 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
19 Kids and Counting
- TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Behind-the-scenes look at an unusual family.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality show about an Arkansas family with 19 kids is age appropriate for tweens and up. Not every viewer will have the same conservative values as the traditional Duggar clan, but there's no sexual content, language, violence, or other iffy stuff of that nature to be concerned about.
What's the story?
19 KIDS AND COUNTING offers TV viewers a look at the daily life of the Duggar family of Arkansas, which has already achieved some fame, including appearances on The Today Show. Managing their clan of 19 kids -- whose names all begin with J -- presents Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle with their own unique challenges, all of which they approach with faith and traditional values.
Is it any good?
On the plus side, Michelle and Jim Bob are loving and excited about their huge family. Michelle is firm about discipline without being harsh or inappropriate, and both parents set limits on what their children can watch on television and how they can surf the Internet (it's more than a little ironic that their show is on cable TV, which is on the kids' "no" list). And the kids aren't brats, but they aren't impossibly perfect, either.
The down side? While viewers do hear several of the kids' voices, they don't seem to have much in the way of individual personalities. Also, while its suggested that the Duggars' values stem from their religious beliefs, we're never told exactly what those beliefs are -- or, for that matter, how the Duggars ended up having such a big family in the first place. A little more background/depth would be welcome.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it's like to grow up in a large family. How do you think that affects the way that siblings interact with each other and with their parents?
Kids: Do you wish your family was bigger? Smaller? Why?
How do the Duggars compare to other large families featured in the media?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
I encourage you to watch just one episode.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this... I won't say show because it's not, it's their actual lives. Michelle and JimBob keep their 19 children firmly focused on a good Christian lifestyle and respect and trust in others. I can't miss a single episode! If I did, I don't know what would happen... my world would probably crumble down around me. The kids are all so sweet and funny in their own ways. I encourage everyone to watch just one episode, that's all, and then I can guarantee you'll be hooked. Best TLC show ever! Just for kicks and giggles I'm gonna name all of the kids: Josh, Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy Anna, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie. (Yes I just did this without any help whatsoever, and yes they are in order from oldest to youngest.) There is also Josh's wife Anna and their children Mackynzie and Michael. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Email me: ogormanscommonsense at yahoo. :)
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AGE
Conservitive Family Reality . . .
This is my reality addiction. I find it overly facinating to watch a family with 19 kids perform tasks in everyday life. The parents are kind and firm, but very respectful towards their kids. The kids were obviously raised well, and are very polite towards each other and other people they come into contact with. Though the relegious views are a plus for this family, it makes me kind of grumpy when traditional roles related to genders are inforced . . . Honestly, if I was a Dugger, I don't know if I could make it, I'm a lot like Joy-Anna and Jinger: A little bit fiesty, but more of a tom-boy, and enjoy cooking and doing things with my hands rather then cleaning and the other stuff the Dugger girls tend to do more. Something to talk to your kids about this show would probably be the gender roles, and how they are different in the Dugger's lives rather then yours.
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AGE
Generally clean.
I don't find the show interesting, but I think having 8 kids is a great accomplishment.
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AGE
Explotation
Stop with the explotation of the Dugger Childern, the community, and the hard working tax paying people of America! I do not believe the Dugger family is doing this, because of the word of God, but, for the "benefits" they are receiving for having this many children. The monetry benefits they are receiving from sponership, community and the government has blindsided them. If this was any other, non church going, person on the street, they would be made to do what every other american in this country does to suppor their family (large or small) work. Mrs. Dugger has gone beyond the realm of god fearing, christian woman to nothing more then a baby factory.
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awesome
LOVE LOVE LOVE this show! My friend's dad is the camera man, so I get the scoop on everything. I watch it every Tuesday! There is absolutely nothing wrong with this show! And the best part is....they always have a Christian perspective on things, and always share their views with the viewers. That is one of the best parts, is that they aren't afraid to share their faith in Jesus our Lord. :)
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AGE
Not bad, but not beneficial for young kids either
I'm not nearly as conservative as the Duggars, our family, being Catholic, does have a different belief system, but I'm not concerned about about my son suffering adverse effects from watching this show. That being said, aside from limited exposure to a family that works differently (which is good since I don't want to raise him in a "small, Catholic, military family bubble"), I'm not sure he gains much from it either. This one is firmly in the "okay to have on while he's in the room, but not really for him" category.
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AGE
good show with postive messages
This show is really good. I love watching it. It has positive messages like peace, love, friendship and other things. The family is really cool but i dont think i could live with that many siblings!!
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AGE
A Really Sweet Show
This show is really interesting. I have three siblings, I wonder what it would be like to have 16! The parents both seem like incredibly sweet people, and their kids are pretty much awesome from what I've seen. I do wish that we could see more of the story.
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AGE
Great!!!
I love this show because it revolves around a HUGE family!
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Good for "reality" tv
I disagree with the site consumerism rating... the last show I saw showed LOTS of products like a fountain soda machine with branded drinks, household cleaners and appliances.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TLC |
| Cast: | Jennifer Duggar, John Duggar |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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