Jon & Kate plus 8

Updated on April 28, 2008
L.S. asks from Batavia, IL
44 answers

Just curious ... does anyone watch this show and love it as much as I do? I was doing some fun research online and found many people expressing their anger and shock at Kate for the way she treats Jon and was a bit surprised. I never noticed her being disrespectful or belittling toward him, especially compared to some of the stuff I say to my hubby! I chalk it up to the stress of spending all day every day with 3 little kids, so I can only imagine how she feels with 8! Also, does anyone know why neither Kate or Jon's parents are ever in the episodes? I heard her say once that their parents are not involved with their everyday life, which I found strange. Just curious!

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D.D.

answers from Chicago on

I absolutely love this show. It just goes to show that we can all do it if we are put in that situation. But better yet I would love to kow how they make their money stretch so far!

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K.S.

answers from Chicago on

Yes, I love that show, I have dvr set to tape it every Monday, just in case I'm not home. I have always thought the same thing, how come their parents aren't involved with helping them. And yes she can be a little disrepectful and belittling to Jon, and she hits him too. I don't care for the way she yells at him out in public.

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D.B.

answers from Decatur on

I love, love, love it too!!!! So much fun to watch. And it makes you feel like if they can do it with that many we can all do it too!
My sister-in-law calls me and my husband Jon & Kate, so I don't think I will comment on how she talks to him ;)
Happy watching!!

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

Oh my gosh!!! I thought I was the only obsessed one watching the show??!! I even watch the re-runs. My husband thinks I'm a little nuts..he wonders why I want to watch someone else's screaming kids if I spend all day with mine and my daycare kids?? HAHA!! I think it's because it nice to be able to relate to another family that goes through the same everyday stuff that I go through. They just seem so real to me. I know...obsessed..right? =)

I wondered the same thing about their parents...but they've never said why?

Thanks for sharing!!!

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B.C.

answers from Chicago on

I also feel that this is a post I can finally connect with! My husband and I love the show as well and we DVR it or find ourselves watching marathons late at night. I jokingly say to my husband that he loves Kate because she reminds him of me. By the way, Jon is very much like my husband. While we only have two children and they are 8 years apart, my youngest is deaf and has Down's Syndrome. It it stressful enough dealing with the everyday life of children and then we add 4 therapies, deaf mentoring, and ENT/audiology vistits to the mix and I sometimes get snippy like Kate. I admire Kate for how much she does keep it together and admire Jon for how much he helps around the house. Watching the show helps me acknowledge the "normalcy" of running my household. I actually am amazed at how organized she is with her household and parenting responsibilities.

I too remember her alluding to not getting along with her parents. And remember his mom coming to visit, but she was only in one episode. I believe the new shows air on Monday evening on TLC.

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R.

answers from Chicago on

My husband and I love this show!

You've honestly never seen how she belittles him? She does it a lot. But they've both admitted that that is their way of communication. They have an understanding apparently. She's not awful to him, but if you've watched the show long enough, you'd see how embarrassed the poor guy has got to be. Have you seen the one where they go Christmas shopping? Yikes!

On the other hand, I think they are a very real couple. That's why we like the show so much. I've talked to my husband this way before and he's been equally snippy back--the difference is that they get filmed and we don't!

I also think it's strange that their parents aren't really involved. There's no real information on this, but I'd love to know the real reasons behind it!

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S.

answers from Chicago on

I love the show. Kate seems to never lose her cool and Jon just rolls with it. I wish my husband was that helpful, understanding and willing to help raise the kids. I feel like a complete loser of a mom after watching it sometimes because I don't think that I would be up to the challenge of taking all the kid to amusement parks, large vacations and such and I would lose my cool really fast with that many children. But she is lucky to get some down time and help.

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G.N.

answers from Chicago on

I absolutly love Jon & Kate plus eight. I agree with you that she is with eight kids all day and she is for sure has to be stressed out a lot of the time. I always wondered where there parents were also and did hear her say they are not involved in their everyday life. I'm guessing the reasons why are personal and or the parents don't want it said on TV cause Jon and Kate are very open. I totally admire them cause I have a 4yr old son and 1yr old daughter. I can't even imagine taking care of eight everyday all day. It is nice that they do get breaks once and awhile because all parents need that especially them. They seem to be very lucky and have a lot of help from other people. It cracks me up that she is so anal, I don't think I would have time to be anal with all those kids. I guess she has to be to keep it all in order. I think that if they are okay with they way their relationship is and are happy and in love great for them because that is all you can ask for. My husband knows that my kids drive me up the wall some days and make me cranky so I'm sure Jon realizes that is a more common occurence in their household cause she has way more to deal with than I do. I give them credit and I think what they are doing is great.
A little about me:
I'm a stay at home mom of two and love it. My husband is the best man in the world and we couldn't ask for a better daddy!

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C.K.

answers from Chicago on

Hi L.! Yes, I'm a big fan of the show too! I think it's funny the way Jon and Kate get along! I crack up everytime I watch it! My 3-year-old daughter loves to watch it with me too. She loves watching the kids! I'm not sure about their parents but I heard the same thing you heard about them not being in their everyday lives. That would stink. I love having my mom around....I wouldn't know what to do without her!!! Have a nice day and Happy Watching!!!! :o)

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J.V.

answers from Chicago on

I agress I don't think Kate is to hard on Jon I mean she is home with 8 kids all day pretty much by herself. I am sure by the time he gets him she has had it. She does get snippy but no worse than me and my hubby. I love that show as well. As far as thier parents I have never seen them.

I see Kate's brother and sister in law with the 2 kids, the tow friends, and the neighbor lady that folds the laundry and watches the sleeping kids.

I dont think I have even seen thier parents in the birthday party episode?

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

She does snip at him a lot. He takes it well. They've mentioned that that's just how they deal with the stress. In fact in one of the two hour specials I think it was the second one before they started the show, anyway, the one where she gets her stomach fixed, she mentions that the whole week they were away from the kids for her recovery that they were really nice to each other and didn't snip at all, so it was affirming to her that they really do act that way because of the stress and that they do love each other and would be nice if it wasn't for the kids.
I love this show. I just had my fifth and my oldest is five, I have a set of twins in there and I look at them and think that I'm so glad I don't have sextuplets. And if they can do it, I can do it. It's on TLC and you can find reruns a lot of the time, but I don't know when the new stuff airs.
I have heard Jon talk about his Father had died, but I don't know about the other grandparents. Goodness, if one of my kids had sextuplets after twins, I'd be moving into the house next door to help!

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

I just started watching this show, so I don't know about their parents... My husband and I watched a little bit of the show together, and we both thought that Kate can be a little mean to Jon! But this is coming from two people who are head-over-heels in love with each other and we get along incredibly well. We're not exactly newlyweds either (married for almost 4 and together for almost 8 years), so it's not like we're nice to each other because it's "fresh". So yeah, it bothers me that Kate is kinda mean, but Jon doesn't really seem to care... it's a good thing he's so easy-going. That Christmas shopping episode was really bad, but funny... I try to give her the benefit of the doubt, that--first of all, she's under A LOT of stress (don't think I could handle 8 kids, to be honest). But also, they might have that relationship where they appear to bicker, but it's in good fun. My hubby and I are like that, and our friends probably think I'm mean to him sometimes... but he totally does not see it that way (and yes, we've talked about it because I wanted to be sure we BOTH were just being silly to make our friends laugh at the bickering).

I do really like the show though. I am amazed at how they keep it together, dealing with all that stress! I am also amazed that they make it a point to spend one-on-one time with each child. They're not afraid to split up the family for a few hours, and they're lucky they have the support of friends to be able to do fun stuff in smaller groups.

I think Jon and Kate really do love each other, and I'll continue to watch because I think it will be interesting to see how this family grows up...

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D.G.

answers from Chicago on

I love Jon and Kate plus 8 too! I think that Jon's father passed away-it was briefly mentioned when they took the kids to the dentist office, I think his father was a denitst at that office before he passed away, but I too have always been curious as to why his mother and Kate's parents are not involved. Kate's brother and sister-in-law live just down the street from them, so where are her parents at?

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N.O.

answers from Chicago on

I think the show is hysterical. I'm pretty sure I saw something on Oprah with them talking about the way they are portrayed on tv. Kate made a comment that they didn't allow editing (I'm sure there is some) b/c they want people to see the REAL way they deal with the stress or it would be pointless for them to have the show. Obviously what they do works for them. We actually quote her in our home b/c we have a 3 year old (and a now 1 year old)...they were talking about the "terrible twos" and she said, "Three is the new two!" and boy is she right.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! I think its very real and yes Kate may sometimes be short with Jon but aren't we all short with our husabands every once in awhile...YES! I did see Jon's parents in one episode. They came to the twins birthday party. they didn't show them much but did recognize that they were there. Seems like a strained relationship.

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P.H.

answers from Chicago on

I quit watching the show because of the way she belittles her husband. Maybe its for shock value for the show but if she really treats her husband that way I find it hard to find any compassion for her. P. H.

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S.K.

answers from Bloomington on

I am a new Grandma, but LOVE watching Jon & Kate Plus 8!!! I try not to miss an episode, & if I do, try to catch the re-run of it.
I have wondered from the beginning WHY neither Kate's nor Jon's parents are ever mentioned on the show. Are they not involved at all? I am just curious too why the grandparents are never mentioned or featured.
Being a Grandma is the Greatest Gift Ever!!! :):):)

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S.K.

answers from Rockford on

I love the show too, and I have noticed her snapping at JON, but that's what makes the show so real... and makes you like them both so much. He has snapped back a time or two! But then he keeps doing things just the way she tells him to! I can relate to her "control" thing... wish my husb were more like JON and would just do it my / the RIGHT way!! The kids are so cute on there. I found the parent thing and comment odd too, but don't know what it's about. They seem to be estranged. Too bad. Missing out on a whole load of grandkids!

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J.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi L.,
It is funny I watch the show occasionally. I find it is sad that people can sit in judge her. Her life is very stressful, but that isn't excusing her. She just needs to grow in her faith journey. She shared once that she couldn't be as good a mom without God's provisions. I think it is like the old saying. We only see 25% of their relationship. I find them to have quite the chemistry. I'm the mother of 6 children 13, 11, 8, 6, 4, & 3. I watch the show and think she has a lot on her plate, so I can relate, but my life with a hubby for almost 16 years is never a dull moment either. The other night my husband got idea to organize the garage, we are always looking for ways to get more organized. Sorry I haven't heard anything about her parents.
J.

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N.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi L., I love the show and fully beleive that stress is a factor on how Kate speaks to her husband. You can tell they click well together and with thier different personalities, its working.
Personality is something everyone has different. I have such a soft personality but I have a sister just like Kate that will speak her mind and be quick to say something and not realize it may hurt someone elses feelings. I sometimes get embarrased to go somewhere with her, but I take her with a grain of salt because of her other quailities and because I love my sister.
If Kate and Jon`s relationship survives (cause that is all we can hope for in these days of quicky divorcese) then who are we to judge.
God bless them for doing what they can, as a couple and as a family.

N.

Mom of three great kids, Ryan 12, Troy 8 and Audrey 3. Wife to a really awesome husband for the last 18 years.

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M.

answers from Chicago on

I love this show, watched a marathon last night. Their relationship is normal, I dont get offended by the way she treats John, it is real, that is real life! I love it though, I think they do such a great job for having 8 kids!!!!

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K.B.

answers from Chicago on

I am also obsessed with the show....I have a 19month and 5month old (boys) who I also stay home with. I think if she doesnt act the way she does her house would be in shambles everyday. I am the one who stays home with the kids so unfortuanately it has to be my way=) I probably treat my hubby the same way when he comes home from work, poor guy! I dont know why the parents arent involved, maybe they work. My parents are the same way and work full time so arent involved really in everyday activities=( I dont think thier parents were at the bday party they had recently, maybe they live out of state??

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C.R.

answers from Champaign on

I do like the series, do not get me wrong, but I do have to agree that she does grief Jon to much. Yes, she is home with 8 children but that is no reason to talk to your spouce the way she talks to him that way. He did it to her once and she told him not to talk to her that way agian.

C. R

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I love this show too! My husband and I DVR it everyweek. Kate has mentioned that she does not have a good relationship with her parents, although her brother and sister in law are ont he show all the time. Jon's dad passed away and the mom was only mentioned once.

Sometimes we think she is a little "harsh" with Jon, but come on...she has 8 kids! I love her organization with the toys and the laundry and I also love that all the kids always looked well dressed and groomed.

A friend of mine told me that if you e-mail them, they try and respond to almost everyone.

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

I think how Kate treats Jon is between them. If he's ok with it, its no one else's business.
I also saw the show where they said their parents were not involved with them. I cant imagine why but wish they would expand on that. That is really shocking that the grandparents wouldnt want to be involved with those kids.

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

Ahh, finally a post that I feel like I can respond to! I, too, love the show. :-)

I was wondering the same thing about their families. I do see that she treats him with a snippy attitude (did you see the christmas shopping episode?), but when they talk at the end or the "clips" shows, they talk about it and it appears that they love each other. I can only imagine how insane I would be with that may kids!

Thanks for posting this! :-)
B.

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L.W.

answers from Chicago on

I have wondered myself about where her parents are, but I have seen Jon's Grandma on one episode. I remember on the episode when everyone goes to the dentist he made a comment saying that he needed to go to the dentist as well as the kids because he hasn't gone since his mom died.

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S.F.

answers from Chicago on

LOVE IT! Thank God it's not me!

However, Kate needs some anti anxeity meds!

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G.W.

answers from Rockford on

I watch that show religiously, I love it. And they way they interact is not any different than I have seen other people. I started watching to see how someone is with so many babies.

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T.D.

answers from Chicago on

I love this show too!!!! I can sit an watch episode after episode and not be bored!!! I have noticed that Kate is a bit harsh with Jon, but aren't we all!!! I think that this is just part of being a wife and mother. We are stressed and when we want or need something it has to be NOW! Jon is a great dad and he is hanging in there really well. Sometimes my husband and I will watch an episode together and he just shakes his head. We are parents of three: girl 10, boy 6 and girl 4. This show really puts our hectic lives into perspective!!! I am not sure about Kate & Jon's parents. I thought I saw her mom in a couple of the older episodes. Oh well, I love the show and I hope it continues to air!! I would love to continue to see the progression of the kids!!!

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

i love that show as well..but kate does treat him like a kid ..he does work too and he helps out alot but shes always on him about something. they r good parents thou.

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

My husband and I watch the show religiously. I have to agree with everyone else. Kate constantly belittles Jon and Jon is pretty much a doormat most of the time. I actually think it is funny that she is so adamant about feeding her kids organic foods, etc. But she also feeds her kids poptarts!

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S.M.

answers from Chicago on

Jon's father passed away.

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A.W.

answers from Springfield on

I too watch the show. I love watching how other families live their lives. (I also like Little People Big World.)

I can't believe you never noticed Kate being disrespectful to Jon. It makes me cringe when she barks orders at him like he's one of the kids. I'm reminded of the episode when they were going to that 4th of July parade. Jon had picked out coats for all the kids and Kate threw a HUGE fit about it and made Jon go back inside (and of course she had to go too) to get different coats. In another episode, when Jon was dressing the kids to go outside and play, Kate barked at him for not putting "play clothes" on the kids. If I had that many kids, I'd be grateful for the help...not yelling at the one helping me. I'm sure all the outings are the network wanting to make the show "interesting" rather than staying in their house all the time... so I'm sure they add stress to an already stressful situation. I wouldn't be so appalled at Kate's behavior if she would ASK Jon to do something rather than ORDERING him around.

I don't know anything about the parents. But I agree with the one who said if my son or daughter had sextuplets after twins, I'd be moving to the house next door to help.

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C.G.

answers from Chicago on

i LOVE it! i agree with you. i think kate is a great mom and stress has a lot to do with the way she communicates. if i we all had cameras following us around all the tme i bet we'd be surprised how we sound at times with a lot less than she has to deal with. she is a incredible, all of the things she manages to do with those kids is amazing. watching it makes me a better mom, when i am stressed or annoyed i think i only have two this is a cake walk.

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

I love this program. Every time I watch it I feel I can take on the world. I only have one son, I can't imagine 8 kids!!
Sometimes I think she is a little harsh on Jon, but as they say they bicker at each other because of the stress, but they love each other.
As for the parents, I have only heard Jon talk about his dad who died some years ago, he also has had his grandmother on the show once.
Happy watching!

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

I'm also a SAHM of 3....4/ 2 and 15 months and YES I love the show!! It is my therapy!!! It makes me realize that things are really not that bad when you're having a "bad" day. I, too steal alot of ideas from them!! I know she does not get along with her parents (although I don't know why) - and Jon's parents live far (i think).

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L.

answers from Chicago on

Love it! Love it! Love it! It makes me feel a little guilty being mom to one but I love watching the show. My daughter does too when she sees it also. She likes seeing all of the kids. The older ones are closer to her age and the little ones are so funny to watch sometimes. I don't know why anyone thinks they have the right to judge someone else's marriage. It's really none of their business. If the people in the relationship don't have a problem with it, stay out of it.

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K.R.

answers from Chicago on

I LOVE THAT SHOW!!!! I think as far as how she treats Jon I don't think that she does it intentinonaly... I just think (and I know she has said it) she is very controling and everything has its order and routine. She has eight kids come on (six being under five)! I think people need to give her break and know that if they were in that situation they couldn't handle it as best as she can. I give her credit and thank God every day that I didn't get six because I would probably pull my hair out. And i think any mother SHOULD understand!

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

I don't have a TV but I'm curious about this. Is this on cable or regular channels? It sounds kind of interesting. Sometimes I'll go to my folks and have a 1/2 hr. to watch something so I'm curious where its shown. (Channel? Time?)

PS - I'm from a family of 10
It's more fun with a larger family. Not bad at all. I wish my husband were fine with that many...

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A.

answers from Chicago on

We love it too! Yes she snips but he gets his digs in when it is just the two of them:) He obviously realizes how stressful it is to have so many little ones and better she snaps at him then the kids. The one show his grandma was on. The show with the dentist they say his Dad passed away and that used to be his practice that is why they go there. I've never heard his Mom mentioned other then she is white and nothing about her parents

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S.O.

answers from Champaign on

Have you gotten enough responses?

In the sextuplets birthday party show Jon said "my dad was" when explaining his nationality. Someone else already stated that he had passed away.

I can only assume that parents don't live nearby. I grew up with grandparents far away and my children have the same issue now. Our parents can't be involved, but we send pictures and talk on the phone and visit. We have friends who are like extra parents to my kids and others who are the "grandparents", if you don't have family nearby, you often create it.

As for how she speaks to him, the reason I love the show so much is that she sounds like me. He will mention that it bothered him and she will apologize in interview, they say it's the only time in the day when they get to talk to each other.

Glad to see everyone else enjoys it.

FYI for those who asked: this show is on Mondays and Wednesdays on TLC

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D.D.

answers from Chicago on

Hi All,

What channel is this program on? I would like to watch it. Please advise.

Thanks,

D. :)

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M.V.

answers from Chicago on

I love the show too! As far as the way Kate treats Jon- She says they don't always bring out the best in each other, but they love it other.....Isn't that the way most couples are? Sometimes in the heat of a stressful situation my husband and I have snapped off at each other, but 15 minutes later we are fine.

I wonder if the grandparents had a problem with being on tv? Maybe that's why you never see them-

I had to laugh at one of the latest episodes where the little boy with the glasses says "sheep......I can't see sheep...". Too cute.

:) MV

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