RANT: In Defense of Kate

There has been a lot of talk and criticism lately surrounding the series Jon and Kate Plus 8, which I've been following for the last couple of years. Given the very negative posts I have seen from many people, and worst comments, I wanted to fire back in defense of a family that none of us really truly know, especially Kate. So here are my "talking points" to a multi-pronged attack on a family that doesn't need our anger directed at them.

1. Remember that this is a reality TV show, and things are cut to be shown in a certain light. We will never know what the full conversations of Jon and Kate are, or the total story of a situation the Gosselins find themselves in. Because of that, we should remember that while Jon might seem disconnected, or Kate might seem like she's nagging Jon (and really, ladies- which one of us don't nag at our boyfriends/girlfriends/whatever? We all do it, at least a little), we won't ever know the total story- and shouldn't cast such cruel judgment.
2. Stop assuming the Gosselins are selling out their kids. Are all the parents who enter their children into sports, hoping for the next Tiger Woods; or parents who put their kids in as child actors; or in commercials or beauty contests selling out their own kids? While the Gosselins might have more attention, remember that money was very tight and they started to do this show to provide their kids with opportunities to have things happen that otherwise, Mom and Dad would not be able to afford. And why shouldn't Kate receive gifts every so often? She is always gracious, and Hell, she has eight kids. Back off the woman for needing coffee and seeming stressed. Anyways, there is nothing wrong with frugality or accepting gifts, as long as they are accepted with grace. And tell me who wouldn't take many of the gifts offered, especially if you couldn't afford these things for your kids otherwise? I don't have kids, but I know I would do anything to make sure they had the best life I could possibly give them if I did.
   
3. People NEED to stop saying Kate Gosselin is a bad mother. This is very personal to me. How dare many of these people, who I am assuming came from happy, balanced homes who never experienced a bad parent EVER make that judgement? I don't see PhDs by your name. Anyone who knows me well knows that my childhood was not a very stable or happy one, and my relationship with my mother still suffers thanks to it (and that is as deep as I'll go, thanks). Every day, I see paparazzi pictures of Kate playing with her kids- swinging them around, hugging them, being outside with them. I never got that. In fact, I would have done anything for a mom like Kate as a kid- a mom that would have taken me with her to do things, a mom that was involved. So people need to stop making these assumptions when I hope and pray that they don't know what it's really like to have a parent that doesn't care to be involved, nor do they want to be.
4. Parents should decide to discipline their own children as they see fit. I don't walk up to strangers when their kid is kicking and screaming in the grocery aisle and tell them that if it was my kid, they would be in the car faster than they could blink and I would NEVER allow a child to behave that way. I simply move along and mind my own business. Jon and Kate deserve the same.
   
5. No matter the decision they make, I'm going to support them. I think the rest of the viewers should remember that this is a real family. If Jon and Kate do announce the Big D- and I am hoping they are not- we should all be heartbroken that a couple has found that being their only option and that the children will be impacted deeply. Sometimes, that is the only option, and the worst thing two parents can do is "stay together for the kids"- trust me. Hopefully, the family is working on reconciliation, as I believe they are, and the show migt be put on hiatus- or cancelled. Either way, I think we should all respect them and their decision.
   

All in all, I think the personal attacks on the family- that are increidbly vicious by many- should be stopped. No one out there has a perfect life, and perhaps, all of us Christians should remember what the Lord said about casting judgement (hmmm?). We should also remember that no matter what, there's a strong chance that your hatred and comments that the children, especially Maddy and Cara, are hearing about your comments. Heck, kids are vicious- think about how many schoolkids might use this to make fun of the Gosselin 8. In short, stop the hate, people- and stop talking about stuff you don't know about. We don't know Jon and Kate. We don't know what's happening. And we have no right to harass the family as we have. Let's all work on bringing more beauty and positivity to the world- and make the world a better place.