Kate Gosselin’s “Mommy Guilt”
It seems like the whole entire world watched the season five premiere of Jon & Kate Plus Eight last night. It was definitely a different feel than any of the other Jon & Kate episodes… This one was filled with discomfort, tense moments and parental struggles that were actually pretty tough to watch.
Love her or hate her, one thing that most visitors to this blog will identify with is a Kate’s recent experience with her children in regards to their babysitter: the kids called Kate by the babysitter’s name.
First 45 seconds of the clip:
Click here to play the video if it doesn’t load.
Talking about the struggle to juggle everything as a parent — even with help — Kate says:
“All of a sudden, your kids are calling you your babysitter’s name. I got that for the first time the other day. That kills you. I’ve never had that before in my life. Very difficult.”
“You have to step back — and it’s that control thing — and realize, ‘Are my kids happy, healthy safe and loved?’ If the answer is yes to all of those things, you’re good.”
“They know that I love them. There’s no question. But I pour that ‘mommy guilt’ on myself a lot. Probably too much.”
We’ve written before about children calling the nanny/babysitter “Mommy,” but what about when your child calls you by the caregiver’s name?
How would you feel? Do you identify with what Kate said?
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May 28th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Kids aren’t always paying attention to what they are saying. my kids call me dad when i am actually mom or vice versa. If you are a parent you know this happens. I don’t think too much should be made of that statement on Kate’s part.
May 28th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
I as well do not think Kate should pay too much attention to that. She just needs to keep in mind that her KIDS come first and she needs to show it. As long as the children know that, who cares what the rest of the world think. I think people are judging this family too much! Every family has its problems. It seems to me that Kate and John really do have those kids’ best interest at heart. Kate just has a personality that isnt the easiest to deal with. How many of us could say we are the same way? How many of us can say, we are anal about certain things? How many of us could say that we know what its like to have 8 kids, and not be stressed out at all? As long as the children are healthy and loved, people need to stop focusing on the things that every or many familys go through. John put himself in a bad bad situation. Regardless of how Kate treats him, he shouldve handled the matter differently. I just hope money hasnt become more important than the children…
May 31st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I agree with silwy07 100%. I’m not a person who watches tv to much. My daughter has filled me in. But what I’ve seen of the show Kate is a real person. I’ve been married for 32 years. A Mother of 2 adult daughters and a child care provider and a nanny of about 100 different children. Can all of you judging Kate honestly say you have never talked to your husband like that? I know I have and I love him very much. And I’ve been married for 32 years. All of our lives aren’t on camera. And we all don’t have 8 children. John has to take the blame and fault for what ever he did. We all don’t really know. If it’s meant they will work it out. Leave them alone. Yes Kate is out working, For her family. How can you pass any opportunity to help support your own family. I know I love my job and I choose to be a nanny. But we all work for a paycheck! And it’s no big deal when a child calls a nanny mommy. They know and love their mommy. And if a child calls a mom by the nannies name doesn’t mean they love their nanny more. I’m sure all of us mothers have felt guilty one time or another. That’s normal . No one ever gave me a book on how to be a good mom or wife. It’s all hands on. Leave them both alone. Watch their program if you enjoy it, Don’t judge them unless you know you are perfect. Believe it or not this is my first time blogging. Nanny Aurora (By any chance are any of you looking for a nanny?) I’m a great nanny!!!!
June 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
It is clear, bad choices have been made and this family has been hurt. However, the good news is that forgiveness is available to all. I will pray that this family will seek and find forgiveness and focus on what is most important here. Only then can their family be restored.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
My son has called me by his caregiver’s name. He knows who I am; when he does so, he giggles and says “…I mean Mommy!” IMO John and Kate didn’t realize the consequences of inviting millions of people and their opinions into their home via a tv show. I don’t know how anyone deals with this kind of scrutiny and stress. I have a handsome son and people used to say, “Oh he should model.” No, No, and No. Even some movie stars have expressed concern about their children being in the public eye. I hope this couple will seriously consider getting out of the public view to work on their marriage and problems. It’s ridiculous to complain about people judging and giving opinions when you’ve courted this kind of attention by making a show about your lifestyle. We all have problems in our lives which we prefer to deal with without interference from strangers.