Was it irresponsible for Michelle Duggar to go skydiving?

Deborah - posted on 02/17/2012

No, not at all, although I agree that having 19 kids is a little......well nuts. I don't see how she has a close, deep, and personal relationship with ALL of them. Part of me wonders if she did it to get the TV show they probably NEED to support the entire family.



Being fearful of dangers comes with parenting, I don't like riding 4-wheelers anymore because of what could happen (particularly after my fiance ripped his hand open on a tree and needed 26 stitches...) So it makes me nervous if he takes the kids for a ride (he stays in the yard and in first gear though)



but the fact is that your kids are going to get hurt, bad things are going to happen, and trying to prevent every single incident is more crazy than letting life take its natural course.



Besides, they have very strict safety regulations regarding skydiving, you have to take a class before you can do it and everything.

Sarah - posted on 02/17/2012

It actually quite bugs me when people sit on here and put them down.

#1 - They are NOT part of the Quiverfull movement. They have some similar beliefs around having children.

#2 - They live debt free and support their kids. They did this long before TLC came knocking on their door. They found a job (Commercial real-estate) that would allow them to both be home with their children. They do not rely on government assistance.

#3 - I don't think it's fair to saying, "they get paid by TLC." Of course they do, but who can fault that. If someone gave you the opportunity to have more cash so you could do more things with your family, you'd jump at it too. It also gives them a platform to get out something that is dear to their heart, and that is their message of God.

#4 - Yes, their older children help. They didn't have help when those kids were younger, they did it themselves. I don't think instilling a sense of family and responsibility is a bad thing at all. They all have "jurisdictions" - areas in their house they learn to master for cleaning so that when they grow up they can manage a household of their own (whether they're a boy or a girl).

#5 - They do a lot of good for their community and the world by going on missions trips, volunteering, etc. Many people with only 1-2 kids don't do that. They're instilling a sense of social responsibility into their kids.

#6 - No one can say if they spank their children or not. You don't live in their house. Does that mean if someone spanks they're a bad parent? Michelle has admitted to doing blanket training, but by placing the child back onto the blanket. This is a way to teach them to obey and stay near. She only has 2 hands, and with so many little one's around, she needs to know that they aren't going to take off when they go to the store.

#7 - It's NO ONE's business how many kids anyone has. I certainly wouldn't want anyone dictating to me how many kids I can have, so what gives me the right to do it to someone else?

#8 - They teach and encourage their children to become self-sufficient so that by the time the boys are old enough to have a family they can support it without their parent's help. They allow a little more leniency with the girls, but some of the older ones take college courses by correspondence. Since when is teaching your child to be independent a bad thing?

#9 - Yes, they encourage modesty. This is part of their belief system. They also teach their children to save themselves for marriage. Since when are morals a bad thing either? They respect their bodies. I thought that was a good thing.



Basically, unless your all children are well-behaved, productive, supportive, socially-responsible, moral, God loving individuals, you don't have any right to judge them. And even if they are, reread point 7 because I repeat, it's NO ONEs business how many kids you have. If you don't like the Duggars, don't watch their show!

Sarah - posted on 02/17/2012

Not at all. People die every day from car accidents, falls, plane crashes, boats sink, CO2 poisoning, cancer, heart disease, etc. You can never be 100% safe because nothing in life is guaranteed, we ALL have an expiry date. I think life it too short for regret.

Melissa - posted on 12/29/2010

I dont see how this is even a topic of conversation, skydiving has nothing to do with parenting.

User - posted on 12/28/2010

Of course not,that's absurd!



She's a parent and needs a break sometime INCLUDING having fun. She's certainly allowed to do what she wants.

Ooo - posted on 12/23/2010

No.

Sherri - posted on 12/23/2010

They pay because people watch. If nobody watched the show then they wouldn't get a paycheck. It is in a sense no different then any other TV show the people on them are paid. I don't have a problem with the fact they are paid they should be TLC is making millions just for having them on the air.

Sapphire - posted on 12/23/2010

Oh, did the TLC network make arrangements and foot the bill for this "must-see-TV" event for ratings? @@ Sorry, they make me sick for the fact that the networks throw so much at them in terms of freebies because she has a never-ending-clown uterus.

Good Day! - posted on 12/22/2010

@April...Quiverfull

Apparently, the Duggars are not as entrenched in it as most within the movement. They are kind of a "cover family" to give it a good name. I get a little sick in my stomach when I hear some of the beliefs of the movement.

As far as Michelle Duggar skydiving...good for her!

Sherri - posted on 12/22/2010

April although I am not a fan of blanket training, I am a fan of corporal punishment. So actually that doesn't bother be in the least.

I am actually aware that they spank, I have never heard that they believe or do the blanket training though.

April - posted on 12/22/2010

Sherri...what you see on TV isn't all of what goes on. Jim Bob and Michelle are members of a group (i forget the name, but will look) that believe in corp. punishment and blanket training. There is a reason their kids are so "well behaved"...and it is not all good.

Sherri - posted on 12/22/2010

I honestly was just wondering and it is fine you guys feel that way. I happen not too. I think they have one of the best family dynamics, well run families that I have ever seen. Also mom and dad are there with them 24/7 so I am pretty sure even with that many children they are getting lots of mom & dad time even if it is as a group. Heck I only have 3 children and none of my children ever just get one on one time as if I am home they are always with me, if I go out they are always with me.
Not to mention 4 of the kids are now adults and another is 17. So I can see a few more leaving the nest pretty soon.

Jessie - posted on 12/22/2010

April I did see that on one show about a sign up sheet and that made me a little upset. I don't think it's right that a sheet is how to get some personal time with your parents!

April - posted on 12/22/2010

I am with Jamie-Leigh on this, Sherri. I don't think it is exactly the 19 kids that is the irresponsible part. I just don't see Michelle and Jim-Bob Duggar as good parents to all of those children. Most of their children don't really get a chance to be kids. They are too busy taking care of their brothers and sisters and acting like little parents. To be fair...being 1 of 10 kids is NOT the same as being 1 of 19. If there are 2 parents and you divide the attention of both parents from 10..well each parent could give plenty of attention to 5 children. Did you know that when the kids want personal time with either Jim Bob or Michelle...they have to fill out a sign up sheet?

Sherri - posted on 12/22/2010

Interesting take on it Jamie. I don't see it that way at all but interesting to see someone elses point of view on it.



I am used to large families in the town I live in my son is in class w/a little girl that is one of 10 children, The oldest do have to contribute to helping with the younger children, not raise but help get them dressed, help at meal times, homework time etc. Another family in town has 8 children but I don't know them very well as their children are homeschooled. my grandmother was 1 of 13 children.

Jessie - posted on 12/21/2010

I don't the skydiving is irresponsible, and I can't say that having 19 kids is irresponsible persay. I do think it isn't the best choice and hope they don't continue having kids. While she isn't old, her body is probably getting tired from having so many kids. The last one was born early and had so many issues I just think that is a sign that they need too back off having more children. They are very lucky that their last one made it through it all. Obviously no one knows everything about this family so I try hard not to judge but I can't help but think that what if there comes a day where they are not as financially well off? It is hard for people with 1-3 kids to survive especially with the economy. It could happen and having 19 kids would make it hard if something serious happened to either the parent/parents or their income changed drastically. I also can't imagine that each child gets a lot of one on one parent time and if what I see on the show is true the siblings do a lot of the "helping" with raising the young ones. While I am all for siblings helping out and being good role models for the young ones I think they do alot more than they should have to. Which is understandable consider how many of them there are. Just doesn't seem like the best plan to me. Not my cup of tea, but I do hope it works out for them.

Carolyn - posted on 12/21/2010

so one has to wonder , if they make ends meet so well, why are they starring in a reality tv show where i guarantee you they are making some nice bank.

how the hell can you afford 4-5 kids in college/university simultaneously ?

i have only ever watched part of one or 2 episodes because all this "reality" tv is garbage. Especially when cameras are following entire families around, with children who are to young to decide for themselves if they want to be filmed and exploited for fame and undoubtedly some fortune.

Jaime - posted on 12/21/2010

Because she's not the one looking after the kids...her older kids are. I'm all about families pitching in and helping out...but not when it comes to the older kids buddying up with the younger kids, while mom and dad are off making more babies! It's just ridiculous.

Sherri - posted on 12/21/2010

Why Jamie?

Jaime - posted on 12/21/2010

Irresponsible to go sky diving...no. Irresponsible to have 19 children...YUP!

Brittany - posted on 12/21/2010

I'm kind of a scardy cat when it comes to things that could cause pain... although I love rock climbing... weird.

I don't see a problem with it. It was a way to bond with one of her children what's wrong with that? I think that a good experiance is better of a gift than some object that will get stuffed in the back of a closet in a few months.

There is so much trainning that goes into things like sky diving. Not to mention you can tandem dive.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 12/21/2010

Thanks, Sherri! I did see the episode where Josh and Anna had a miscarriage and then right after that got pregnant again. I just don't think I can call the Duggar's irresponsible. They have ZERO debt, they buy used items and do a lot to minimize their carbon footprint. Having 19 kids is not for me, but I just don't feel like they're irresponsible for choosing that. Especially with the way they live.

Hannah - posted on 12/21/2010

No, it's not responsible of her to go skydiving. Everyone has got to have some fun, even if its something out of the ordinary like skydiving. And its not irresponsible of her to have 19 kids either. I really can't stand it when people say that! How are they irresponsible? Their kids have clothes, get an education, a roof over their head, food, family and love. I don't think that if they couldn't provide for these kids, that they would have anymore than what they could afford. An irresponsible parent would be someone who clearly can't afford to support their children but continues to have them anyways....

Amy - posted on 12/21/2010

If I had 19 kids, I may feel like I want to jump out of a plane too! But really, I wouldn't do something like that now because I don't want leave my two kids. But, if it's some family tradition thing that they all do and always do, who am I to judge? Obviously if they've done it enough they know how to do it safely.

Jess - posted on 12/21/2010

I think if after 19 kids you can still fit into the harness for a parachute and not be so heavy you just plummet to the ground to fast to pull the line than you deserve to go sky diving !!!

Laura - posted on 12/21/2010

There's nothing inherently irresponsible about going sky diving, no matter the number of kids. If you have 1 or 100 offspring the risks from skydiving are the same. I had thought about skydiving when I was younger, but it has lost it's appeal for excitement for me. If this woman wants to skydive, though, more power to her!

Charlie - posted on 12/21/2010

"I'm a totally neurotic person -- and I've only gotten more fearful after starting a family. "

This says it all , yes you are neurotic believe it or not other people enjoy living their life she is more likely to die in her car .

Jess - posted on 12/21/2010

I've seen a few episode's of 19 kids and counting and I have noticed they take their kids b'days very seriously. Its the 1 day in the year where it gets to be all about that 1 child. Regardless of my feelings about the size of their family, I don't see anything wrong with Michele going sky diving, the risks involved with having 19 children, driving a car, taking public transport are probably all higher then dying from sky diving.

Chatty - posted on 12/20/2010

I don't know who in their right mind, in this day and age, would want to have 19 children. God schmod.....she's a crackpot. Sorry, I don't really feel like "debating" my opinion tonight. I've had a bad day and it just is what it is. I'm normally very open-minded and if you ask me the same question tomorrow I would probably have a different, more diplomatic, politically correct comment, but for tonight, that's all I got!

:)

Sherri - posted on 12/20/2010

Dana why do you think Michelle is a crack pot out of curiosity?

Sherri - posted on 12/20/2010

Sara this is what Josh & Anna say.

In our vows to each other at the wedding ceremony, we committed to God that we would leave the timing and amount of children in His hands. Of course, both being from "large" families (Josh the oldest of 18 and Anna number 5 out of 8) we knew that the question would come up, "So how many children will you have?" Anna responds, "We would be happy with two or three if that is all God blesses us with, but we believe that children are a blessing from God and we look forward to receiving each gift that He gives us."

Chatty - posted on 12/20/2010

She's a crackpot, and not because she went skydiving!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 12/20/2010

Last I heard, Josh and Anna want to have 3 kids. But maybe they've changed their minds.

April - posted on 12/20/2010

You are referring to Anna Duggar? Don't you think one the the older siblings would take over? Anna has her own family to raise...she wants to have 100 kids too!

Minnie - posted on 12/20/2010

Meh, if she died her daugher-in-law would take over anyways.

Amber - posted on 12/20/2010

I don't really think it's irresponsible of her as long as the people were trained professionals with properly inspected equipment.

However, sky diving is something that Chad and I have wanted to do for years. We did choose to wait until our child is older.We just don't want to take an unnecessary risk and potentially not be here for our child while he's growing up.

Sherri - posted on 12/20/2010

She isn't very old she is only in her early 40's well probably considered mid 40's now she is 44. So as long as she can have more kids naturally I don't see a problem with it.

April - posted on 12/20/2010

i think it is irresponsible for her to keep having more kids at her age right now because she could potentially leave small children without a mother. Her next pregnancy could kill her...that's more likely to happen than a sky diving accident. (It's great that they can support all those kids financially. that's wonderful)

Corena - posted on 12/20/2010

No, I don't think it is.
I also don't think it is irresponsible for them to have so many kids. They are supporting them all and not expecting the government, ie. taxpayers to do it.

Anika - posted on 12/19/2010

No. Why is her life more important than say, mine? Just because she has 19 kids and I only have 1. I think sky diving is stupid, but that's because I'm a big wuss. If it's your cup of tea and you're checked and double checked that parachute, I say more power to you.

Jodi - posted on 12/19/2010

In that case, it was probably irresponsible of me to go up in a helicopter sightseeing, because more people have died in helicopter accidents that skydiving accidents in recent years.......

Christina - posted on 12/19/2010

Eh, I'm glad she still has the energy to have fun and do something adventurous! I would love to go sky diving, regardless that I have five children. I took my kids on roller coasters before they turned 2!

Jenny - posted on 12/19/2010

I don't view skydiving as a dangerous activity. She has a higher risk of death from being in a vehicle or having yet another child.

Sherri - posted on 12/19/2010

Oh and I don't think it is irresponsible that she has so many children either.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 12/19/2010

lol @ Laura. Definitely don't care that Michelle went sky diving. If we're going to get all bent out of shape about her doing something a little crazy once then we may as well lock her in her house and not let her go anywhere because anything could happen.

Isobel - posted on 12/19/2010

If I had that many kids...I would totally jump out of a plane.

Rosie - posted on 12/19/2010

no i don't think it's irresponsible. what i think is irresponsible is her having 19 kids, lol!

April - posted on 12/19/2010

@Sherri not everything is a debate...that's why it's called Parenting Debates AND Hot topics. :)

April - posted on 12/19/2010

No, I don't think it was irresponsible of her to go skydiving, but I DO think it would be irresponsible to add to her brood.

Sherri - posted on 12/19/2010

No I don't why shouldn't she? Not exactly understanding the debate here.