The Duggars and #19!

[shelleyd2008]

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we only get tax credits for the first 3 kids. are there other credits available?

If you claim taxes as married, filing seperately, both you and your husband can claim 2 children on earned income credit, if you qualify for that.

 

[LarryPQ]

Yeah but it disqualifies us for other items and penalizes us other ways... And because I am a professional, I do make more than allowable for the EIC. What is kicking my boody is that I support my FIL's family, my MIL, various nephews and nieces, the neighbor kid, those dogs in the alley, 5 homeless bonobo monkeys.....I jest.

Anyways, I was just saying that 18 kids, 15 under 18 yrs = a deduction of at least $55K. ZOINKS.

 

[shelleyd2008]

I am kind of on the fence on this one. I understand it being their religious beliefs, and I do agree that the children and parents seem to be very happy. I see no problem with teaching the children discipline, and if that means helping with the younger children, then so be it. I only hope that the children find life-mates that have the same beliefs as they do, or they will be in for a rude awakening. Life just isn't like that anymore.
They apparently don't believe in birth control, which I see no problem with. There are many people that don't use it. I understand it is against their religion, and I believe that God doesn't give you more than you can handle.

But, on the other hand I'm thinking, they could at least try to not get pregnant, I know it's not an exact thing, but it might decrease their odds if they abstained once in a while! I cannot imagine having enough energy to create another child, with already having so many!

 

[froggie71]

I find it amazing how they can take a trip, and as far as I've seen, always in an RV. Of course most of them get sick on airplanes, so that may have something to do with it. I think it's great how they all helped to build their house. Though TLC did help decorate it, they didn't buy it for them. Also I just saw an episode where they needed a new bunkbed set for the boys as it was old, worn out and broken. Instead of buying new, which they surely could have, they went to a thrift store. Totally amazes me. They also had an episode where they and another family went to help build an addition for another very large family that didn't have any room left in their house. This family totally facinates me, though I know I could never even think of that many kids. 3 is totally enough for me.

 

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

While I try not to judge the reproductive choices of others, I think these people are totally environmentally irresponsible.

Here I am doing all I can to reduce the size of our family's carbon footprint and these people are increasing theirs exponentially.

I think contributing so grossly to the over-population of the earth is nothing to be proud of.

There are SO many kids out there desperately needing a family to call their own.

I don't believe god has anything to do with these people increasing the size of their family this way, I think it has a lot more to do with $$. I just can't imagine a god preferring a couple to make yet another new baby when there are so many ready made that need a family.

A "reality" show I might actually be interested in?

A large family that is all adopted or a large foster family. That would be worth some air time.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Not trying to start a debate, but if you don't think God wants them to have so many children, than who created those babies?

Since they obviously don't believe in birth control, what would you suggest they do otherwise?

I'm really not wanting to start a fight, I believe there is a reason for everything, and a purpose for everyone. Though I don't agree with them having so many children, I can't condemn them for their beliefs. I sure wouldn't have that many children, but that's just me

 

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

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How about a 2 for 1 - adopt 2 children for every 1 they produce themselves.

 

[saddina]

I'm going to gently suggest that biology has more to do with it. As for how to not have a baby, don't do the things that make them.

Crusty, here I can't allow my foster kids to be on TV, my sons are on a few times a year, but foster kids aren't allowed, there's a whole list of things that even as guardian I can't sign for.

 

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

Quote:
Good point. In that case, I would be happy with the adoption scenario, then.

Maybe a reality show on adoption just might help inspire more people to adopt thus reducing the number of kids without families to call their own.

 

[tailsnfeathers]

I agree that fostering or adoption would be a responsible choice.