Wednesday, September 30, 2009

how many is too many?

Last night while I was reading emails my daughter was watching HGTV.

Anyhow, somehow she saw a commercial for the TV show "Twenty years and twenty Duggars." A biography about the Duggar family who in 20 years have increased their family size to 20 people. I believe that is including the 2 parents but I also heard a rumor their is another baby and now a grand baby on the way.

Well, as she is watching this commercial, out of her sweet little 10 year old mouth, what do I hear...


"They need to get a hobby."

She nailed it, huh? She has no clue why I found her wisdom so damn funny. 

 At some point you have to find something else to do with your free time!

Not now Jim, let's play scrabble.



Are we alone? Is this a little beyond the "let's have a big family" line of thinking? If I had had my way I might have had a couple more curtain climbers but when you are creeping up to 20 kids wouldn't you want to start sneaking birth control pills in with the prenatal vitamins?

I'm just sayin'

13 comments:

Evil Twin's Wife said...

I would lose my mind - I only ever wanted 2. But, some people can really manage the large families. I went to high school with a family who had 8 biological children and had adopted 12 more. They drove around in 2 church vans - but were always polite and clean and just good kids.

DKG aka Scrappy Doo said...

I wonder if, with so many sibilings do any of those kids feel left out? You know like the middle child syndrome

rachel... said...

I've read similar blog posts expressing the same opinion. What I wonder is, why judge? By all accounts, the children seem happy and healthy and well-adjusted enough. The Duggars are financially independant and live debt free (which is more than I could say for many many families with only a couple of kids). They're not bothering anyone (and noone's being FORCED to watch the zillions of their TV specials). So really, why do so many (moms especially) speak out against the Duggars' choices? I mean, if you really examined why you think they're wrong, what would the reason be?

Unknown said...

Could be they haven't figured out what's causing it yet.

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

Wow.. I guess they truly believe ..the more the merrier!

As long as they are debt free, and not counting on a hand out like... the recent unwed, mom of .. how many???..with no job or income who gets the government help to have...how many more???

Now, that is crazy!!

Tamis Marks said...

Rachel you have some good points. I just think from the point of a Mom I wonder how much quality care you can provide and leave your kids feeling that bond everyone wants with their Mother.

I also think it would be easy to feel lost in the middle. Sometimes with 3 kids I feel like someone is always getting the short end of the stick...sometimes it is me. Maybe I am selfish (OK, Probably). Maybe she is selfless? More to think about....hmmm, re-examine my own reasons I think they are a little outside of the realm of sane.

square kitchen said...

i totally agree with you. Instead of beeing self critical i would ask myself if I am normal.
and your little daughter is quick on the trigger.

The Good Cook said...

I'm thinking that 20 is too many from a Woman's Health perspective.. I mean, wow. I would think her uterus is about ready to fall out... you know?

Meeko Fabulous said...

Who would want to be pregnant for twenty freakin' years of your life? Jeez! I mean, if they're happy, great. I just thought you were supposed to let your vag and other female bits recover for a few months before going at it again? I mean does the word 'episiotomy' not mean anything anymore? I don't even have a vag and I cringe at the thought! Ok . . . I'm done rambling now. :)

Ali said...

She nuts! That is all. =)

That pic is hilarious btw.

PS - Jimmy LOVED the tractor, he did get to sit on it. We are trying to take a pic like that every year.

rachel... said...

Thanks for your comment (and the congrats!) on my blog; I wanted to reply to you, but I can't find your email address anywhere!

No offense taken. Seriously. It's just that I really have read a lot of blog posts like yours lately and I wonder why women/moms are so quick to judge the parenting decisions of others? Believe me, I've wondered the same things about the Duggars, but I do believe it's not really my place to juddge their parenting choices -like I said, it seems to be working for them! I know there are probably plenty who would judge or criticize some of the things I choose to do/not do with my kids, too.

I know exactly what you mean about having so many kids that it seems like someone's getting lost in the shuffle constantly. I think it's a trade-off, though, and the benefits of having so many children/siblings outweigh the (really very minor) cons. And the Duggars seem to be doing a great job.

Plus, I am absolutely in awe (and jealous) of the organizational skills of that family! I must admit, that I can't imagine their lifestyle is for everyone!

kanishk said...

I went to high school with a family who had 8 biological children and had adopted 12 more. They drove around in 2 church vans - but were always polite and clean and just good kids.

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Pat said...

It's true that this family is debt free, are well-disciplined, etc, etc. But what about the future, carbon footprint, THAT point of view? And the whole, "If JESUS wants us to have another, then OK." Listen, I'm religious and all, but there is a thing called BIRTH CONTROL. I'm just saying.....