I have never watched Jon and Kate Plus 8, but the descriptions I've read show that they do not exemplify the "normal" large family, or even any family.
We have six kids ages 9 to 2. For our own sanity, we live very simple lives. We rarely go on vacation and spend most of our time at home. I heard J and K also took the kids to Hawaii once. I'm sure since they have a show, they felt the need to do "exciting things" sometimes for the sake of the show. But what a lot of pressure on them all, traveling all over with a small horde of children.
Just being in front of the cameras MUST change things.
I am so sad for them, and especially for their kids. Those children are losing the foundation of knowing their parents are committed to one another. That is incredibly tough on a kid, and must be harder yet when it is all in the public eye.

Elizabeth really judged Kate and talked about how she was such a better mom, granted nobody likes to listen to complaining. None of us not even Elizabeth has the right to look down on another mom. I'm sure with nine kids Elizabeth could make better use of her time!

I agree about the picture of large families (especially Christian families)that Jon and Kate are giving the world.

For a decided contrast, I would recommend that people watch "18 and Counting" for a story of a large Christian family who exemplify Christ in their everyday lives. While I would not have wanted to have had my husband and I and our seven children living our lives in front of a camera, this family manages quite well.

The mother, Michelle, is patient and loving with her children while being consistent in rules and discipline. The father , (Jim Bob) is obviously the head of the household and just as obviously loves and enjoys his children. The children are well behaved and have good manners. The older ones exhibit self discipline and self control; acting as role models for their younger siblings. What a joy to see these family members interact with each other.

Karyn

Thank you for an awesome article. I share the same perceptions of the show. What is sad is that in the episode where the divorce is discussed, there was never any acknowledgement that counseling had been attempted. They profess to be Christian but never was it said that they had spoken at length with their pastor or that they had searched the Scriptures, prayed, and sought the help of the Lord. Granted, we do not know all that has happened behind the scenes. But, wouldn't you think that if this HAD been attempted, it would have been told?

Their story serves as a reminder to us that many homes around us are hurting. Christians have to set the example in our own homes and be willing to prayerfully help the hurting.

Good article. I seldom watch Reality TV. Watching shows about someones day to day life seems kinda boring to me.
I heard it pointed out once that when God blessed someone he often does so by giving them MORE children. I have three children and I can tell you when they were little I came home with excitement every day looking forward to playing with my kids. And we would play until bedtime.
I learned to be aware of their age and do activities that were age appropriate. I think too often we as parents do things we have always wanted to do and 'blame' it on doing it for the kids. I know I did at first. The poor little kid is miserable and just wants to go home and play with his/her toys.

A link to this article has been posted on the website GoodNewsNow.com.