By now I'm sure everyone has heard of the mother who recently gave birth to octuplets. As you also probably know, she already had 6 children, two of whom had special needs (autism).
Saturday afternoon I watched a "Dateline" program interviewing this woman. I have to say, I think the general public is being a little hard on this woman. I have a hard time judging a person I've never met. That being said - I'm way too aware of the limits of my sanity to have eight children at once (much less 14 total).
This mother claims that the only help they've accepted from the government is approximately $400 a month in food stamps, and that that help is only temporary. She plans to support her children herself after she graduates from school and becomes a counselor. (Except who will watch the children while she works? Her parents? Can she afford childcare for that many kids?)
What are your feelings? Thoughts? Or is this topic really just lukewarm?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hot Topic: Octuplets
Posted by Beth Soelberg at 7:36 PM
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6 comments:
I guess I don't feel passionate either way about it. I give her credit to be willing to do it alone and love these kids, but it does seem sort of crazy too.
Obviously the best way for children to grow up is with two parents. I understand that she felt she was on a time line and that no one could have predicted she would have octuplets. But I also know from experience that one precious baby done the right way can be just as much as blessing as stuggling with more done without a husband. She certainly could have saved the embroys until she was married and then regardless of her condition had some implanted. I guess it was a gamble she didn't want to take. I think we need to look at these precious children. She loves them and despite some people's belief that she can't have enought love for all of them I am sure she does. As for special needs, look at that family who has 27 kids most of whom are special needs. It can be done.
Well, I used to feel the same way as all of you. I don't believe in being judgemental of anyone. I saw the interview as well and was concerned but believe her and in her abilities to love and nurture these children. Not so much now.
Unfortunately, from what I have heard and read about her, I believe she may have some instablity. She has had plastic surgery in order to make herself look like Angelina Jolie. (Which she does.) But more importantly is the interview of her own mother who is in tears and saying she doesn't understand her own daughter. She shares a home with her parents who are basically nannies to her children and are supporting all of them. I also just learned that they are about to lose the small home to foreclosure. (But that could be said about alot of families.) She said she wasn't accepting help but she is on Welfare. There's just alot that doesn't add up. Personally, I think that this has more to do with her than her love of children. I believe she does love them, but maybe she also loves attention.
I'm also, in agreement with Andrea about waiting to be married. Life requires patience and sacrifice.
I myself have the experience of others criticizing me for the number of children I have. It's hurtful and wrong and I still try and think of witty comebacks I could have made. I feel secure in the knowledge that I did it right. And that I can and will provide for them whatever it may take to do that.
Thanks for the comments, everybody!
Although I agree with Kara that this lady probably has some mental/emotional issues, I hope the best for these kids.
This has certainly been a hot topic. I fon't know what to think of her. She seems like a capable mother except for the fact that she's in la-la land about HOW she's going to take care of these kids, financially and otherwise. She believes God will provide. So she seems to be sitting back waiting fro the miracle with no intention of making a plan.
I wish companies would come forward with supplies at least for her babies, even if they have to publicly issue statements that they are not supporting her decision to create 14 babies in under 8 years, but that they want these poor babies to have what they need.
I don't know what to think of all the plastic surgery/Angelina Jolie situation. Sounds pretty out there. If she is that nuts, those kids need to find a new momma.
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