edit, Ferenc, Klara, Katalin, Agnes, Ildiko, Hajnalka and Eva (14 daughters and 6 sons altogether).
Siblings helping care for other siblings and working together in the home is what makes a family close. Large families have always functioned that way. Maybe if there were more families like that there would be less selfish people in the world.
I agree it’s nobody’s business how they support them if they are not drawing on welfare. The way Mccord asked the question insinuated a negative.