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 |
18,434 Responses to “Jon and Kate plus 8”
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12901. Mary Beth said:
July 16, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Oh girl, they are not hurting for anything! Anyone who can go in a paint it yourself pottery shop and pick out several pieces EACH to paint has money to burn!
Well that is sad that the grandparents are not in their lives. Sometimes I feel so sorry for Aunt Jodi because she keeps them so much when they do their day with just one child. Then one time, Kate called Jodi to get on to her about giving the kids gum. I honestly would have told Kate that I am sorry I gave them gum and then just refused to keep them from then on. That was uncalled for and the way Kate did it was very tacky.
12902. Jenna said:
July 16, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
[quote comment="179329"]it just blows my mind to hear some of things ppl say about kate…
as i said on CMG last nite, sometimes i wonder if we’re watching the same show???
now, one thing i will agree on and have agreed on in the past is the way she, at times, speaks to jon. a little harsh, BUT, we’re not in their shoes!
but, as a mother….she does a pretty damn good job!!![/quote]
A little harsh? The scene in the toy store where she yells at him at the check out in front of everyone was so embarrassing. Embarrassing for him to be treated like that in front of his kids and the whole store and embarrassing for her that she could be such a horse’s rear end.
12903. Tori said:
July 16, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Is there a blog for Amy and Matt aka Little People show?
12904. mommyplus3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
i agree maybeth, it is harder to control when they get older (mine are 9, 11, and 13). i feel very lucky to live in a “crunchy’ town where organic and vegetarian are quite common….i don’t think my girls will stray far from their home eating habits (the oldest never does ;o), but the boy could go crazy!! LOL
as for the parents, i don’t know what the deal is…i had wondered earlier if it were just an issue of not wanting to be photographed or filmed - since on old wedding videos the father’s face was blurred out. i thought that typically happens when permission has not been given to use it. but i could be wrong…who knows? ;o)
12905. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
A little more on the grandparents and as Patty said, correct me if I am wrong
Jon’s dad is deceased and was involved in the twins lives until his death. I am not sure when he passed away so don’t know if he even got to see the tups.
Both Jon and Kate did say that Jon’s dad was the most involved grandparent
Jon’s mom remarried and according to what Jon said *on the couch* she works full time and is very busy. He also said something to the effect he didn’t want to make excuses for her.
On that same epi on the couch Kate said her folks are not involved with their day to day life and it doesn’t mean that they don’t love them or vice versa. She never really elaborated on any other details (at least that I can remember)
On the latest episode Jon did say that the kids were used to Korean food because *his* grandmother cooked for them all the time.
That’s all I remember except for Aunt Jodi and Kevin (Kates brother) and I think another one of Kate’s brothers did some painting on one of the shows but I haven’t seen him since.
BTW,Hi Mary BetH
12906. Mary Beth said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
One more thing (can you tell I am knew to the blog and have too much to say?)….when Kate gave Jon the trip to Key West for his bday, I thought that was so sweet. But then they get down there and she refuses to put sunscreen on her lily white body? Then the trip became all about her and how bad she felt, etc. It took the fun out of the trip for Jon! Made me sad since the man deserves a trip away with his wife.
12907. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
LOL, Mary Beth…I am not a newbie and always have lots to say.
I don’t get the sunscreen issue either. She said she burns every single time but she still didn’t use any. Makes no sense.
12908. Mary Beth said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
Hello Lillyan,
And thank you to all of you for answering my questions and reading my vents. This is quite fun and addictive. My kids are 14, 18 and 22 but I do remember those tiring days caring for kids and my husband traveled every week and I had it on my own for 5 days a week. We have never lived near family and I didn’t use babysitters very much at all. They grow up so fast though and I just hope Kate enjoys every day with those precious children.
Mom of 3, you are so right about your daughter staying on a veg eating plan and the boy going a different path! My daughter just graduated from college and has eaten very well all through school. My son is about to be a college freshman and he is all about eating the easy foods. I will have to send vitamins to school with him!
12909. mommyplus3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
i always have too much to say - LOL
but i am ashamed to admit that i do get the sunscreen thing ;o)…i hate to use it, and then always regret it…stupid? absolutely!
12910. mommyplus3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
LOL marybeth!!
hi, btw, and welcome…my hubby travels 2-3 weeks at a time, so i’m with ya ;o). what a frustration! i am lucky enough to live near family, but i only get help for emergency situations…not recreation LOL. thank heavens they’re all in school and i can have some daytime hours.
12911. Prescott said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
FASHION FORWARD? That spike thing in the back of her hair makes her look like Dennis the Menace!
I would have thought comparing her to a 21-year-old gay guy would have indicated that I was joking, but I guess if you have such a stick up your ass about Kate Gosselin the humor might go over your head.
12912. ambull said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
dang prescott…LOL
12913. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
LOL, Prescott!!!
12914. ambull said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
well, i’m off to bed! have a great nite ladies and gents!
nite mp3 and lillyann!
12915. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
I was laughing so hard that I forgot what the heck I was gonna say, LOL.
Mary Beth, yes those children are absolutely precious. We have four grandchildren and I cannot fathom for one second, not being a part of their lives.
I think Kate will lighten up, at least I hope so. You’re so right, they grow up too darn fast.
12916. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:34 pm
Hello ladies and gent! Hope everyone is doing great tonight!? Anyone still here?
Welcome to the newbies!!!
12917. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Night Ambull
Yeah, I KNOW this isn’t the Waltons, Prescott
12918. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:36 pm
Gosh, I was just going to ask where you were Momof3!
12919. Bree said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
Hi and Welcome, Mary Beth -
The sunscreen got to me for 2 reasons - 1. she is a nurse! You would think she would know how important it is to use it. Especially in Key West, FL.
2. She is a role model for 8 children - if she never uses sunscreen, what kind of example does that set?
And, yes, she found a way to make Jon’s birthday trip all about her.
As far as her parents, I read that when the tups were born, the members of her father’s congregation (also Kate’s and Jon’s at the time) donated alot of things and Kate complained that she only wanted matching clothes, car seats, cribs, carriers, etc.
Her dad was very embarassed about the way she was
treating other members of the church and did not support Kate’s requests and that is what caused a big part of the problem between them.
I also read recently (not stating it is a fact, just sharing what I read) that as recently as last week in one of their speaking engagements, they stated that her parents are not involved in ANY of their grandchildren’s lives, not just Jon’s and Kate’s children but ALL of their grandchildren. I think we all know if that is what was said, it is not true.
I am not a Kate fan, so take it all for what it is worth and again, welcome.
12920. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Im here! I was busy yesterday and today so I havent really been on much! How are ya?
12921. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
Hi Tori
I don’t know if there is a blog for Matt and Amy but I *think* there is a forum to discuss the show.
Help me out please momof3
Cuz I am not sure.
If there is, it’s over in the community section.
Just go to the top of this screen and click on communities and you will see the list of what is available.
Hope that helps!
12922. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Hi Bree! Long time no talk! How are ya?
I have to say that I never wear sunscreen either! I dont burn very easily though. I always make my kids wear it though…theyre skin is “new”.
I dont think that it was Kates intention to make the show (Florida show) all about her though. Why would she make herself sick and sore on purpose? Ive been burnt before and had sun poisoning and it SUCKS!!! I dont think anyone would do that on purpose. I DO think if she knows that she burns easily then it was dumb of her not to wear any but I dont think it was to make the show all about her. JMO of course!
And her hair? I kinda like it! As Ive said before I think it suits her. Not many woman can pull it off and I think she does so nicely. Not a style for me but…I like my hair long!
12923. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:46 pm
[quote comment="179788"]Hi Tori
I don’t know if there is a blog for Matt and Amy but I *think* there is a forum to discuss the show.
Help me out please momof3
Cuz I am not sure.
If there is, it’s over in the community section.
Just go to the top of this screen and click on communities and you will see the list of what is available.
Hope that helps![/quote]
Yes, there is a forum for LPBW over there.
Theres not a lot (or any) talk over there but I do think that for anyone that watches that show we should start the LPBW forum going! That would be fun! Ive watched it and love that family! Their house is ALWAYS dirty but they seem to have a very loving home and thats whats most important!
12924. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:46 pm
I am fine, momof3 and have spent too much time blogging today, LOL! Leaving in a few days and have so much to do, but here I sit!
How are you doing?
12925. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Im doin good! Thanks!
I had the kids out all day in the pool so Im tired but very nicely tan! 
I’ll probably work on it a little tomorrow too (opps…I mean let the kids play in the pool!) They had a great time! It was the babies first time in the pool and she LOVED it!
So where are you off to?
12926. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Oh, momof3…if I get hooked on one more reality show, my DH is going to flip, LOL.
I made the mistake of having Tori and Dean on while I was doing something in the kitchen and he came in and looked at me like I was crazy, LOL! He even said he’d rather listen to Kate than watch Tori and Dean.
It is a good idea though about having an active forum for LPBW. The few times I have seen it, it was enjoyable.
12927. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
To see two of my *babies* We’ll be gone about 10 days and cannot wait to get my hugs!
12928. Lillyann said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Well, gotta go. We’re having a late dinner. Gee, wonder why, LOL.
Have a good night, all
Bree, I have a question to ask about your post upthread but no time now..hopefully, I’ll catch you tomorrow
12929. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
I dont watch much tv! I always watch J&K and never miss an epi of Medium or ER! But its off season!
Ive never watched Tori and Dean but thats b/c I cant stand Tori Spelling! YUCK!
Thats funny what your hubs said though! LMAO!!!
Yeah, Ive watched LPBW more than a couple times and enjoyed it. It would be nice to get some more discussion over on that forum. The one thing I really like about that family is that they always help each other. They are funny and seem to be very loving (with the occasional tiff!). I really do like watching it but would rather have my quiet, no tv, no kids yelling, no hubby asking a million questions, no crying, no laundry, dishes, house cleaning time!
Thats what I enjoy most about my evenings when the kids are in bed…quiet “me time”!
12930. momof3 said:
July 16, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
Goodnight Lil! Enjoy your late dinner!
Nice chattin with ya! 