Are the Gosselin kids exploited? Jon and Kate say no. Expert says yes.
Jon Gosselin scoffs at the idea that he and his estranged wife, Kate, are exploiting their eight children with the demands of their TLC reality show, "Jon & Kate Plus 8."
But some experts disagree with Jon, including Dr. Michael Brody of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
He tells Us Weekly: "Kids at this age shouldn't be working at all. They should be playing."
Brody adds, "It is not normal for five and eight year olds to support their family."
Kevin Kreider, Kate's younger brother, and Kreider's wife, Jodi Kreider, agree with the good doctor. They've told CBS News that they want laws protecting children who appear on reality shows.
"We're speaking out now," Kevin pointed out, "because we want to be the voice of our nieces and nephews.
"They're being exploited," Jodi said. "It's time for America to see the situation for what it really is, which is -- unfortunately, there no laws protecting children in reality TV shows. ... And this is not a healthy environment for kids to be raised in."
Read more to find out how those kids feel really feel about followed around by cameras every day.
According to their aunt, the kids hate the cameras. "They would say, 'Aunt Jodi, I don't like the cameras on every vacation with us. I don't like them.' "
She adds, "Kids have bad times, bad moments, they cry -- and having the camera zoom in on a crying child, I mean, this is just -- this should not be a form of entertainment."
What do you think? Should these poor kids save their money for the psychotherapy they'll need later on in life?
Or should they go one more step further and book adjoining rooms at a rehab?Just saying ....
Think of the group counseling sessions. Maybe Nadya Suleman's kids can join in.
There'll probably be cameras there too.
Related "Jon & Kate" and Nadya Suleman dish:
Nadya Suleman rips Kate Gosselin for having a tummy tuck. Really?
Nadya Suleman says her TV show won't be "superficial" like "Jon & Kate Plus 8"
Nadya Suleman calls Kate Gosselin an "attention seeker." Pot, meet kettle.
Is Nadya Suleman a Kate Gosselin-in-training?
Kate Gosselin says she may divorce husband over alleged affair
Who's paying for Nadya Suleman's surgery?
Nadya Suleman will ask for federal assistance for her babies
"Jon & Kate Plus 8" under investigation by Child Labor Services
Photo: FilmMagic
Over and over, Kate has said that the kids don't know life without the cameras and that having the cameras around is normal for them. And she sees nothing wrong with this. It is NOT normal, and when the cameras go away, what effect is that going to have on children who think it's normal to be watched and filmed and followed by paparazzi all the time? How will they deal with not being the center of attention? I feel for them, and I can't imaging how difficult the adjustment will be for them.
I feel so bad for them, I mean, whats going to happen to them at elementary school? Middle school? HIGH SCHOOL? university, etc.
i hope they keep doing this show i love it.i think that it is okay from them to be on tv....it is a very good show...kate i think you are doing to very good job and keep it up...please keep doing your show....