How many is enough when it comes to having children? While most couples debate whether one, two or three children will complete their household--or whether to have children at all--there's no discussion about numbers when it comes to the Duggar family from Springdale, Ark. Michelle and Jim Bob have announced that Duggar baby No. 19 is on the way--she is about 3 months pregnant--which will be months after the arrival of their first grandchild. All children are home-schooled and the household operates under a buddy system. Essentially, this means that older children are responsible for helping to care for and raise the younger ones. Consider it a case of built-in child care, although naysayers argue that it takes away from letting the older kids "just be kids." Thoughts?
Arkansas couple announces baby No. 19 on the way
From Robin McClure, About.com GuideSeptember 1, 2009
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I can’t even begin to imagine having 19 children! I just got married this year and we are hoping to hold off on having any kids for a few years, but I guess you never know what will happen. Sometimes our plans are a little different than what God has in store!
I think it’s great that the older kids in the Duggar family are able to help out with the younger ones, but at the same time I don’t think it’s a great idea if they have too much responsibility at such young ages. I’m definitely not saying they shouldn’t have any responsibility or that they shouldn’t be able to help out with the little ones, but there needs to be a balance. The older kids need to still have their time to just be kids, go out and have fun, and get involved with other kids their age. Family is extremely important, but it’s also important to develop social skills and relationships with other people.
With all of the economic problems and people trying to find work and struggle with their everyday lives, I would appreciate stories like this be canned. While I love kids… 19? You must be kidding! God has nothing to do with this. It’s called responsibility!