Those parents who choose to have many children must take responsibility for that decision. In this economy, it is hard to imagine feeding a large family. In the "old days" it made sense to have a large family because they could help on a farm or if the family owned a store, but today with a variety of birth control methods, it makes me wonder why anyone would decide not to use them. JMO.
Originally posted by momofeight: I know they can do a show on my family. I am 31 and my husband is 34, we have 8 children none were on fertility treatments just one right after the other. We have 4 boy and 4 girls ages 9months to 10 years old. Crazy, yes! however we are hopefully done since my husband is going in to get sniped. We have had a few business in the past that have failed and now we are just trying to survive like everyone else. My husband works his butt off and is gone a lot, his job just dropped his pay do now we are beyond tight but we are sill living. I cant seam to get my kids quite under control and struggle with keeping the house clean and organized. I am about to embark on homeschooling them this year so that ought to be fun. We have been trying to buy a home and have been going thru the process of a short sale for 3 months already and have been on edge because of our finances changing and how it will affect our ability to house now. We both came from messed up childhoods are are trying our best to make it better and break the crazy cycle so our children can grow up better than us and have a better shot. To keep the show real how about not getting any kind of payment until after the season so that people can see how we deal with the chaos of life on a daily basis, maybe bring in people to teach us how to do it right. Show us how to keep 8 kids from driving you nuts at times and how to keep the house cleaned and better organized. We can show how we struggle to keep the utilities from being shut off and the rent paid and how we may have to get creative on the food side. I have plenty that goes on in a day with my children that would entertain anyone for hours.
Again,more of the same. Just not that entertaining and already done to death.
How about a show with a couple who are trying to work things out in their marriage with the goal of living together again? My husband and I separated in February after 18 years together and a blended family of 5 kids. We are now in the process of trying to work things out despite our differences, such as I drink alcohol, he doesn't, I am liberal, he's very conservative, he goes to church, I am not sure what I believe, etc. We also have 3 dogs now that all the kids are grown and out of the house. I could go on and on. I think it could be inspirational to other people who are having trouble in their relationship.
D.Taylor, with that many differences I wonder why you would WANT to stay together. My husband left me after 14 years. I was devastated at the time, but it was the start of a new and interesting life for me.
The differences you state would drive viewers nuts, and they would probably ask the same qustion--what is the point?
Nooooo, Matt and Amy were interesting because they were different. Most of the people here who are suggesting shows are found in every town in every country in the world.
Originally posted by ritarig: Those parents who choose to have many children must take responsibility for that decision. In this economy, it is hard to imagine feeding a large family. In the "old days" it made sense to have a large family because they could help on a farm or if the family owned a store, but today with a variety of birth control methods, it makes me wonder why anyone would decide not to use them. JMO.
Well you may think that people should only have one or two and that is your opinion. However we never set out to have 8 children we did use a few diferent types of birth control and still got pregnant. We view children as a blessing and if I had to do it all over again I wouldnt change it. I love my children and their different personalities, I look forward to when they are grown and have their own children and we have get-togetheres. I am overwelmed now because I am exhausted and they are all so close together. I have been pregnant and nursing for the past 11 years. And we have taken responsibility for them, aside from being on wic a few times we arent on welfare, my husband works his butt off and when I can do things to help make a few bucks I do it too. I love watching shows on family with a lot of kids so I can get ideas to help me, I only wish that you would see them going thru real life and how they deal with it not how they deal with going on a free vacation etc... So back to the birth control thing, my husband is going in next week to finally get fixed. It took a while for us to be ok with something permenant. All the people I know who have had it done have all told us they regreted it later so we had to make sure we were really ok with it, and we definately are. 8 is definately enough!!!
There was something interesting about the Roloffs that sparked>>>>>the farm set up like a theme park, the lack of pitying themselves and clear enjoyment of life, complex personalities, the raising of children who are quite different from themselves. All factors in their being chosen for a show, I think.
There are obviously a great deal of viewers who find families with lots of children to be very interesting, as it is the bulk of the TLC lineup. I'm sure there will be more shows with these BIG families in the future.
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Originally posted by calbear55: How about a show starring a midget family with multiple children that bakes cakes and work on a crab boat and Stacy and Clinton can come in and give them a make over!!
Only if one member of the family is in rehab with Dr. Drew.
I believe shows about families will never get old because a lot of people are intrigued by the way other families live. The suggestion I have is about the Figueroa family from Fayetteville NC.. they are one family taking a leap of faith and leaving everything behind to make a difference in our country. They are a husband and wife team and have 2 daughters ages 8 and 11, which they homeschool, and their dog Sebastian and they set off on their journey of random acts of kindness and to share Gods word across the country. They sold everything they owned to raise money, loaded up their truck and their RV and on July 4th they declared their Independence as well. They are an amazing and very funny family that I know people would love to watch. I think people would stay tuned in mainly to see how they can make it but you will also have those viewers saying "there's no way" that will stay tuned in to see if they fail. There story is one of very high highs and very low lows and just to see where they've been that got them where they are today is a one that should be told. There story includes the loss of a brother, the loss of a relationship with their "Godly" parents (husbands side), owning their own company that made millions to losing everything they owned, to struggling to get what little they did have before God lead them to do this journey and of course their many friends that love and support them. I think you will find an amazing story in The Figueroa's, they are normal people just like most the people that watch your shows, the only difference in them is they have taken that leap of faith and I can only pray God blesses them on this journey in their life! Thank you for your consideration!
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I have a great idea for a new reality show for TLC, have you every though of the day in the life of an Apartment Manager. I am a Regional Manager for a Property Management Company in Arizona and if you want some good comedy along with drama and unexpected events...this would be a GREAT reality show... Just a thought but I think that it would make for some great t.v and show the world what it is actually like for someone to manage an apartment complex on a day to day basis.
Originally posted by Monteen: What is your suggestion for a new reality show?
We have all seen the signs, bumpersticker or banners that encourage us to support our troop but honestly most of us dont really know what we are supporting. I recently started going back to school and I had to write several essays. Most of them I wrote about my husbands deployments to Iraq. How they have effected him, the kids, our relationships and how we handle them. I was shock at the response. People seemd to have no idea what it is really like. I think a good idea for a show would be to follow a family and the deployed soldier during a deployemnt. Coming up this november my husband will be going on his fourth deployment. We havent even told the kids yet because they are going to be so upset. What could be a more real idea for a show then something that happend to thousands of families all the time and still nobody really knows what its like. The struggles involved when they leave, while they are gone and even when they return. there is a new move coming out soon call hurt locker that is about a group of Army soldier doing thier job in Iraq. My husband does the samething they are doing. He blows things up. The show on tv called the amry wifes just drives me crazy. That is nothing like what we go through. It would be nice to have people see why they should support the men and wemon in the military and the families they leave behind. All families handle it a little different so they could do a new family every season if people like it.
I have an idea for a show. I don't know if it could be a reality show or more of a documentary. I know a gentleman who is and upper extremity amputee. Meaning he had an accident in which he lost his dominant right hand and part of his arm. Before his accident he had always been an automobile fanatic and his love for them is what has gotten him where he is today. He has overcame his handicap, opened his own shop and has become and amazing restoration and custom automotive builder. So amazing that the first vehicle which he built in his shop won 1st prize for best paint at the DUB Magazine car show in Atlantic City. Last year he met Chip Foose who was also impressed by him and the fact that he was able to over come the handicap to become such an amazing builder. I think this would be a great show idea because it would show people in the world that people can overcome setbacks and devastating situations with perseverance.
I'm not really liking the trends of these reality shows involving families. The attention from the public and the media is doing damage to these familes.
While I would enjoy learning more about military families, I just don't want any more people to be exploited.
I think they should do a reality show of a family with a child battling cancer. Some cancers are a 3.5 year treatment cycle before they are all done with chemotherapy. There are none like it right now. I know there are a lot of us that would like a place to relate to other than our list serves we communicate on.
Originally posted by Monteen: What is your suggestion for a new reality show?
Here is an idea. I just "came out" to my wife of 13 years. It has been crazy, but we are going through this together. I am 34 yrs old and graduating in December with my master's degree. My wife is an educated professional that trains childcare workers at local colleges. We are wanting to document our lives through this to educate others and end deception due to fear of being yourself. We have a 9yr old daughter. Both from a conservative christian background in the south (Arkansas). I am sure many will call it exploitation. We consider it education. This is something that America ignores as it requires shining light on their lives. Our family still doesn't know. Trying to do all of this right, so we are all going through therapy with highly trained and unbiased therapists.
Anyway! There is my idea. We are definitely the opposite of the 18 and Counting family! They live about 20 miles north of us if that gives you an idea of our deep south bible belt demographic!
Originally posted by Monteen: What is your suggestion for a new reality show?
Here is an idea. I just "came out" to my wife of 13 years. It has been crazy, but we are going through this together. I am 34 yrs old and graduating in December with my master's degree. My wife is an educated professional that trains childcare workers at local colleges. We are wanting to document our lives through this to educate others and end deception due to fear of being yourself. We have a 9yr old daughter. Both from a conservative christian background in the south (Arkansas). I am sure many will call it exploitation. We consider it education. This is something that America ignores as it requires shining light on their lives. Our family still doesn't know. Trying to do all of this right, so we are all going through therapy with highly trained and unbiased therapists.
Anyway! There is my idea. We are definitely the opposite of the 18 and Counting family! They live about 20 miles north of us if that gives you an idea of our deep south bible belt demographic!
Select a group of people who will create a new charity. They will have to (1) decide who the charity will help, (2) how they will raise money, (3) show the events/fundraising being carried out and (4) show the "giving" action of the charity.
This is the type of show that I feel would be inspiring for others who would like to start their own charity. It would also allow the audience the opportunity to give their own money and/or time, and see their own contribution in action.
Having worked at a non-profit organization, my immediate reaction was YIKES. They have no idea what is involved.
For starters, you have to have a board, a statement of purpose, and other things to present to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status. When donors gives money, they want to be able to take it as a legitimate deduction.
Then there is setting up of the office and the purchase of computers, copy machines, mail machines, and office equipment.
In order to raise money, you need a data-base of donors which you can purchase from direct mail organizations.
You need a checking account. (By the way, the person who makes out the check is NOT the person who signs the check.)
Every time new non-profits set up, they need all of these things, plus incorporations. Lots of wasted money. There are plenty of charities out there. I doubt there is a real need for another one.
As with any reality show, there are certain aspects behind the scenes that are not shown on TV. As with real estate shows, they don't show you the creating of closing papers, title work, etc., as these are things that would not be worth watching. The interesting part would be watching the charity grow, watching people come up with ideas to try and create a meaningful organization. Additionally, just because there are plenty of charities out there, doesn't mean they are all active and effective.....there is always room for something better than what currently exists.
I agree with Rita. There are more than enough charities to deal with the woes of the world. For the most part people have causes in mind they want to help BEFORE deciding to start a nonprofit. they don't decide to start a charity and then pick a cause. And unfortunately many people with less than sterling motives would just LOOOOVVVVEEE to have a blueprint to fleece the public.
Every time I hear of a new non-profit, I think what a waste of money. For example, there is already a huge group for cancer. Do you really need another one in the name of SuzieQ who beat cancer? Do you need another AIDS group? There are good ones out there. I think many of the smaller charities are ego-driven.
People think that when they give their money it goes to actually feed someone or whatever the charity. In effect, most of the money goes to administrative costs which, by the way, the IRS allows to be attributed to a particular part of the charity. Let's say you have five areas in your plan. The administrative costs are allowed to be divided among the five areas. If the IRS didn't allow this, there would be few people donating.
It's not a scam, but a legitimate accounting procedure.
Here is anaother thing that adds to the admin burden. The charity has to get permission from the state in which they operate. Then if they go out of state for donors, they must file a report with all these states--and each form is different.
Sorry to go on so, but the suggestion of starting a charity just hit the wrong button!
And you so often hear of groups that wind up giving little to their causes because of the cost of administration. consolidating like cause groups rather than creating more seems to make more sense.
I think it is more the proliferation of charities that we are talking about. I give to animal organizations without any negative thoughts--to the local organizations or to Best Friends out in Utah.
You know, it's like any industry. Once you know the "ins and outs" of them, it changes your perspctive. I worked for an art museum for many years. Even that has a different feel once you've gone "backstage." The same with the fashion industry and probably entertainment.
I think a show about a charity would be exceedingly boring. JMO.
Many charities are just social groups. They have these huge events with fancy balls, tons of money is spent, money that could go to their charity. Involvement has turned into a status symbol of sorts...something for someone to put on their resume.
I love the people that give of their time and money without wanting the recognization. Those are the true givers.
Agree. Many of the celebrities that show up at events are paid. Jesse Jackson ran up a big telephone bill and had to have a limo for him and all his entourage. (Just one example first hand.) Susan Sarandan, on the other hand, just showed up without fuss or limo.
But, there are so many wonderful people who volunteer without fanfare. One of our pool ladies works with poor people, stocking shelves and helping collect clothing, etc. Others read to children or help with animals. Truly terrific people.
How about the joys, struggles, and everyday life of adoptive and foster parents.
We went from 1 kid to 6 in 18 months through adoption and a suprise birth. We have adopted out of age order, we are a multiracial family, have open adoptions. Our life is crazy, rewarding, and challenging. I would love to see another family like ours.
My best friends family would make a great show! My friends family is not your typically family. What is typically really mean anyways? She had her daughter right out of high school. This limited her from experiencing the college life and her twenties like everyone should. Her daughter is beautiful and looks just like her mother but with ADHD Times 10!!! My friend Amanda is now living with her boyfriend with her daugher and just welcomed a son into the family two years ago. Not only is Amanda dealing with her ADHD daughter now her son has been diagnosed with diabetes. This can take a toll on a mother and family. Needless to say there is never a dull moment in the house with a son with diabetes, a daughter with ADHD, a new puppy and a boyfriend who works 12 hour days!! I find her life both comical and sad at times and I think others would too.
We are a family of 6. My wife and I and our 3 boys (Ages, 17,15,12, and our little girl 9) Our oldest son is autistic and then "our normal" teen son, Who is a handful then our 3rd son is ADHD and our daughter "The Princess" I would like people to see that just because there is some tention between The oldest son and the next in line because he is actually treated like the oldest and how that ALPHA male thing plays out between them. I think it would be a great insite into the trials and tribulations of a family from Wv. Please let me know if you would like me to expand on anything...
Originally posted by Monteen: What is your suggestion for a new reality show?
Here is an idea. I just "came out" to my wife of 13 years. It has been crazy, but we are going through this together. I am 34 yrs old and graduating in December with my master's degree. My wife is an educated professional that trains childcare workers at local colleges. We are wanting to document our lives through this to educate others and end deception due to fear of being yourself. We have a 9yr old daughter. Both from a conservative christian background in the south (Arkansas). I am sure many will call it exploitation. We consider it education. This is something that America ignores as it requires shining light on their lives. Our family still doesn't know. Trying to do all of this right, so we are all going through therapy with highly trained and unbiased therapists.
Anyway! There is my idea. We are definitely the opposite of the 18 and Counting family! They live about 20 miles north of us if that gives you an idea of our deep south bible belt demographic!
By leaps and bounds the best idea so far.
I'm fine with the idea. I fear that many will see this focus as being an indictment of conservative "christian" values than of tolerance of different lifestyles. In my mind, they can just tune into something else, but unfortunately, many people feel that their values must always be catered to. Good luck to you and your family with your journey.
Since people seemed quite focused on families, my reality show suggestion would feature someone who, in the spirit of Morgan Spurlock, spends 30 days with different types of families and reports his/her experiences and reflections.
Originally posted by pettrma: How about the joys, struggles, and everyday life of adoptive and foster parents.
We went from 1 kid to 6 in 18 months through adoption and a suprise birth. We have adopted out of age order, we are a multiracial family, have open adoptions. Our life is crazy, rewarding, and challenging. I would love to see another family like ours.
Don't you think that adoptive parents and kids and foster families are under enough pressure without cameras stuck in their faces?
Look at the damage done to the "balloon" family with their attempt to get a reality show. Look what happened to J&K. There must be so much pressure being in front of the camera showing the TV viewers the way they live. Fame is difficult to manage without losing yourself. I agree with Tree--the families mentioned above have enough problems without adding a magnifying glass to them by way of a camera.
50 Years and Counting.... A one hour show that follows a couple married for 50 years. Heartwarming, inspirational, showing the struggles over 50 years. The hour concludes with the couple's 50th anniversary celebration, a huge bash with TLC picking up the tab.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Fastest growing demographics in the USA. Parents unable to raise child due to current circumstances. Career oriented, 40 something grandparents, back in the child rearing role
Originally posted by pamiam: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Fastest growing demographics in the USA. Parents unable to raise child due to current circumstances. Career oriented, 40 something grandparents, back in the child rearing role
Again, a group that really doesn't need the added stress of cameras following them around.
Originally posted by pamiam: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Fastest growing demographics in the USA. Parents unable to raise child due to current circumstances. Career oriented, 40 something grandparents, back in the child rearing role
Again, a group that really doesn't need the added stress of cameras following them around.
No stress here We're wiser, have more insight, are relaxed and more confident now than we were as parents raising our own. We're our 3 yr old grandson's legal guardians now and are enjoying our situation with him and the prospect of providing him with a stable and fulfilling life as opposed to the alternative he faced. Hoping someday he & his Mom will once again be a family. It is what it is Thanks for your concern and comment
I vote for treespryt's idea of a show about Alaskans. I would definitely give that a look. As for a show about a Mormon family, that's been done, its called "Big Love." I'd rather not see any shows about people's religions....JMHO It appears that many of us would like a show about us, our own life. My husband is a locomotive engineer, how about a show about that, there's never a dull moment...jk
Originally posted by nancydotslash: I'd rather not see any shows about people's religions....JMHO
I hear ya. How about a series of 1-hour shows about all sorts of realities? There's you loco hubby, the married man coming out (might deserve a few episodes peppered throughout), the married couple who wants no children and all the crap people give them for their "selfishness", the people who can't have children and raise animals instead, etc. Maybe a lot of ideas are interesting but don't warrant a season's worth of exposure. Then, based on user feedback, there can be follow-up shows. They can call it "Reality Bytes" (that just popped into my head, I don't recall hearing or reading this, I must've, though...)
We have had a few business in the past that have failed and now we are just trying to survive like everyone else. My husband works his butt off and is gone a lot, his job just dropped his pay do now we are beyond tight but we are sill living. I cant seam to get my kids quite under control and struggle with keeping the house clean and organized. I am about to embark on homeschooling them this year so that ought to be fun. We have been trying to buy a home and have been going thru the process of a short sale for 3 months already and have been on edge because of our finances changing and how it will affect our ability to house now. We both came from messed up childhoods are are trying our best to make it better and break the crazy cycle so our children can grow up better than us and have a better shot. To keep the show real how about not getting any kind of payment until after the season so that people can see how we deal with the chaos of life on a daily basis, maybe bring in people to teach us how to do it right. Show us how to keep 8 kids from driving you nuts at times and how to keep the house cleaned and better organized. We can show how we struggle to keep the utilities from being shut off and the rent paid and how we may have to get creative on the food side. I have plenty that goes on in a day with my children that would entertain anyone for hours. 
all week