OutDaughtered - General Discussion

[Sarahsmile416]

1 minute ago, Former Nun said:

I see it differently.  They were all the same age when it was determined that Hazel just wasn't quite ready for preschool.  At the director's suggestion, Hazel stayed home and had extra attention, extra help, and worked on various skills in order to be ready.  If it's obvious this early that two of the girls need more "education" or stimulation, now is the time to start.  I agree with some posters above, it's possible that this step up is into the potty-training arena and the two who moved just might be more ready.  By the time they're old enough for kindergarten, maybe ALL will be ready.

Except in that case it was because she wasn’t walking, which made sense to me in terms of it being a safety concern. In fact this is fairly common - sort of the infant room equivalent of potty training.  When my oldest was in day care, all kids transitioned at 18 months, but my daughter was not walking well so they held her back for a bit until she was more adept on her feet.  

No center I have ever worked at, and I worked in centers for over 15 years moved kids up because they were “smarter” than the others.

This was definitely purely about the other two “knowing more” than the others disguised as “let’s let them be followers instead of leaders” - which was brilliantly put by the director, but the whole scene of the kids almost being quizzed by the teacher at 2.5 just rubbed me the wrong way. 

 

Unfortunately this is the way preschools are going these days...going away from play-based learning and into full blown learning.  I’m old school, I guess and believe that play based learning is one of the most important ways you can learn.  I will never forget when the center I worked at decided they wanted to be referred to as a “school” instead of a “daycare center”. 

[Former Nun]

11 minutes ago, Sarahsmile416 said:

Unfortunately this is the way preschools are going these days...going away from play-based learning and into full blown learning.

Perhaps that's because most metropolitan kindergartens are demanding more of their little students--before they walk in the door, then first grade, and so on and so on.  

[sATL]

1 hour ago, SabineElisabeth said:

I definitely think we aren't getting the full story about Mimi.  This is pure speculation, but I wonder if she has gone through a divorce in the last few years?  She strikes me as someone who has never really been completely self-sufficient/supported herself, and if she had a husband until recently who was the main earner for the family that would explain her struggle with finding a job making a living wage, renting a home from her daughter, etc.  She also just seems really lost, like she's found herself at a place in life that she never expected to be, especially at this age (as she has said repeatedly herself), and is struggling hard to navigate her way through it.  Then, to top it off, she has two homes flooded, loses most of her things, including irreplaceable ones like photos, etc.... I can definitely see why she is having a difficult time - and feeling like you don't know your place in the world anymore really isn't something other people can just fix, no matter how much they love you and want to.

If she gone though a divorce and her husband was the main wage earner - wouldn't she have some financial security ( ie 1/2 of the marital assets) granted to her in the divorce?  Now if ex-hubby didn't earn/have anything.....

[riverblue22]

2 minutes ago, sATL said:

If she gone though a divorce and her husband was the main wage earner - wouldn't she have some financial security ( ie 1/2 of the marital assets) granted to her in the divorce?  Now if ex-hubby didn't earn/have anything.....

I don't think Danielle's father has ever been mentioned on the show.  Something tells me he has been out of the picture for a long time.

I managed to find Mimi on FB and she is currently a realtor.

[sATL]

46 minutes ago, riverblue22 said:

I don't think Danielle's father has ever been mentioned on the show.  Something tells me he has been out of the picture for a long time.

I managed to find Mimi on FB and she is currently a realtor.

thanks for the FB tip. She  also has a linkedin profile. Yes, she has a bachelors in elementary Education, earned in 1991 in LA. So once her license transferred to TX, there was no job in the Houston school district that appealed to her? I know a few teachers that retired and found another position full or part-time, (in a classroom / specialist / admin) the next school year. I also know a couple of people who were "forced" out of corporate and found a position (accounting, IT, etc) in school system in central office. Schools in larger districts,  just seem to be a safe-haven for job security, lately.

Edited July 19, 2018 by sATL

[winsomeone]

So, the two quints who were moved up, are not smarter, but are leaders, and the school wants to teach them to be followers? Good luck with that. They have inherited their mother's personality it seems like, and within a week, will be terrorizing and leading the three year olds too. The remaining three quints apparently take after Adam, and are already blessed followers.

[Koalagirl]

21 hours ago, Squirrely said:

Didn't the other 4 start preschool before Hazel? I could swear that we've already had this story line, with Adam wringing his hands and whining about it. He needs to get over it. He's going to be the one who gives them all a complex and makes them feel competitive with one another (which I know will be natural to an extent) with his "fall behind" language. I would think that the earlier you normalize differences and splitting them up, the better, though I'm certainly no experts on multiples. 

 

@SnarkEnthusiast I think that show was called Table for 12. They had 2 sets of twins, I think, and then the sextuplets. They were a very enjoyable, down to earth family. Which is probably why their stint on TLC was short lived! 

 

Edited July 19, 2018 by Koalagirl
Tried to edit and delete post. Major failure!!! Sorry.

[bythelake]

23 hours ago, Squirrely said:

Didn't the other 4 start preschool before Hazel? I could swear that we've already had this story line, with Adam wringing his hands and whining about it. He needs to get over it. He's going to be the one who gives them all a complex and makes them feel competitive with one another (which I know will be natural to an extent) with his "fall behind" language. I would think that the earlier you normalize differences and splitting them up, the better, though I'm certainly no experts on multiples. 

 

@SnarkEnthusiast I think that show was called Table for 12. They had 2 sets of twins, I think, and then the sextuplets. They were a very enjoyable, down to earth family. Which is probably why their stint on TLC was short lived! 

 

2 hours ago, Koalagirl said:

They were the Hayes family from NJ. He was a police officer. The family made the decision to stop the show.  I’m sure they could have used all the perks that TLC gives out, but they decided their privacy came first. Their children were older with some already in high school. 

[bythelake]

On 7/12/2018 at 8:33 PM, camom said:

Have these parents never heard of discipline?  When the girls were climbing out of their beds, they were never firm in telling them to stay in bed or made any consequences for not behaving.  They acted like there was absolutely nothing they could do about it.  And it's not just about the beds.  Two year olds need boundaries and they don't seem to have many.

Danielle is such a control freak.  If something isn't her idea, then it's wrong.

I think you have to pick your battles with so many toddlers. The parents have the cameras on,so if the quints  don’t hurt themselves what harm is done? They’ll soon go on to something else. Short of a spanking or tying  them to the bedpost, what kind of discipline will guarantee that they will stay in bed? Once they’re more verbal they can be easier to reason with. 

And yes, Danielle is controlling, but she is one organized gal. She’s a ball of energy. I love how she handles mealtimes.

She doesn’t lose her cool with such a busy life, she’s patient and tolerant even with her 7th child Mimi. JMO.

[winsomeone]

Is Danielle really organized and patient? Kate Gosselin was touted as being so organized too, and then we found out that she had full time nannies, a housekeeper, and even a full time cook. She was off filming much of the time, and seldom even did any child care. Danielle works and films..how much time does she actually have to spend with the quints unless filming with them I wonder? When the one quint spilled a whole bottle of sprinkles onto the kitchen floor, and it didn't phase her in the least, I was thinking to myself, that is a woman who has no intention of cleaning up that big mess that they just all made. We know they have full time nannies, I am thinking they also have a housekeeper too for that large house. Or, since Adam doesn't work any longer, maybe he does the cleaning?

[ghoulina]

I'm sure there's more help than we're seeing,but I still think Danielle is just a naturally calm and patient person. Kate had all that help but she still freaked out over EVERY LITTLE THING. Danielle just doesn't let shit phase her. I could do with a bit more of that attitude, honestly. 

[sATL]

5 hours ago, winsomeone said:

Is Danielle really organized and patient? Kate Gosselin was touted as being so organized too, and then we found out that she had full time nannies, a housekeeper, and even a full time cook. She was off filming much of the time, and seldom even did any child care. Danielle works and films..how much time does she actually have to spend with the quints unless filming with them I wonder? When the one quint spilled a whole bottle of sprinkles onto the kitchen floor, and it didn't phase her in the least, I was thinking to myself, that is a woman who has no intention of cleaning up that big mess that they just all made. We know they have full time nannies, I am thinking they also have a housekeeper too for that large house. Or, since Adam doesn't work any longer, maybe he does the cleaning?

There was one scene in the past that shows Danielle sweeping the floor after the quints had a meal in their high chairs. I figure by the time we saw the sprinkles on the floor, she had one of those robot vacuums by now. I mean every meal, snack and activity is a major sweep-athon. I guess she needs to mop often as well. Yeah - I could see keeping a housekeeper close.

RE: cleaning - I think it was the thanksgiving scene (might have been halloweeen) when those came into the house comments were made about it smelling like poop. First season Mimi came over and saw a pile of used diapers thrown in a corner - as if Dainelle/Adam missed the "jump-shot" into the trash can. Yes, there are 5 tots in diapers, but I would have been a little embarrassed if others could see & smell old/soiled diapers.  sounds like they need to take the trash out more often and find environmental friendly scents to calm down the odor. 

[ButterQueen]

I just found this show and have been catching up.  Sadly, the more I watch, the less I like Danielle and Adam.

OMG, those babies/toddlers cry all.the.time....over nothing.  The dinner on the first vacation was just punishment to watch.  I don’t know why her siblings agree to vacation with them, unless TLC gives them a small check.  That trip to NYC was ridiculous and unnecessary, but at least they took people to help that didn’t have to also bring children.  The packing and labeling of each outfit, by name, day and event was crazy.  I’m getting the feeling that Michelle didn’t do all that work herself.  Sadly, I think the lack of help and support from the care volunteer calendar showed how few true friends/relationships they have.  Either that, or they are too picky and controlling to bother with.  I know I would certainly volunteer if I was a friend/neighbor/church member, etc of someone in their situation.

So Adam has quit his job....seriously?!?  He promised his boss, his brother-in-law, that even though they invested in the cycle business, that it wouldn’t affect his job.  I don’t see how they could turn a big enough profit so soon, and using equity in their home was nuts.  Adam was definitely not happy about going into business, but Danielle was going to get her way.....just like she was going to get her huge house.  BTW, I watched all of season 1, but haven’t seen the episode where they bought the house.  Anyone know what episode that was?  I’ve watched most of season 2.

One thing Danielle did that really pissed me off was when she interrupted Adam and Blayke’s snow cone/playground date, before they even made it to the playground because it was the babies feeding time.  Then when he gets home, she gets all pissy and takes off to her sister’s to bitch about him.  I felt so sorry for Blayke.......her MiMi is the only one who gives her one on one attention.  We saw many scenes of the bottles being propped up and the babies were eating just fine.  We also saw the scene where Blayke called MiMi to help her with her bath.

Honestly, I feel sorry for MiMi.  She has raised her kids, is older, and doesn’t have the energy she had as a young mom.  I think Danielle and Adam have completely burned her out.  I also despise the way Adam talks to her and about her.  There was one instance, Danielle ran to the store while the babies were little, and the entire time she was gone, MiMi was cleaning and picking up their house, while Adam sat on his ass doing nothing.  If she is filmed in their house, it is rare that she isn’t cleaning something.  I hope she gets settled soon and tells Adam to just fuck off....Danielle is a horrible daughter to allow him to talk so horribly about her mom.  The sisters don’t show MiMi much love either, but MiMi seems to go with the flow and doesn’t argue back with any of them.  She comes across as sad, lost at this point in her life, and exhausted...and her daughters really do not offer much positive support.  

The scene of Danielle tossing the dirty diaper across the kitchen onto the floor was just gross.  How hard is it to put all 5 diapers in a plastic store bag, tie it up, and put it in the appropriate trash can.  So gross that their house and hotel room reeked of poop....no reason for that if you just take a minute or two to dispose of the diapers properly.  They brought their whole house, pack or buy a diaper pail or lidded trash can with liners.  It’s not that hard.  

I love Dale.

Edited July 21, 2018 by ButterQueen

[IvySpice]

Quote

I think all of the tears when the two girls were moved to a new class were at least in part because of Adam and (to a lesser extent) Danielle.  Instead of being matter-of-fact about it, they were anxious and kids pick up on that.  Riley and Parker were nervous because their parents were.  Notice that after mom and dad left it took very little time for them to be OK.

Exactly. If someone had dropped them off as usual and just walked them into the new class, I doubt they'd have had all the histrionics. If you see Mom in your classroom and she makes a big production about saying goodbye, then it emphasizes the fact that she's leaving and she's worried about you, so you get scared and want to hang on to her. If Mom isn't there, then you get interested in your toys and your friends and it's no big deal.

[ButterQueen]

I noticed Danielle is sporting an Apple Watch, so they aren’t hurting for money.

[winsomeone]

Of course they aren't hurting for money, they sold their daughter's souls to the highest bidder. One good thing, there are not that many comments here, so maybe the girls will escape before the Gosselin tups did, and be able top salvage a bit of their childhood.

[sATL]

On 7/20/2018 at 10:35 PM, ButterQueen said:

I just found this show and have been catching up.  Sadly, the more I watch, the less I like Danielle and Adam.OMG, those babies/toddlers cry all.the.time....over nothing.  The dinner on the first vacation was just punishment to watch.  I don’t know why her siblings agree to vacation with them, unless TLC gives them a small check.  That trip to NYC was ridiculous and unnecessary, but at least they took people to help that didn’t have to also bring children.  The packing and labeling of each outfit, by name, day and event was crazy.  I’m getting the feeling that Michelle didn’t do all that work herself.  Sadly, I think the lack of help and support from the care volunteer calendar showed how few true friends/relationships they have.  Either that, or they are too picky and controlling to bother with.  I know I would certainly volunteer if I was a friend/neighbor/church member, etc of someone in their situation. 

{ deleted rest to focus on one point}

 

so many excellent points - One in particular  that I've been holding in.

I know somewhere in Blayke's school (which I presume goes from k4 to grade 5/6) - there is at least one family that is going to a soccer/dance/gymnastics/cheer/girl scouts/ kids bible study/music lessons/karate/etc  right after school on any given day of the week . I would think someone would volunteer to give Blayke a ride after school to the session, and maybe their child can make a new friend. Blayke is old enough to be at these events without the constant supervision of her parents all of the time . Yes, maybe Danielle and/or Adam can get there for pick-up, but they don't need to be there every minute of a lesson/session. Blayke probably could really benefit from an activity that is with those closer to her own age.

Danielle is taking on too much if she plans on being the parent to do the "run" to school-age activities - 100% of the time, until Blayke is driving.

And even if no family volunteers, Danielle surly can pass her name/number to the director of the activity asking for ride . Most parents probably would be glad to do it - as they are going there anyway.

Edited July 24, 2018 by sATL

[KBrownie]

Riley is the absolute all-star of this show.  Dale and Crystal after her.  They were a hoot when they were watching the younger kids.  But I just heart Riley to pieces.  There's something so endearing about her and it's nice to see she's not getting the "bad seed" edit and reputation they were giving her last season.  Plus, she's the smartest of the set.  A bit mischievous to be sure, but heart of gold.

Her "I'm so pretty! I'm so pretty!" after Blayke did her makeup was adorable and of course, she was the one who killed it with the potty training.  It was nice to see her getting so much positive praise when they were cheering her for going to the potty.  

Danielle talking about how are they going to do individual outings like they the one they did with Blayke at gymnastics when the quints start participating in activities . . . um, you aren't going to be able to.  Her and Adam, when they have to cross that bridge, are going to have to limit (if necessary as they might naturally want to participate in the same activities and they won't have worry about it) what the girls are able to participate in as they aren't going to be able to have all six of them in six different activities at once.  It just isn't possible.  I've noticed it before when they were bed shopping and Danielle was talking about how they will always need five of everything and used the example of buying five cars (!) when they reach driving age, but she really doesn't want them to or don't think that they have to share anything.  I guess they have the money, but sometimes it's okay to buy or choose two of something and make them share.  Yeah, they need separate beds and they are five separate individuals, but sometimes they don't need five of everything.  It's just not always going to be feasible or practical. 

Edited July 25, 2018 by KBrownie

[Koalagirl]

It kind of bugged me to see that Blayke was wearing the same outfit as the quints the night of Mimi’s birthday dinner, unless she specially asked to wear it. Especially after all of their talking about doing things with her separate from the girls.  

[penbrat]

I loved the scene with Dale and Crystal and the kids.  So cute.    I like this show and I like the Busbys.  They aren't perfect and they don't pretend to be.  And if they have an entire army of off camera nannys and housekeepers, good for them.  They love their kids and are doing the best they can for them and that is all that matters.   Mimi, however, while I feel sorry for her, I don't need to see her melodrama on this show.   I get she has been through a rough time - many people have - but she has a family who loves her and wants to help her.  I hope that it was scripted that she did not show up for her birthday dinner as that seemed a bit dramatic.   If she depressed, which I could see why she would be, she needs to be seeking help and/ or support  off camera and stay off the show.  Adam's "anxiety" issues from last season were enough.  I just want to see cute little kids and Uncle Dale.

Edited July 25, 2018 by penbrat
Original post was a little too rough on Mimi

[ghoulina]

Mimi has to be depressed. She gets no joy from anything. She's just going through the motions. I've been there, and my depression was not preceded by a big disaster like a hurricane. It sucks because you just feel nothing about anything. All I'd want to do was watch TV or go on social media - escape my world. 

That being said, I never just bailed on my family. I know depression is different for everyone, but it was really crappy that she didn't show up at her birthday party after all the effort her family put in. If she really felt like she just couldn't do it, say something beforehand. 

I feel for Mimi, but I also feel for her daughters who are trying so hard. 

 

Olivia remains my favorite baby. Her reaction to peeing on the potty (oh, excuse me - teeteeing) was so understated and sweet. I just love that baby. But they're all so cute! I get a kick out of watching all their different personalities emerge. 

Dale with the kids will never get old, but he was a bad boy for giving Hazel that candy when she didn't even go potty! I laughed so hard when she straight up told him, "I want two". Hazel knows more than she lets on. 

[bythelake]

I wonder why the homeowners insurance didn’t pay for alternate living for Mimi during the house repairs? Most policies have that option. Unless it’s because she was a renter and didn’t have renters ins. My home had substantial damage from Superstorm Sandy. I was in a hotel for over 6 months.

Mimi seems so overwhelmed. I hope she gets some professional help. I can understand not wanting a big birthday celebration, but the girls were playing it low key. It wasn’t nice of her to stay away.

Maybe she would be happier moving back to La. She’s correct that her daughters have their own lives, and if all she’s doing is hanging out with them, she needs to make friends or go back home. It doesn’t seem as if it’s that far

It’s  fun to see the quints developing personalities. They all seem bright and the day care is top notch. I wonder what the cost is x5?

[riverblue22]

Anybody catch the commercial for Mission Impossible tied in with Outdaughtered?  It showed up halfway through the show and it was really cute.  They must have had fun making that!

[Angelica2121]

I love watching this show !!

While it's based on true situations and true personalities, any viewers must know that it's also scripted, not 100% real or spontaneous.

For a TV show to be popular, it must be interesting, and to be interesting there must be a problem, tension or conflict for the characters to handle.  That's a basic concept of story telling for centuries, and the basic formula for modern reality television.

So, Hurricane Harvey and the damage to Mimi's house really happened, couldn't be scripted.  Mimi is genuinely depressed, that's not scripted.  But the plan to highlight Mimi's depression plus plan a party that Mimi did not attend: that was scripted.  It felt false, too, because it was not Mimi's genuine character -- even a depressed Mimi would not do that.  Plus, the writers of the show needed to script Mimi's genuine depression one of two ways: showing her getting some temporary relief from depression by soaking in the joy from her family at a birthday celebration and making the episode happy-happy, or creating dramatic tension and drama by planning Mimi's non-attendance at the party.  They chose the non-attendance, and that decision was made at the meetings of the producers, directors, show-runners, or whatever are the titles of the people who run the show.

Don't all of us want to continue watching the show to see what will happen to Mimi?  That is the planned result of scripting the show to intrigue the audience.

Some of you say, or just think to yourself, "I just want to watch the cute babies", but week after week of watching the quints paint, break eggs for breakfast, or throw water balloons would not sustain a viewing audience.

[Angelica2121]

I've watched every episode of the show, and I love the show.

But I don't know all of the gossip / truth nor all the criticism / compliments that have been shared here, or on other forums, about the show and all the family cast members.

I saw something somewhere claiming it's true that Danielle and Adam employ nannies, which of course everyone would understand and support, but D and A were appropriately criticized for saying or implying that they do everything themselves and/or help only from other family members, not paid professionals.

I'm guessing the same is true for cleaning help.  When the quints got makeup all over the furniture and carpet in Blayke's room ... no way Danielle and Adam cleaned up that mess with furniture polish wipes and carpet stain remover !!!

As I raised my kids in the suburbs, I was lucky that I could afford to have cleaning help once per month. My family income was squarely in middle-middle class, not wealthy by economic definition although I was blessed and grateful to have what I had.  Cleaning help was not that expensive.  The Busbys get at least a million annually for the TV show, ads on their website, plus product endorsements (did you see the "Honest Kids" juicebox that Adam's camera lingered on impossibly long?), income from the cycle business, plus they must've saved some money from all those pre-quint years when they were double-income and zero or one kid. 

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has already confirmed that Danielle and Adam have cleaning help, or it hasn't been discussed anywhere?

Edited July 25, 2018 by Angelica2121

[sATL]

5 hours ago, bythelake said:

I wonder why the homeowners insurance didn’t pay for alternate living for Mimi during the house repairs? Most policies have that option. Unless it’s because she was a renter and didn’t have renters ins. My home had substantial damage from Superstorm Sandy. I was in a hotel for over 6 months.

Mimi seems so overwhelmed. I hope she gets some professional help. I can understand not wanting a big birthday celebration, but the girls were playing it low key. It wasn’t nice of her to stay away.

Maybe she would be happier moving back to La. She’s correct that her daughters have their own lives, and if all she’s doing is hanging out with them, she needs to make friends or go back home. It doesn’t seem as if it’s that far

It’s  fun to see the quints developing personalities. They all seem bright and the day care is top notch. I wonder what the cost is x5?

Mini was renting the house that was owned (I presume) from her daughter and her hubby. So wouldn't that be her (Mimi's) renter's ins to pay for the hotel/ temporary housing ?

[camom]

For Mimi's birthday party, it's a TV show and the production company would need to notify all participants when they are needed for filming.  Obviously, her "no show" was totally scripted.  I agree that Mimi is likely depressed.  I remember, though, when she was selling everything in LA that there was a table just filled with booze bottles.  I've always wondered if there might be a drinking problem.  It would explain a lot.

[ButterQueen]

OMG...

Hazel Basil

LuLu

Ry Ry

Aunt Lee Lee

Stop with the baby talk.

......and why give makeup to Blayke for the quints to destroy.  

[bythelake]

1 hour ago, sATL said:

Mini was renting the house that was owned (I presume) from her daughter and her hubby. So wouldn't that be her (Mimi's) renter's ins to pay for the hotel/ temporary housing ?

It most likely would be renters ins. She probably didn’t have any. IMO, Mimi has financial problems as well. It was mentioned last season, and she hasn’t found a job in Tx. to suit her. This may be contributing to her emotional problems as well.

[Squirrely]

God, I wish they wouldn't show all this potty training business. I know it's been mentioned in this thread before, but I just can't imagine growing up with that footage out there. 

My daughter is just shy of being 13. She would be humiliated and ridiculed right out of school if some of her classmates had access to her pooping on the carpet, smearing shit in her sister's crib, and peeing in the toilet while I clapped and rang a bell. Kids are brutal. I have one photo of her on the potty, and only because it cracked me up. She was wearing sunglasses, had covered her legs with Bandaids, and was playing on a toy cell phone. And it's never been shared with anyone or uploaded anywhere. 

The Busbys are not unique in this though. I cringe when photos and stories are shared on blogs and all over social media. We can have educational stories on potty training and encourage other parents while still respecting our children and their dignity. 

[ButterQueen]

2 hours ago, camom said:

For Mimi's birthday party, it's a TV show and the production company would need to notify all participants when they are needed for filming.  Obviously, her "no show" was totally scripted.  I agree that Mimi is likely depressed.  I remember, though, when she was selling everything in LA that there was a table just filled with booze bottles.  I've always wondered if there might be a drinking problem.  It would explain a lot.

She probably saw all the nasty TH’s Adam did about her previously.  I wouldn’t live there either.

[tobeannounced]

Dale cooks. And I thought he couldn't get any better. I want some of those meatballs!

[riverblue22]

How could someone clean a house while taking care of 5 babies or toddlers?  I would hope she has help--it is a very large house.  It must have 6 bedrooms. There is the master bedroom, a bedroom for two quints, one for three quints, one for Blayke, and a guest room for Mimi.  On top of that the quints have a playroom and Blayke seems to have her own playroom.  That is a lot to take care of.  Somehow I don't think Danielle will be marshaling those girls to take on many chores.  They may not always need the nannies but they will always need house cleaners.  Hopefully they are making good money on the spin cycle business.

[sATL]

Well.. I'm a little disappointed with this episode. Too much staged & unrealistic moments.

• The hair salon. I'm not a fan of putting in rubber bands in hair. Their hair is too fine and looked painful to get out. Use clips/holders or at least those bands that have a covering as not to break/pull the hair. And before the stylists started anything the quints stayed lined up against the wall... hmmm they are always moving in 5 directions. Those lollypops must have been sugar free, but still tasted good.
• Why does Blayke have make-up in the playroom ? Why does she have makeup in the first place? The playroom should have close-to-non-destructible toys for all of the girls. Make-up is not really a toy.
• Thank goodness for the voice of reason of the school director/teacher AND Dale & Crystal regarding potty training. Danielle/Adam came off as whiny, thinking about how they will be inconvenienced, about taking tots to the bathroom every hour. So damn what Blyake was easy to train, 4 yrs ago. Why is the entire family in the bathroom? Did anyone see the wastebasket ? Nasty. Note : I purposely omitted the tot from the pix - I too don't think they need to be exposed, doing something that should be private. Dale's comment during the whole situation had me rolling (she's supposed to ring the bell not you.... you have to do #1 or #2 ? .. oh.. I'm not messing with you.. LOL :)

• Gymnastics. All the way across town ( they appeared to be driving  on the interstate). Hell- that's why no family from school is volunteering to run shuttle. I've seen LESS family coverage/attendance at the Olympics. Assess skill level? That would be a zero as you have to specially pass elements to move up in gymnastics. The time for the 3 of them need to be spent doing something else, while minimizing the car ride, - gymnastics is Blyake's activity not mom-dad-child activity.
•  
• I'll save Mimi's "actions" for a later post...I have a hard time finding compassion for this woman, who is old enough to know it is a BLESSING to at least see age = 54. Lives were lost during Hurricane Harvey.  And this is yet, another show where the mom-grandma is a little "out there". Why producers - can't the seasoned adults be the example ? I really don't understand why a teacher who was RIFed can't find another job in two states (ie several school systems) ??? Did LA take away her license to teach? Her being suddenly/unexpectedly unemployed started this drama...

Edited July 26, 2018 by sATL

[winsomeone]

I think the gymnastics was a one and done deal. Blake is old to be starting out..most start at 2-3..I have a 15 year old grand daughter who has been a gymnast forever it seems like. Anyway, she would get thrown into a class of 12 or more, and no more one and one fun stuff like when they filmed. Plus she would be with much younger kids, since she looked to have few skills at this point? Kids are dropped off at the gym, and picked up later when the time is over with..no adoring parents to cheer her on.

The quints smearing poop all over the house was just totally disgusting to me..and they said they do it all of the time? Why would thye agree to film something like that? MONEY!!!! If I had 5 to potty train, I would just do 1-2 at a time period. When the first group was done, then move onto the next ones. Hazel will most likely not be ready as soon as the others I am thinking. She just seems a bit behind at this point..hope she eventually catches up with her sisters.

[ChicksDigScars]

18 hours ago, Angelica2121 said:

 The Busbys get at least a million annually for the TV show, ads on their website, plus product endorsements (did you see the "Honest Kids" juicebox that Adam's camera lingered on impossibly long?), income from the cycle business, plus they must've saved some money from all those pre-quint years when they were double-income and zero or one kid. 

I definitely noticed the ACT kid's bubble gum flavored mouth wash and accompanying kid's toothpaste on the kitchen counter during the dentist episode when Danielle was brushing all their little teefers.  As Danielle instructed Blayke how to squeeze the ACT bottle and "see, just enough" mouthwash goes into the top, with the bottle conveniently facing the camera. It even sounded like a scripted commercial. So, they do take advantage of product placement. Who gets that cash? Busby's or TLC or the production company? Or an even split?

I do hope they are putting some of it away. Unlike SOME other TLC families that got big homes with their TLC fame, and then the income from the show dried up and you wonder how they're supporting that many children with a stay at home mom and a non-support paying ex-husband who doesn't hold a job for long. Not that I'm naming names or anything.  With the Roloff's and the Arnold/Klein's, you know there's other income outside the show that can sustain their lifestyle after the cameras stop rolling.  I think that Adam made decent living when he worked for his brother in law (it was "in oil," but that's all I remember), but to support six daughters all hitting school, puberty, driving age (which includes car insurance whether they have a kid's car for them to drive or not), plus buying their own health insurance that he probably lost when he quit his job, and then COLLEGE? Plus, a wifey that obviously enjoys expensive matching outfits on the kids, and personalized toys and furniture. These shows don't last forever. Once the kids get older and more opinionated and start talking over each other and mouthing back to the parents, they get less entertaining. 

[Eureka]

Many kids start a sport or activity at Blayke’s age, so I don’t think it’s necessarily just for the camera but I agree that driving far is going to get old. Even in my much smaller town, there are several gymnastics options closer by. Maybe that’s just the place that TLC was able to get to agree to film. Maybe she’ll go regularly to somewhere closer? Who knows but she did say she wanted to do gymnastics when she went to tea with Mimi, and that sounded genuine to me.

Edited July 26, 2018 by Eureka

[MV713]

On ‎7‎/‎23‎/‎2018 at 1:01 PM, ButterQueen said:

I noticed Danielle is sporting an Apple Watch, so they aren’t hurting for money.

Never mind the Louis Vuitton bags...  Look, I have triplets (they are now 21) and the beginning years are HARD AS HELL.  They make it look very easy probably because they have tons of help from family, church that we don't see on camera.  I think they don't film that much - and they talk about filming episodes on social medical so most are staged activities.  I followed them on social media until I couldn't stand watching their endless vacations (Hawaii was last), and date nights, outings, purchases, etc.  I do watch the show because I love Mimi and my heart is breaking for her now, after hurricane and her depression.  But they had a Halloween episode, a Thanksgiving episode so far.  Those are a month apart.  Mimi's birthday was shown after Thanksgiving episode but I can't seem to find when her actual birthday is.  Seems they should be prepping for Christmas but it looks like summer in that episode?

[freebie]

I don't think it's a big deal that a six-year old is starting gymnastics classes. You don't need to start at 2 or 3 years old to learn and progress in a sport, let alone have fun. No one is saying her goal is to compete internationally! Also, while Blayke could use some pointers on form (straight legs, pointed toes), she was pretty game and did a lot of things that showed she isn't an absolute beginner. I even saw a round-off (with spotting from one of the coaches), and they had her on the bars, which are challenging, and the high beam, not the version that's a few inches off the floor. 

Finally, not to be full-on stalker here, but I Googled gymnastics facilities in/near League City, and quite a few are off I-45, which is the big interstate near there. I have no idea where the Busbys live, of course, but it seems a bit of a leap to assume that they are having to travel for an extended period of time just based on a 30-second segment showing them driving to the gym. Around here, people routinely jump onto I-95 to make quick trips -- it's actually quicker and more convenient to drive on the highway. 

[sATL]

56 minutes ago, MV713 said:

Never mind the Louis Vuitton bags...  Look, I have triplets (they are now 21) and the beginning years are HARD AS HELL.  They make it look very easy probably because they have tons of help from family, church that we don't see on camera.  I think they don't film that much - and they talk about filming episodes on social medical so most are staged activities.  I followed them on social media until I couldn't stand watching their endless vacations (Hawaii was last), and date nights, outings, purchases, etc.  I do watch the show because I love Mimi and my heart is breaking for her now, after hurricane and her depression.  But they had a Halloween episode, a Thanksgiving episode so far.  Those are a month apart.  Mimi's birthday was shown after Thanksgiving episode but I can't seem to find when her actual birthday is.  Seems they should be prepping for Christmas but it looks like summer in that episode?

and that's another issue.. which may stem from my corporate america world.. when one is seeking a new position and you're at the age where it could be perceived as an issue for the position - one tends to keep true age/birthday under wraps... Mimi doens't always look 54 to me (she has a young hairdo/color) but now some will presume she has a birthday somewhere b/w Thanksgiving and Christmas.

[Angelica2121]

So glad I found this discussion forum!!  It's fun to discuss "Outdaughtered" with y'all !!

Overall, Danielle and Adam and their entire family / cast members are good people with good hearts, and they make good decisions.

While it's fun to enjoy the warm and funny moments, I also like to gossip in my own mind, or with you guys, about some of the Busby fails or bad decisions.

I definitely love to gossip about how reality television takes genuine moments of a family's life and tweaks them to make an interesting TV show. 

Here are just a few topics, I hope you find these interesting too.

THE UPSCALE KIDS CLOTHING -- I believe they get that clothing for free from the store. That way moms in Houston (there are many wealthy families in Houston) who see those outfits can buy the clothes at the same boutique, or any moms nationally can find the clothing maker and order online.  The boutique was featured in one or more early episodes.

MONEY IN GENERAL -- Danielle and her sisters had a very modest childhood economically, so they know what that's like.  Husbands Nick, Dale and Adam maybe grew up with more money, I don't know.  It appears that all six of them have worked hard, some since their teenage years.  Now, Nick is the owner of his own business, which sells safety equipment and safety products.  Dale and Adam work / worked for Nick, so it's kinda easier if you're able to be employed by a family member.  So, in my mind, all of them deserve any financial success that has come their way.

MIMI'S (NICK'S & ASHLEY'S) FLOODED HOUSE IN HOUSTON -- who knows, there are so many possibilities there.  Insurance -- is flood insurance different in Texas and Louisiana where floods are more common, maybe paying for temp living is not part of insurance coverage.  N & A would have the insurance on the home, Mimi probably should've had renter's insurance for her possession but maybe didn't.  Mimi is not on camera at D & A house as much lately, so even though she supposedly lives there, she might be rotating around to all three daughters to see all her grandchildren, etc.  Collectively, the three daughters could easily pay for Mimi to live in an apartment, but what would your own family do?  I know my family would have grandma stay with us while waiting for a permanent home.

MOM&DAD TIME FOR BLAKE and GYMNASTICS and THE EXPRESSWAY -- of course a private gymnastics evaluation for Blayke was scripted, it filled up a lot of screen time and helped to cover one of the main themes of the show: making sure that Blayke gets some personal attention.  I believe that's one of the genuine and appropriate goals of D & A, and my guess is that they do stuff with Blayke alone that's good for Blayke but not interesting enough for TV.  In fact, it might be a way where D & A show how they truly love their kids regardless of any TV show. Oh, the expressway -- Houston is so full of expressways that sometimes you need to hop on it and off it for just a 10 minute ride.  Or, I also support the theory above that the gym studio that filmed the eval is not the same place where Blayke will have lessons.

MOVING PARKER AND RILEY TO NEXT CLASS -- totally scripted way to handle a true situation.  It was time for the girls to move up, but it also provided great dramatic tension in claiming that Danielle was "pro" and Adam was "con" -- that disagreement was probably not even true.  Miss Randi, a wonderful angel at the day care, normally would've set up a very smooth transition of quietly taking the girls to the new classroom for a few minutes over several days until they were acclimated.  In fact, maybe she did.  But the filming made it look like an ambush at the door !!  

ADAM NOT WORKING AT NICK'S ANYMORE -- when was that announced on the show?  I missed that !!

PROVIDING EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE QUINTS -- I give D& A a grade of A++ they are great.  Many a time when the girls were smaller and running around the living room, I thought guiltily to myself "If I was the mom, I'd just keep all five of them in their high chairs and give them toys there to do" !! LOL Now that the quints are older, I think the Busbys have created a wonderful safe backyard where the quints can spread out

THE POOP -- no way !!  Is it common for toddlers to remove their own diapers and play in poop?  My kids never did that, so I don't know.  If my kids had done that, I'm sure I would've used appropriate behavior mod with stern voice and clear "no" and age-appropriate consequences such that they wouldn't have done it more than a couple of times before I extinguished that behavior!!  A leaky diaper is different. BTW on the poop episode a lot of it looked real but the little round dry poops next to the door looked fake!!

HAVING A REALITY TV SHOW -- if anything happened in my life that would result in an opportunity for my own reality TV show, I would do the show in a heartbeat.  Go Busbys LOL !!!

I try to analyze why I love to watch them, but I can't totally figure out why. It feels comforting to watch their show, I guess I don't really need to know why.

[Angelica2121]

Oh, sorry, forgot one thing I really wanted to say:

MIMI BEING A TEACHER -- I don't believe that Mimi is a certified public school teacher.  I think she previously worked at a pre-school.  I think calling Mimi a "teacher" is one of those show exaggerations.  I doubt Mimi has a college degree ... she was 20 years old when she had Danielle, and I think Ashley and Crystal are older than Danielle, so maybe 18 or 19 when she had LiLi and KiKi.  After that they've portrayed her as a single mom supporting her kids, but I don't know when her marriage or her relationship with the girls dad(s) ended.  She could've gotten genuine teaching certificate, but I don't think so.

[sATL]

1 minute ago, Angelica2121 said:

Oh, sorry, forgot one thing I really wanted to say:

MIMI BEING A TEACHER -- I don't believe that Mimi is a certified public school teacher.  I think she previously worked at a pre-school.  I think calling Mimi a "teacher" is one of those show exaggerations.  I doubt Mimi has a college degree ... she was 20 years old when she had Danielle, and I think Ashley and Crystal are older than Danielle, so maybe 18 or 19 when she had LiLi and KiKi.  After that they've portrayed her as a single mom supporting her kids, but I don't know when her marriage or her relationship with the girls dad(s) ended.  She could've gotten genuine teaching certificate, but I don't think so.

according to Linked in , which yes, could be false, she has a teaching degree. (  link )  . In the early episodes she and the girls said she "taught" and enjoyed being around children. The RIF was something about her contract wasn't renewed... school closed... wasn't assigned for next school year... something like that..

[Angelica2121]

Thanks for the link to Mimi's LinkedIn page.

I stand corrected, I'm sure that information about the college degree is true, then.

Also understand how a school closing could result in a RIF with no replacement position.

Wow, that's awful !!  Bad things happen to good people.  She has definitely had things tough, it makes her comment "I didn't think this is where I'd be at age 54" even more understandable than it already was.

[Mrs. Hanson]

15 hours ago, Squirrely said:

God, I wish they wouldn't show all this potty training business. I know it's been mentioned in this thread before, but I just can't imagine growing up with that footage out there. 

My daughter is just shy of being 13. She would be humiliated and ridiculed right out of school if some of her classmates had access to her pooping on the carpet, smearing shit in her sister's crib, and peeing in the toilet while I clapped and rang a bell. Kids are brutal. I have one photo of her on the potty, and only because it cracked me up. She was wearing sunglasses, had covered her legs with Bandaids, and was playing on a toy cell phone. And it's never been shared with anyone or uploaded anywhere. 

The Busbys are not unique in this though. I cringe when photos and stories are shared on blogs and all over social media. We can have educational stories on potty training and encourage other parents while still respecting our children and their dignity. 

I have one of my younger son sitting on the potty, wearing a bucket on his head.  It still cracks me up - but about five people have seen it, no up loading, no sharing, no nothing.

It disgusted me on the endless promo of the close up of the poopy butt showing through one's bottoms - GROSS.  About that poop storyline:

WHY DO PARENTS MAKE IT SO HARD?  Lordy, Danille and Adam:  you don't have to potty train all five at the same damn time, in fact odds are they are not all ready at the same time so why are you forcing it?

On 7/19/2018 at 1:26 PM, winsomeone said:

Is Danielle really organized and patient? Kate Gosselin was touted as being so organized too, and then we found out that she had full time nannies, a housekeeper, and even a full time cook.

Kate G lost her crap over everything and complained about everything.  Like all the time.  Danielle seems more chill to me.

[Maya]

They showed the name of the gym so I just assumed they were free lessons. Or like someone said a one-time thing for that particular storyline.

They also showed the name of the nail salon so free manis for Danielle and Mimi!

[3outta5]

I'm glad Mimi finally vocalized something besides "I'm living someone else's life" (??)  in that she's embarrassed that she has no career and lives with her children. The career thing was true before the hurricane, and I get that depression is a factor here but I hope she realizes she can change her circumstances when she wants to, and having such a large supportive family is definitely conducive to that. Her storyline is frustrating to watch.

My kids never smeared their poo or removed their diapers, TG, but I remember on baby boards when moms would talk about wanting to duct-tape their kids' diapers on. I imagine with a big group of kids it's 'monkey see monkey do', and it only takes one...

"I makeover" and "tails" = SO.CUTE.

[justduckey]

Seems Dale no longer works for Nick either.

[Angelica2121]

Mimi is already working as a real estate agent for Keller Williams in Houston, so she did not move back to Lake Charles and she did find a job.  Yay, Mimi !!

I didn't know that Dale left Nick, too.

Oh, well, probably better for all to keep business and family separate.

Except when the business is starring a reality TV show.  Then better for everyone to stay on board a.k.a. on camera !! LOL

[sATL]

Shouldn't the realtor know the area that they are trying to sell/buy houses in ? All of the realtors I worked  with in the past were in the area for years and/or had experience elsewhere.. kinda part of interviewing who you want to list your house...

Edited July 26, 2018 by sATL