by Margaret Merrill

Created on: October 23, 2009

When Jon and Kate Plus 8 started, it originally began as a documentary on a different network altogether. All the kids were very young, as a matter of fact the sextuplets were tiny babies, and the twins-Cara and Mady-weren't very old themselves. Kate hadn't done anything to her hair yet, and definitely hadn't had a tummy tuck, either.

I have watched the show Jon and Kate Plus 8 since the very beginning-and am so disappointed in the damage that so obviously is being done to the kids. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that divorce is a bad thing-if it has to happen, it does. However, don't drag the kids involved through all of your dirty laundry. Jon and Kate Gosselin have most certainly dragged their kids through too much.

Kate has the ability-I think she's perfected it-to cut anyone down, especially Jon. This talent of hers HAS to go, especially in front of the kids. No matter how much she and Jon may dislike each other, they MUST bite their tongues and behave. They also have to quit taking advantage of their children by using the uniqueness of sextuplets to have a show just to make money. Go back to regular jobs, for Pete's sake!

Young children obviously need love and attention. While there is plenty of attention given to the Gosselin children because of the show, not all of it is positive. Consider the fact that there are crew people all over the property, and they have jobs to do. Of course the kids can't touch the equipment because they may damage it. Kate also has certain limits that she imposes on the TLC crew, and she has no problems screaming at them-the way she screamed at Jon.

Consider, too, the damage that is being done by Jon and his new wild ways. Dating women that are barely out of college, or better yet, his children's babysitters. Drinking to excess, and spending ridiculous amounts of money on things that are unnecessary. And all without thought to the example that is being set for his children.

Yes, the Gosselin children are being hurt in a number of ways by being on the Jon and Kate Plus 8 show. Even though TLC has opted to take Jon off the show, and make it only the Kate Plus 8 show, it is still damaging to the kids. Those kids still need for their parents to get along, and for the crew to get along with both their parents at all times-which doesn't always happen

Sure, the crew seems to care for the about the Gosselin kids quite a bit. As a matter of fact, the crew seems to care for the kids more than parents do. Although the issue of child labor laws has come up, I don't believe that's really the case. The Gosselin kids are truly natural hams, and walk away from the camers when they're too tired.

It's time to put an end to the Jon and Kate Plus 8 show, and make the Gosselin parents face up to their parental challenges, now..

Learn more about this author, Margaret Merrill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.