Sunday, July 25, 2010

To Bonnie Fuller: Trips and money are not what makes a good childhood

No, what makes a good childhood is parents who are always there for you, doing the simple things together with the family (whether it's skipping rocks at the lake, or picking strawberries, or cooking supper together), consistency, and most of all the opportunity to grow and learn and discover the adult you are slowly becoming in privacy.

Bonnie Fuller, editor of HollywoodLife.com and a long-time writer for several similar publications, has written an interesting article claiming that she wishes she were a Gosselin kid. Actually, we think this whole thing could be tongue in cheek. But we're going to deconstruct it anyway, because it's just that outrageous we can't let this one go! (It's so hard to believe she's a Canadian, they're usually not this self-absorbed.)

Bonnie says: "There are far worse mothers in America, I can assure you than the infamous mom of eight. If you want to get all worked up about negligent mothers then I can direct you to the pages of The New York Post."

We say: The fact that there are many other mothers much worse out there does not make the child exploiting Kate does to her kids right. There are many different kinds of bad parents, and Kate is just one kind. This is like saying because there is a giant oil spill off the Gulf of Mexico, when there is a much smaller spill in a local lake we should just turn our back on it and shouldn't worry about it because far more important spills are going on elsewhere. Obviously, that's ridiculous.

Bonnie says: "And when it comes to celebrity mothers, I’m fine with you finger pointing at Dina Lohan, who should take big blame for her hot mess of a daughter Lindsay."

We say: Why is it okay with you to point fingers at Dina Lohan but not at other stage moms of children? There are a lot of other worse mothers than her out there, too, so what's the difference? What has Dina done that is better or worse than anybody else? Actually, after the huge success of Parent Trap in 1998 when Lindsay was 12, Dina got worried it would go to her head and pulled her out of the movie business and sent her back to her regular school until 2003 (she did a few bit TV parts before 2003, but that was it) when she broke back into it with another big hit, Freaky Friday. By that time Lindsay was 17, almost an adult. Lindsay is now 24 years old, and there comes a point where she needs to start taking responsibility for her own decisions and stop getting a pass because she may or may not have had a stage mom. No matter what Dina may or may not have done, her child is an adult now, has been for seven years, and Lindsay cannot be exploited anymore without her consent. The Gosselin children, in contrast, have no say right now, and won't for at least another ten years. Scary.

Bonnie says: "I want to be one of her brood. I want to go camping with Kate and Sarah Palin in Alaska. How fun would that be? Alaska is gorgeous, you can bet the Gosselins are going to get the best camp site, the best tents and the best cookout in the state."

We say: Bonnie, you are 53 years old. Your are imposing what you as an adult, as a 53-year-old educated, engaged with her world, well-traveled woman, would like to do, on the mind of a six-year-old. These children are not adults and therefore do not have the same needs, wants and desires as an adult might. An adult might think camping with Sarah Palin would be really cool. I do, sort of. It would certainly be interesting to meet her no matter how I feel about her. But these kids are just that, kids. Kids who don't care who Sarah Palin is or are impressed with that. Kids who have already been on a dozen trips just like this and have already met dozens of celebrities just like her. They are probably over it. Once you've been around celebs enough you realize they're just people--just as mean and nasty or nice, or stupid or smart, as anybody else you meet. I promise you they'll have far greater memories of camping out in the back yard a few years back with Mom and Dad than they will with some orchestrated camp-out with a washed up media whore ex-VP candidate.

Kids also don't care about the "best" of anything, be it tents or cookouts. At least not the best you are thinking. The real "best" to a kid is when Mommy helped you make the supper and Daddy helped you set up the tent. That is the best to the kid. No kid is looking at the label saying "oh, my goodness, it's a Ralph Lauren tent! This trip has now become the best!" Get a grip. You know we adults in all our materialism and how self-centered we can be could learn a lot from kids when it comes to having the "best" of things.

Bonnie says: "And who wouldn’t want to play with Willow, Piper and baby Trig?"

I'm sure they're lovely children. But they're just children. No more special than anyone else's kids. They are in fact strangers to the Gosselin kids who live an eight hour plane ride away, so why would they want to play with some stranger's kids they will likely never see again? The Gosselin kids I hope have their own friends at home I'm sure they would like to enjoy their summer with. I'm sure they have school friends they would like to invite over to swim in their nice pool if only they were home for the summer, before it's back to the regular program in the fall and life becomes too busy for a bunch of playdates. I'm sure they are missing out on many things going on at home with their real friends while they are on all these trips.

Bonnie says: "Furthermore, I’d have the cutest outfits to wear at all times, my own personal bodyguard/piggyback provider, TV production assistants willing to fetch me anything I needed."
We say: Again, you are imposing your adult desires on little children. An adult woman might want great clothes and a personal bodyguard and someone to do their bidding all the time. Sounds good to me. But kids just want to put some clothes on they can go play and get dirty in, they don't care if it's the cutest. It is creepy to want your bodyguard to give you piggy-back rides when he's supposed to be "guarding" you. It is also creepy that you even have to have a bodyguard because your mother made you so famous you could be in danger. And when you fetch children anything their little hearts desire without teaching them how to take care of themselves first, they grow up into very helpless, spoiled adults dependent on everyone. It is not helping children to treat them like little princes, in fact it is setting them up for an adulthood of entitlement and disappointment.

Bonnie says: "Who wants to grow up and THEN be starting with a bank account of zero? Kate’s kids will get a step up in life — with money they’ve already made, when they turn 21."

We say: Actually, only 15% of their money is protected from Kate's greedy hands, and even of that she may still dip in for educational expenses. Kate just said in a recent interview that even despite five years of filming, she has not set her kids up for life. How many more years of lost privacy will she require before she is financially responsible? So there's a good chance they won't have any money at all. And their money is theirs at 18, not 21. Are you saying Kate is going to try to hang onto it until 21?

Even assuming they did start off adulthood with a bunch of money, young people given a huge chunk of money who are not emotionally mature enough to handle it could blow it all in the first few years and are left struggling the rest of their lives always thinking back to that brief time period when life was set. This is depressing and leaves you with little else to look forward to--you are left endlessly searching for that same "high" you had when you had riches instead of looking for happiness in other places besides a print of Ben Franklin. And while everyone would like to be financially secure at all times, the times where you really had to work and struggle to get through it, while rough, teach you to appreciate it when you do have money and teaches you the value of each dollar, what's required in order to truly earn each dollar. It is satisfying for most people to go out and work hard and provide for their families, instead of just dipping into some huge trust fund you had nothing to do with. (Of course in this case the Gosselin children have worked so hard they deserve every last dime, except their money isn't even theirs.)

Giving a child a huge chunk of money when they are 18 does not guarantee a darn thing for them. You have to teach them how to handle it too, and I don't have a lot of confidence that Kate the manicure and tanning queen is doing that.

Bonnie says: "If I were one of Kate’s kids I’d say thanks mom, for giving me an ultra exciting childhood, adventures and experiences I never would have had as the daughter of the average nurse, and for setting me up with some financial freedom, so that I could pursue the career or passions I wanted, instead of having to scramble for dollars when I was a young adult!"

You can pursue the career or passions you want regardless of how much or how little money you have. It is sad that you think that passions and careers are bought, not worked hard for. A passion is not stopped by lack of a trust fund. Few adults start out with any money, and yet somehow many adults manage to make their way. If you are serious about it enough, you will make it happen, no matter what it takes. And often it's the journey there, the "scramble" as you claim it will be, that builds character and teaches priceless life lessons. Many a once struggling actor has said they look back fondly on the "rice and beans" days when they really discovered how much they truly wanted to do what they loved. If you can't make it work without money, then that career probably really wasn't for you in the first place. It wasn't really a passion.

Sadly, the daughter of the "average nurse" probably has it a lot better than these kids. She still has her privacy, still sees her mommy every day, still has her extended family and all her friends, and doesn't have to worry about going into a grocery store and seeing Mommy on the cover with speculation of an affair with the bodyguard splashed across the headline. Are you saying unless you have what the Gosselins have, your childhood will be bad? Many children thank their parents for a wonderful childhood even though that childhood did not include trips to Florida, Alaska, or New York. I did. A childhood can be full of adventures and experiences without all the celebrity hoopla baggage. A "trip" is not the only experience there is to offer in childhood. There are many more important ones that don't cost a dime.

What makes a good childhood is parents who are always there for you, doing things together with the family (whether it's skipping rocks at the lake, or picking strawberries together, or cooking supper together, you fill in the blank), consistency, and most of all the opportunity to grow and learn and discover the adult you are becoming, in privacy.

http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2010/07/23/bonnie-says-i-want-to-be-one-of-the-kate-gosselins-kids/

52 sediments (sic) from readers:

Lolly said...

Wow, well done! Very powerful and thought-provoking. And so very, very true.

I hope Bonnie will read this (and others) and really think about this.

What's next? said...

Bravo, Admin! Very well said. You are absolutely right.

NancyB said...

So glad that you said it all in this post. Bonnie Fuller's articles about Kate always seem so shallow to me.

Who is watching the chickens said...

Strange thought processes for a 53 year old, "educated, well traveled" woman. I'd have guessed the writer to be in her early twenties. But perhaps she gears her writing to the audience.

mama mia said...

If the writer is 53 chances are this article is a byproduct of menopause - they say women suffer brain fog, hot flashes, anxiety, heart palpitations.. could it be poor ole Bonnie lost her mind when she was writing this drivel?

KateJonandTLCSuck said...

Standing ovation!! I do hope that you emailed it to her?

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Or maybe since she's 53 it's been so long since she's been a kid and she's been a self-absorbed adult for so long, she can't remember what it was like to be a kid and how kids really think and feel and what they really need.

I remember at maybe about 8 years old looking forward with the greatest anticipation ever to going over to my grandparents for a few weeks in the summer and my other cousins from Texas coming up too and going down to the creek with them to wade and swim for frogs. It was SO fun, it's all I wanted to do.

Since everybody else was having a blast I gather that's how most kids feel.

Lauren said...

Snap! Admin brought it!

When I read Bonnie's piece yesterday I was so disgusted.

I think Hollywood Life is just another mouthpiece for Kate and her team just like Radaronline has become.

I will say that I'm not into calling Governor Palin a media whore. That's a little over the top for me. I know she's polarizing but I don't think she deserved to be called that.

wryview said...

Sadly, the 6 probably won't remember much from all the years of filming. We don't do a lot of exciting things, but we took the kids to DisneyWorld when one was 10 and one was 5. The one who was 5 is now 15 and doesn't remember a thing about it.

Anonymous said...

When our daughter was young we took her to Disneyland and a few years later to Disneyworld. The lineups at both locations were fierce but the anticipation and excitement as the lines progressed seemed to be just as much fun as the actual attractions.

When she was 25, she and a girlfriend visited Florida and, since her friend hadn't been to Disneyworld before, they spent a day there.

When she came home she said "You and Daddy sure love me to have put up with those long line-ups, if I ever have kids there's no way I'd put myself through that".

I told her that our pleasure came from seeing her enjoy herself and that when she has children she will know what I mean.

Julianna said...

This age thing is a bit curious. I would have expected this nonsense from a young twenty-something, not someone in her fifth decade of life. Perhaps she's trying to relive a childhood she never had.

emschick1128 said...

Very well said!! I couldn't believe it when I read that article it was like it was written by a teenager meeting the Backstreet Boys. I can't believe she is actually serious. I love the line also about how much her kids will be thanking her one day. You can bet your ass they will be and it's gonna not so pretty for Kate. Those kids probably won't have a pot to piss in when they get older.

Moose Mania said...

"Furthermore, I’d have the cutest outfits to wear at all times, my own personal bodyguard/piggyback provider, TV production assistants willing to fetch me anything I needed."

*************

Shouldn't the piggyback provider be their own dad, grandfather, uncle, or even their mother? Are you sure that Bonnie isn't writing this as a sarcastic commentary on the lives of the Gosselins? Can any adult in her right mind concoct something this far out and disengenuous?

browneyedgirl said...

Shallow and vapid. Bonnie, that is, not the astute analysis.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Could be tongue in cheek but she's written other pro-Gosselin pieces in the past.

Even if she meant it to be tongue in cheek this is for the sheeple who think what she has to say is valid anyway.

Troy Chula Vista said...

Admin - I see you didnt touch Bonnies stupid comments about hugging Jon. That would have really sealed the deal on her immature age/writing style. Check the video linked with the story, at least the woman to the right is trying to counter Bonnies babble..

What's next? said...

I remember loving summer and other school breaks because of the freedom of not having to be anywhere at a set time, playing with my friends, visiting my grandparents, vacationing with my family. Some years it was only a weekend trip to a nearby site - very ocassionally a week long trip by car with packed ice chests of food that we would eat at a roadside park. I do not feel the least bit envious of the Gosselin children. As for my age I'm 54 and I agree this sounds like something from a very young person - high school age even - especially the "cutest outfits to wear" part. Parts of it sound like something written for a teen magazine.

Anonymous said...

Wow- absolutely spot on!! I am a regular lurker on this website, simply because I have nothing to add that has not been already stated. I have to tell you, as I read Bonnie Fuller's strange article my "creep-meter" went into over drive. She's so giddy with her "adult" love for Kate & her eight, that I don't think she's cognisant of how abnormal she comes off. Anyway, bravo again for your insightful rebuttal to Bonnie Fuller's article!

Age Of Aquarius said...

Troy Chula Vista said...

Admin - I see you didnt touch Bonnies stupid comments about hugging Jon.

----------

Is she a cougar? Bonnie...not Admin!!

French Canadian said...

On radar there is new pictures....Not so nice, sad

French Canadian said...

Sorry they are on http://www.gossipcenter.com/kate-gosselin

Markiesnana said...

Good points, Admin.
I also am puzzled by this Bonnie. Hmmmm...maybe all tongue-in-cheek, possibly someone trying to put together an article filled with opinions similar to what she assumes the public feels....very strange indeed.
I remember watching a program regarding people who had very little in the way of material things and became "self made men", CEOs, etc.... One thing stood out in my mind. This one company owner who was interviewed said that he thought back fondly on his childhood in the Pennsylvania Dutch community and envied that the only thing his dad was concerned with was what the next day's weather would hold, for his crops. I think that whether a child has plenty in the way of material things or not very much, the things that they remember and cherish transcend every generation. Of course, children need to have the basics and not be deprived of what they need. However, I've been a mother and now a grandmother and I know for certain that feeling loved and safe and spending time in Nana and Grampa's lap and helping to water the plants each morning in the summer is extremely satisfying to a child. Also things like playing with friends, squirting one another with the hose, having a frozen pop, visiting a neighbor, being pushed on a swing....those actually ARE the memorable things. Visiting Sarah Palin, the morning shows and Central Park -- being made to pose and smile, will just never trump Grandma's house. It is heartbreaking that those kids have NO memories of that type. There is a terrible void in their lives. (I expect someone to tell me that I really don't know them or what they do or have. But to that I will say "Yes, I know because I used to watch them, I remember the tales, the lies, the family problems and I have done a lot of research about why they are estranged from their extended family.)

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

Judy, my comments were tongue in cheek. I fear Bonnie's weren't! There's no reason anyone at any age shouldn't recall what it's like to be a child.

I have nothing against old people. Just stupid people. People of any age are always welcome here as long as they 1. follow the rules and 2. don't exploit their kids. And certainly you and your always insightful comments are always welcome here!

SoCalRosie said...

I vote that Bonnie, bring out the inner child and go ahead and be one of Kates kids now, experience the sting of the wooden spoon, experience the meltdown of the mommy that is suppose to be the strong one in charge, experience the cameraman, with camera,in your face as you sit on the potty, experience mommy drinking water in front of you, when you have already asked for water because you are thirsty, I think you guys get it. let her experience what a witch of a "mom" (and I use that word lightly) that Kate can be and then tell us how she likes it

Who is watching the chickens said...

French Canadian said...

Sorry they are on http://www.gossipcenter.com/kate-gosselin


They appear to be disembarking from the same type of vehicle they were entering in the pics posted yesterday a lot worse for wear. Wherever they went, Kate and Steve were there and wherever they went, it seems like they were asleep when they arrived. Maybe they'd been on that camping trip.

What's next? said...

OOPS said... Administrator said... I have nothing against old people.

Oops. Probably not the best thing to say to a overly sensitive 53 year old.
***********************************************

I don't think she was being overly sensitive. I admit it stung a bit for me to read that since I am over 53, too.

Remember if you live long enough you will become one of us - LOL.

JudyK said...

Thanks Administrator...and I'm not old. That would be my mother.

OOPS said...

I'm over 60 and admin's comment didn't phase me. Maybe I realized she was being factious, or maybe I still think of myself as young.

Realitytvkids.com ~ Administrator said...

I apologize if anyone was offended. I guess it was just so hard to believe that a 53 year old would have such a juvenile opinion!

fidosmommy said...

I'm 57 and believe me, there are days I feel old.

mommyinca said...

I'm 37....there are days I "feel" old because I have Fibro, and other ailments. My kids keep me young at heart though.
My dad is turning 74 tomorrow. When my husband reminded me of this today, I couldn't believe it. My dad is still teaching at a Catholic Elementary school. He is awesome and I love him dearly. I don't think he's "old". Age is not only a state of mind but it's an attitude you give off (imo).

MickeyMcKean said...

Admin said ...

"what makes a good childhood is parents who are always there for you, doing the simple things together with the family ... and most of all the opportunity to grow and learn and discover the adult you are slowly becoming in privacy"

I want to add a short PS to my post yesterday about the 2 month camping trip when I was 9 where we basically just followed spawning salmon via the Snake River.

We had a new 16' RV trailer and there is no doubt in my mind that due to the fond memories of this long camping trip back in the 1960s, as an adult I have purchased 2 RVs. The current one is 35' with *all* the comforts of home.

A few years back I found a 1964ish 16' Aristocrat trailer and I just had to look inside - there was no shower! How could I not remember that little tidbit?!?!

Come to think of it we did go swimming a lot in lakes and rivers where we were fishing, and obviously we stayed at campgrounds with showers. But I kid you not, by today's standards we went across the country and into Canada in a glorified "tent" trailer!

Yes Admin, even if one grew up with money it still is the simple things from our childhoo - in addition to the love and affection that we felt from our parents - that we cherish as adults.

JMO.

Hippie Chick said...

What about the fact that these kids might not want to be doing this? Kate is forcing this on them. When they are older, they will look back & say 'Mom, this is not what I wanted to do with my life.' Why can't the Bonnie's of the world see that? There is no filter, no privacy, no choices. I would hate to have that hanging over my head as a mother if I had 8 children who could very well turn on me someday, & there is no doubt in my mind that most of them will.

Darcy said...

DITTO to everything that has been said here already.

My son just got back from overnight camp. He had been to this YMCA camp before. It's nothing special, and I thought the cabins were sort of, um, "rustic". Certainly not somewhere I'd be comfortable.

Two years ago he went to a camp that I described as "camp if it were designed by Disney" - top of the line, gorgeous accomodations, amazing program and staff... really expensive (and worth it, if you asked me). Well, guess what? When my son got home on Friday, he informed me that this YMCA camp is SO much better than the upscale camp. Why? The people, the experience - bottom line, he just had more fun!

My point being - Admin is correct. Kids don't evaluate things the way we, as adults, do. I would have preferred the camp that looked like a resort. But I'm not 11 years old.

These kids are not looking for a chance to tour around and experience 5-star accommodations. They'd probably rather play at home by the pool. I know my son would. This is ALL about the adults - and the author of the article, whether or not that was her intention, reinforces that point.

Midnight Sun said...

Darcy said:
"My point being - Admin is correct. Kids don't evaluate things the way we, as adults, do. I would have preferred the camp that looked like a resort. But I'm not 11 years old."

**************

Same experience here with my daughter. She went to a very expensive, gorgeous, equestrian camp for several years. Because of a scheduling problem one summer, she was not able to attend that camp, so she went to a local church camp. Not the greatest as far as I was concerned, and I thought I'd get one of those "Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder" letters describing how horrible it was. Bottom line...she loved it.

I'm just wondering, however, since the kids have not experienced anything other than 5-star accommodations, is it too late for them to be happy with less than that? They've been handed everything, met celebrities, ran bases at a Phillies game, stayed in upscale homes in Utah and North Carolina, had luxury suites in Hawaii and Disney, etc. How happy would they be living like "normal" kids. Is it too late?

kidsRablessing said...

I can tell you from experience, that once kids get adjusted to living a priviledged life, they do not adjust well to less than best. My sister in law and her husband are both attorneys...and they live a very affluent lifestyle.....they moved from a really big house(4 br) to an even bigger house(5br), just to get one more bedroom for their 3rd child. And they paid in the high triple digits for it, even though the old house was perfectly fine. Their kids get everything over the top. And they expect everything over the top. I have seen them pitch hellacious tantrums if something is denied them or not how they want it. I have no problem with my in laws being successful and having things.....but God forbid their financial situations changes....their kids will give them hell, because they do not know average or simplicity.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Bonnie "Full of Herself" Fuller is obviously looking at things in "her" perspective.

"Bonnie" a 35+ year woman, would of course love to to travel the world, meet people who are on TV and go camping with kids she doesn't know (pedo alert).

BUT, as a kid, what would you rather do? Go to Alaska or have ice cream with your mom and dad? Invite friends over for a pool party? Spend a nice quality time with friends and family? Or go to Alaska?

It's summer vacation. Let the kids have their childhood.

This Bonnie "Full of herself" character is trying to relive her 20's from the sound of it. She's delusional.

Maybe when the kids are OLDER, they can appreciate the vacations and the traveling. But 6 year olds don't care about camping with Sarah Palin. And they could give a rats azz about Alaska.

If Kate had ASKED her "what you would kids rather do?", instead TELLING them Lets go to Alaska, maybe the kids would be enjoying their summer vacation.

Instead of working.

justme said...

I found an article by Bonnie Fuller in the Huffington Post dated May 29,2009. It's titled Jon & Kate Plus Eight: The Most Abusive Celebrity Parents Ever? Although she doesn't speak kindly about Kevin and Jodi, she also doesn't speak kindly of Jon & Kate.I think the video was more tongue and cheek and the article in the Huffington Post is close to her true feelings.

Moose Mania said...

"Although she doesn't speak kindly about Kevin and Jodi, she also doesn't speak kindly of Jon & Kate.I think the video was more tongue and cheek and the article in the Huffington Post is close to her true feelings."

I read that article. She says, "Have Jon and Kate Gosselin invented a new form of 21st century child abuse? I'd say so. Come on — would you allow cameras to be following your kids every single move on 40 episodes a year of national TV?"

She not only doesn't speak kindly of Jon and Kate...she rips them apart. How can someone do such an about face, now saying she wants to be one of the kids and that they will thank their parents in the years to come? Thank their parents for abusing them? Bonnie wants to be one of the abused children because she would get to wear cute clothing?

Something is amiss in that recent article. Either that, or she's "on" something.

TheresaB said...

ROL wasn't always Pro-Kate either.
I think Bonnie doesn't know what "tongue & cheek" means. She's defended her position in her comments many times.

kidsRablessing said...

I have 5 children, they range from 21 to 4 yrs old. One thing I have learned about kids, is that they form their own little alliance, they have their own codes, they have a family within the family unit. Its pretty much invisible to parents if you can understand what I mean. I would bet the G8 have this situation......I can imagine they plot how to stop Kate from continuing to make them film, stop her from being away from home so much, from keeping them away from Aunt Jodi and Uncle Kevin, etc. Kate may think she is giving her kids a "great life", but as soon as they can, they will revolt/rebel. There is always a price to pay down the line.

DLCF said...

Just in case she ever happens by:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue-in-cheek

And does she really call it "Tongue and Cheek"? Because that sounds more like a disease.

kidsRablessing said...

Also, this Bonnie Fuller is absolutely ridiculous. I mean is she really serious? She must have had a crappy childhood. Because if she thinks the G8 are having a great childhood in front of the world, wait 10 years down the road and see if she thinks the same thing, when the kids are totally messed up from all this(which I sincerely pray does not happen). But when I see Lindsey Lohan, Gary Coleman, Paul Peterson, Dana Plato, Danny Bonaduci(sp?), and the list goes on, what hope do the G8 have? Everything Admin said in this post about how childhood should really be is spot on. I strive for this with my own 5 kids, even though some are grown. I had a crappy childhood and I was a well traveled child, but it did not stop my parents from ruining my childhood with their horrible/abusive marriage. I remember my parents ruined every occasion and vacation with their marriage problems. We had a nice home and nice things.....and it still sucked, because my parents hated each other, and spent more time being miserable than trying to parent us in a happy home. Although my dh and I have had our differences, we have always tried hard to give our kids a good childhood and let them know they matter and are our whole world and they know it. We have not given them a rich lifestyle, but they have always had what they need and extras when we could offer it. I celebrate my kids for the blessings they have been in my life, and would NEVER in a million years exploit them for even a dollar. The G8 are a sad story.....nobody I know envies them. They feel sorry for what their mom puts them through for the almighty dollar and fame.

Troy Chula Vista said...

What is REALLY funny here is that Access and Insider tabloid TV shows oftern use stories from Popeater and other Online "gossip" sites. So my question is, How are they going to spin the story from Popeater?

Are they going to report it as "rumor" or simply not ref it at all? These shows dont want to lose the train wreck aka Kate from appearing on thier shows. Who knows, maybe they have grown tired of her and know she will implode soon. Of course they will be there to report THAT!

The View mentioned the Palin/Gosselin pairing, for about 5 seconds! They didnt fall all over themselves to kiss Kate butt, well of course Elizabeth said the kids were getting experiences of a lifetime... someone please put a sock in her mouth! Remember, Kate was one of BaBa WaWa's top 10 in 2009 ;)

Anonymous said...

I have to address the travel comments. I am from Pennsylvania too. My husband makes less than an "average" nurse and I work a minimum wage job. We have 3 kids and live in a very modest home with only 1 bathroom for 5 people. Guess what? My kid have been to Florida 3 times, New York a few times and we even took a trip to Alaska a few years ago. We chose to live modestly so we can give our children woderful vacations. This can be done without selling your children's souls.

Hot In PA said...

"We chose to live modestly so we can give our children woderful vacations. This can be done without selling your children's souls.'

Correct. But here's the thing: She WON'T take the kids on trips unless TLC pays for it. It doesn't matter how much money she has, or how little she has, if it's not a freebie, it's out of the question. Remember the Statue of Liberty trip that was cancelled because Jon pulled the plug on filming? She said the kids were soooooo disappointed because they could't go. Why couldn't they go? Because TLC wasn't footing the bill. With TLC back in the picture, they got that trip!

Anonymous said...

I have to address the travel comments. I am from Pennsylvania too. My husband makes less than an "average" nurse and I work a minimum wage job. We have 3 kids and live in a very modest home with only 1 bathroom for 5 people. Guess what? My kid have been to Florida 3 times, New York a few times and we even took a trip to Alaska a few years ago. We chose to live modestly so we can give our children woderful vacations. This can be done without selling your children's souls.

Hot In PA said...

"We chose to live modestly so we can give our children woderful vacations. This can be done without selling your children's souls.'

Correct. But here's the thing: She WON'T take the kids on trips unless TLC pays for it. It doesn't matter how much money she has, or how little she has, if it's not a freebie, it's out of the question. Remember the Statue of Liberty trip that was cancelled because Jon pulled the plug on filming? She said the kids were soooooo disappointed because they could't go. Why couldn't they go? Because TLC wasn't footing the bill. With TLC back in the picture, they got that trip!

Midnight Sun said...

Darcy said:
"My point being - Admin is correct. Kids don't evaluate things the way we, as adults, do. I would have preferred the camp that looked like a resort. But I'm not 11 years old."

**************

Same experience here with my daughter. She went to a very expensive, gorgeous, equestrian camp for several years. Because of a scheduling problem one summer, she was not able to attend that camp, so she went to a local church camp. Not the greatest as far as I was concerned, and I thought I'd get one of those "Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder" letters describing how horrible it was. Bottom line...she loved it.

I'm just wondering, however, since the kids have not experienced anything other than 5-star accommodations, is it too late for them to be happy with less than that? They've been handed everything, met celebrities, ran bases at a Phillies game, stayed in upscale homes in Utah and North Carolina, had luxury suites in Hawaii and Disney, etc. How happy would they be living like "normal" kids. Is it too late?

OOPS said...

I'm over 60 and admin's comment didn't phase me. Maybe I realized she was being factious, or maybe I still think of myself as young.

SoCalRosie said...

I vote that Bonnie, bring out the inner child and go ahead and be one of Kates kids now, experience the sting of the wooden spoon, experience the meltdown of the mommy that is suppose to be the strong one in charge, experience the cameraman, with camera,in your face as you sit on the potty, experience mommy drinking water in front of you, when you have already asked for water because you are thirsty, I think you guys get it. let her experience what a witch of a "mom" (and I use that word lightly) that Kate can be and then tell us how she likes it

Post a Comment

Want to see your comment published? Follow a few simple rules:

1. Do not use Anonymous. Pick a name (click Name/URL to type in a name) and stick to the same name.
2. Anonymous insider stories should be emailed to us directly (in confidence). They will not be posted here unless we can verify the validity, such as with photos. This is not to discourage legitimate insiders from speaking out, but to guard against all the fake stories out there.
3. No insulting other posters or picking fights, refusing to let things go and move on. Stop with the snotty comments--they will be rejected. Treat people here like how you would talk to the person you most respect in your life, it's just pleasant that way.
4. No trash talking other blogs/bloggers here.