Arkansas woman pregnant with 18th child

[AlteredDNA]

You know, I've known of this family for a while and to each their own, but I personally feel there is something wrong with this type of thinking. If something unfortunate happened to one or both of the parents, you have a real mess on your hands. They must be really wealthy, because they have a huge house. Each time I see them and the geeky way they organize and run their family, it's just a huge personal turnoff to me.

As for the religious aspect of it, when my sister first got married about 15 years ago, she said they'd decided not to use any kind of birth control and to let God decide how many kids they should have. I told her, "I can answer that for you -- quite a few. Are you ready?" After the 3rd kid (and she has 3 beautiful daughters), she decided she that being a full-time mom to 3 was taxing her beyond the limits, and got her tubes tied.

If this is God's plan for their life, he'll provide for them whatever the circumstance.

Agreed - and it sure looks like He has, judging by the photo of the family. That's a pretty nice house, and they must be masters at doing all they can with what they have. It's a cute pic. All joking aside, my husband is one of nine and his family is very, very close.

I'm the oldest of eight, and couldn't be happier for the wonderful experiences and continued closeness with my siblings.

[NealIsGod]

Just over the past few weeks in Baltimore, there have been several reports on the news of students attacking teachers. Just last night there was a story about three 13-year-olds trying to rape the assistant principal. It's getting way out of hand. I don't think very many low-income parents have the ability or resources to home school their kids. Most of the parents have 2 or 3 jobs just to make ends meet.

[scarygirl]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

[Saint John]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

Well said.

[scarygirl]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

Well said.

[Michigan Girl]

You know, I've known of this family for a while and to each their own, but I personally feel there is something wrong with this type of thinking. If something unfortunate happened to one or both of the parents, you have a real mess on your hands. They must be really wealthy, because they have a huge house. Each time I see them and the geeky way they organize and run their family, it's just a huge personal turnoff to me.

As for the religious aspect of it, when my sister first got married about 15 years ago, she said they'd decided not to use any kind of birth control and to let God decide how many kids they should have. I told her, "I can answer that for you -- quite a few. Are you ready?" After the 3rd kid (and she has 3 beautiful daughters), she decided she that being a full-time mom to 3 was taxing her beyond the limits, and got her tubes tied.

If this is God's plan for their life, he'll provide for them whatever the circumstance.

Agreed - and it sure looks like He has, judging by the photo of the family. That's a pretty nice house, and they must be masters at doing all they can with what they have. It's a cute pic. All joking aside, my husband is one of nine and his family is very, very close.

I'm the oldest of eight, and couldn't be happier for the wonderful experiences and continued closeness with my siblings.

I'm the oldest of four (half as many) and I couldn't AGREE MORE!! Would you have eight today?

[Sarah]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

[conversationpc]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

It's not for everyone but the vast majority of homeschooled kids are far better off than their counterparts. The difference is really incredible. Even charter schools do a much better job than your normal public schools.

[Enigma869]

I'm the youngest of 5. I can tell you that growing up in a home with three older sisters and just one bathroom, it was TORTURE! I used to have to make reservations a week in advance, just to take a piss I think that's the reason I own a home with 5 bathrooms and just 3 people! I swore I would NEVER EVER live in a house again with more people than bathrooms! See that, I'm still traumatized by having all those siblings. And before anyone asks...NO, I would NEVER consider having 5 children, even if someone offered me a gazillion dollars! I'm not willing to put a price on my sanity


John from Boston

[Michigan Girl]

I'm the youngest of 5. I can tell you that growing up in a home with three older sisters and just one bathroom, it was TORTURE! I used to have to make reservations a week in advance, just to take a piss :shock: I think that's the reason I own a home with 5 bathrooms and just 3 people! I swore I would NEVER EVER live in a house again with more people than bathrooms! See that, I'm still traumatized by having all those siblings. And before anyone asks...NO, I would NEVER consider having 5 children, even if someone offered me a gazillion dollars! I'm not willing to put a price on my sanity


John from Boston

[Rhiannon]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

[piecesofeight]

I think this is great. They live debt free, they're happy and they seem to be raising good human beings. God bless them. Here's a bit about them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duggars

Yep, I've caught some of the shows about them the last couple years & they are pretty amazing, they make it look easy to have such a large family.

Exactly and Bingo! I still am amazed at what they do and who they are with such a large family..and yes..the fact that they are debt free just shows their character even more. The children are all home schooled and very smart.
Compared to how I had to grow up..I would have loved to have been a part of a structure like that.
They all seem so loved, smart and happy. That house they built on their own land is just amazing.

[scarygirl]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

Kid who couldn't be taught? Oh, you mean those that learn differently? Not trying to cause fight here, but man, oh man. The sports, teams, events, proms, parties, etc are only good if your are considered cool and your name isn't "Carrie."

Not saying kids can't thrive from it, but really, you are talkiing about a minority.

[conversationpc]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

Actually, you do get those things...Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well. This is pretty much uniform across the country, though some states make it easier/more difficult.

[Rhiannon]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

Kid who couldn't be taught? Oh, you mean those that learn differently? Not trying to cause fight here, but man, oh man. The sports, teams, events, proms, parties, etc are only good if your are considered cool and your name isn't "Carrie."

Not saying kids can't thrive from it, but really, you are talkiing about a minority.

No, not the kids that learn differently, the troubled kids who called in bomb threats and brought guns to school. Those kids.
And the social aspect isn't only for those considered "cool". Life is what you make of it, you can choose to wallow in loneliness and outcasting or you can get out there and have fun with life. Even in high school. There are opportunities to be happy for everyone, regardless of "clique".

[AlteredDNA]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

Actually, you do get those things...Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well. This is pretty much uniform across the country, though some states make it easier/more difficult.

This is correct...

Again, the persistance of the stigma of home schooling being primarily for religious nut-cases shows that most haven't really, honestly looked into it...

[Sarah]

The sports, teams, events, proms, parties, etc are only good if your are considered cool and your name isn't "Carrie."

WOW. No.

[Rhiannon]

Actually, you do get those things...Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well. This is pretty much uniform across the country, though some states make it easier/more difficult.

I'm sure, but it's not as easily accessible, and doesn't quite replace the experience of the public school equivalent. I mean, some people's fondest memories are of a pep rally in the gym on Homecoming, or sneaking off to the woods behind school to smoke their first cigarette/drink their first beer. Just the little things that make those years special... I'm not saying Homeschooling is bad. It's just not as good as public schooling, in my opinion.

[Sarah]

Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well.

I wonder how often they feel or are treated like "outsiders" when they do?

I'm not saying homeschooling is wrong for everyone, but I would NEVER trade my public school experience for homeschooling if I had the choice. I doubt any of my peers would, either.

[conversationpc]

Actually, you do get those things...Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well. This is pretty much uniform across the country, though some states make it easier/more difficult.

I'm sure, but it's not as easily accessible, and doesn't quite replace the experience of the public school equivalent. I mean, some people's fondest memories are of a pep rally in the gym on Homecoming, or sneaking off to the woods behind school to smoke their first cigarette/drink their first beer. Just the little things that make those years special... I'm not saying Homeschooling is bad. It's just not as good as public schooling, in my opinion.

That's one of the big reasons that homeschooling is better than government school.

[conversationpc]

Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well.

I wonder how often they feel or are treated like "outsiders" when they do?

I'm not saying homeschooling is wrong for everyone, but I would NEVER trade my public school experience for homeschooling if I had the choice. I doubt any of my peers would, either.

I am saying that a vast majority of children would be far better off with homeschooling, private school, or charter schooling.

[Rhiannon]

Actually, you do get those things...Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well. This is pretty much uniform across the country, though some states make it easier/more difficult.

I'm sure, but it's not as easily accessible, and doesn't quite replace the experience of the public school equivalent. I mean, some people's fondest memories are of a pep rally in the gym on Homecoming, or sneaking off to the woods behind school to smoke their first cigarette/drink their first beer. Just the little things that make those years special... I'm not saying Homeschooling is bad. It's just not as good as public schooling, in my opinion.

That's one of the big reasons that homeschooling is better than government school.

It's a part of growing up. This all reverts back to parenting anyway, but you don't want to shelter your kids to the point of being socially numb. You have to let them get out there and make their own mistakes just like everyone else. It's how we learn and grow as individuals. But I get your point, regardless.

[DrFU]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

I do have a Ph.D., but I wouldn't have considered home schooling because it wasn't right for my family. I have, though, worked with families who home school and do an amazing job. The categories are too broad in the debate going on here. There are more than 10,000 public school districts in the US, plus thousands of private, parochial, charter, and alternative schools in addition to the home schoolers. In all of these groups, there is a range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Some do an amazing job and some are places no child should have to attend.

[conversationpc]

I do have a Ph.D., but I wouldn't have considered home schooling because it wasn't right for my family. I have, though, worked with families who home school and do an amazing job. The categories are too broad in the debate going on here. There are more than 10,000 public school districts in the US, plus thousands of private, parochial, charter, and alternative schools in addition to the home schoolers. In all of these groups, there is a range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Some do an amazing job and some are places no child should have to attend.

There is plenty enough data to show that schools other than government schools do a much better job at educating kids.

[AlteredDNA]

Homeschooled kids can usually join the local school's sports teams and attend other events as well.

I wonder how often they feel or are treated like "outsiders" when they do?

I'm not saying homeschooling is wrong for everyone, but I would NEVER trade my public school experience for homeschooling if I had the choice. I doubt any of my peers would, either.

I am saying that a vast majority of children would be far better off with homeschooling, private school, or charter schooling.

I went to a public school, and enjoyed it very much. However, I wouldn't even consider any of the public schools around here today. Things have declined in the public school system at alarming rates - inept teachers, violence, etc... There is a reason why private, charter, and home schooling numbers are on the rise.

Many, if not all of the public school social activities can be experienced in other places, but a safe, challenging, and nurturing environment for learning must be the first priority of elementary and secondary education.

[Rhiannon]

I went to a public school, and enjoyed it very much. However, I wouldn't even consider any of the public schools around here today. Things have declined in the public school system at alarming rates - inept teachers, violence, etc... There is a reason why private, charter, and home schooling numbers are on the rise.

Many, if not all of the public school social activities can be experienced in other places, but a safe, challenging, and nurturing environment for learning must be the first priority of elementary and secondary education.

Eh, this is true. I attended high school in one of the greatest places to experience those years of your life.
But I attended about 14 different elementary schools in 7 states, so I know it does vary from place to place quite drastically. What I learned in 4th grade in one state, I was retaught in 6th grade in another state.

My argument against homeschooling has nothing to do with the educational quality, but the exposure to various experiences and memories that are typically associated with conventional schools.

[Pelata]

[SteveForever]

Ok, I'm going to be totally catty and superfical for a minute, but aside from poopin' out 17 kids, the thing that has bothered me most about Michelle Duggar is her hair. Would someone PLEASE tell her the mullet needs to go?!! There has to be a talk show somewhere just DYING to have a make over show on this woman!

Okay, I'll be catty too... She seems like a lovely person and very sincere and sweet. I like her.
But! there is a life outside of that compound they've built and those kids deserve to get a glimpse of
it. Making tater tot casseroles, doing laundry and helping younger siblings learn how to mow the yard isn't ALL that!

They'll have their
own kids someday (maybe) and they can do that then, but time to be a child not just a worker bee sibling.
YES she needs to cut the hair, it doesn't have to all go, but the horsey look is not cool and doesn't even
look clean.
Sorry but even though its their choice to keep having children and can provide for them, what choices
are the children getting?

[scarygirl]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

Kid who couldn't be taught? Oh, you mean those that learn differently? Not trying to cause fight here, but man, oh man. The sports, teams, events, proms, parties, etc are only good if your are considered cool and your name isn't "Carrie."

Not saying kids can't thrive from it, but really, you are talkiing about a minority.

No, not the kids that learn differently, the troubled kids who called in bomb threats and brought guns to school. Those kids.
And the social aspect isn't only for those considered "cool". Life is what you make of it, you can choose to wallow in loneliness and outcasting or you can get out there and have fun with life. Even in high school. There are opportunities to be happy for everyone, regardless of "clique".

That's your view and I respect that, but obviously, you have never been picked on. Kind of hard to join a sports team when the others are trying to trip you, on purpose. Again, it's all about YOUR experience. Were you ever made fun of at your prom? How about being mocked and teased during the line up for high school graduation? I'm not saying life isn't what you make, but parents should teach their kids to leave other kids the heck alone.

[Michigan Girl]

I think home schooling is great. Public school leads to better socialization? If I had been given a choice growing up, no way would I go through public school again. THe kids are all cookie cutter monsters who think Evolution is more than a theory.

I couldn't disagree more. I'm so glad I wasn't homeschooled. There are good public schools too, you know.

I agree. You don't get sports, teams, events, prom, parties, exposure. Where I'm from Homeschool was literally for the extremely religious, pregnant teens, and "kids who couldn't be taught". I wouldn't trade my high school days for anything. And no matter what you believe in, having a solid understanding of the world and it's possibilities is a knowledge we all should learn. You don't get that from having homeschooling, unless your mother/father has a PhD or similar.

I do have a Ph.D., but I wouldn't have considered home schooling because it wasn't right for my family. I have, though, worked with families who home school and do an amazing job. The categories are too broad in the debate going on here. There are more than 10,000 public school districts in the US, plus thousands of private, parochial, charter, and alternative schools in addition to the home schoolers. In all of these groups, there is a range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Some do an amazing job and some are places no child should have to attend.

THANK YOU Dr., VERY WELL Stated!

What is GOOD for one child may not be right for another!!