The Duggars 19 Kids and Counting: Why Crazy is Sometimes Good

There are many of us out there who have a hidden fascination with The Duggar Family from the popular TLC Show, "19 Kids and Counting". Most of us can't put our finger on it, but there is just something that keeps us tuning into a show about one couple having 19 of their own biological children. For the majority, it's not that any of us would desire to have that many children! So what makes millions tune into view the adventures of this family every week on TLC?

Most people I have talked with about this TV show think the parents are a bit crazy. Not in an insane, unstable way, but in a, "how do they do it" kind of way. The fact of the matter is that The Duggar family is genuine. They do not come across as high-class snobs that so many other reality TV families have turned into. The Duggars stick to their values whether or not other people agree with them. They appear to be a very loving family and their systems work for them. Home schooling all those children, a baby a year, endless amounts of laundry and housework and all the meals, it does not seem to be any parent's dream; in fact most mother's would head right for the Prozac before even considering doing the likes of anything close to the Duggar family; but Mama Michelle Duggar appears to take it all in stride. It does help that she has those older daughters to help with the raising and rearing of the little kids. Michelle seems most focused on the youngest child whichever one is at the time. At least that is how the show portrays her.

So why do so many bash this endearing family when really they have not done anything to generate negativity except have and extra large family? If you take all the positive things about this family it kind of weighs out all the negatives with a few exceptions. Many people struggle with their religious views thinking they are "extreme" Christians and there family is some kind of commune. Would we have this negativity on them if they were Jewish or Muslim? But they are far from the extremists many people think of when they hear of the Duggar family. You have to respect them for staying true to themselves while so many other reality TV show families have strayed from their family values and chosen the Hollywood glamour.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar appear very much in love (obviously they have 19 kids!). Jim Bob also really seems to have a lot of respect for his wife. He is very loving with her with is such a great example. Their children have manners and morals. They live off their own income and are not being supported by any government program. When asked if they were concerned about the "carbon footprint" they have due to having so many children, Michelle Duggar replied on a recent episode of the show that she felt they were very "resourceful", more so than most people. They cook all their own food, they shop at thrift stores and use hand-me-down clothing and seem to be more in touch with what "green" is without even promoting it than most families.

The TLC Duggars have been on TV for at least 4 years if not more. I remember seeing them for the first time on a special show when they had 16 kids. It appeared at that time they were more "Amish" like in their matching homemade clothing and long hair. They have come a long way in a few short years. The older girls although they still wear skirts all the time do seem to be concerned with their hair and makeup. They also wear more modern borderline trendy clothing but still keep it modest. Even Mama Michelle is dressing a little better. Her hair though...well Jim Bob must like it long!

Only time will tell if and when The Duggars will be making another announcement that #20 is the oven. I have wondered with the stressors preemie Josie has undergone since her early arrival last December 2009, if they may decide to try not to conceive for a bit longer, as her health needs and attention is so demanding. While I respect their choice to have as many children as they want to have, as a parent I would probably hold off if I had a child with special needs because they do require so much attention.

They are a very fun family to watch on TV. While many people are annoyed with The Duggars and feel their message is a bit "preachy", it truly is not any different than watching the Kardashians on E. Well there are obvious major "moral" differences, but the Duggars are living out what they value, as are the Kardashians. The Duggars value religion and frugality and the Kardashians value fame and money. So really it's all in what your personal choices are and what you attach importance to. You thankfully have the right to turn both shows off if you choose. But as for this writer, I do enjoy watching the Duggars every week and seeing what they are up to. For an "unreal" family situation of 19 children, they keep a very REAL heart when it comes to being sincere and genuine and that is hard to come by on any reality show these days! Keep it up Duggars! You are crazy...but good!