Hopefully they set up trust funds for all those kids and put away some $ to live on. I doubt either could get a real job anymore. I can't imagine how much medical/dental care for all those kids adds up to be. I like the suggestion posted earlier about if div. the parents swap out the house where the kids stay. I have actually seen that done, makes sense with so many kids.

I used to watch this show, the 6 kids are so darn cute, the twins, not so much, especially the one that is such a diva.It is the parent's actions that made me disgusted and stop tuning in. Kayjones comments about child support are really thought provoking. Considering Jon can't or won't hold a job I wonder how that is going to happen, because I'm sure Kate will keep, for the most part, custody of her Meal Tickets......Um, I mean her kids. Dottie

Surely the millions of dollars they have made in the last few years will support them so they wouldn't need child support. Of course, they might just have to cut down on some of their extravagance.

I know Jon and Kate and The Dugars have their fans,,,but I watched a few times out of curiosty and GOOD GRIEF!!! They make me tired just watching them!Who ,in their right mind,would drag a whole bus load of kids to Aldis to shop ,for crying out loud.And no hospital I have been in would allow 16 or 17 kids to crowd around while mommy gets an ultra sound.But of course,there is tv time and MONEY involved, so that is a pretty good motive for some people. I have already read all the posts in their defense,so go ahead and jump all over me,but I still think both familes should be ashamed to exploit their kids like that.Thats my opinion,and I'm stickin' to it...

Another one here who thinks the parents have used their children to line their own pockets and(especially the mother) stroke their egos. I've turned it on a couple of times, to see what the fuss is all about, it look soo staged...and never lasted more than a few minutes before I had to turn it off.

I just read that Kate has demanded $150,000 per episode. They were getting $75,000.
Who knows what's true and what's all PR. The ratings are way down so the hype about a life changing announcement will jump them way up, so maybe it's not such an earth shattering announcement afterall.
No matter what, there is trouble ahead for them. And the saddest part of all is the kids will suffer the most.
They have used their children to make them rich and that is very sad.
Greed sure does bad things doesn't it?

They're a couple of Losers. I don't care what happens. Somehow I think kate will land on her feet. Cats always do.

I couldn't even watch when they were on Oprah. The Kids are always crying are hitting.

Jannie, I think you are right that Kate will do well. She will no doubt capitalize on the divorce at the expense of her kids. I'm sure she's already started writing her next book about it. I'm surprised she hasn't started a kids clothing, toy or furniture line. Greed sure is an ugly thing.

"I think they really love their kids and want the best for them and will keep their lives (the kids) as normal as possible."

I think they're both waaay too self-absorbed, egotistical, selfish and lazy to do what's best for those kids.

I really hope the children have been taken care of financially already. I can imagine the expense of keeping that big house and the possibility that it could cut into funds for the children's upkeep.

As much as Jon loves the children I think he'd rather have his freedom, but continue to be a part of their lives.

Whatever is best, that's what I hope the announcement is about.

(These reality shows are starting to be a bit monotonous).

Flame me if you want, but I like Jon and Kate and I like the Duggars. I see the love for the kids from all of these parents. I have seen them all be great parents and I see how the kids love them. I don't want a divorce. I want happy endings. So what if they are a little selfish. Was Kate being selfish when she had 8 small children at home so she worked double shifts on weekends as a nurse to help provide for them. She worked weekends only so that Jon could be there with the kids when she wasn't. For four years they didn't have time to breath because every waking minute was devoted to raising all of these kids, from her and Jon both. Yes I think money and fame change people and I am sorry that in this case it was for the worse, but I still wish nothing but the best for them. I wish they could work it out and I wish they would get some counseling and maybe make everything alright, but I don't think they will. I think the fame was more than they expected and the wealth more than they could deal with.
I don't think anybody can fault them for the way they have spent their money. I would get manicures, pedicures, nannies, housekeepers. I would have it all if I had that kind of money. They have both stated that the future of each child is secure, so who cares how they spend the rest of it.
We could start a post about Mother Theresa on here and people would have mean things to say about her too.
Can't we just pull for these people and wish good for them.
As far as exploiting their kids, I really don't think it started out that way. I mean who in their right mind would have thought a show, on TLC, about people with a lot of kids living their day to day lives would become such a hit. No one saw this coming.

I don't have anything mean to say about Mother Theresa. (Sorry - couldn't resist)

I would have hated to have cameras on me while I raised my three kids. I would probably have been arrested by now.

I am one of those mom's that will forever believe that bad behavior deserves punishment, whether by hand, or by guilt.
I hope my kids will raise their children the same way.

If you lose respect and control, you lose everything.

Trin

I totally agree with everything Curlysue said. I hope they can work it out.

Matti-She does have a line of children's clothing with K-Mart.
Curly Sue-I totally agree with you. And I'm sorry but I think Kate has had to carry Jon for a long time.Maybe doing this show was the way she saw of providing a secure future for her kids "in case Jon didn't come through"? Yes,she IS controlling and sometimes overbearing but I think she has always been dealing with a "child" for a husband! I think the little "diva" twin is much like her daddy!LOL I don't think the show is totally to blame for their problems.I think the problems would have eventually popped up whether they were on TV or not.Just sad that everything is out for everyone to see and scrutinize.

I don't wish any of them bad luck. But there are millions of people out there who love their kids and have sacrficed and worked hard to give them a good life.They haven't put themselves in the limelight and exploited thier kids...they are the un-sung heroes in my book...

Kate is a huge diva and is cashing in while she can. It maybe was cute a few years ago(I didn't watch) but the twins aren't cute anymore and mosty misbehave. The five year olds are still cute but less so in every passing year. I think it's disgraceful for the intrusion into their lives. These kids will need counseling down the road. I think Kate will stay at the house with the kids and John may make appearances. Who the heck wants to see Kate and her weird haircut? Not me. As for the Druggers. Yuck and double yuck. Jim Bob or whatever his name is and the poor brainwashed mother who looks like a pioneer woman and their gazillion kids bore me to tears. Never watched more than 5 minutes of it.These shows have run their course. There is another sextuplet show about to start with two year olds.

I agree with Curly Sue, Mickey and Lilliepad. Jon is a deadbeat, but I hope they do work it out, or work out some kind of arrangement where they can all be happy.

Put my name under Curly Sue's post. Raising 8 kids that are near the same age has got to be tough and for quite a few, nerve racking. I doubt most of us could even truly imagine how hard that would be. I see being under the scrutiny of a camera a real negative, but I can also see how it would bring in quick cash, a chance to record the family in a way they will be able to see things they might miss in their crazy day. They get to do things they may not get to do if they lived off her nursing salary.
It's easy to say, Well look what happened. I don't think even Kate would have done the show if she knew divorce was the end. Personally, if I had eight kids and money left over from their care I would DESERVE a manicure or a great haircut. They have a nice home but it's no castle, good for them. I don't see that Kate is doing anymore than many at the KT do already. I think Kate (and Jon at the beginning) thought this was a good way to hold their own. I hope they can salvage their marriage but Kate is going to have to revamp the way she speaks to Jon and Jon will have to do his best at anticipating the needs of his family.

I think Kate talks to Jon like he is one of the children because he acts like one???
There's also another show with sextuplets,"12 at the table".One of the sextuplets in that show has CP.Totally different family situation,personalities,Etc.It is interesting.

I agree with Curlysue too. As far as the divorce goes, I will be sad to see it, but the truth is half of all marriages end in divorce anyhow.
The divorce rate in America for first marriage, vs second or third marriage
50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce, according to Jennifer Baker of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri." I don't think it has anything to do with Kate's bossiness. I don't fault her for being bossy either.. somebody HAS to take charge and somehow I don't think it's going to be Jon.

In the begining Jon did work, he is some kind of engineer, very good paying job, so its not like Kate was carrying him all along. I believe it was at her request he stay at home. I know one thing, if i talked to my husband like she does to him, i would have to pick myself up off the floor. She has for several years on the show yelled at him in stores, scolded him for not being right where she told him to be ect.... I know I couldnt live with her.

My two cents...
I think everyone's view of Jon & Kate is correct.First of all-Kate must have been as 'bossy' when Jon was going with her before marriage. He appears to like that..and is the weaker of the two.And if he didn't like the way she ran the show/marriage? Then why didn't he step up & demand more respect from her?
On the flip side..SHE stayed in bed every morning while HE got the kids up, ready for school & fed them, then Kate strolled down & packed their lunches.
She is a strong, independant woman-he knows that and I guess it's a good thing-seeing how he takes the back seat. She's looking down the road to make sure there's a future for her kids.
But...with her gone so much to enable this to happen-I'm sure that Jon has had a bellyfull of being 'Mr Mom'. No doubt that's why he's ready to be a biker & breeze off into the sunset.
Here's some food for thought: We're all assuming the big announcment is about a divorce, etc. WHAT IF...they announce they're going to reunite, see a marriage counselor & try to make it work and their sessions would be incorporated in the show.. The story lines down the road-might be to show troubled couples that they can work things out. I don't know...justa' thought.

Sharon- that's what my daughter suggested. She thinks that a divorce is too final and that it would really hurt the ratings which are already down. Jon and Kate signed for another season of shows and this would give them the opportunity to explore counseling. It seems too like the show is entering a phase where they've run out of topics. Last week is was the motorcycle crossover with the other TLC show. The week before that it was the episode with the TLC cake show. A month ago Steve Thomas showed up to discuss the impact of keeping a 'green' home.

Once the little kids are off in school full time filming would be more difficult anyway. I've watched the show in the past but not to see Jon and Kate bicker, those kids are adorable. I think it's getting close to the natural end of the show even if Jon and Kate stayed together. I could see annual specials being a possibility.

I think Jon's previous job was as an IT person, and he got fired. I didn't see the clip, but I read about a clip where his previous boss came out and admitted that.

I think Sharon is right, they will give it another go. They get their high ratings because people love to tune in and watch them fight.

It's not about the kids anymore. It's about them.

Wouldn't surprise me that all of this is scripted and staged like other reality shows.

Obviously I don't have much faith in reality shows, I think they're all fake.

How negative am I? LOL I prefer to be called a realist. :~)

Fox News is reporting that he's searching for an apartment. I think they're done.

Blessings,
Haley

I agree with Curly Sue and the others. I have watched Jon & Kate plus eight, The Duggers, The little people and the new show where the parents have 10 kids from the first show and I love them all. Don't agree with how Kate talks to Jon some, but if I had 8 little kids running around I would be upset at my hubby sometimes too! :o) Yes, I have all of Kate's books, the one the Duggers wrote and the one written by the little people too. As far as spanking the little girl, I got spanked as a kid and so did my girls and it sure didn't hurt us!

I agree with CurlySue and Toni. I watch the shows sometimes. I think they had good intentions with the show, but it spiraled out of control. Many celebs lose it after gaining fame and fortune, why would a "regular" person be any different? I think she just saw an opportunity to have an excellent paying "job" while staying home with her kids. She has also states that the rate of divorce among parents of multiples is higher then regular parents.

I feel like Jon is just sowing the wild oats he didn't get to do before. He has mentioned more then once, getting married early (age 22?) having twins, then septuplets. Basically you sacrifice your life to take care of the kids. I only have two kids and feel like my DH and I have to eek out time here and there to have any alone time. I can't imagine the work it takes to run that household. Plus, it doesn't help to have the world watch your wife nag you every week. He probably got sick of feeling emasculated.

High school friends of Kate's say she was exactly the same back then, so Jon knew what he was getting in a wife. She's a type A and with that many kids, you need to run a tight ship.

I'll be sad if they end up getting a divorce. I'd be nice if things were able to be worked out?? Who knows? Kate has said more then once, that she would be willing to put on a happy face to finish out the season, probably for the money. Once you get used to the money and gifts, it's hard to go back.

We shall see...

I have only watched a few mintues one tyime and thought it was a awful thing to do to the kids.....so hopefully the show will be done with and maybe the kids will live a normal life...Stac

I have watched and listen all day about them.Monday they said they will tell the world Kate is filing for a Divorce!!Again I have watched and listen to this all day since it was not much to watch.I hope I have not spoiled it for some who has not heard.Forgive me if I have.They said the the man in charge of the show is looking for Jon a apartment and they will be renting him one to live in.They hope to share the kids and hope it is a peaceful divorce.With Kate running her mouth,having to have it her way I will have to see it being a peaceful divorce.She will have to have the last word!!!!So it will drag on,on,on.My thought Jon needs to grew a Back bone and stand up to Kate,and that should been a long time ago and maybe it would not have ended this way.That child Mattie is just like Kate,you can tell she is Kate's child.I can not stand that child.Sorry being so out spoken but that child is so so mean.I know I am not the only one that can see this.She has been given her way so long.I know she has no friends.

"Wouldn't surprise me that all of this is scripted and staged like other reality shows.

Obviously I don't have much faith in reality shows, I think they're all fake.

How negative am I? LOL I prefer to be called a realist. :~)"

Bluejeans, I couldn't have said it better. I have very little faith in reality shows. I don't watch them. It surprises me how many people fall for them.

Sheryl

I don't think Jon is a wimp. I think he doesn't want to further embarrass himself on national tv, by telling Kate off. He probably figures why stoop to her level...she makes a big enough fool of herself. She thinks she is humorous. I don't think she is. She thinks it is funny and fun to be demeaning to those around her. She has done it to people working in her house (the blind installation episode comes to mind).

For her, it is all about the money. She could care less about what it does to her family. She thrives on the attention. Jon said in one episode that he was over the being famous thing. It has obviously gone too far for him. I can't blame him. Who would really want their family in the eye of the public every week on tv...not to mention the paparazzi (which Kate LOVES) being in their face constantly. I am sure he had to quit his job, so that he was "present" more on the shows. I certainly wouldn't want to be in that home with her 24/7. (Can you tell I don't care for her at all?) She said her hair is her "attitude". In my opinion, it is. Bad.

Think about it.. How would you support 8 kids today? I am happy to see them find a way that is not a burden on any taxpaper. Love them or not they are doing it.. If I had 8 kids and a another one for a husband I would earn a few perks, too. Jon went out and bought a very expensive sportscars. How many of the 8 kids do you think can ride in it?? Jon just doesn't seem to be very grownup and someone has to figure out how to earn a living for them. Believe me, Jon is living very well!!!!!!!!

Our daughter-in-law just had twins and they would come in everyday and ask her if she was in an abusive relationship. Finally she asked them why they were asking that. They told her that have twins or more were the highest divorce rates around and many were abusive.

I just read they have renewed the show for 40 more shows at $75,00 per show. I say more power to them. Earn as much as you can and support your family so no one else has to..

As far as the spanking goes. There is a huge difference between a spanking and a beating.. She was not beating the child. I was spanked ( not often) and we spanked ( not often) and it never killed any of us. I think people have made way tooooooo much out of it.. Can you imagine have 8 kids, six of the all the same age?? I sure can't.

Raising kids is the hardest job in the world. Sadly alot of people aren't doing a great job these days. So many just let them do as they please with out any guidance. Where do you think they will be in 15 or 20 years? I am saying not in a good place. Sadly, it is not the kids fault. There is an old saying that reads, IT IS NOT WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR CHILDREN BUT WHAT YOU HAVE TAUGHT THEM TO DO FOR THEMSELVES THAT WILL MAKE THE SUCCESFUL HUMAN BEINGS.. The word "TAUGHT" is the most important word
here.

Susie

My big question is where is Dr Phil in all this:) Usually he would have offered to counsel by now:)

I thought the show would end when the kids started school, then they would do some type of catch up show every year or so.

I like Jon he has a more relaxed kick back way than Kate, but he does take good care of his kids~~~she was just way too beyotchy for me. You can say all you want he knew what he was getting into when he married her~~~how can that be true who would have ever even dreamed they would have 8 kids and be on national TV!!

As I posted earlier, I haven't watched more than about 37 seconds of one episode, but I did see a snippet on another show (I think it was "Talk Soup"?) the other night. They showed a scene where Kate and the kids were going to be on some interview show and they were all backstage in the Green Room. One of the older girls sitting next to Kate said that she was really hot and thirsty, and asked if she could have some water. Kate then said that, yeah, it was kinda hot and she was thirsty, too. Kate then said to one of the production people, "Could someone please toss a bottle of water my way?" When she got the water, she opened the bottle, took a big long drink from it, then put the cap back on and tucked the bottle next to her on the (other) side away from her daughter. Her daughter asked if she could have some water, and Kate said no. The girl said, "You're so mean. I can't believe you drank that right in front of my face!"

Apparently, that's pretty typical for Kate, eh?

So Jon is tired of the fame thing? But he's been shopping in high end stores, he bought a sports car and he allegedly was looking at one bedroom apartments in Trump Towers. Yeah right. He acts like he had nothing to do with all of this yet he loves spending the $$ on himself.

This show was a blessing for them. Without the $$ Jon would never have strayed from the marriage. Now he has the money (from earnings that Kate masterminded) and he can afford to sow his wild oats. Good riddance if you ask me.

I know my comment may sound mean.But I am not saying this for as the kids sake.I think it would be good for a chance for the show to go off,and Jon have to get a real job to support his family and Kate have to buy cheaper things,in other words live a life where ever thing is not handed out to them.They need to see what it is to save and live like lots of us ,not ever thing handed down to them.I do not have words to say what I am trying to say but I think you get what I am trying to say.I think the kids would be better off too.They need to do lots better in teaching those kids.I am telling you and I have said this many times,but I see it,if they do not get a hold of that child Mattie,when she grows up she will have a hard life.Kate and Jon needs to wake up and while she is young try to help her.Its too late after Mattie is older,and than try to get her to do things.I feel she will really have a long hard life.I have said this too before,Kate makes me sick to my stomach how she thinks she is the best.She acts for as my point of view,she is the best thing next to choc cake.I do not watch this unless and I say unless they are giving a update on their family,what they plan on doing and so on.I feel she is all for the money and I wander too if this is all planned out for the ratings.What is the truth on this family?I feel like a nut getting all wrapped up in this show.

I with Curly Sue and Trinity. I know I've read/seen that Kate 'spanked' (IMO swatted) one of the girls. I know there's one that is kind of a snot (must take after mom). I don't think a swat on the butt will ruin any kid. It's letting them get by with crap, and not have any bad consequences come of it that ruin them. I hope they can work it out.
Leslie

You think Jon might have to sell his little sports car and motorcycle?

If anyone needs a swat on the rear it's Mady..........

Is Mady one of the twins? I've only watched it a couple times. I don't know their names. But I do think it was one of the twins.
Leslie

Yes she is the very bratty one:( A lot of drama with her even in public

the one that got spanked was Alxis?? I thought??

I was just saying that the very few times I watched the show Mady was the one misbehaving. They called it "meltdowns" I think and she wasn't swatted. (At least not on camera)

I am so tired of seeing them on magazine covers. If they're splitting up, announce it (since they seem to love the publicity) and move on...they need to raise their kids and make that a priority, not TV cameras.

They've finally announced the split. But they will keep doing the show. Anything to keep bringing in the money! So sad. Putting money before your family.

I sure hope they get some counseling in addition to the divorce. I would love to hear what a professional counselor or psychiatrist would say about their behavior. Perhaps the marriage would have failed even without the stress of 8 kids and a tv show. But watching the two of them was like a slow motion train wreck.

On one episode they showed video of them before they were married and Jon didn't seem to be that into her then. It was like she was forcing his affection. I think he just got tired of marriage, kids and wants to live a life of freedom. He said that he got married at 23 which tells me that he considers that to be young.

They kept repeating him saying that he wants to do what's best for his children and I'm just thinking that he meant that instead of being out of the spotlight altogether, he'll come back to be with the children and participate in the show.

Personally I think if he had grown some b@lls a long time ago and curbed Kate's abuse towards him, they would be in a better position today because he could have enjoyed his life more. She made him look like a spineless fool and because she already had the upper hand, he was useless to do anything.

I still wish them the best but I can see the next 40 shows slipping.