two words for the duggar's BIRTH CONTROL! i mean with the way the ecomony is doing today my husband and i are scared to have a second one not alone eighteen! how the heck do they aford it? i mean i seen the show and the way the kids dress (poor kids:() but seriously, my question is what kind of job does this man have and how much is he making to aford eighteen children?! its hard rasing one child on a $35,000.00 yearly income, this man has to make at least $200,000.00 a year to do it. good luck and after this one get your tubes tide!

fffff

I think that people like the Duggars who have a huge number of children have lost sight of why they wanted a family. It's almost like it becomes an ego trip for the parents. Aside from the financial issues, how can they possibly give each of their children enough time? It becomes a case of the older children raising the younger ones....the kids don't really have a close relationship with their parents as they just don't have time to foster it. I think its very sad for the kids....and absolutely immature and ridiculous on the part of the parents!

I understand why Mrs. Duggar stopped using it after miscarrying. I've worried about side affects of b/c, too. The family is obviously very loving and supportive to one another. They have faith that God will close her womb when He is ready. It may or may not be at the 18th child, but they can obviously handle it.

I think having so many children is really gross (and I don't ever use that word). We live in medically sound times, our children survive now, what is the reason for having so many children? My husband and I have decided that our family will follow the zero population rule.

As a side note: What types of difficulties will these children face as adults?

I think having so many children is really gross (and I don't ever use that word). We live in medically sound times, our children survive now, what is the reason for having so many children? My husband and I have decided that our family will follow the zero population rule.

As a side note: What types of difficulties will these children face as adults?

I do not believe that anyone who has not experienced a large family environment has no right to say that Mrs. Duggar should have her tubes tied or go on birth control or that it is gross.(Kinda Harsh, don't you think?) I have seen and interacted with a family of 12 and they all got along and worked together. It was amazing! I think we also easily lose sight of our religious beliefs and background. Dont forget Genesis 1:28, God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Where there is a Will there is a way. I think judging the Duggars is criticizing God's word. If they can handle it more power to them.

I do not believe that anyone who has not experienced a large family environment has no right to say that Mrs. Duggar should have her tubes tied or go on birth control or that it is gross.(Kinda Harsh, don't you think?) I have seen and interacted with a family of 12 and they all got along and worked together. It was amazing! I think we also easily lose sight of our religious beliefs and background. Dont forget Genesis 1:28, God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Where there is a Will there is a way. I think judging the Duggars is criticizing God's word. If they can handle it more power to them.

I do not believe that anyone who has not experienced a large family environment has no right to say that Mrs. Duggar should have her tubes tied or go on birth control or that it is gross.(Kinda Harsh, don't you think?) I have seen and interacted with a family of 12 and they all got along and worked together. It was amazing! I think we also easily lose sight of our religious beliefs and background. Dont forget Genesis 1:28, God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Where there is a Will there is a way. I think judging the Duggars is criticizing God's word. If they can handle it more power to them.

I do not believe that anyone who has not experienced a large family environment has no right to say that Mrs. Duggar should have her tubes tied or go on birth control.(Kinda Harsh) I have seen and interacted with a family of 12 and they all got along and worked together. It was amazing! I think we also easily lose sight of our religious beliefs and background. Dont forget Genesis 1:28, God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Where there is a Will there is a way. I think judging the Duggars is criticizing God's word. If they can handle it more power to them.

I totally agree with Wildoutdoorgirl! Incredibly selfish on the part of the parents, and to make this a religious thing is just as absurd. Can't one argue that God created man who then created BIRTH CONTROL? Seems like there's no way each child will ever be able to live up to his/her full potential, even if they seem to be a close family.

I totally agree with Wildoutdoorgirl! Incredibly selfish on the part of the parents, and to make this a religious thing is just as absurd. Can't one argue that God created man who then created BIRTH CONTROL? Seems like there's no way each child will ever be able to live up to his/her full potential, even if they seem to be a close family.

Hope this doesn't post twice...there was an error with the server so I'm re-submitting...

I don't think that the Duggar family can really handle all this financially. I mean, if I have over 10 kids, will I get the country to help me make payments, build my family a house, and all other things? I mean, I understand that they would like more children, but to use GOD as their only excuse? If they want more children, then adopt. There are a lot of children out there who would LOVE to have parents.

I don't think that the Duggar family can really handle all this financially. I mean, if I have over 10 kids, will I get the country to help me make payments, build my family a house, and all other things? I mean, I understand that they would like more children, but to use GOD as their only excuse? If they want more children, then adopt. There are a lot of children out there who would LOVE to have parents.

My parents came from big families of 8-10 kids, which was the norm in the town where I grew up back in 30's-50's. Not only do I, but the majority of my friends, including my husband, have handfuls of aunts, uncles and cousins that we really have fun with! Although this is not the current family trend in 2008, there are still two families in particular in town who have around a dozen kids each and they're both very well respected, functional, active members of our community. The parents of both families bring in a modest income, but if you really look at their habits, they're incredibly resourceful and none of the kids do without. I find it incredibly shallow of some of the comments I've read who remark on aspects of the Duggar's life, from their clothing to the concern of them being well-adjusted adults. I used to coach one of the children from our large families in town and she now a high-calibre university athlete, with her siblings each succeeding in both high school and in their adult lives. At no point was she neglected an opportunity to excel.
This, as with the Duggars, is not a case of irresponsible birth control by parents who are otherwise strung out with their own problems (which sadly is a major issue with some of the kids in our society), it's simply family that we're not used to seeing anymore. With that said, I really don't think it's appropriate for those of us who choose not to have large families because of personal reasons or otherwise, to judge this, or any family on their decisions. I would be concerned if these children are being neglected, but with the opportunities the Duggar kids seem to have had, from violin lessons, to experiential learning with the building of their house, they have a very unique repetoire of knowledge I wish I could bestow not only to my kids but to my students!

Excuse me. Who are any of you to judge whether the family can financially afford these children. It is called budget managing. And as for that person who commented on how the children dress, how shallow is that? There are more things to life than dressing well. And yes sfeer God is their only excuse and that is all the reason I feel they need. And for everyone's information, the Duggars are on NO WELFARE OR NATIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT!!!! If you read their website, you would of found out that they are a budget and they worked for 7 years to build their house. They did it on there own with help from a few family friends. If they want to have 18 kids, heck if they want to have 40 kids, nobody has any right to say anything. And as for the parents being selfish for having all these children, that is a terrible thing to say. Each one of those children is well behaved and well loved. They are all individuals and their parents and their siblings each acknowledge it. These children are well behaved because they have been taught from birth to be respectful and to be kind. If anyone else has anything to say, please just tell me and I will be more than happy to stand up for this wonderful family. Who here has any right to say anything bad or negative about this family for their choices. As for it being gross, well, someone needs to grow up.

It is gross--she's not a cat! And how can these parents have the ability to give appropriate attention to eighteen kids? Especially when it's clear how they spend their free time...

It is gross--she's not a cat! And how can these parents have the ability to give appropriate attention to eighteen kids? Especially when it's clear how they spend their free time...

I think you can turn the selfish argument right around and say, it's selfish to only have one child. They won't have a brother or sister to play with, or grow up knowing that they have a lifelong friend in their sibling.
And God is not the only one who has control over this world. There is evil in the world also, so who's to say that BC was not created by evil. With all the side effects that go along with it, it's not exactly healthy for you.
I personally would not want 18 children, but I'm not the Duggars. If they want 18, what difference does it make to anyone else but them. If they can take care of them, then I say it's their choice.
Some people choose to have one child and some choose to have 6. That's the great thing about freedom, you can choose whatever you want.

I think if they choose to have 18 and love and care for each one, that's great. But there are so many children who don't have loving parental care or who are in orphanages or the foster care system, they need a good home, also. Before people have a number of children like 18, they might consider the option of adopting a child who needs a home.

I think we get sidetracked on whether or not we have the "right" to have as many children as we want when the real issue, in my mind, is: is that socially responsible? We all have rights- the right to cut in line, to allow our children to run loose in public places, to spit on someone who pisses us off- but we don't b/c it is socially unacceptable. In the same category, parents who are not willing to show restraint with their procreating are fueling our population crisis. The earth only has so much resources and land mass, and with each generation we are exponentially overpopulating it. Many falsely believe this pop. situation stems from 3rd world countries but in fact us "rich" countries are using up our resources faster b/c we refuse to give up the high standard of living yet indulge in populating as often as we want. We have a responsibility to future generations, b/c that is when our greed will manifest itself, to either give up the standard of living or give up freely populating. It's a matter of greed versus planning.

I personally think that if they want to have a big family then good for them. As for the ppl commenting on the lack of attention and love the children receive due to the large number of kids.. let me just say that i have had MANY CHILDREN, who lack the attention and love from their parents because they're at work all day, at the gym, shopping, running errands and what not.. and these children came from families of 3 or less. So really, what's selfish here? the large family that has a mom and a dad along with siblings present OR the small family that has their child at daycare from 6am to 6pm? so instead of judging and passing on the negative comments.. do urself a favor and just refrain from posting it.

i dont know how they dont pull their hair out. one is enough for me and anyone, but if they can handle it kudos to them.

This family is debt free according to their website. What an amazing feat! Before judging this family I suggest looking at their website to see how they manage their family. I think Jim Bob and Michelle are devoted parents raising their family the way they feel is best, and isn't that what we are all trying to do?

This family is debt free according to their website. What an amazing feat! Before judging this family I suggest looking at their website to see how they manage their family. I think Jim Bob and Michelle are devoted parents raising their family the way they feel is best, and isn't that what we are all trying to do?

What ever happened to "choice" anyway? Are you all communists or socialists that you feel the need to weigh in on someone else's personal choice? Who are YOU to govern someone else's body....especially when they are not relying on YOUR tax dollars to raise these precious children?!

Please! If you have nothing better to do with your time than weigh in on a debate that you really have no business weighing in on in the first place, then get a life or at least a hobby.

Just because YOU cannot afford one child in this economy or because YOU don't know how to divide your time between your 2.1 children, doesn't mean that others don't have the knowledge of how to do this. The Duggars are 100% debt free and if you wonder about spending individual time with 18 children, watch the shows (she has an awesome schedule on how she does this). Also Google Susanna Wesley (mother to many in the 1800's) who spent time with each of her children. It's totally manageable, BUT you do have to have the smarts AND the commitment to follow through.

Please mind your own business and don't let your obvious jealousy of Michelle's wonderful mothering skills spill out in silly debates any longer. Get a life and allow others to choose, JUST AS YOU DID! Isn't this America?

~ Lisa Metzger
Mom to 8
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/carolinametzgers/

I think that 18 is way too many! I feel that people should choose their own family size, normally. I just don't think that it's right for the kids to have to schedule one on one time with mom ahead of time! My mom raised 3 of us, as a stay at home mom, and we all got to spend a lot of time with her and it really helped shape us. You can't get that same experience with older siblings as you do with mom and dad! I am sure that they love their children and are the best parents that they can be... I just wonder if the kids aren't missing out a little.

Willow, you obviously haven't been around large families. I'm with my soon-to-be 8 kids all day (we homeschool) and they spend more time with me than some families who only have 1 or 2 kids.

Have you ever watched the shows? She's an outstanding mom! By the way, which of the Duggars would you rather have been "prevented" by birth control? I'm sure that they would say that they would MUCH rather be a part of that family than not to be experiencing life at all.

I'd love to see all these people who are making these negative comments actually TELL those children that they shouldn't have been born in the first place! You wouldn't tell them to their face! How easy it is to make these comments without their 17 children listening in on this "conversation"!

Lisa Metzger
Mom to 8
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/carolinametzgers/

Willow, you obviously haven't been around large families. I'm with my soon-to-be 8 kids all day (we homeschool) and they spend more time with me than some families who only have 1 or 2 kids.

Have you ever watched the shows? She's an outstanding mom! By the way, which of the Duggars would you rather have been "prevented" by birth control? I'm sure that they would say that they would MUCH rather be a part of that family than not to be experiencing life at all.

I'd love to see all these people who are making these negative comments actually TELL those children that they shouldn't have been born in the first place! You wouldn't tell them to their face! How easy it is to make these comments without their 17 children listening in on this "conversation"!

Lisa Metzger
Mom to 8
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/carolinametzgers/

Personally, I don't think it's a good idea--physically, mentally, emotionally--to have 18 kids, but you know what? It's none of my business.

I have two children and knew when I had my second that our family was complete. For the Duggars, they're relying on a message from God. I don't understand their mentality and might even question their sanity (not because they believe in God but because they've had 18 kids!), but in the end it's their decision.

As others have said, they're not on public assistance, so we're not paying their bills, so who are we to question their lifestyle? I'm an extremely left-leaning liberal, couldn't be more different than the Duggars, but to me, the question of choice includes respecting other people's choices, even when they don't align with my views.

I don't think anyone has the right to tell you how many kids you should have as long as you are taking proper care of them and are good parents (or parent--if you end up divorced). I wanted 12, but had 7 before the divorce. I wouldn't change that for the world. I'm now enjoying 17 grandkids with one on the way and hopefully more in the future. I would not tell someone who wanted no children they had to have them, anymore then I feel we have the right to tell someone they have to quit. The Duggers have the ways and the means to care for their kids.

Children are a gift from God, to be loved and nurtured in His image.

Besides the issue of handling all those kids, I just can not imagine what having all those kids have done to the mom's body. Whew! My grandmother had 12 brothers and sisters and she said the older ones learn to tend to the younger ones, etc. That was the only way to do it because it's not physically possible to take care of everyone at once - we're not octopus! I think a big family is wonderful. I'm one of 2 and always wished for more siblings but 18 is kind of, lets see, insane!

As for financial stability, good for them. As long as they're not on welfare and I don't have to pay for other peoples choices, I'm fine with it.

Besides the issue of handling all those kids, I just can not imagine what having all those kids have done to the mom's body. Whew! My grandmother had 12 brothers and sisters and she said the older ones learn to tend to the younger ones, etc. That was the only way to do it because it's not physically possible to take care of everyone at once - we're not octopus! I think a big family is wonderful. I'm one of 2 and always wished for more siblings but 18 is kind of, lets see, insane!

As for financial stability, good for them. As long as they're not on welfare and I don't have to pay for other peoples choices, I'm fine with it.

I think that as long as THEY can afford it, who is anyone to say how many children are too many? They are not on welfare, have built their own home, have 17 wonderful children, and seem to be wonderful parents. I think they are doing a wonderful job, and wish them the best of luck.

Selfish is having digital cable, tv's in every room, a new car every year, designer clothing and then saying "we can't afford another child" - PLEASE people...you're disgusting when you judge these people - it's not your place to say whether or not they can afford it. They seem to be doing just fine - better than a lot of irresponsible women who turn to abortion or welfare every time they get knocked up. Society is totally messed up and this discussion proves it- children are a gift from God, period.

Oh, and yes, God made man who made birth control - of course those types of "men" also made bombs and all sorts of evil things - the devil is involved, have no doubt.

If you don't like it, don't have 18 kids. If they want to be a testament to God, don't be frightened that they will have the numbers (and you don't) to turn this country back onto the right track. I only pray that there are more of them out there.

These people are very earth-unfriendly. And how can they afford 18 children? Is the public picking up the cost of this family- food stamps, WIC, vaccination/health care, Medicaid?

Also, does Mrs. Duggar breastfeed? I have a toddler that I am still nursing, and I haven't had a period and my fertility has not returned. So if she is practicing ecological breastfeeding, I don't see how she could have so many children.

I think some of the comments on here are simply rude! I have never seen this show, however, I have seen many large families and they have more love and are closer than any family with 1 or 2 children. Yes, the older kids may have to help out a little more and may have to gain some RESPONSIBILITY but that is a word that most kids today don't know enough about!!!

For me 3 is perfect.... But I think 18 for the Duggers is GREAT... They can afford it and they want that many so who am I so say they shouldnt have them. They seem like a great family. I would be pulling my hair out if I had that many but she does wonderful with them. They are respectful and help each other and play just like normal families.

Here's a question... why is everyone making such comments about a family having 18 children and not making comments about parents who drop their children off at daycare at 6:00 in the morning, and the nanny picks them up at 6:00 in the evening? These same families are the ones that don't want their toddler to take an afternoon nap so that they will be tired when they get home. Sure, that kid wears designer clothes and has every new toy on the market, but if their parents don't want to spend time with them, what kind of life is that? That is by far a more serious problem than a family who obviously loves and cares for their children and teaches them good values and how to be good citizens. I can't believe some of the comments I read on this blog.

Here's a question... why is everyone making such comments about a family having 18 children and not making comments about parents who drop their children off at daycare at 6:00 in the morning, and the nanny picks them up at 6:00 in the evening? These same families are the ones that don't want their toddler to take an afternoon nap so that they will be tired when they get home. Sure, that kid wears designer clothes and has every new toy on the market, but if their parents don't want to spend time with them, what kind of life is that? That is by far a more serious problem than a family who obviously loves and cares for their children and teaches them good values and how to be good citizens. I can't believe some of the comments I read on this blog.

People who let finances decide the number of children they have, are dumb. My mom is the oldest of 15. I am the youngest of 7. And I personally want 9 kiddos. I already have 3. Counting aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins, I have 232 people in my family and counting. I may not of had "everything" every other kid had growing up, but I bet I had a better life then alot of people. I wouldnt trade my HUGE family for the world.

People who let finances decide the number of children they have, are dumb. My mom is the oldest of 15. I am the youngest of 7. And I personally want 9 kiddos. I already have 3. Counting aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins, I have 232 people in my family and counting. I may not of had "everything" every other kid had growing up, but I bet I had a better life then alot of people. I wouldnt trade my HUGE family for the world.

I have two children, a girl and a boy. My family is complete, for me two children is the perfect amount especially since I was blessed with a girl and a boy. I understand that some people like the Druggers want a large family. This is fine as long as the children are well taken care of and the family is happy.

I have two kids and already I get "looks" and comments from people as if two kids is the limit? Why do other people feel the need to look down on people for having kids? How absurd. It's call pregnancy and childbirth its normal. If it wasn't for that me and you wouldn't be here. My only issue: I've seen large families and it's just hard to believe that these pregnancies aren't "planned". There is other methods, breast feeding, a calendar --abstinence. With all these kids I don't see where they even find the time. It just seems like now they are purposefully having all the kids to get media attention. They get paid? Don't they. I do think its a little sad that they're having these kids too close to eachother. Each child deserves a minimum amount of time to be the "baby" before they have to grow up. As long as each kid gets their own special time, then I don't see anything wrong with large families.

Veronica said:
I would like to know how many of the people who are ruthlessly judging the Duggars think one ought not to judge people who decide not to have children and, worse, decide to murder them in utero. There are those who say that having 0-2 chilren is selfish, as well. What?! Yes, there are those who say that. There are European countries whose populations are in serious jeopardy b/c people are having their 1.8 children. I'm happy the Duggars are making up for some of other people's sefishness. As for the "drain" on society that some have mentioned, the Duggars seem to be doing just fine. It's true that the older children are helping to look after the younger ones, and that's how it should be in large families. I knew a boy in college who was #19 of 21, and was intelligent and well-adjusted. Anyway, as for the drain, we spend lots of tax resources on completely useless government programs and health programs to support obese people, and others who might not take care of themselves. The Duggars do not fit in this category. Be careful of judging others ... It's just amazing to me how self-righteous some of the above comments are -- "gross"?! How dare you! It may not be for you, but the family the respect they deserve.

I have to jump on this one!!

I am the mother of soon to be 5 children! I DO plan on having more! I LOVE my children!! I spend time with each of them. I am also a homeschooler. Yes I can agree that some families with lots of kids neglect some of the children. But you can not put that staple on all large families. Just like us with many children can't judge those with one or two and say you are all alike.

Having a large family is a HUGE blessing!! As for the whole religious thing. God did say "Be FRUITFUL and multiply." He also stated that "Happy is the man who hath his quiver full." A normal quiver has twelve arrows in it. Not that I am saying it is the perfect number.

THere is something to be said about large families. My children are best friends. They are very close. I watch my 6 yr old teach and play with my one year old. He looks forward to being able to teach him how to read. He just adores his baby brother. My girls long for a baby sister to help with. They all want Momma to have many more siblings for them. They love helping out and love being with me.

For my children the thought of going to school and not being with each other or with me all day makes them cry. They love being together.

I think that those who are judging those of us with large families really have no idea what they are talking about.

I have 5 children and we are planning to have one more. If they can handle 18 kids then so be it. I just wouldn't want that many. They must be doing something right if they can get all of those kids to work together.

Okay, I am happy for the Duggar family, BUT..I also have a huge problem with it. Maybe more like a concern. They said that the kids need to schedule one on one time with their parents, days in advance. I think that just seems a little unfair, don't you?? Poor little things. Also, it seems like the older kids are the ones taking care of the younger kids. They aren't going to want to have their own kids. Is this the whole idea on the parents' part?? To make sure their kids don't produce?? I am having my third baby in July, and I am feeling guilty that I won't share enough of my time with all three kids! I can't imagine how having 18 kids would be!! I really am concerned for all the kids.

I honestly don't feel like anyone has the right to judge the family...If they want to have more kids...Let it be. The decisions they make are the ones who have to deal with it..As I can tell that this family is very well loved and the kids do get attention...they are all equal and loved..How can ones say that it's gross!!!That is just harsh to even say rude things about someone else's family...People need to think about what they say before it's said or think before they talk cause maybe your all just talking in experince to your own lives...I dont see anything wrong with having large familys..If the people wanna lay down and make the kids then don't you think that they should have the right to rasie them too???The Family Sticks 2gether...and that's a Good Thing...!!!

Okay, I am happy for the Duggar family, BUT..I also have a huge problem with it. Maybe more like a concern. They said that the kids need to schedule one on one time with their parents, days in advance. I think that just seems a little unfair, don't you?? Poor little things. Also, it seems like the older kids are the ones taking care of the younger kids. They aren't going to want to have their own kids. Is this the whole idea on the parents' part?? To make sure their kids don't produce?? I am having my third baby in July, and I am feeling guilty that I won't share enough of my time with all three kids! I can't imagine how having 18 kids would be!! I really am concerned for all the kids.

I hate to say it but this family and others that choose to have an unnecessarily large amount of children are contributing to over population and global warming (for those of you who choose not to believe in it at least read on for the rest of my argument as to why this is irresponsible). It is not just about the family being able to financially support the children they produce but the planet being able to sustain them as well.

The majority of people living in the United States use up so many resources that it would technically take at least one if not more planet Earths to sustain one person's resource usage over their lifetime (in Holistic Management we had average students fill out a survey that allows the calculation of resource usage at a public university on average it would require 3 planet Earths to sustain their lifestyle over a lifetime). By producing yet more children they are creating an unnecessary burden on a planet that is having a hard enough time sustaining the current population. I am not just talking food, shelter, materials for clothing, and water usage but consider where all the waste from people both trash and biological waste goes once you put it on the curb in your trash can for weekly pick up.

People may complain about families in other countries producing a larget amount of children, but often if you look at third world countries, those children are being put to work on farms or in other settings to help support the community and family (not that it is necessarily correct) not to mention they do not have the availability of vaccines and medical treatment that individuals in more developed countries have leading to an increased probability of infant and child mortality. They also do not have the options of both surgical, chemical or barrier birth control that are available to those in wealthy countries.

I think it is the job of citizens in more industrial developed countries to be more responsible about their reproducing. We are not on the verge of going extinct but if families like this continue to reproduce at such a rate many other species most likely will become extinct due to human beings unsatiable need for resources.

I guess the Duggar family and others like them are just lucky they don't live in a country like China where they actually regulate the number of children each family has using family planning methods (for more information read up on the Population and Family Planning Law in China).

I'm sorry to note the IGNORANCE on this thread. Carly, people who are having less than 2 children are not even replacing themselves. As I said above, there are European countries dying b/c people are not having children. My husband is an expert on China ... do you know how blessed their citizens think we are b/c we don't have a tyrannical government forcing us to have a set # of children. There are plenty of resources in this VAST land of ours ... It will not longer be ours if we stop having children. Take a look at the population stats in Europe and wake up. I don't want that to happen in the US.

...and, by the way, I'm not as worried about other species becoming extinct as I am our own. As I always say to those organizations that come to my door asking me to save the baby whales, "I will do so when you decide to also protect human babies -- born and unborn."

One last thing to a thread above re the "ecological" choice of nursing and how Mrs. Duggar can have 18 if she is doing that. I am still nursing my 10 month old and am almost 3 months pregnant with our second. Women's bodies are all different. Also, I am not nursing for ecological reasons and am open to many more children.

I agree with Whitney and Lesa...who are we to judge?? They seem to be happy, let them be!!

I came from a family of 10. My mom came from a family of 11, and my dad from a family of 8. To be completely honest these are the most functional, hard working, close families that I know. I don't see how anyone could criticize the Duggars after seeing just how well they have their lives together. They don't receive any government assistance, the kids are well-behaved respectful citizens of society, and they will all no doubtedly be successful adults. So I just have to laugh when I read some of these comments from people who can't seem to achieve any of those accomplishments while raising 0-1 kids.
I love some of the very insightful comments on here about small families who drop their kid off at day care all day,then when the kids get home the parents are running all sorts of errands, and the child has a more personal relationship with their xbox or cell phone. But they have on designer clothes right????? LOLOLOLOL. Priorities. LOLOLOL

Who cares how many kids they have? Why is this even an issue?? I think it's great they have 18 children, and I hope they keep having them till they are done. I think it's silly there are even articles like this asking people if they think 18 is too many when it's none of their business whether this family (or any other family) want 18,... or 32 kids. And for the person that said they needed birth control, I think it's not your place to say, or anyone else's, each family is unique and nobody needs to be hearing negative comments about their family size. They are not hurting you, so whats it to you???

Go Duggars go!! Keep having babies!!

Also I think its very funny that the people who would encourage the Duggars to use birth control are the same people who would state that its not anyone's place to tell an immature teenage girl who can't support a child let alone raise one responsibly, to use birth control. These are the people receiving support from the government, and the child grows up emotionally dysfunctional, and a menace to society as an adult. We seriously need to rethink our values.

Veronica- thank you for pointing out the ridiculousness of the overpopulation argument! If we are not careful, we will end up with an aging population (like Japan) where most couples are not having ANY children, and they don't have enough workers to fill the jobs in their economy. There have been many reports about what a collapse in their economy would do on the world stage. They have to farm in people from outside Japan to keep the economy going. How much worse would that be here in the States? We are currently just under replacement population (and getting lower each year) in the US, and our economy would eventually COLLAPSE if we didn't farm people in from other countries to fill needed jobs. All because of ill-informed people and/or selfish with their ignorant ideas about how the world ACTUALLY works/should work. (And as for the Duggars...don't they farm their own vegetables? I'm sure that they make up for their carbon footprint with the many "green" things they do daily.) Oh, and I agree with the comments about the truly selfish people being the shallow ones. Who cares if they (or any of us) have the best clothes?!? Only in America! No wonder the rest of the world hates us! And as for spending time with kids...I was 3rd of 10 kids. We all helped out with the younger kids, and we ALL learned responsibilty from a very young age. I am grateful to my parents for that gift! Although we would have liked more one on one time, we learned that we are NOT the center of the universe, and learned to put others first. (And in a well-functioning society, it's necessary to put others first!) If our parents could not help immediately, a sibling would. My siblings are some of my best friends. We have lots of fun together and we are all very close. We are also some of the hardest-working and most generous members of society. We were raised to be that way. God Bless the Duggars and ALL those who are RESPONSIBLY raising large families. They are the backbone of our nation.

Veronica- thank you for pointing out the ridiculousness of the overpopulation argument! If we are not careful, we will end up with an aging population (like Japan) where most couples are not having ANY children, and they don't have enough workers to fill the jobs in their economy. There have been many reports about what a collapse in their economy would do on the world stage. They have to farm in people from outside Japan to keep the economy going. How much worse would that be here in the States? We are currently just under replacement population (and getting lower each year) in the US, and our economy would eventually COLLAPSE if we didn't farm people in from other countries to fill needed jobs. All because of ill-informed people and/or selfish with their ignorant ideas about how the world ACTUALLY works/should work. (And as for the Duggars...don't they farm their own vegetables? I'm sure that they make up for their carbon footprint with the many "green" things they do daily.) Oh, and I agree with the comments about the truly selfish people being the shallow ones. Who cares if they (or any of us) have the best clothes?!? Only in America! No wonder the rest of the world hates us! And as for spending time with kids...I was 3rd of 10 kids. We all helped out with the younger kids, and we ALL learned responsibilty from a very young age. I am grateful to my parents for that gift! Although we would have liked more one on one time, we learned that we are NOT the center of the universe, and learned to put others first. (And in a well-functioning society, it's necessary to put others first!) If our parents could not help immediately, a sibling would. My siblings are some of my best friends. We have lots of fun together and we are all very close. We are also some of the hardest-working and most generous members of society. We were raised to be that way. God Bless the Duggars and ALL those who are RESPONSIBLY raising large families. They are the backbone of our nation.

Sorry if this posts twice, had to repost due to a server error.

To Veronica:
Since when did 6 billion people = extinction or even near extinction? I would like to see your scientific or mathematical basis for that idea. The human population is nowhere NEAR extinction. I only forsee 2 things getting rid of human beings:
1. Environmental catastrophe (whether that be a pandemic disease, severe drought throughout the world, a comet hitting the planet producing enough atmospheric interference to block out the sun or a natural disaster on the scale of something like dormant volcanoes under Yellowstone erupting).
2. Human beings blowing each other up with nuclear weaponry.
We have no natural predation to worry about thanks to our ingenuity.

While yes there are European countries having some problems keeping their birth rate equal to or above their death rate, my family's country of origin, the Czech Republic, included in that list (my mother and I hold dual citizenship there and in the US). I do not see how that affects the US. And since I am going to assume you are a US citizen I don't see how your reproducing helps European countries. The majority of USers are a mix of so many different ethnic groups I don't see how you can claim you are continuing on a particular ethnicity. This country has an estimated population of 300 million, probably more at this point since our birth rate is 14 births/1,000 population and a death rate of 8 deaths/1,000 population. China is actually at about the same birth and death rate as the United States.

While your husband maybe an expert on China, I have a degree in both Resource Management and Animal Science and know from my studies and continued education that this planet will not be able to consistently sustain human beings, with the way people in the US live at least. You may not buy designer clothing Veronica, but I bet you use a car that uses gasoline, and you probably use cleaning products that are not biodegradable. Petroleum is NOT a VAST resource, it is a finite resource.

The majority of people don't shop locally, or sustainably, they do not think twice about the trash they produce, or the biological waste that they flush down the toilet. I am sure you do not think about the lotions or make-ups you use, although most of them contain some form of petroleum or are processing using petroleum among other chemicals that most people even I sometimes fumble to pronounce. If you want to choose to live and raise your children in a more ecologically and less environmentally damaging manner then by all means have as many children as you want. But I highly doubt that is going to happen since most people complain it is too expensive to go “green”.

On your comment about the extinction of other species, I am guessing you know little about biotechnology or scientific research in the health field. Many animals and plants that are in danger of extinction may hold clues and possibly cures in their genetic code to diseases that human beings suffer from. Through studying the genetic code of certain animals that do not get cancers, or other illness we can find clues to preventing problems in us.

I would suggest before you cry ignorance at me for making my argument you choose to educate yourself (since that is what ignorance is, a lack of knowledge, awareness or education) I would suggest you watch the Human Footprint (was shown on the National Geographic Channel and is regularly replayed) it begins to just scrape the surface of human consumption over a lifetime. Or I would highly suggest reading Michael Pollan's book "The Omnivore's Dilemma", although it focuses on the food industry, it is an easy and entertaining read for most people and is easy to find in a bookstore. And if you want to read a book on the success or failure of nations I would highly suggest Collapse by Jared Diamond, his other book Guns, Germs, and Steel is also very enlightening.

I have to wonder if people who are worried about an economic collapse of this country due to a decrease in population are really worried about their children’s future, since they aren’t worried about the environment their children are going to have when they are adults. Or if the true source of their concern is that they won’t have a comfortable retirement. Of course I guess I am one of those young mothers in their 20s that most of you who are posting look down upon as being irresponsible.

This will be my last post since I have to go take care of my daughter who just woke up from a nap.

Quote from "sarah": "i mean i seen the show and the way the kids dress (poor kids:() but seriously, my question is what kind of job does this man have and how much is he making to aford eighteen children?!"

Obviously the Duggar children (and their parents) are concerned with bigger things than the way they dress. Is that really a way to define a child's self-esteem anyway--by the clothes they wear? And although I have no idea how much the man makes, they're not on public assistance and they probably can afford 18 kids because they live within their means. I don't want to have 18 kids, but for goodness sake people, leave them alone and just accept that some people choose to live their lives differently than the rest of us. And that, my friends, is their right. Just as it is your right to have one or two children or none at all.

I don't know where the readers are getting that the Duggar family is "poor". For those who don't know, the father is a former state representative here in Arkansas (I'm from AR, too). They are NOT poor, and they take good care of their children by knowing where and how to save money, which is what any person of intelligence would do when raising a family of any size rather than living above their means using credit like most families (with no or few kids) do these days! They most certainly can afford the children they have, and by all means, they have a right to have as many children as they want! I say I'd much rather have "good genes" and quality children put into the population from this family than some of the people I see who reproduce! Why on earth would people judge them for raising children they can most certainly afford who are intelligent, attractive, Christian, polite, responsible, and respectable people, just like their parents? I greatly respect these people for being able to do what they do and doing such a wonderful job at it! Do any of you really have an inkling of what kind of task it is to raise that many children, let alone do it well? I seriously doubt any of you do! I am a mother of 7 of my own children, and though everyone has their opinion, no one has a right to tell me what the "ideal" number of children is for me to have. I don't tell the childless that they are selfish for not wanting children, nor do I tell families with more children than me that they have "too many". Every family has to decide for themselves what works for them, and NO ONE should be looking down their noses at those of us who value family more than material things. My personal belief is that most children these days feel entitled to material things and other wants that are turning them into greedy, LAZY, irresponsible, self-entitled, ignorant, and snotty little brats! Whose fault is this? The parents! I have yet to meet children from very large families who didn't learn responsibility, compassion, independence, good work ethics, and many other quality values as human beings at a young age. If having a large family helps form my children into good people as adults, then I have done right by the rest of the world. Those who judge the Duggars need to take a look at how they are raising their own 2.3 children (or whatever the so-called "perfect" family size is considered now). Do these parents give and give material things so the parents feel worthy and competitive with the Joneses? Do they actually spend quality time with their children, or do they just drag their kids from one activity to another so they appear to be a "good parent"? Do these parents even really KNOW their own children, and do their children even know themselves?
I say bravo to the Duggars, to John and Kate, and to anyone else brave enough to tackle very large families and do it in stride! There is no perfection in life, and there is no "perfect" family size. There are pros and cons to anything, and whatever one chooses in life, he or she should do the best job as possible with that choice. Shame to anyone who sits on a high-horse of superiority by saying anyone with more than 2 kids should learn to use birth control! Birth control gives people a choice on family size, and believe it or not, there are some of us who actually CHOOSE to have large families and are grateful to God for giving us the ability to do so and are proud to be able to handle it well!!!

I don't know where the readers are getting that the Duggar family is "poor". For those who don't know, the father is a former state representative here in Arkansas (I'm from AR, too). They are NOT poor, and they take good care of their children by knowing where and how to save money, which is what any person of intelligence would do when raising a family of any size rather than living above their means using credit like most families (with no or few kids) do these days! They most certainly can afford the children they have, and by all means, they have a right to have as many children as they want! I say I'd much rather have "good genes" and quality children put into the population from this family than some of the people I see who reproduce! Why on earth would people judge them for raising children they can most certainly afford who are intelligent, attractive, Christian, polite, responsible, and respectable people, just like their parents? I greatly respect these people for being able to do what they do and doing such a wonderful job at it! Do any of you really have an inkling of what kind of task it is to raise that many children, let alone do it well? I seriously doubt any of you do! I am a mother of 7 of my own children, and though everyone has their opinion, no one has a right to tell me what the "ideal" number of children is for me to have. I don't tell the childless that they are selfish for not wanting children, nor do I tell families with more children than me that they have "too many". Every family has to decide for themselves what works for them, and NO ONE should be looking down their noses at those of us who value family more than material things. My personal belief is that most children these days feel entitled to material things and other wants that are turning them into greedy, LAZY, irresponsible, self-entitled, ignorant, and snotty little brats! Whose fault is this? The parents! I have yet to meet children from very large families who didn't learn responsibility, compassion, independence, good work ethics, and many other quality values as human beings at a young age. If having a large family helps form my children into good people as adults, then I have done right by the rest of the world. Those who judge the Duggars need to take a look at how they are raising their own 2.3 children (or whatever the so-called "perfect" family size is considered now). Do these parents give and give material things so the parents feel worthy and competitive with the Joneses? Do they actually spend quality time with their children, or do they just drag their kids from one activity to another so they appear to be a "good parent"? Do these parents even really KNOW their own children, and do their children even know themselves?
I say bravo to the Duggars, to John and Kate, and to anyone else brave enough to tackle very large families and do it in stride! There is no perfection in life, and there is no "perfect" family size. There are pros and cons to anything, and whatever one chooses in life, he or she should do the best job as possible with that choice. Shame to anyone who sits on a high-horse of superiority by saying anyone with more than 2 kids should learn to use birth control! Birth control gives people a choice on family size, and believe it or not, there are some of us who actually CHOOSE to have large families and are grateful to God for giving us the ability to do so and are proud to be able to handle it well!!!

I don't know where the readers are getting that the Duggar family is "poor". For those who don't know, the father is a former state representative here in Arkansas (I'm from AR, too). They are NOT poor, and they take good care of their children by knowing where and how to save money, which is what any person of intelligence would do when raising a family of any size rather than living above their means using credit like most families (with no or few kids) do these days! They most certainly can afford the children they have, and by all means, they have a right to have as many children as they want! I say I'd much rather have "good genes" and quality children put into the population from this family than some of the people I see who reproduce! Why on earth would people judge them for raising children they can most certainly afford who are intelligent, attractive, Christian, polite, responsible, and respectable people, just like their parents? I greatly respect these people for being able to do what they do and doing such a wonderful job at it! Do any of you really have an inkling of what kind of task it is to raise that many children, let alone do it well? I seriously doubt any of you do! I am a mother of 7 of my own children, and though everyone has their opinion, no one has a right to tell me what the "ideal" number of children is for me to have. I don't tell the childless that they are selfish for not wanting children, nor do I tell families with more children than me that they have "too many". Every family has to decide for themselves what works for them, and NO ONE should be looking down their noses at those of us who value family more than material things. My personal belief is that most children these days feel entitled to material things and other wants that are turning them into greedy, LAZY, irresponsible, self-entitled, ignorant, and snotty little brats! Whose fault is this? The parents! I have yet to meet children from very large families who didn't learn responsibility, compassion, independence, good work ethics, and many other quality values as human beings at a young age. If having a large family helps form my children into good people as adults, then I have done right by the rest of the world. Those who judge the Duggars need to take a look at how they are raising their own 2.3 children (or whatever the so-called "perfect" family size is considered now). Do these parents give and give material things so the parents feel worthy and competitive with the Joneses? Do they actually spend quality time with their children, or do they just drag their kids from one activity to another so they appear to be a "good parent"? Do these parents even really KNOW their own children, and do their children even know themselves?
I say bravo to the Duggars, to John and Kate, and to anyone else brave enough to tackle very large families and do it in stride! There is no perfection in life, and there is no "perfect" family size. There are pros and cons to anything, and whatever one chooses in life, he or she should do the best job as possible with that choice. Shame to anyone who sits on a high-horse of superiority by saying anyone with more than 2 kids should learn to use birth control! Birth control gives people a choice on family size, and believe it or not, there are some of us who actually CHOOSE to have large families and are grateful to God for giving us the ability to do so and are proud to be able to handle it well!!!

I don't know where the readers are getting that the Duggar family is "poor". For those who don't know, the father is a former state representative here in Arkansas (I'm from AR, too). They are NOT poor, and they take good care of their children by knowing where and how to save money, which is what any person of intelligence would do when raising a family of any size rather than living above their means using credit like most families (with no or few kids) do these days! They most certainly can afford the children they have, and by all means, they have a right to have as many children as they want! I say I'd much rather have "good genes" and quality children put into the population from this family than some of the people I see who reproduce! Why on earth would people judge them for raising children they can most certainly afford who are intelligent, attractive, Christian, polite, responsible, and respectable people, just like their parents? I greatly respect these people for being able to do what they do and doing such a wonderful job at it! Do any of you really have an inkling of what kind of task it is to raise that many children, let alone do it well? I seriously doubt any of you do! I am a mother of 7 of my own children, and though everyone has their opinion, no one has a right to tell me what the "ideal" number of children is for me to have. I don't tell the childless that they are selfish for not wanting children, nor do I tell families with more children than me that they have "too many". Every family has to decide for themselves what works for them, and NO ONE should be looking down their noses at those of us who value family more than material things. My personal belief is that most children these days feel entitled to material things and other wants that are turning them into greedy, LAZY, irresponsible, self-entitled, ignorant, and snotty little brats! Whose fault is this? The parents! I have yet to meet children from very large families who didn't learn responsibility, compassion, independence, good work ethics, and many other quality values as human beings at a young age. If having a large family helps form my children into good people as adults, then I have done right by the rest of the world. Those who judge the Duggars need to take a look at how they are raising their own 2.3 children (or whatever the so-called "perfect" family size is considered now). Do these parents give and give material things so the parents feel worthy and competitive with the Joneses? Do they actually spend quality time with their children, or do they just drag their kids from one activity to another so they appear to be a "good parent"? Do these parents even really KNOW their own children, and do their children even know themselves?
I say bravo to the Duggars, to John and Kate, and to anyone else brave enough to tackle very large families and do it in stride! There is no perfection in life, and there is no "perfect" family size. There are pros and cons to anything, and whatever one chooses in life, he or she should do the best job as possible with that choice. Shame to anyone who sits on a high-horse of superiority by saying anyone with more than 2 kids should learn to use birth control! Birth control gives people a choice on family size, and believe it or not, there are some of us who actually CHOOSE to have large families and are grateful to God for giving us the ability to do so and are proud to be able to handle it well!!!

I teach high school - and I have several students lacking family values or a sense of being part of a bigger "self". They are only trained to be out for number-one. The concept of a family that truly supports its members and loves each other is what "FAMILY" is there for! Big families are great....but maybe a little more spacing between the kids would help each child a bit.

I don't know where the readers are getting that the Duggar family is "poor". For those who don't know, the father is a former state representative here in Arkansas (I'm from AR, too). They are NOT poor, and they take good care of their children by knowing where and how to save money, which is what any person of intelligence would do when raising a family of any size rather than living above their means using credit like most families (with no or few kids) do these days! They most certainly can afford the children they have, and by all means, they have a right to have as many children as they want! I say I'd much rather have "good genes" and quality children put into the population from this family than some of the people I see who reproduce! Why on earth would people judge them for raising children they can most certainly afford who are intelligent, attractive, Christian, polite, responsible, and respectable people, just like their parents? I greatly respect these people for being able to do what they do and doing such a wonderful job at it! Do any of you really have an inkling of what kind of task it is to raise that many children, let alone do it well? I seriously doubt any of you do! I am a mother of 7 of my own children, and though everyone has their opinion, no one has a right to tell me what the "ideal" number of children is for me to have. I don't tell the childless that they are selfish for not wanting children, nor do I tell families with more children than me that they have "too many". Every family has to decide for themselves what works for them, and NO ONE should be looking down their noses at those of us who value family more than material things. My personal belief is that most children these days feel entitled to material things and other wants that are turning them into greedy, LAZY, irresponsible, self-entitled, ignorant, and snotty little brats! Whose fault is this? The parents! I have yet to meet children from very large families who didn't learn responsibility, compassion, independence, good work ethics, and many other quality values as human beings at a young age. If having a large family helps form my children into good people as adults, then I have done right by the rest of the world. Those who judge the Duggars need to take a look at how they are raising their own 2.3 children (or whatever the so-called "perfect" family size is considered now). Do these parents give and give material things so the parents feel worthy and competitive with the Joneses? Do they actually spend quality time with their children, or do they just drag their kids from one activity to another so they appear to be a "good parent"? Do these parents even really KNOW their own children, and do their children even know themselves?
I say bravo to the Duggars, to John and Kate, and to anyone else brave enough to tackle very large families and do it in stride! There is no perfection in life, and there is no "perfect" family size. There are pros and cons to anything, and whatever one chooses in life, he or she should do the best job as possible with that choice. Shame to anyone who sits on a high-horse of superiority by saying anyone with more than 2 kids should learn to use birth control! Birth control gives people a choice on family size, and believe it or not, there are some of us who actually CHOOSE to have large families and are grateful to God for giving us the ability to do so and are proud to be able to handle it well!!!

My only curiosity is why is it necessary to give birth to a bunch of children when there are plenty of children that are up for adoption that need a good home. It seems like it is all good and well if you want a big family but why is it necessary to overlook children that already exist, and instead fulfill some biolgical need to leave your genetic footprint on this earth. Especially when people like Veronica and others are going to argue pro-life, if all those babies from unexpected pregnancies that would have been otherwise aborted were indeed allowed to live, would they really find homes with people who want a bunch of kids? Or would those individuals who want a large family rather make their own? I have two of my own children but if my husband and I decide we want more I would rather look into adoption as an avenue for expanding my family instead of continuing to reproduce.

Amanda,
Who said the Bratty kids you teach high school to, come from a large family. They most definitely come from a small family and have anything their heart desires. As to my double cousins who also have 10 kids, they all earned scholarships to college, 2 competed in the Olympics i