Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar..... Family

Thats just crazy why why why would you want to do that. I mean really those poor kids id hate to live in that house. Plus i mean shes 39 its only gonna get harder and more complications now. And how ever does she plan to get them all thru college. Crazy thats all I can say. I bet she gets assistance from the county.

well, as they say pal , to each their own . I can only say I am really glad it isn't me :) xx

I think they are nutz. But I think having children is pretty crazy.... No, I don't have any.

Hello Angelwhispers!:-) One of my father's friends are 19 brothers and sisters from same parents, my immediate neighbor, in my homeland (We used to call her Aunt) were 11. Leaving aside the judgment for a moment, I am just impressed by not only the fertility of the young lady but also that she is healthy, if indeed she is, and have stamina and motivation to go forward with more. That must have taken a lot strength out of her! Amazing! I do, however, think that they should consider possible problems with future pregnancies, as she is already touching 40, before going forward for another one. As far as if they are really happy or not, I seriously don't know. The family of my father's friend is quite a happy family. I would say that they are happier than most folks that I know of, including those who have none but one kid or those who have none. There is definitely a problem of individual care and time, and I don't think they can ever manage such a thing. But, come to think of it, is it impossible that they are less happy being in large numbers having less individual time? having an example that I shared, I don't think so! But, I also think that it would be an exception rather than a rule! I would just wish them health, happiness and a blissful healthy life!

I saw this- they spend 600 dollars a week on groceries. It's unreal..he is in real estate, if we go into a depression, their little colocy is going to be hurting. How can they possibly pay all the day to day bills along with medical stuff?? They won't be able to pay for their college or braces or anything like that. I think they are ridiculous and sick. I guess they don't see the future. I don't know. I just laugh at them because they are nutty...what do you expect from a guy named: JIM BOB?? Ummm...her uterus is going to fall out one can only hope. It's almost like their own private little cult...

I have seen the documentries about the familly and if im honest i cannot fault them really the only concern i had is that the children do not get enought quality time with the parents as a lot of the care seems to be delegated to the elder siblings. They are totally self sufficient, they earn thier own income have their own house and vans and their children are always smart and clean and they all look relativly happy. so no if they want to do it and they can afford to do so then good for them,

When it comes to helping to raise your siblings, some of them might have enough of childrearing and would hold off on having kids for awhile (if ever). If they do end up having kids, they might just decide to have between one and three. So, if this is the case, the next generation will balance out the population. However, if the kids find this to be a fulfilling experience, they might repeat it to a degree--but, perhaps, some of them will be repeating it through adoption. If some of these kids end up having seventeen or more kids, some might come from the womb and some might be adopted. We never know what the future holds for families. And having that many kids with probable plans for more isn't for everybody, but it seems to work for them. All I know is that they're raising a bunch of seemingly happy kids who are Godly, talented, creative, educated, hardworking, and a whole lot of other positive traits. And, most importantly, there isn't a child in that home who hasn't been--and continues to be--a loved and wanted one! Their strict religious convictions alone will guide them to be selective when it comes to life partners, so some might not even get married or else get married later in life. I don't think that they're going to explode the population--instead, they can be seen as an inspiration for families of all sizes, because they have lots of ideas to share on having a happy and healthy family life. If more people lived with that much loving cooperation and could entertain themselves as easily as that family does, the world would be a better place!

Just as I don't think I have the right to tell someone they can't have an abortion, I personally don't think I have a right to tell someone they should or shouldn't have more children if those children are going to be well cared for, if they are supported financially as well as physically. I can't imagine raising that many children. I'd go mad. But if they can afford it and are good parents with family support, why not. I do wonder about how much attention each child can get if there are so many. But then the older children can attend to the younger, I suppose. But what about Michelle's body? It takes a lot of a woman to be pregnant and give birth, let alone the every day stresses of parenting. I've read that it takes at least two years for a woman's body to recover fully from pregnancy and childbirth. In some respects their having so many children can be seen as incredibly selfish. The people in our culture are such huge consumers that we destroy the environment at an incredible rate. So increase population in Western culture does the earth no favors. With so many people who want children but can't have them, maybe they should at least consider be surrogate parents.

Well first...it's none of my business what they decide for their family anyway. LOL I have seen several of their shows and they do seem to be a happy well adjusted family. The have a beautiful, large, brand new home. They have zero debt. She seems to be in good health. I personally wouldn't want to have that many and not at that age...they'll be roughly 60 years old before they'll have everyone grown and on their own! But if that's what makes them feel happy and complete then..good for them! Did you know (or anyone else reading this) that besides the 15 pregnancies resulting in live births, Michelle also had two miscarriages early in the marriage? After the first baby was born she did use birth control but got pregnant twice anyway and both pregnancies ended in miscarriage. That was when they decided not to "interfere with what God wanted" for their family. It seems like their children are more well rounded than a lot of children out there so they must be doing something right.

As long as they are able to provide financially and give each child the love and attention they need then fine by me! I personally couldn't have quite so many children - I think I would end up in a psychiatric hospital! Some people are happy to have lots of children around them but it isn't for me - at least not on that scale! xxx

I think they're crazy, I truly do. If you love children that much, adopt, please adopt. What kind of shape is her body or uterus in for Pete's sake. I don't think our bodies are made to get pregnant that much. I knew a family back east that had nine kids and they felt this way too - she was in her 30's and her doctor told her she had the uterus of a much older lady - all worn out.

Well, Financially I don't know how they do it...They are very fortunate that all their children are healthy..The buddy system is their way of managing all the kids..Michelle is responsible for the new baby and each older child takes a younger child under their wing...That is nice but the older child did not have the younger one so although responsibility is a good thing..what about the older childs wants and wishes. Taking care of a little one is a big deal for an adult let alone a teenager having to do it, pretty much because they have too..I kinda think that is unfair....Without the older ones Michelle and Bob would certainly have their hands full... My other biggest concern is..What if something happens to Bob and Michelle..Who will take in 17 children?

In many ways, I find them to be a bit insane for having so many children, but that's because it's not something I would want for my body or brain. However, one of the advantages of so many, is that the older ones can help look after the younger ones. I don't think that's fair on the kids though, they need their chance to be kids too. I've never heard of this family until reading this discussion, and I'm trying to hold back the giggles here. Is his name really Jim Bob? Because, hahaah, well... stereotypes DO form from reality... and I can't help but think that Michelle would be better named Mickey Sue or something. (aaaaahhhhh!!! SPLAT! There goes my star rating again lmao!).

Yeah,I have seen that show and simular ones with the concept of lots of children,I think its nuts.17 kids is way too many,I think she should be fixed and so should he.I love my children,but I only have two,and I think there should really be a limit on the amount of children should beable to have.I couldn't even imagine living like that,always someone around,always having to share whatever you do have,and never no privcy,I'm sorry but people need there space and I find 17 children crazy.

I have watched alot of there shows over the years starting with the first. I am amazed at them. I guess if they can provide for all the children then so be it. Its there lives and if they want say 25 kids they can. As long as there all taken care of and have a good life which they do. There not like most who have kids and cant support them. They arent on welfare. They both provide for the family. Eventually Michelle will not be able to have anymore and they will finally be done. Untill then I hope they accept as many kids as they can. ~May The Kisses Of An Angel Cover And Protect You Always!~ Copper

They are crazy - and not just a little bit selfish. How can you give each child the time he or she needs if you have that many children? It's good to have brothers and sisters to play with, learn with and to help each other and set an example to the younger kids but kids need time alone with the parents too. Also, we live in an over-populated world where we consume too much, I find this irresponsible in the wider scheme of things. If they love kids so much, why not foster some?

I actually have heard about them and have visited their website. I think it's pretty amazing that they not only have all of these kids but that they have done it without any assistance and are completely debt free. The older kids are all going to college and are studying to be Dr.'s, Nurses, Teachers, ect. and when the younger ones are old enough they too will be going to college. In a society today where there are so many ppl having kids that can't afford it and then the government is expected to support them and most of them rarely finish high school let alone get to college, I find this family a breath of fresh air. I think more ppl should read up on them and follow their example. I know that every family is different and some ppl need help to make ends meet but at the same time if you can't afford children then you shouldn't keep having one after another. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~

Well that is a whole lot of kids, and they must have the patience of saints, I wonder how many have reached their teens. If they have the means to support all of them I suppose it is ok. My only beef how do you give enough attention to each child. I grew up in a rather big family(9) kids, its is very hard to track that many kids and when you always have little ones, who pays a attention to the ones not needing so much care. Plus it is rather nutts growing up in such a house hold, well it was for me anyway. Can you imagin what their holidays are like. Not to mention what their future holidays will be like. We started from 9, now there are 23 children from the nine. Yikes, how many children will come for 17 or more..... to much if you ask me....

I think this is absolutely appalling. There is no need for it. They may like to think that she is taking care of all of the children, but she isn't. That job falls upon all of the other children. Did she ask them if they would mind helping her raise their siblings. There is birth control or abstinance. Is this for attention? I don't think there are very many people who are impressed by this. Obviously she can't work, so who supports them and their children, do they get donations or have sponsors? If someone else is having to help them out......guess what......time to give your head a shake.......WAKE UP. I am giving them too much of my time and giving them more attention by even commenting but, I needed some place to say how I felt about this. Give your other children a life of their own, or at least their own mother raise them.

I too had 2 miscarriages. They were not caused by birthcontrol but by something being wrong with the babies. Although I would not want 18 kids I don't have a problem with what they are doing. I chose to have 2 kids and then my 3rd was a surprise and a blessing that can only have been given by God. I wish this family well. I enjoyed reading all your comments.