With all of the controversy surrounding TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus Eight, I started thinking about what life might be like if we were on a reality show and cameras were catching our every move. Would I be like precise no-nonsense Kate Gosselin or like nurturing Aunt Jodi? And what kind of awkward moments would be captured for all of the world to see that would have people wondering about the parenting style we use with our little ones or actively criticizing our lives.
The hairdo
A lot has been said about Kate’s wacky hair do that she calls her “attitude.” Instead, viewers would shake their heads and advise me that pulling my hair into a pony tail after a hectic morning does not equal taking a shower.
The obsession with cleaning
Kate admits to mopping her kitchen floor at least three times a day. Viewers would be shocked to know that I mop it only about three times a month (with some spot cleaning). Even worse, I occasionally allow a child to eat off of the floor if the cookie that was dropped is the last one in the box.
The bad parenting
While Jon and Kate sometimes seem oblivious to the antics of their kids, admittedly relying on the camera crew and video footage to keep an eye on their kids, today I let my kids watch an hour’s worth of Noggin so I could clean out a section of the basement. Of course my guilt got the best of me, so I followed up by playing an hour’s worth of a Toy Story match game. Ham wound up under the baseboard heater, and I left him there. He may not see the light up day until we either renovate the kitchen or move.
No cupcake without dinner
Jon and Kate took the kids out to make homemade cupcakes and then refused to let them eat the cupcakes until after dinner. Then when some children didn’t finish their dinners, their cupcakes got tossed out. Last night I bribed my children with the promise of going to an ice cream social at church, regardless of dinner, if they would only go to bed on time.
Do you have any “Jon & Kate” moments you are happy aren’t caught on television?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
Related Articles:
How to Make Your Own Baby Food
Even More Ways to Get a Toddler to Eat
Foods to Build Your Child’s Immunity
Early Solid Food Causes Allergies? Maybe, Maybe Not
Loving Less Expensive (and Junky) Food
When Your Child Swallows a Coin