Jon and Kate plus 8
Posted
October 29, 2007 at
1:13 pm by
Jessica
If you haven’t caught an episode of TLC/Discovery Health’s “Jon and Kate plus 8“, it just may give you a little solace in the hardships of ones own parenting challenges. Jon (an IT Analysist) and Kate (a former nurse) Gosselin used in-vitro fertilization to help spawn 8 kids. One set are twins and the other six are from a subsequent litter.
Last season, I really liked the spunk coupled with the unconventional and imperfect parenting techniques used by Kate. Although she tended to run a tight ship, she was also human and threw political correctness to the wind when it came to the realities of having 6 toddlers and young twins only 4 years older than the sextuplets.
This season, I have to say, the reality parenting TV show has lost some of its charm with me. Although I enjoy, in a voyeuristic sort of way, watching parenting pained by temper tantrums and legal slavery by way of 6 more demanding children than I am left to deal with, I also have found Kate to be as bratty on occasion as her preschool broad.
In some ways Jon and Kate are very lucky. They have a cozy network of incredibly supportive family and friends who take and/or watch their children frequently. In the first couple of weeks of this season, I watched as Kate went to spa treatments, out to dinner with just her and her husband and plan a vacation by themselves in the Florida Keys. Personally, I know of very few 1.3 children families that are afforded so much free time as they are.
Another less than flattering observation I’ve made — Kate is not very nice to her husband Jon. While Jon is easy going and incredibly accommodating to his wifes idiosyncrasies, she is always snapping at him and making condescending remarks. Is it not enough that he spends all of his time at home helping with the children and goes to work on a daily basis to provide for his classroom of children and thus allowing Kate to be an “at-home mom”. Of course, I can’t imagine that 8 kids in childcare would be worth the effort of working outside of the home, but she always acts as if he is clueless and her life is so incredibly hard. Often times, she resorts to treating him like one of their toddlers.
One episode, Kate decided to hire a cleaning person. Through her exhaustive search, she finally settled on the one person who actually agreed to take the job on — so her prospects were limited. After the brave cleaning lady left, Kate then went around her house with imaginary white gloves, pointing out the hidden dust left behind. “Thanks for trying,” Kate said out loud, along with other rumbles of disappointment. The implication was that the cleaning woman was fired, not up to Kate’s high standards. Of course, you should get what you pay for, but cleaning after 6 toddlers and their bigger sisters, something is bound to get forgotten. Perhaps she should have cut the cleaning lady as much slack as she expects in return?
While Kate seems like a lot of fun and incredibly organized, it’s the little things — weird things — that seem to get her in a tizzy, like what shoes the older girls are going to wear to a carnival or if any of her family or friends puts her out by being one minute late. Sometimes you get the feeling that Kate is nothing more than a control freak, loving every challenge that comes her way, but at the same time, expecting others to reward her and recognize her for having it so tough, when in actuality, she really doesn’t. Sure, having 8 small children would drive the sanest person batty, it has also given them a much desired family and tv show. All in all, they have a pretty fortunate lifestyle.
As much as I like this show, I wish Kate would be less focused on herself and the indulgences of her children and complain less. Most families, even with less children, have their own unique challenges and have many other issues to deal with on top of it. Count your blessings Kate. You are not the first “over-worked” mother and you won’t be the last.
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Discuss on the blog comments or visit our Jon and Kate forums here:
http://www.imperfectparent.com/community/viewforum.php?f=205
Tags: Discovery-Health, Jon-and-Kate-plus-8, Jon-Gosselin, Kate-Gosselin, Parenting, sextuplets, The-Gosselins, TLC, twins |
18,436 Responses to “Jon and Kate plus 8”
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31. Kadi Prescott said:
December 1, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
Maybe the cameras are not rolling for show footage 24 hours a day, but when we were taping a show, they were on 24 hours a day. It is very stressful to know that they can use whatever they want and make it look however the want. Thank God our production team is merciful.
32. PRWins said:
December 1, 2007 @ 8:14 pm
Kadi? What show were you on?
33. Kadi Prescott said:
December 2, 2007 @ 12:48 am
Sorry, I’m under contract not to disclose any info, as it has not aired yet. But the cameras were on 24 hours a day.
34. PRWins said:
December 2, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
That’s a real cop-out Kadi.
35. Diane said:
December 2, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
I find it hard to believe cameras are on 24/7 as well. Certainly one can keep it together during the time-frames in which they are being filmed. There’s no way the camera crews are there to film them sleeping and you’ll notice, they never show them eating dinner and only once in a blue moon going to bed. They probably plan out those times well in advance.
36. Lindsay said:
December 2, 2007 @ 4:37 pm
To all who “poo-poo” Kate and her children, I am an elementary school teacher. I have taught in lower, middle and upper class neighborhoods. I belive that Jon and Kate are phenomenal parents. Do they bicker? Yes. Can Kate seem bitchy? Yes. But they say over and over it is how they deal with the stress and that they are opposites in lots of ways and that is why they compliment each other. If I had 8 children, six of them at once I would also beg, borrow, plead and demand for as much help as possible. One perosn wrote about wanting to keep the nanny for longer, have you ever taken care of 6 pemies? I don’t care if Kate was a nurse herself, the safety of children are always a priority. After all those children are going to adults one day that will infuence this world and we want them to healthy and educated to be productive members of society. If you think they should give up the show you do the math on evetually having to put 8 kids through college. As for the argument that they shouldn’t have had all six, I am pro-choice and it was their choice. As for my stateing my experience as a teacher…I have taught kids that go hungry, kids from drug addicted parents, kids of doctors who get dropped off at school sick because their parents can’t take the time out of their work schedule and then send the nanny to pick up their vomitting child. Any mother who is so loving and organized (control issues yes but I would have them too if I had 8 kids and for educating them, they are 3 LET THEM PLAY! It is just as important to their development.) as Kate is is great in my book. She will raise healthy, happy, intelligent children if it kills her, I wish I had more parents come into my classroom that were as dedicated as Jon and Kate Gosselin.
37. Kadi Prescott said:
December 2, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
No. It is the truth. What I meant by the cameras being on 24 hours was that they do not shoot show footage non-stop. You are right, they only use footage from scheduled shooting hours. But the cameras were running 24 hours a day. Sorry for the miscommunication. I did not mean to anger anyone. I was just trying to help by giving my point of view, being that I’ve actually been in a similar situation. I am, however, being honest (read my blog, “Seven Seeds” if you have any doubts.) Jon and Kate are only human. Love them or hate them, we cannot deny their intent to be good parents and get help in doing so. I respect that.
38. Kadi Prescott said:
December 2, 2007 @ 6:42 pm
[quote comment="129140"]That’s a real cop-out Kadi.[/quote]
I’m sorry, my last comment was in response to the above quote.
39. PRWins said:
December 2, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
How do we get to your blog, Kadi?
40. Kadi Prescott said:
December 2, 2007 @ 7:45 pm
my blog address is http://www.kadiprescott.blogspot.com
my website is http://www.kadiprescott.com
41. jules said:
December 2, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
Kate seems like a spoiled rich brat.. with equally spoiled friends. Millions of women would grab a guy like Jon in a minute… how dare she talk about him being overweight…
42. Wendy said:
December 2, 2007 @ 9:49 pm
There are so many moments when I hope that Kate is NOT reading this blog as the attacks against her reek of jealousy and contempt b/c her life seems so much easier than others and that she seems like she doesn’t appreciate Jon as much as she should.
Read between the film to see the powerful connection between Jon and Kate. For them to have weathered the storms of rearing 8 kids that they have so far is pretty amazing. I know just the strain of having ONE baby crying and needing attention can be much for most people. I know with each of my kids there have been moments where I’ve felt overwhelmed.
Kate does a phenomenal job with the quantity of kids she has. This isn’t a daycare where she doesn’t have to get emotionally involved or where she can turn a child over to another teacher or to his/her parent - this is her LIFE. I applaud Kate. Her house is in great shape, runs efficiently and she is conscientious with her time and her and Jon’s money and she does an excellent job to consider what is best for their children.
I don’t know too many moms that can say they manage less children with as much quality as Kate manages her quantity of 8.
No couple is perfect - but each couple has to develop a style of relating to each other than works for their relationship. Jon at times leaves too many details for Kate to deal with and Kate at times doesn’t know how to depend on Jon to handle details (perhaps b/c of the cycle he has helped to create? hmm…) I can’t wait to catch up with Jon and Kate when their 8 make great adults and are parents of their own…the fruits of these years will have paid off and I have a feeling we will see the two of them still “picking on”, “bickering with” and yet sticking with each other for a life time.
Go Jon and Kate!
43. Kacie Wood said:
December 2, 2007 @ 10:35 pm
I think all of you who are coming down on Kate for being “rude to Jon” need to go live a day in Kate’s shoes and not just watch it on TV. Until you do that you should just keep it to yourselves. You all know the old adage, if you don’t have anything nice to say them don’t say anything at all and I think Shellie should take that to heart and also all you others who are willing to judge Kate on what you see on a TV show. Maybe you should look at yourselves and see how many times during stressful situations how you react. I am very grateful that Jon and Kate are willing to let us get a glimpse of what life with 8 children is really like.
44. PRWins said:
December 3, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Gee… I’ve been to your web site and your blog Kadi. What’s your excuse for 7 kids in 7 years? Are you about to be on a “reality” show and give Jon and Kate a run for their money?
45. Kadi said:
December 3, 2007 @ 7:26 pm
Hmmmm…I have no excuse to offer for the seven kids. Birth control just did not work for us, but I am blessed to have all of them. As for Jon and Kate, I could never compare myself to them (despite my comment on the top of my blog page.) They have an extremely difficult life, and I commend them for their committment to their roles. But yes, it has everything to do with our large family.
46. Kim said:
December 3, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
[quote comment="128669"]Agreed. I have 7 under 9 years old. My uterus is on the verge of falling out, and my sanity voluntarily moved out long ago. If you wanna see imperfection, watch this coming season of “Super Nanny”. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed![/quote]
Ummm, hello? You said you’re not allowed to disclose the show you were on because it hasn’t aired yet, but you clearly did with your “Super Nanny” comment. Good job.
47. G said:
December 3, 2007 @ 10:47 pm
I think your blog about the Gosselins is rude and snotty. Their children are not a “litter”, and who are you to judge how easy Kate’s (or Jon’s for that matter) life may or may not be? Jon seems to be an easygoing sweetheart, but Kate deserves kudos, too. I believe they are both excellent parents, and bravo for them if they get some free time away from so much responsibility!! Piss off and turn the channel if you don’t like it…
48. cathy said:
December 4, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
kudos to kate,i think she does an amazing job,we all bicker to are loved ones.and i dont think the cameras are there 24/7 if you watch the show there are plenty of times she tells the camera crew they have to go.she might be a control freak,but my god with 8 kids you have to be.they dont show what happens after the kiddies get put to bed.im sue with 8 kids there has got to bo interuptions,can i have a drink,can i go to the bathroom,kids find any excuse to get up.im sure her day doesnt end at 8pm.i know mine doesnt.
49. Laurie said:
December 4, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
I can’t believe the way Kate talks to Jon. If I had treated my husband the way she does, I would expect him to leave. I also have a problem with the way they allow older sister Maddy behave. She’s seen riding in one of the stoller seats while on of the babies walks. She stomps her feet and complains all the time and Kate gives in to her, then twin sister is standing there asking why Maddy gets her way. Maybe a good swat on the butt would straighten the little diva out. I hate the way Kate behaves, and apparently, Maddy will be just like her. Let’s get real, they’re doing this show for some big bucks! Is that exploiting children just a little???
50. Wendy said:
December 4, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
Laurie, can you IMAGINE the backlash Kate would get if she did indeed give Maddy a good swat on the backside?
I personally think that Kate does a great job balancing 8 kids, 8 different sets of needs and 8 very different and distinct personalities and all the while running a household that is about her family. It is unfortunate that the cameras are rolling on the moments that focus on the “8″ and don’t show us enough of Jon/Kate’s REAL relationship when the pressure of the day and the stress of having your every mood monitored by a camera is not etched into one’s face, actions and words. When things are a bit slower - you can visibly see both Jon and Kate warm more to each other. That is natural. We don’t see it b/c the theme of the show is geared towards the “challenges” of raising 8 kids - six of which are 2 years of age.
As to Maddy - she’s 6. I am very certain that any six year old even one without six younger brothers or sisters is going to get tired of walking, being told what to do all the time, etc. Maddy is a born leader - unfortunately at this stage in her life all one sees is the “demanding” side and not the “delegating” side that great leaders are made of. Again, she’s 6. Her personality is such that she needs attention and in a family of 8 - wow, wouldn’t that be difficult to come by?
For me I think it would be interesting to see the real lives of all of the people who criticize Kate and see the cameras on them even for a FEW hours a day as they manage their homes, take care of their kids and interact with their husbands. I’m sure we all could watch edited footage of each others lives and find a great number of things to cast stones at.
My take is - she who is without imperfection, feel free to pick up the stones…otherwise, do your best with what you know how to take care of your own.
51. Shirl said:
December 4, 2007 @ 6:49 pm
Oh my. If any of you nay sayers had walked even a minute in Kate’s shoes you would never speak (type) about her the way you do. Give her a break… if you can’t just stop watching the show.
52. Vi said:
December 5, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Kate too bosses. I feel sorry to Jon.
53. Preesi said:
December 6, 2007 @ 8:09 am
[quote comment="120550"]
Alot of the traits of Kate that are being criticized are simply attributes of her personality. (See “Wired That Way”) Kate is a Choleric-Melancholy (almost a “no test needed”) while Jon is a Melancholy-Phlegmatic blend.
This is actually a very good match well-suited for the challenges they face and will face.[/quote]
BZZT!
WRONG!
Kate is a Classic Narcissist!
She loves no one BUT herself.
Jon should have ran fast away from her.
54. Kelly Tyler said:
December 11, 2007 @ 12:25 am
I’m sorry, but I have to say that Jon and Kate are the perfect example of why I would NEVER get involved in another relationship. Frankly, for a so-called “Christian” family, they are extremely disrespectful towards one another; and sometimes I don’t like the way that Jon loses his temper with his children. I am also amazed at how one of the twins acts up worse than all six of the babies combined.
55. Shelba Lanham said:
December 11, 2007 @ 1:20 am
I don’t mean to be cruel but someones got to get Kate some therapy. She treats her husband like a servant and talks to him in public like a dog.My heart goes out to him every time I watch the show.If it wasn’t for the kids some girl needs to come snatch him up from her and then maybe she will realise what a good man she has.
56. jen said:
December 11, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
Kate is GREAT!!! She probably could use therapy, who doesn’t? Give her a break, I mean she does have 8 children, hello?? Jon does a great job also. I admire them both.
57. Cheryl said:
December 11, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
I love the show, and I really like Kate and Jon. Kate’s controlling nature is a bit off-putting, but still understandable given her circumstances. I think she tends to overreact when dealing with the children because Jon is so laid back. Maybe without meaning to, she is overcompensating for his lack of discipline? I agree that she treats Jon very disrespectfully. She’s made numerous mean comments about his weight and receding hair line. She continently nags him about his diet. She’s going to give the poor guy a complex (if she hasn’t already!).
58. Donna Heacock said:
December 11, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
I am so glad to read some of these comments. I think Kate is one of the rudiest people I have ever seen. The way she treats Jon is horrible, and her children are going to suffer in the long run with the way Kate acts in front of them. Children pick up on these things. Her germ thing is not good either, the kids are going to be sick all the time when they go to school. Kids need to be exposed to certain things.
59. Paulette said:
December 11, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
Kate’s behavior on last night’s episode (the Disney trip) was just bizarre.
First, her kids can’t walk on a hotel room floor in bare feet because of potential germs, but she has portable potties sloshing around the van getting pee everywhere and Jon has to clean it up to go on the trip. That made me a little nauseous.
Then, she takes 6 3-year olds to Disneyworld without a change of clothes??? Come on, seems like parenting 101 to me.
She buys them ice cream and then TAKES IT AWAY FROM THEM when it starts to melt because she is not prepared for that (duh!- she’s in Florida for crying out loud) and loses it when they are upset - what does she expect?
They interestingly did not show any of the car trip home - Kate said all of the kids had a fever and she herself was sick. I have only watched one or two episodes before this and did not realize until last night how much I dislike what I see of Kate and feel sorry for Jon.
60. Kim said:
December 11, 2007 @ 10:42 pm
I love to hate that show, but it’s getting to the point that I can’t watch. Kate is pretty much cruel. I’m sure she comes from good intentions but she belittles everyone in her path. She could benefit from some serious therapy, but can’t we all.