I have to admit something. I have a sort of addiction that I’m really not proud of. In fact, I have tried to conquer it but I keep getting dragged back down into the depths of hell…otherwise known as reality television. More specifically, any show that has to do with raising families, be it families of 8, or even 18. I just can’t help myself. It’s like witnessing a train wreck, horrifying yet jaw-droppingly astonishing all at the same time. I’ve been lured in by the need to compare my life to that of these families dealing with multiple kids. And for the most part, I am continually amazed at how well they do given the daily obstacles these enlarged families face. Like lunch time. And bath time. Two of the most unsatisfying parts of my day. And I’m only responsible for two kids’ appetites, and two kids’ hygiene. I really can’t imagine washing that many body parts on a daily basis. So, here are a few of the shows that have hooked me (and lost me) as a loyal viewer.
Now, J&K Plus8 has gone nowhere fast. I remember when I watched the first episode I thought “what a charming family.” The babies were adorable, the toddlers were, well toddlers, and the relationship between Jon and Kate seemed real close to home. Kate’s ball-busting Take No Prisoners approach to running a household and Jon’s easygoing and slow-to-anger temperament is pretty much how we do things around here. (Except, I’m pretty sure I have better hair than Kate.) But, soon into the 3rd season the show started stressing me out. Seriously. I would sit and cringe while watching the episodes because I couldn’t believe that J&K were treating each other with such disrespect. And the show also turned away from its humble beginnings. Goodbye trips to the grocery store on a budget..hello all-expenses paid trips to Hawaii. I could no longer relate. (Okay, I”m lying here. I couldn’t ever relate to this show. Again…trainwreck appeal.) Sorry Jon and Kate, but I don’t think we should see each other anymore. It’s not me. It’s you.
And 18 Kids and Counting. Wow. This woman has physically ejected 18 babies from her womb. And, now, I’ve just read she is expecting her 19th! What?!?!? She’s 42. 19 kids. After she has this next baby she will have actually been pregnantfor almost 16 years of her life. I am 33, I’ve had two kids, been pregnant a total of 18 months and I’m pretty sure that’s ruined my innards. And, for any of you that have watched this show, she must REALLY have God working through her because the woman is a Saint. Saint Michelle. She has an unending reserve of patience and has homeschooled all of her children. I could barely get through Kindergarten math homework without pulling my hair out slowlyin an attempt to alleviate the stress brought on by Avery’s inability to recognize that math is not a “guessing” kind of science. Oh, my God.
Raising Sextuplets. Well frankly, this show just pisses me off a little. Super Mom Jenny hasgot 6 babies and she runs half-marathons. Any questions about my exercise history? Read this. And, to add insult to injury the woman also had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation to restore her pre-babies body. Well, good for her. But I never even had a pre-baby body. Well, obviously I had a body. But I would never opt to go under the knife to restoreit. Hell, for that matter I wouldn’t even want to restore my after-baby body. But, to Jenny’s credit, she appears to be a really good mom who loves her babies. She seems to really have her stuff together but also shows her more vulnerable side battling a messy house and naughty babies. I also admire her tenacity at trying to live a regular life. For now. Let’s hope she and Bryan don’t jump on the Jon and Kate train to Splits-ville.
I’ve been thinking about petitioning TLC for my own reality show. Here’s the hook: 30-something stay-at-home mom of two kids living on a budget. I’d say that’s pretty original. I’m holding out forthefree trip to Hawaii!
Love to all, Mindy
Mindee@ourfrontdoor says
We used to be big J&K devotees here but quit cold turkey this summer. I just couldn’t be a part of ruining those poor kids lives anymore. I’m also NOT buying any magazines with them on the cover. Same reason.
I do admit that I read online stories still. But I’m ashamed of myself afterward. 🙂
Mindy says
Yes, Mindee…I wholeheartedly agree. It’s just gotten uglier and uglier and I honestly worry about those poor kids. Hopefully Jon and Kate will get their act together for the sake of their children…once they get over themselves!
Mindy
Leyla says
Oh Mindy… you gave me a good laugh with this post…
Although I am not married or have kids, I also admit to watching these shows sometimes. I guess to get an inside look of what it would be like and how they deal with it. But just like you, I stopped watching J&K right about Season 3-4… I truly feel sorry for the kids, and hope that despite the fact that “normal” for them means having 20 strangers with cameras in their hands constantly follow you around, they can still have some sort of a sanity factor once they are older…
Mindy says
Yep, I can only hope that some type of “normalcy” sets into these kids’ lives. Before it’s too late and they become even more victimized by the situation that was forced upon them.
Mindy
Jessica says
I was never really on the J&K band wagon in the beginning but now, Tim thinks Kate’s a !$#@#! and I have those same sentiments towards Jon.
Who knows what’ll happen with the kids – hopefully whatever it is doesn’t leave lasting (emotional) scars…