What Did You Think of Must Love Kids?
So, did you watch Must Love Kids on TLC Tuesday night? I did, and although I do have some concerns on behalf of the kids, I have to tell you that after watching the first episode, I give it a "Thumbs up!"
Frankly, I thought the moms on the show were really authentic. When each of them struggled with everyday things, like getting the kids to listen or go to bed on time, I was impressed by the guts it takes to be that real on camera! At the same time, though, I thought the ladies came across as more vulnerable than I had expected them to be.
For example, Kristin, who had to fight her inclination to be shy around the suitors chosen for her, shared that she wanted to the show because she doesn't want to "quit" on providing her three kids with an example of what a healthy relationship looks like. And Vanessa shared the very real, and all too common, concern that the men she's dated start off interested, and then quickly run away once they realize she's a mom who is dedicated to making her kids the top priority in her life. The third mom, Tracy, hinted that the show's format, which includes background checks for the suitors, felt safer to her than the typical dating scene.
As much as I'm concerned for how much input these ladies will have in the final outcome of what details about their lives and their kids get aired, I can't really argue with where they're coming from. I get it. I see it in their eyes.
So, folks, I'm in, and I'm looking forward to next week's episode. (Which is good, because I had to upgrade my satellite service to get TLC). How about you?
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Comments
Loved the show because I was in the same situation when I was in my 30s as a – get this – single dad. I hope they plan to explain what happened to their “children’s fathers” in future episodes because they all seemed to ignore it. This will seem judgmental, but some of the situations seemed downright irresponsible. Vanessa — married at 20, divorced at 21, and that guy wasn’t the kids’ father! Not sure if she ever even married the dad, despite having two kids with him. Tracy -A “relationship” for 7 years that was great for the first two. Then it went in different directions, but not before having child together. Honestly, do these people (dads included) ever think about the kids when they make these decisions? Or is it just a cool thing to do? Kristin might have been the most vague about her past. Tough life for that girl, so I’m rooting for her. But where the heck did she come up with those names? Kenzie, Jaxton (ugh!) and Topher? They’re children, folks. Real human beings! Not pets! All that I aside, I’m rooting for all of them. It has to be tough to have a camera in your face and talk about your life and be honest. Despite the lack of info on their exes, they all came across as very honest, genuine and I hope they find love!
This show describes my life now. Soon to be divorced @ age 38. Mother of a 4yr old and terrified of dating. I do get many invites to date but hesitate. This show rocks!
OMG!
how can you say that about Vanessa.
YEs she was married but he left her for something. That is called irresponsible.
I mean come on.
I would baby sit hailie all the time && gabriel.
Ufgh.
she is the sweetest person yhou will ever meet.
&& to think f it.
yhou dont even know her.
She is the most sweetest &/7 most down to earth person you will ever meet.
So how abot you just shut up and view your facts before you have room to talk about how other people are irresponsible.
&& H E W A S T H E F A T H E R!
Hey, just going by what they told us on the show. Didn’t do an FBI background check on her. The show should have made it clearer, if what you’re saying is true. But if the show portrayed her accurately, she sure as heck seems like a very sweet young lady and a great mom. Sorry I sounded like a pompous $%$%^&(. I’m rooting for Vanessa, and now I’ll shut up!
You DID wish us all the best, and you were both sypathetic to our situations & complimentary about how we came across on the show… thank you so much for that.
However, your opinion of my kids’ names being more suitable for pets… ? And pointing out our inadequacies in past relationships… ?
Well, I have to say in those moments you might have sounded a bit like a “pompous $%$%^&” to me, but I guess I’m biased…
Mostly I’m grateful for the good wishes – thanks for rooting for me. I’m rooting for you, too
Jennifer, thanks for sharing your opinion here with us! I was also pleasantly surprised by how real the moms seemed. I’m hooked.
I’m linking to you today, via my blog — along with an interview with David, one of Kristin’s suitors.
Wow, I didn’t see it that way at all. I think you’re being too hard on these moms! Plus, I just think that what we see on the screen is probably a tiny sliver of the actual relationships and conversations.
I agree that it is a somewhat accurate portrayal of the trials and wonders of single parenthood. . . Vanessa is great, they all are. I think that the best part of the show is the emphasis on the kids also, I mean, they say they are seeking happiness, but you can tell they are content just being moms and adore their little rascals. . . the men are respected as potential mates, but not more important than the kids.
I really like the show and my kids keep saying I should go on the show too. I am single mom of 2. My problem is I am shy and a disabled veteran. Sometimes I just feel that I would be inadequate for a really great guy but know deep down that I deserve that in my life. Good luck to all the single moms ecspecially those who have guts enough to get on national television to seek happiness. Maybe someday I will have that courage if the show sticks around….
What a “Demon Child”…. As a single guy I would run and not walk the other way. But it’s not the childs fault, it’s the horrid parenting that child is receiving. No dicipline, she runs the mom and not the other way around. Almost everything that child did on the show was not acceptable behavior by MOST peoples standards. The sad thing is that she wasn’t being corrected or repromanded by her mother. I don’t think Tracy needs a man, she needs parenting classes and possibly an exorcist.
“Together,”
Wow – that’s harsh! Here’s the thing – we have no idea, as the viewers, what other factors contributed to her behavior. I’ve personally been wondering why the producers had the other moms and kids go out for their dates, but had Tracy and her daughter stay at home. (Perhaps they anticipated that keeping her cooped up would contribute to creating some sort of behavior they could use as a little controversy with the guys?!!) I also don’t think the participants overall have had a chance to develop enough of a connection to give them the necessary resolve for handling any rough spots. In “real life,” you’d probably date someone longer fist and have more invested before bringing the kids into it.
“Together”
I could not agree with you more! You are a single guy and you can see how horrible that child is. Shouldn’t it be apparent to Tracy? Paris is one of the brattiest 5 year olds I have ever seen in my life! Tracy is clueless as a mother. SHE is to blame for Paris being the out of control demonic child she is. There is zero discipline and she rewards the bad behavior with chocolate doughnuts and chocolate milk…the last thing an already hyperactive kid needs!
I have been a single mom for 10 years and raised two sons by myself. I never allowed them to get out of their strollers or out of the shopping cart to run around stores. It was never a question, it just was not allowed, period. They were taught manners and respect for people. If and when they acted up, they were immediately dealt with. Kids are only as good as the parenting they receive, and I know from experience how hard being a single parent is. My ex lived in another state and rarely ever saw my boys. But you have to be consistent and diligent with kids. Kids WANT rules to live by. Does Paris seem happy being in control? NO! She is a miserably unhappy child.
I am sure the producers kept Paris at home because they KNEW how bad her behavior would be if they unleashed her in public! Tracy is oblivious to everything. She was “so embarrassed” when the guy tattled on Paris’ bad behavior at the park, but Paris’ bad behavior doesn’t seem to bother her at all. It is amazing and painful to watch how out of touch with reality she is. These guys should not have to tell her to discipline her kid! I can only pray she will watch the show and see how horribly wrong her “parenting skills” are and gets help for herself and for Paris. A man is the LAST thing she needs! Therapy should be her top priority. She should have gone on “Nanny 911″ instead of this show, or she should call and book herself for the next available episode!
KamKam