After watching the Quint Show & going back to watching new & old episodes, and ‘the never seen before clips’ episodes of Jon & Kate plus 8, I’m quite upset. In the Quint show, the family was accused of being greedy and wanting and demanding a lot. Weren’t they even accused of being manipulative? Some might try to say something about the fact that Dr. Brazelton came to their house, but thank God he did because that baby wouldn’t have lived another 48 hours. It was only because of him that the doctor agreed to see the baby, as he was treating them as though they were just overreacting. In comparison, I actually think Jon & Kate are way more greedy and manipulative. I mean any time they express wanting something on the show these things magically appear?? In one of episodes shown today they got a violin and piano (In 2007) that were apparently just given to them after one of them expressed interest in getting one. Never mind those girls practiced all of three days, played once and have never played since. So these instruments just sit there but according to them, if either the twins or the sextuplets ever get the urge again that at least it’ll be there waiting for them. Must be nice! Anyone ever notice how often they say things like “Oh, I wish we had this”, “Maybe one day we’ll be able to afford this, but not now.” and before you know it they’re ‘able to afford it’ all the things they had wanted to do themselves (the parents) and wanted to do for their children. Wasn’t it just recently that they flew across the country for Jon to have ‘hair transplant surgery’? How about the trip that was shown and discussed during the ‘clips’ show where a plastic surgeon and his wife arranged and paid for Kate to have a tummy tuck and other cosmetic surgery done? If only all of us could be so lucky! Ohh, and of course lets not forget the professional teeth cleaning & whitening that was done for both of them after they mentioned in another show about their teeth being yellow. Because of course they could never afford it, well excuse me but there are many, many people that can’t even afford the most basic dental procedures like having teeth pulled, even when they desperately need it. Many of us can only dream about being able to smile again or for the day when we aren’t in excruciating pain because of our teeth. Unfortunately, not all of us are as lucky enough to always have a camera in front of us, and that every single time we utter the words wish or dream that they are all magically granted. Meanwhile Jon & Kate get to use a reality show as a marketplace for everything they wish, dream or want for both them and their children. And, a question that’s probably never been asked or answered, do they get paid to do this show? Wonder how Jon went from having to work long hours to basically working whenever he wants?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: mod_ivy,
Of course they get paid to do the show. That's a given.
I'm not sure what all the bitterness is about. They were struggling financially before the show, and decided to do the show for two reasons :
1. To provide for their kids (it's not cheap to raise them, and this show gave them opportunities)
2. To have a visual diary of their family growing up (as mentioned before, they lost time to keep track of pictures/film when the tups were born)
My family has 2 children, and we have to pinch every single penny and try our hardest to take out a few dollars here and there to put into savings. We have been sensible and are pretty much debt free, but we do live paycheck to paycheck. If I had an opportunity like this come along, the chance to gather some money for retirement or for the kids' college funds, I'd consider doing it for the family's sake, even though I'd HATE the thought of having strangers in my house filming me, or the thought of never being able to go to the grocery store unnoticed.
Don't fault them for doing whatever they had to do to keep their family afloat. If this situation resulted in a lot of extra perks for them (like vacations and surgery), who cares? I'm sure they didn't expect it to all happen like this. They most likely had no clue that one television special (that's how this whole series idea came about) would result in a much more comfortable life in the end.
I don't get free vacations or surgeries, yet I'm not bitter that the Gosselins get them. You fault them for taking something that people offer them? Who wouldn't take trips offered to them? I sure would!
Raising 8 kids is a stressful job, so even the perks they get are only partial perks. Their vacations aren't exactly "stress free, laying on the beach at the Four Seasons" type deals anyway. Other than that one weekend that Jon & Kate took to Key West, but woo hoo...one whole weekend birthday trip alone. My husband and I do that every year on our anniversary, and we have a VERY limited budget.
I was watching the Christmas show and Kate mentioned that viewers actually emailed her and asked if they could send presents to the children. She answered..."who are we to say no?" Bring it on. These kids don't get enough toys and everything their hearts desire? You would think that with all the Christian references on walls, t-shirts that Jon wears, and other ways, that Kate would have said thank you all for thinking of my children, but it would be so nice if you would donate a gift to a child in need in your own area. That would be a good way to demonstrate their charitable nature. That, I think, is "enough is enough". Just my opinion, of course, but they are getting so many perks...the trips, the instruments, the Juicy Juice, the promotional items that the camera zeroes in on, and goodness knows what else. More toys for the kids? Oh well.
A lot of the things that they get from fans aren't big expensive toys.
Kate has referenced t-shirts with the kids' names on them and a lot of hand made items.
Those kids aren't running around with expensive ipods or PS3's. Any trip that Jon & Kate take with the kids is not "fun and games".
It's not unusual for a family to do day trips the way they do (zoo, amusement park, Hershey World, etc). I've seen 2 big trips for the family (Disney World & Utah) in the course of a couple of years...that's not so far out of reach for the average family. Heck, my family is always on a budget and we do a family vacation once a year, or every other year.
I really think people are making too much of this.
Originally posted by destasage: ...I've seen 2 big trips for the family (Disney World & Utah) in the course of a couple of years...that's not so far out of reach for the average family. ...
They have 8 kids. How much do you think a trip to Disney would have cost for their kids, Jon & Kate, and their other guests (more like chaperones)? It's not like they stayed at a cheap motel outside the park. They stayed at the Wilderness lodge (which is NOT cheap), and I seriously doubt all of the expenses came out of their pockets.
Originally posted by destasage: A lot of the things that they get from fans aren't big expensive toys.
Kate has referenced t-shirts with the kids' names on them and a lot of hand made items.
Those kids aren't running around with expensive ipods or PS3's. Any trip that Jon & Kate take with the kids is not "fun and games".
It's not unusual for a family to do day trips the way they do (zoo, amusement park, Hershey World, etc). I've seen 2 big trips for the family (Disney World & Utah) in the course of a couple of years...that's not so far out of reach for the average family. Heck, my family is always on a budget and we do a family vacation once a year, or every other year.
I really think people are making too much of this.
Actually, Maddy does have an ipod Shuffle...which retails at $80 which I consider to be expensive. I saw it in her grubby, annoying hand in one episode...I just can't remember which one.
There are some sad, sick people on these boards. I came here to compare notes about the show as it never fails to make me laugh and relate to some funny situation the family finds itself in. Instead, I find people who are insulting to children, of all people, and raking these people over the coals. Do any of you realize these are just snippets in time and that they choose the most chaotic scenes for entertainment value? Who would watch a bunch of kids sitting quietly or parents smiling at each other? They show the clips that are amusing, and those are the ones where the kids, or the parents, or both "lose it," or say or do funny stuff. Then people want to diagnose Maddy with ODD for Goodness Sakes? Please, keep in mind these are real people and real children and words can hurt, especially when there is NO call for them. And the latest comment talking about Maddy with such contempt makes me wonder why such a person would ever watch the show to begin with. Oh, I forgot, some people have to put others down (even CHILDREN) to make themselves look better. Sorry, it doesn't work in elementary school, and it doesn't work in adulthood or the internet either.
Originally posted by nicey: There are some sad, sick people on these boards. I came here to compare notes about the show as it never fails to make me laugh and relate to some funny situation the family finds itself in. Instead, I find people who are insulting to children, of all people, and raking these people over the coals.
quote:
And the latest comment talking about Maddy with such contempt makes me wonder why such a person would ever watch the show to begin with. Oh, I forgot, some people have to put others down (even CHILDREN) to make themselves look better. Sorry, it doesn't work in elementary school, and it doesn't work in adulthood or the internet either.
Get a life!
Thank you, Nicey. I agree, the bitterness and jealousy about the Gosselins here is just awful, and frankly downright pathetic. Of course, being on TV, the Gosselins have to live with the "criticism" now and then, but with all this vitriol, one wonders why these people rush to turn the show on? I really do think jealousy is at play. Maybe others could be so saintly and angelic to turn down gifts from others, but if it were me, I'd be accepting what I need, and gratefully, especially if i had 8 kids.
I'm glad Jon and Kate can ignore this nonsense. Their kids are wonderful, EVEN Mady, and I thank them for giving us a peek into their world. I wouldn't want to live it, but that's the point of television.
For heavens' sake people, if you don't like what you see, turn off the TV. I do not not blame Jon & Kate for taking advantage of whatever opportunities come available to them, as individuals or as a family. I personally do not know any parent who would NOT take whatever benefits they could get for free. I surely would not turn away the free stuff! Or a paycheque for staying home with the kids! What parent in their right mind would NOT want to get paid to spend more quality time with their young family??
I love the show & wouldn't miss an episode, but there are other shows on TLC that do not take my fancy, that some of you defensive types might like. Rather than spoil your fun by getting your favorite shows canceled with open-ended slander, I just don't WATCH those shows.
If you feel strongly that the Gosselins are diserving of contempt, change the channel. This is a free country, & you have that right. Stop picking on innocent kids just because they receive benefits of TV exposure that your kids do not. Life in front of a camera crew is not as easy as they make it seem.
I agree with Destasage, Nicey & Jinzou - get a life!
I think there is a difference between doing what needs to be done to support your family, and taking advantage of what is offered to you.
I am not saying J&K are bad parents ~ we all lose our patience at times, or don't use the correct discipline techniques ~ no one is perfect.
But, it just seems that lately, they do "family" things that are so obviously sponsored for them. The cameras go to great lengths to show where they are/what they are doing. If any sponsorship was not involved (and this goes for any show), brand names/places are blocked out. But that is never the case with this show.
And it also seems that Kate comes to expect these sort of perks, as if they are entitled to it because they have so many kids. There has been more than one episode where she has expressed those feelings. I have 5 kids, and I don't expect handouts from anyone.
Actually, Maddy does have an ipod Shuffle...which retails at $80 which I consider to be expensive. I saw it in her grubby, annoying hand in one episode...I just can't remember which one.
Wow, how mature. A grown person talking about a young child like that. Maybe YOUR mother should have taken some tips on how to raise you properly, hmm?
Anyways, like Nicey has said, the people on this board are pretty ridiculous. Yeah, they get hand outs. So what? They were blessed with 8 children, and they are doing what they can to provide. As if any of you would turn down free stuff. Get real.
Children should absolutely not be spoken like that they are just a reflection of the parenting they are receiving.
HOWEVER, who are we to say no...hmm that kinda bothers me. Your kids dont need piles of stuff. Point the people toward toys for tots...you know for needy inner city kids who's only new toy for the year comes from a charity. Point them toward March of Dimes who helps with Premies....They should say no in some of those situations. They really should. Yeah I would love to get some free stuff lol but there would reach a point where I would say hey you know what guys send it to someone who REALLY needs it. Someone who is destitute.
Some families could afford 2 vacations but I seriously doubt they would be staying in a mansion in Utah with free new ski clothes... seriously lets not even pretend that what they do is normal. Most normal families do not have the Gymboree to themselves for a session. Most families don't have bakeries open just for them on a Sunday. I have no problem with the perks for the kids...I didnt even have a problem with the tummy tuck at the beginning...but the hair plugs, teeth whitening, spa days. If she gets it all moms should get it.
I did see that they do donate items to kids who need them - that was shown on one of the episodes.
And to say that if Kate gets something, everyone should get it - what world are you living in? Life is not fair. Is it fair some people who try in vitro get one or two healthy babies, some get none, while this family got eight?
I still point out that only snapshots of their life are shown, and I am pretty sure Jon and Kate don't get to choose what gets shown and what doesn't. Has anyone every heard of editing?
I love Jon & Kate and watching their show. I don't think they are at all manipulative... in my everyday life I say things like "I wish I had..." they are normal for saying those things.. it's nothing out of the ordinary. Of course they would get paid for doing the show and of course it would come with perks... that's a given. So people donate things to them... I think they take things graciously and are thankful for them... and that's how it should work. And whoever said the thing about donating to charity instead of them... if I had the money to donate toys to someone, I would donate to their family because I wanted to because they let us see into their lives and we get a glimpse of who they are... if they declined and didn't want the donations.. then, not to sound cold, but I wouldn't necessarily donate to someone else. So what if they have a lot of things given to them?.. That would come with the territory of having 2 sets of multiples in a television series. I think it's good they don't let the donations effect their parenting style too... I would think it would be hard for them to decide not to make the girls play the instruments when they were given to them.. so good for them for sticking to their parenting style. Some people are far too critical and far too jealous. You want to talk about ungrateful people who get too much then turn on other reality shows like the ones on MTV.
Amen Nicey, again you hit the nail home. I too think its sad that people here want to diagnose Maddy. She is a child who has some issues, but will most likely grow up to be a good person. Personally, knowing our budget and family situation, if I suddenly had triplets or more I would hope someone would reach out to us (wether that means vacations and surgeries, or diapers and formula). God bless them for doing the best they can. And in kate's own words, she does things with the kids (pumpkin patch, zoo etc) so that they have a happy childhood, things she would do if she had fewer kids, I dont blame her for that, even though it brings on more stress for her and jon. too many of us would probably take the easy way out.
1.) obviously the show pays for a lot of the nice things that they do with the kids, and a lot of the nice things they buy. the show has to have the storyline! we're not going to watch them just sitting around -- the show wouldnt make any money.
2.) i don't think that jon and kate are manipulative. they have to be firm with the kids because how are six 3 year olds and two 9 year olds (i'm not sure about the twin's age but it's close enough)? if jon and kate aren't firm then the kids will develop problems and they'll end up on Take Home Nanny.
3.) maddy and cara are your typical twins. Cara is the calmer one, and mady is the firey one. I have a twin brother, and I can relate to maddy because I am the firey one and Kian is the calm one. She's very competetive, and it's probably hard for her because she has 7 siblings to compete with.
i think jon and kate are doing a good job. they harldy have any help and their life is pretty much the kids 24/7. and at least they ive the kids one special day for themselves. as bubbles_erin said, most of us would take the easy way out.
