The Duggars

Okay, by now you’ve heard of them, right? Surely, you have heard of the Duggars. They’re the stars of TLC’s brand new show, 18 Kids and Counting, featuring their household of kids (dare I say it? More like two baseball teams) and now they’ve welcomed their first grandchild into the world.

In fact, a special will air this Tuesday at 9 p.m. as the First Grandduggar. Mackynzie Renee is the first grandchild to Jim Bob and Michelle and has arrived in the world with 17 aunts and uncles! Plus, another aunt or uncle will be born in 2010 as Michelle is expecting her 19th (yes, as in 19!) child this coming spring.

Mackynzie was born in her parents’ house, Joshua and Anna, as a midwife and doula attended the birth. With this many kids and an unusual family size, you simply have to wonder: Is this family cashing in and leveraging their kids as bait to the network? Is it a way for them to earn a living like any other family or are they sensationalizing their story? Hmmmm.

As peculiar as it is, at least Josh has had his share of child-rearing. As the eldest of their brood, he likely grew up helping his younger siblings with their homework, assisting with household chores, and the like.  That said, one can only imagine how they won’t lack in the department of finding a babysitter or nanny to help watch Mackynzie!

Do you think this family is cashing in on their unique circumstance or do you think all’s fair in love and war in terms of making a living however they can get it?