8 Positive Thoughts on the Gosselins

The National Enquirer recently published an article that does not paint the Gosselin family, of Jon & Kate Plus 8 fame, in a good light. It’s interesting that they would publish such a negative article that serves no real purpose. Maybe they think people will feel better knowing the Gosselins can’t do it all on their own. I haven’t seen the article but I did read various stories about the article on the web that I feel need to be commented on.

1. Jon and Kate’s parents may have chosen not to be involved in the show. There is plenty that happens in a day or week of the family’s lives that can make up an episode so it is conceivable that the extended family does see them regularly without actually appearing on the show.

2. I would think anyone appearing on the show does get compensated somehow. I’m sure Jon & Kate saw this as an informational and financial enterprise so why wouldn’t Aunt Jodie? I can’t see why Kate would have a control issue about Jodie getting paid as it doesn’t take away from what she’ll earn, plus it opens up some stroylines. If, as I read somewhere, Jodie is getting her own show, she’ll need a compelling storyline for it to work, but there are plenty of networks that could be interested so it would not be direct competition for the Gosselins.

3. Kate does talk over Jon. Her kids are not at the age where they can be quiet and patient and listen to what each person has to say, they all talk over one another. There is constant noise and chatter so that someone does have to talk over others to be heard. I think she just does it out of habit now. Jon is an adult who certainly can have a conversation with his wife about this issue if it is something that bothers him.

4. Kate does come across as bossy. She has a tight ship to run with kids who are not at the age where they know what to do and where to be all the time. She spends the entire day with them and runs the house so she knows what needs to be done when so that everything runs well. It’s probably not a new aspect of her personality for Jon.

5. The Gosselins are entrepreneurs so when they are asked to speak, they do it for money. Former presidents do this, Suze Orman does this, the Dog Whisperer does this. It’s not being greedy nor is it illegal.

6. Everyone can change their minds about where they want to live. They are looking at land in various places but I don’t recall that they said on their show why they are looking in certain places or that they have a preference for one place over the other. I don’t know why there are seemingly factual theories as to why they are or are not looking in Pennsylvania but maybe I missed that episode. They can explore all their options and comparison shop all they want, without letting us know the thought process, without discussing it with the viewers.

7. So the National Enquirer says that the family employs a maid, a cook, or other kind of helper. The show shows her cooking and shows her acknowledging the various people who do come and help. They aren’t taking credit for things they don’t do. They never say they don’t need help. If it’s the fact that they now have the money to have hired help that bothers people, remember that they are being paid to do the show (I would have to assume this), Jon works in IT and could have had several promotions we are not aware of, and they could have other money-making entities going on (think Jessica Simpson with her records, perfumes, clothes and now beer enterprises).

8. Try to keep an open mind and realize that the network, the show producers, and the Gosselins are ultimately trying to create an informative show that a lot of people will watch and that sponsors will attach their name to. They are human, are not perfect and never claimed to be doing anything in the one-and-only right way. It’s their way.