Does Mady Gosselin Need Discipline, or a Diagnosis?

I don’t think this at all. I am a special needs teacher and work with children several disabilities: autism, mental impairments, ADHD, cerebral palsy, etc. I have seen many children with ADHD/ADD and I don’t think she displays these symptoms at all. It’s a classic case of her trying to get the attention that she needs being that she is only one of eight children. With that many children of the same age you’re going to have that kind of behavior. As far as discipline goes I feel that they’re doing very well. I’ve seen them place their children in time out and in Mady’s case giving her a “swift kick” as someone said will more than likely have a negative impact. Most of the time I think that they ignore her tantrums which is what seems to work the best. This is also what I do in the school system. The more attention the tantrums get negative or positive will only increase them. I think John and Kate do a wonderful job with their children!

Mady definitely needs help. She’s miserably unhappy. She hates everything that ever happens. She had a fit at the beach, and a fit when told they were getting puppies! What normal child goes nuts at the beach and when they’re getting a puppy? The poor child is not capable of enjoying life. She needs to learn how. No child should grow up that miserable. Get that girl some help!

Mady definitely needs help. Anyone who is “acting out” on a regular basis needs to see a counselor, if only to have a chance to learn how to verbalize her feelings.

With so much discussion regarding Mady, obviously it’s not just people being critical,
most of them see something to be concerned with. Perhaps the parents should at least acknowledge it might be a problem instead of just shrugging it off as they look into the
camera saying she hasn’t had enough rest or is
just in one of her moods. I’ve noticed the
six younger ones displaying signs that maybe living with ccameras, with their classmates and everyone watching and maybe teasing them isn’t just isn’t worth the public display.

Holly, I agree with you. Mady is a good kid who is just a bit spirited. She is a child who hasn’t quite mastered how to get her feelings across with a twin sister and six younger siblings. She just likes to be heard and has strong opinions. John and Kate are wonderful parents! I think they do a great job using time out and sometimes just ignoring the tantrums so that she doesn’t get any attention from them. If Mady gets attention from these tantrums, negative or positive, she will just do it more.

I have an 11 year old daughter with ADD/ADHD and I’m also a Special Education teacher. I’ve wondered about Mady and her behavior for some time. I think Kate and Jon handle her difficult behavior extremely well but I’m beginning to think that it’s definitely something that needs some major intervention. Her tantrums occur way too often for a child her age. Kate is great about keeping routines and planning ahead yet Mady doesn’t seem to handle transitions easily and she appears to get sensory over-loaded. I wonder how she does at school? I seem to remember reading somewhere that Kate had commented that they were working on getting help with Mady’s behavior–not sure exactly how she worded it.

I think Mady is not handling the additional competition of her siblings. She seems to be very jealous of attention given to the sextuplets and perhaps in her mind, thinks she is not included. She is angry. Couple that with her need to be noticed and you have disaster. She should have help in coping with competition, transition and sensory overload.

Wow! I never thought about this. I have too noticed her behavior but put it off as spoiled, bratty and sometimes just girl behavior. But…most of you are right. She’s never happy, or not that I’ve ever seen. Interesting!!

Since the very beginning of the show I’ve wondered about Maddie and sensory processing disorder. 2 of my kids have this diagnosis and her behavior is all to familiar. I wish she had a great OT who could help out!

I believe Mady is a normal kid who is just testing her boundaries. I’ve seen much much worse behavior. Her behavior, though annoying to parents, seems to be normal. Come on people…kids have different personalities, and they are not all stepford children. If you believe her behavior is out of bounds, then you better take off the rose colored glasses, and go out in public more often. There are kids all over throwing tantrums, whining, screaming and crying. This is a normal developmental phase for kids. Open your eyes.

A friend of my has a child just like Mady – although she is 21 years old. She has displayed the exact behavior as Mady from the time she was very young. All is well in the world when this child is getting her own way. But when she doesn’t – watch out. She works hard to ruin everything that’s happening. And as Kate, this child’s mom tried to brush the behavior off as the child being tired, and even as having low blood sugar (bull). Throughout her years growing up she had a hard time making friends, was constantly using her tantrums to get her own way and to this day whines when things don’t go her way. If this behavior isn’t stopped when young, it continues into adulthood. I have never seen Kate put Mady in timeout like she does the little kids. This is a necessity. She should not give in to this behavior, or allow it. It’s time for some intervention. My friend wishes she had done it years ago.

Mady may be following the mantra of “negative attention is good attention because its better than no attention at all.” Mady seems to get frustrated with the chaos going on around her (lack of control). Like her mother. So, she lashes out with anger, crying, tantrums, etc. She needs more attention. Some children need that, and its ok. I like John and Kate and the rest of the kids. I think the whole family is really cute!

I think Mady would benefit with counselling and spending time alone with a friend. My daughter was similiar to mady but now at age 25 and a 19 month of her own i find her a bit controlling over her baby. It’s like a circle because isn’t Kate very controlling. I think kate would benefit going back to work casual at least as i’m also a R.N.

For what it is worth, I used to like the show but between watching Mady and Kate, I just can’t stand watching any more. Kate is such a controlling parent,and I mean way more than needed for order, it is no wonder Mady is imitating her. Kate doesn’t seem to be any more happy most of the time than Mady. I think that is why Kate acts most of the time like she doesn’t know what to do with Mady’s moods. I feel for her exhaustion but she is always on Jon’s case and doesn’t seem to ever respond to his joking around or easygoing ways with appreciation or lightening up.

Mady is very similar to my daughter who is bi-polar. Every time I see her act up I cringe because it is too familiar. I do feel bad for her, if my daughter had that many siblings, she would have far more meltdowns and she already melts down enough.

I have watched Jon & Kate since day one, and I must say honestly, I wanted to give mady a good spanking for her constant whining, and talking back to her parents. I think that she is very jealous of the smaller children and she feels that she is not getting the attention that they are. She constantly says, If the babies have this or that I want it too, or the babies get it why cant I.
Cara never complains about anything but mady, I think mady needs to act her age and realize she is not a baby anymore, she has 6 others to take her place and get used to it.

I think the parents are the ones with the problem. They have twins then they need sextuplets,they have sextuplets then they need a reality show, they have a reality show now they need twin German Shepherds.The parents are completely exploiting their kids by shoving mics and cameras in their little faces every day and making them live in a goldfish bowl for millions of viewers. Poor kid, I feel badly for her.

Is there such a thing as a “bully profile”? I have seen this same exact personality in a few kids I have known over the years. I think it will get worse as she ages if it is not stopped now. Has anyone read the “Queen Bee” book that Mean Girls was modeled on? A definite must for moms and dads of girls. Right on the money.

this is to number 17, dora. you are completly wrong. thay didnt plan to have all those kids, it just happened. at least they aren’t like octo-mom with octuplets and 6 other kids under the age of 8

I can’t believe you are all hung up on Mady. Kate is the one who worries me. Mady will be fine. I am sure it is difficult having the cameras around and must be very stressful for all of them.

I think Mady is just MAD-y. I do have concerns for Aiden though.

I feel bad for Mady! Imagine constantly being criticized on national TV by none other than your parents. Image them sitting on that couch saying that’s “just how Mady is”, while Jon goes on special vacations with just Cara and the two always says how athletic and responsible Cara is.

If I were Mady I would resent my parents. Not to mention I would feel as if the camera were my enemy. And in a way they are – just google her name. Maybe she just acts out in front of the cameras because she feels that their against her. Mady is clearly the smartest of the bunch. She has an amazing vocabulary for her age and started reading very early. I think she realizes that her parents are using her and is resentful.

Free Mady and the Gosslelin 8!

Mady just acts like her mother, so yes there is obviously an underlying psychological issue. Mom is a total whack job with OCD and NPD and god knows what other disorders.

Obviously the cameras and Truman Show type of life is going to cause added pressures in daily coping skills, and people with disorders need to minimize stress, not add to it the way the show obviously does. I hope they end the show soon for the sake of all of the children. Maddy needs some child therapy for sure, shes hurting.

I agree with the person who mentioned Sensory Processing Disorder. I have been researching this because my 7 yo son displays some of the characteristics. Ironically, I have often been reminded of my son’s behavior when watching Mady. I can see how sharing a house with 7 other siblings could complicate this.

I also agree that it could just be editing. My husband is a cameraman who has worked on a reality t.v. show and it is true that these shows are staged and edited for dramatic affect. Either way, we need to remember that kids have their own distinct personalities and issues. Not every problem can or needs be solved with “good old fashioned” discipline i.e. a swift kick. I have always been impressed with the way Jon and Kate have dealt with Mady, being a parent of a child who behaves similarly, I know it is not easy. You do the best you can and pray for God to give you wisdom. I pray for that for them as well.

I think we just need to ignore the kids and give the Special Needs Counselors a swift kick in the ….

I can’t believe how many people are so capable of fully understanding family dynamics and diagnose anything from ADHD to sensory processing issues to bi-polar disorder when they see what? 30 hours out of what 5000 waking hours in a year of a family’s life?

And I’d like to vote for Jarett Wieselman for the number one useless faux journalist for putting Mady Gosselin on his stupid list as well as for saying parents would choose to have genetic testing and eradicate her if it were an option.

From what I see at the glimpse we get of their lives, they keep things pretty normal considering they have 8 kids and are being filmed. Mady is who she is. Kids can get angry and not be satisfied with everything that goes on their lives with having a diagnosis.

I was a fan of Jon and Kate plus 8, but I watched Kate go from a simple, classic, traditional mom to an egocentric, OCD, person moe interested in money and fame than her kids. In many episodes Kate has said negative, austic things about Mady and been overly punitive with her, and Jon has occassionally. In my opinion(and I have a husband and 2 kids with ADD), Mady has ADD and maybe even OCD due to Kate, who may have one or both. I also think the kids don’t seem very happy now with constant filming and this isn’t a normal environment for kids to grow up in..It meets the parents needs, not the childrens. As you may know, many people are sick of kate and want the show of Kate and want the show off the air….Mady does need help, but she also needs kind, hugs, unconditional love and fun with her parents….And the aggressive behavior that kate and Jon allow with thier kids, isn’t acceptable!!!Since Kate is gone from home most of time and they have a nanny, maybe the kids will finally get the mothering they deserve!!!!!

It’s difficult to admit, however Mady’s behavior reminds me of myself.
I had extreme issues with being a child. As far as i can remember i never enjoyed playing the role of a little girl. i always wanted to be taken seriously, and most importantly to be treated as an equal to adults. (guess how often that happened?) therefore, i was miserable for most of my childhood.
That need to be independent caused major emotional problems for me relating to my family. I would always put up walls between me and family members because i didn’t want that type of relationship- i wanted to establish myself; to be autonomous. I rejected everything about being part of a family unit.
Now that i am an adult, it’s a non-issue. Looking back on my childhood, i regret that behavior and wish i would have been able to let my guard down and enjoy life.
I also think Maddy is a bit of a romantic. She wants her life to be like a fairy-tale. She throws tantrums on her birthday, on vacations, and whenever there is a big secret surprise- i think it’s very clear to see that when the fairy-tale she built up in her head bursts, she also bursts.
It saddens me to see Maddy living her life this way, because i know how much it sucks and how much she’ll regret it later on.
However, it’s impossible to give her perspective.. she needs to gain that through life experience, and i’m confident that she will.

Mady is the worst child I have ever seen in my entire life. She is an obnoxious brat. She is so poorly disciplined and parented that I seriously have to change the channel. You know what I think Mady needs? I good hard spanking. Mady needs more than just discipline, she needs punishment. She needs to know that if she continues to act the way she does, her life will be miserable. I can see that stupid little girl rebelling when she is a teenager and developing drug and alcohol problems, at the least an eating disorder. She will obviously have personality problems her entire life. If I ever saw her I would tell her what a detestable little brat she is and when she starts crying, screaming, throwing a fit and being an ingrate, I would punch her in the face.

My problem with Mady, and maybe my perspective is different–as a man, as someone without children, and as someone who is not a doctor–is not just that she craves attention, but that she doesn’t want anyone else to have it either.

The most bothersome words I’ve heard her say, and forgive me as I’m not a regular watcher of the show, is when they were getting puppies. Mady said something to the effect of, “I want a puppy that only loves me”.

It wasn’t good enough that the puppy love her and that she loves the puppy. She demanded a puppy that only love her. That would worry me.

As to Brittany in post 29, I think it’s far worse to see someone post the garbage you have about an eight year old girl. Do you honestly think that’s appropriate? What should someone who reads your post say/do to you upon seeing you in person?

Im with Dave (31) to Brittany (29)–If that were my child you just referred to as “a stupid little girl”, you and I would have some serious issues, and I’ve never had a violent bone in my body, but I felt compelled to slap your “stupid” head for saying something so cold and careless.

As for little Mady, in front of cameras is no way for any child to grow up-there are other ways of earning a living to support such a large family-don’t get me wrong-I don’t have an issue with the quantity of children they have-Im just saying we are all different-with different personalities and needs, and its hard enough to be a child these days, needing love and attention without sharing it with 7 other brothers and sisters the same age–and as a parent I don’t see how they could fairly disburse the right amount of love and attention to each child that suits that child’s individual needs–Im at a loss-its no wonder this child is acting out-she made it clear by saying “I want a puppy that loves only me”, how sad is that. They need to get America out of these children’s faces so we can find something better to discuss and debate then someone elses parenting skills and/or behavior issues without knowing the whol truth..CNN anyone?

They need to stop the show. It was fine for awhile, and Mady has always been a nasty little thing, but even Cara is getting mean. It’s too hard on the kids. Stop the insanity and let them have a life! When people have children, they have to be put first. Surely Kate has enough money by now??

Mady should be in counseling if she isn’t. She often refers to when they were a “family of four” – i.e before the sextuplets were born. I think she resents the children and the attention and focus that is placed on them. Probably a very natural reaction to an unnatural life but to give the kid a chance she needs to understand how to handle all of the feelings she has. She takes it out in small ways now but it is going to continue growing, IMO.

Mady needs an excorcist. I think she’s the most horrible child I have ever seen. She hits and kicks the little ones when she thinks no one is looking. The when they tell and she’s asked about it; she lies and says they hit her. The little ones love her and it’s so pathetic she’s such a horrible child. She is self centered and knows right from wrong. She deliberately lies. Jealousy = Hate

Mady is miserable and watching her is a miserable experience. I believe she is just sad because her life is a circus.

You know what?!?! She is beautiful and the most best person ever!! She is fine!! Leave her be, she does NOT need help!!

Wow…some really angry people on here! I haven’t watched the show enough to have an opinion on Mady…but just from this article I feel for her!

I think anyone subjecting their kids to this kind of lifestyle should insist on therapy as a must! These kids never asked for this life. The parents need to quit being kids themselves and step up for their kids. Mom is off on a book tour and dad’s finding comfort where he can….is it any wonder these kids are acting out? Come on! But I think a Psychiatrist should do the diagnosing, not us.

Mady has commented that she’s mad because Cara is the oldest and then along come the sextuplets. She’s caught in the middle and is trying to find her way. However, she does misbehave frequently, trying to get attention. However, she isn’t sneaky about it. The sneaky one is Hannah — who Kate has already confessed to being closer to.

I think Mady is very resentful of the 6 little ones. I think this is quite understandable. Many older children are jealous of “the new baby”, and Mady had to contend with 6!, not to mention all the camera crew etc. I think she is overwhelmed by it all. I think counseling is in order.

This child is in dire need of help now if not sooner….Uncontrolable …badly in need of some form of discipline…very unlikable….I would surelu handle her ina more disciplined manner. Do something with this child!!!!!!!!

I honestly believe it is just her personality. My daughter acts like Mady sometimes and she is an only child. I think it is just their personalities. Overall my 11 year old is a very good kid, she just has her little meltdowns once in a while. I use to wonder if it was because she is an only child, but watching Mady makes me think that it is just their way of dealing with life.

Mady seems to have bi-polar tendencies. I believe her parents are in denial about her behavior, calling her a drama queen or spirited. I have seen her act out against the world by physically abusing her siblings, having terrible outbursts, being jealous and throwing things. She does not seem to have away to deal with her frustrations. At other times, she seems happy and even cute, but the next moment, she is miserable. I fear she may one day seriously hurt one of the younger children. I watched in horror as she repeated kicked her younger sister on camera for being in her room. I think she needs to see a therapist for testing and diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible along with her seriously disturbed mother.

As far as Mady goes,she is very spoiled as they all are,but most of all,I think all the camera’s and people there most of the time is not good for anyone but especialy children.They do not lead a normal life at all.Kate is a lousy mother.

I agree with Trista (39). I also think Hanna is the sneaky one. I think that Hannah will turn out just as bad or worse than Mady. She is very mean to her siblings when the parents aren’t looking. I think she will turn out just as horrible or even worse than Mady who is a nightmare.

Granted she is a young child with lots of brothers and sisters, I’m sure it’s for attention. However watch the show and she can be very sassy and mean – Which her parents need to correct. Or these horrible outburst will continue.

Besides the show needs to come off the air anyways. So the parents can give them a normal life-and they can stop getting SO MANY hand outs.

Does a kind child stomp on her sisters head? Or comment on how she accidently stabbed someone with her pencil? Hitting and lying about it?She started kicking alexis until she fell to the ground then started stomping on her head! She is a bullyas nd behavior like that is not controlled by a time out.I think alexis will have problems too because she is always referred to as the wild one worst one loudest one and all in front of her.Can’t wait to see her act those labels out in life. ALso I think joel has shown a few homosexual tendacys already too. Says he is a girla nd likes make up and nail polish and dressing up. Did anyone else pick up that and jon’s response and kate laughing it up ass all so funny…all of it she has laughed it all off as funny.She needs a wake up call and to quite the show and be a full time mom.They have enough and will continue to receive money from the books and shows in reruns and dvd sales.heal your kids and your marriage if they are your first priority.

Apparently everyone posting a comment is a psychiatrist because they are all diagnosing a child they have never even met with really severe disorders. No, Mady does not display bipolar symptoms, and if you actually knew what bipolar disorder is you wouldn’t make such claims. Her behavior and reactions are not akin to a chemical imbalance. If anything she displays symptoms of sensory processing or an emotional disorder. I have bipolar disorder, I am 38, and I NEVER acted or reacted the way she does to anything. She doesn’t have ADD or ADHD either, and if you’d take the time to research what these actually are then you’d know that. What is unfortunate is that Mady clearly needs intervention. I’m a college teacher and if when I have students with remnants of this kind of childhood behavior, it makes it difficult for the entire class. I can’t imagine how hard it would be for grade schoolers.

Geez! A kid likes to see and touch his mom’s painted toenails, and is attracted to colorful make-up — and therefore is a homosexual at age 4?

That’s lunacy.

The whole family enjoys “dressing up.” Do you not remember the “fashion show”? I don’t think I heard the line about Joel claiming to be a girl, but that doesn’t seem so odd to me — after all, he is one of three boys who have five sisters, including two who are older than he is! He seems to me to be very comfortable with his brothers and Jon — or do you take that as an odd sign, too?

Get your mind in a kinder place, and don’t go presuming troubles unless you have some real knowledge (and preferably that of a physician/therapist who has actually interviewed the child)!

c

I feel so bad for Mady. She is forced to do so many things just because Kate is so controlling…. hair wrap, wear mickey ears that bother her, trips that she obviously can’t handle. Most kids don’t have to travel that much. She is being asked to do things that make her uncomfortable. She is very bright and probably the most like Kate. She is not happy, but neither is Kate. When she turned 7, she said that she couldn’t wait to be 8. Kate is never satisfied either. Kate had to have a puppy all for herself and now she doesn’t even like the dogs. Kate liked her first wedding, but she always wanted to get married in Hawaii. Kate was sad on the Dumbo ride because she couldn’t see every one of her kids enjoy it at the same time. Why not just enjoy the two kids that you have with you? Mady was happiest when she was hula dancing. Let her take a dance class all by herself, no siblings. Develop her talents and her interests. She has a pretty singing voice as well. Mady needs to do something by herself and away from the cameras. I think at one time that Kate said they would stop doing the show if they ever felt like it was not good for the kids. It is time to stop the show.

Mady made the comment on one show that every day is a bad day. I think there are just some deeply unhappy children in this world. NOTHING seems to make her happy. She TELLS adults she is walking off… in public. I am sorry. Eight kids or not, that kind of behavior can not be ignored. She needs to be reaquainted with who the adults are and who the CHILD is. The very best thing that was done as far as discipline was when they were in San Diego and they left her behind, because she was sooo disagreeable with their plans. That was the first time they just said, “you are not going to ruin our day.” FINALLY!!!! Meltdowns??? Kate calls them “meltdowns?” I call them eruptions capable of being given a seismic rating. I have never said that about a child before. It makes me sad.

In the discipline episode, They mentioned that Mady gets more time outs than any of the kids. I’ve seen effective discipline on Jon and Kate’s part. While I’m praying that I never have a child with extreme insecurity issues, I can relate to her in a way. I too am the second oldest of 8 kids, and I ALWAYS felt like I wanted more attention. My worst outburst was at age 5 when I bashed my head into a wall and said my sister did it, to get attention. But I think it all worked out in my teen years. I’m likeable now! I hope that things work out with this beautiful family, and that Mady finds herself in the chaos.

mady may have a temper but she is still just a little girl. how would u feel if you had not only a twin sister that other people are always trying to compare u 2. but also there are 6 younger ones who also need attention. i’m not saying that she’s not a brat but their are so many people who r constantly at her house. she constantly has cameras in her face. papparazzi following the poor kid around every where she goes. that has to be hard on her. but she also does need to be nicer to the younger kids at times too. she just wants a little more attention at times. now she has to deal with her parents possibly getting a divorce, thats only going to make it worse.

Mady and her parents need professional help in dealing with the young girl’s behavior. There are clearly significant issues that need to be addressed but cannot be adequately diagnosed based on video snippets. Mady is not simply going through a difficult time and will not “grow out of” this type of behavior without serious interventions. Maybe the first step would involve getting her off TV and reducing the attention she gets for acting out. Of course that would mean sacrificing a part of the cash cow…somehow, I don’t think this is the kind of solution Kate would “buy” into.

you guys… just leave her alone! shes just a 8 year old girl! i kno sometimes she can be mean to her siblings but that doesnt mean she does it to everyone! shes not bratty, shes mady!

no-one in the world is “great parents”..everyone has flaws and now with pending separation of parents, the kids will act up and get emotional

god help them all!

I really believe Mady is the adult in that house. She has been forced to grow up too fast because of a mother that desires to be an actress and flit all over the US selling her book of lies and DVD’s to the public. Kate is the one that needs help, she is narcissistic and selfish. She claims to have OCD, however, someone with OCD doesn’t leave their bed unmade all day long nor do they spill something and grab a half of roll of paper towels, throw it in the middle of the mess and laugh as they walk away saying, “So what, we’re moving anyway.” Kate has maids, nannies (that she likes to call “helpers”) and a husband who was with the children more than she was. Mady doesn’t need help, KATE does. Quit the “aldergator” tears too Kate, the public isn’t buying it anymore. Has anyone noticed that the day after the 1 hour revelation of what is really happening aired the DVD’s were on sale for 40% off?

Cameras follow the family quite a few hours each day, and someone edits it all down into what we see on the show.

I watch occasionally if I have a spare 20 minutes, so I’m sure I have a much different view of the family than those who watch the whole show, or a different set of 20 minute interludes, but everyone involved comes across as an individual with good and bad days, their own ’special needs’ and personalities, and ways they cope with being in a big family and/or with cameras involved.

I cannot condemn parents for allowing cameras in their home and edited events to be shared with us as their audience ~ every segment I see gives me a great deal to think about no matter what the family has been shown doing that day.

Long ago I found that I could tolerate and/or understand other people’s choices easily when I considered them friends, that would have been beyond my capacity to accept if they were strangers. These children are growing up in a family that would have been extraordinary even without cameras in their lives.

I wish all the best for each of them, and believe that it’s more likely they have had and will continue to have the support and encouragement they need because their lives have been open to us.

Almost every time I watch the show, I see something that *could* be a symptom of a diagnosis that my son or one of his classmates has had. When my son developed insulin dependent diabetes at the age of 7, I discovered that the symptoms of dangerously low blood sugar were very much like the symptoms of being a 7 year old boy. His sister and his classmates seemed to be able to tell the difference – me and other adults, not at all.

That being said, most parents I know would sign right up if there were an option available to put the kids in a safe (and learning enriched) deep freeze for six months or a year just to see whether we could pick up the threads of our lives before we had children, or to see who we might have been without the daily tug on our psyches that each child seems to be.

Most children can demonstrate that they are awful kids just like parents can be awful moms or dads depending on the circumstances and/or their stamina. So what? None of us was perfect as a child and none is perfect as an adult. A ‘good spanking’ would not change that for the better and neither would sarcasm, name-calling and criticism. Why even consider strategies that don’t work?

I have watched this show from the beginning. While I used to enjoy it, I soon started being very irritated by Kate’s abusiveness, Mady’s tantrums and problems. It became more and more difficult to watch as the shows became more and more about Kate and John and what free service they were having done for them. I started noticing the changes in Kate’s AND John’s behavior. The fighting, the sarcasm, the unhappiness. Soon it was rubbing off on the children. It became intolerable to watch, yet I cared so much for this family. It began to hurt to see Cara sitting apart from the family, looking unhappy or in a world of her own. While Mady is able to vent her anger, Cara usually does not. So, I worry about Cara, as well. And I worry for Mady because her behavior IS unacceptable. But then, so is Kate’s. Kate’s poor behavior has become evident in the 6 younger kids as well as in Mady’s. I worry for each child in this family and what their parents have done to them. In the face of a probable divorse, it is even MORE painful to watch. Truly, I wish I had never started watching, that they had never started filming, that the parents had never gotten so filled with their own celebrity, & their hunger for money that they are now too blind to how unhappy all of the children really seem. I do NOT trust that Kate will stop filming no matter HOW unhappy or how much damage is done to the very ones she claims to love the most….it just hurts so very much to see this family self-destruct before our very eyes. Reminds me of when the shuttle exploded in the atmosphere on it’s launch into space. Sad, very sad. I wish there was a way to stop them……

I dont think mady gosselin has anything wrong with her at all.She just tries to get the attention she needs being only one of eight children.I think as far as disipline goes Jon and Kate are doing a great job .Mady is really a very sweet girl with a very kind heart.

I totally agree with Sierra Adams [60]
Mady is just trying to get the attention she needs only being one of eight children. As far as disipline goes Jon and Kate are doing a great job. Mady is really a very sweet girl with a very kind heart.

I can’t help but think that right now Mady could use a kind grandmother to spend some special time with (alone!). Too bad her mother has managed to cut off contact with both of Mady’s grandmothers.

Brat…. end of.

I wish I had a child just like her, she kind of reminds me of my boyfriend.

Sometimes when i’m watching i wait for the part where her head spins around like Linda Blair. Sometimes….

I think Mady had severe problems. I wouldn’t even have to watch the TV show to come to that conclussion. Her own mother (Kate Gosselin) on national TV has stated the following comments about her own daughter. 1)Mady had severe jealous issues 2)Mady says EVERDAY day of her life is the worst day of her life. 3)Mady has trouble with authority figures 4)Mady lies a lot 5)Mady doesn’t get along with her siblings 6)Mady said on CBS Morning Show she doesn’t like her siblings 7)Kate berates (along with the dentist) how terrible Mady’s teeth are. Even showed her X-rays blown up on the TV screen. Kate was “horrified” when she looked in Mady’s mouth because her teeth were so bad.8) Mady is physically abusive. She is going to read and google her name one day. And all the ugly comments and labels Kate gave her are going to be in stone (DVD’s &reruns). I think the nation will hear of Mady Gosselin again in many years to come and it will be very negative news to be sure.

Poor Mady. Her biggest problem is the complete lack of discipline in her home. Children are allowed to get away with all kinds of bad behavior towards each other, as long as they are clean and don’t make a mess. Tantrums at 8 years old? I never tolerated tantrums at any age. I also never tolerated hitting each other, impoliteness or a host of other bad behaviors you see in the Gosselin children all the time. I would love to go into that home and give those parents some parenting lessons as well as give the kids the love and discipline they lack. Structure does not equal discipline. Bad behavior needs to be stopped, not ignored.

I think Mady is smart and savvy. She understands what a sham the show has become and doesn’t want to be a part of it. After the birthday party, when Kate wanted a family picture, Mady did not want to participate in perpetuating what we now know is a false representation. Kudos to her for being real. Mady has guts and that is to be admired.

Mady is also compassionate. When Kate and all the kids were on a morning show, Alexis was arguing a bit with one of the boys. Kate grabbed her shoulder, much too roughly (as she previously had done to Mady on a trip), and Alexis was sitting there rubbing her shoulder and arm. Mady reached out to comfort her.

Mady is also very honest. When they were all asked if Kate was as “great mom”, no one responded but Mady. She stated Kate was a good mom, but “we all like Daddy better”. The truth of Mady’s statement is evidenced by just watching the interaction of the children with each of their parents. I’m sure she paid for that statement later. But, like I said in my previous post, Mady has guts and I wish her all the best in the world.

Mady is smart and kind. Whens he wants to be. Mady is a normal girl but being only one of eight she is likely to get jealous or angry that is normal. Sometimes Mady could behave better, but sometimes she is just so sweet.
Go Mady!!

Mady does what she does because she can. When the Gosselins found out they were pregrant with the sextuplets, their reaction was “Oh, what have we done to the twins.!” Seems like guilt has spurred Kate on to give in to Mady. Mady learned very early that she could manipulate her mother to get her way. Kate has created the “monster” in Mady. I feel sorry for Mady’s future husband. He will feel like Jon.

I totally agree with Dave (#30). She has some sort of deep-rooted resentment of the others.

None she just want attention I mean you woul d to if you were 1/8 kids. I for one feel sorry for her

I wonder if Mady has Asperger’s. I know someone whose child has it and Mady seems to show some of the same symptoms: tantrums, walking off in huffs, constantly crying, etc.

Does anyone else wonder just how Mady paid for that comment? We all know with Kate’s control problems, she did. I would love to know what goes on in that house when the cameras are not rolling.

I agree with Marg’s comment (#14). Especially with the new season, I can’t really stand watching it anymore because of Kate and Mady’s behavior. I feel bad saying so because Mady is just a kid, but she seems to take after Kate…and not in a good way. I don’t think anything is wrong with her persay, she’s just a little bratty and vying for attention. Jon and the other kids are much more tolerable, and even enjoyable to watch. I think it’s a shame they have decided to continue the show when it’s obviously causing such a strain on the family…there’s no way it’s healthy for the kids to be in the spotlight at this point.

I THINK THE SHOW SHOULD BE STOPPED! KATE AND JON CHOOSE TO HAVE THAT MANY CHILDREN AND THEREFORTH THEY SHOULD HAVE TO HOLD DOWN REAL JOBS TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN. THEY ARE USING THESE CHILDREN TO SUPPORT THEM. BEING EXPOSED TO THE CAMERAS, ETC. IS NOT NORMAL SETTING FOR THESE CHILDREN AND ACTUALLY IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, THESE CHILDREN REALLY DO NOT KNOW TO REFUSE TO THESE SHOWS AS THAT IS ALL THEY KNOW.

Mady is an intensely bright, bluntly honest child, who is totally in touch with her feelings and don’t pretend or hide. To the commenter (29), you have a serious problem. You sound like the kind of person who (should) end up either in mental hospital or jail.

Of course they like daddy better. Jon would rather be a kid and a friend to the kids than a dad. Kate at least trys to keep things going. Mady is just a child and acts out as all do, unless your child was perfect.
Jon needs to grown up and act like a parent and take on some of the responsiblity. He has to get away after staying with the kids for awhile when Kate was gone. Couldn’t take it so he decided to play with the other young kids, oh wait they were over 21. He is selfish and wants to run away from his responsibilites. Kate will be left to raise the kids alone. Thank goodness she can afford help.

I think Mady is a spoiled brat. Her tantrums go unnoticed but she is the one kid who stands out as far as behavior. when I was a kid I would have NEVER been allowed to display such behavior. She makes me want to smack her! She needs a good swift kick in the pants. Kate is so together on everything, why can’t she see this??? She just got in trouble for spanking one of the sextuplets, but NEVER was seen disciplining Mady. Kate, WAKE UP!!

Mady is depressed. She is emotionally labile and cries at the drop of a hat. She needs counseling ASAP – especially since her parents’ marriage fell apart on TV.

mady should be on “The View”

Cara and Mady are twins – but Cara is a well-behaved young lady that doesn’t want to make a spectacle (sp) of herself 24/7. Mady on the other hand is a different story. She really needs some guidance AND discipline. She DOES take after Kate, and as I see it, is the only one that demands attention all the time – and if she doesn’t get it, she will act up. Pity – with the family divorcing – who KNOWS what devastating traumas she will be experiencing – especially if there are no cameras recording all her actions.

For god’s sake…leave the poor girl alone! She doesn’t have a disability or any mental problems…she’s just a normal eight year old girl who obviously needs some extra attention. It’s not uncommon for some kids to need some extra attention than others.

I’ll admit that when I first saw the show, I thought Mady was a bit on the bratty side…but after talking with a friend of mine who is a teacher from the school the twins go to and who actually knows Mady personally, I’ve learned that Mady is a very bright, intelligent girl who just needs a little extra attention than her sister Cara does. My friend even said that if she could spend a day with one of the twins, she’d pick Mady over Cara because at least Mady would talk to you and hold interesting conversations, while Cara would be business-like and too shy to talk.

People should be ashamed of themselves for thinking the worst of kids they don’t even know…the only people who should perhaps be judged are their selfish parents, not innocent kids who aren’t even characters on a TV show, but actual people.

Well of course who can diagnose off of what we see on tv? But I can say from personal experience with our own family…Mady’s actions appear identical to our son who was diagnosed with ADD 12 years ago. We went thru the gammet of emotions and research: treat with herbs and behavioral therapy, etc, etc. Bottom line: after seeing my child suffer the consequences at school as well as home, we finally gave in and medicated him- talk about guilt! But the results were dramatic and he became a much, MUCH happier and capable little boy. He still takes meds to this day. I say to the Gosselin parents: have her checked by a professional, before your denials really have a major effect on HER self esteem. Your entire family dynamics will change and you will see a happier, capable child. And please, people…this is not an advertisement to medicate difficult children….only if you have been thru this heartbreak can you really understand! Meds were (and still are) the LAST thing I want my child on for years and years. But ADD/ADHD is a REAL diagnosis and medicine can truly makes a difference in a diagnosed child’s life.

This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!!!!…even if she did have ADHD why would it be of your concern…thAt is CRAZY!

She’s 9 years old! What do you expect with 7 other siblings?!

I have always been a fan of the twins. Since the start of the show it was obvious to me that these 2 adorable children need more hugs and attention..My heart breaks for them and the crazy life they lead. Its all about the other 6 children who by the way are adorable and also very special. It is easy to sit and criticize the children and there behaviour habits. No matter how you feel about Kate i honestly feel that she is doing the best she can. She is doing a very good job of it. It seems to me that she did not have much help from Jon at all.As we can see now, he is just as much a child as the children that he has.

My mom was an OT for kids,so I learned a lot about ADHD, sensory processing etc. etc. And I agree with KeeselerMom.
PS NannyWen, what worries you about Aaden?

Have our lives become such that we need to reflect on the behavior of a child on tv?

are you seriously judging an eight year old? That’s pathetic. It is normal for the age

Mady obviously is a child who will never just fade into the background! She DOES want and need attention, and she DOES seem to get it from her parents and also from pretty much everyone around her as well.

Mady became increasingly annoying to me as the episodes continued. I felt bad for Cara who always seemed to have to give in to Mady. I also felt bad for Cara who behaved better but didn’t get much praise or attention for doing so!

As the new season begins, I see Mady as a somewhat calmer child than she was before. I think of all the children, Mady MUST have been feeling the stress between her parents pretty deeply and reacted more negatively BECAUSE of it.

Mady apparently was “the canary in the coal mine” in that she early on was exhibiting LOTS of stress symptoms. She KNEW that things were NOT going well in the family! I just didn’t pick up on that!

I’m hoping that Mady will continue to de-stress, and quite possibly we will see a much different child.

You must watch the episode of ” The twins turn 6 “, a trip to NYC, american girl store, it is obvious that she has a serious problem, she is just like her mother……

I agree that Mady needs help. As for Kate, I can understand why she needs to be in control. Jon always acts like he’s on a strong sedative. When you have a husband that seems to be someplace else, you have to be in control with 8 kids.
Seems like now even more so, Jon is having a identity crisis. It’s like with kids and T.V. were not his thing. Back to Mady, every show she has a melt down. Now she will need help even more with her parent’s divorce. She will see less of each parent.

are we still talking about mady. Kate is soooo guilty of being selfish, and affected by her new found wealth. Did anyone see the episode when they went to Disney. Did you notice how many times Kate complained very clearly, about 8 times, that she just hated her camera. All she has to do is mention something she wants, and the show, or people watching the show gets it for them. Kate is greedy, and hateful. Have you also noticed how other people in her close circle are only good for doing something for Kate…What happened to her brother, and aunt Jodie? They were so sweet. Kate did’nt want to have them paid by TLC for appearing on the show, so out goes another family member. Wheres Kates mother???She got rid of her too. Mady is now a clone of Kate, and I do not see a good future for her. She is physically abusive to the little kids, and it makes me sick how they don’t see it. Jon definately kept doing for kate. Don’t you remember, he bathed the kids, her dressed them most always. He was always running around doing something for the kids or Kate, and she never appreciated anything he did.She made a fool of her self degrading Jon’s hair thinning his weight how he talked. She even said, Jon quit mumbling. She screamed at him at Toys R Us, to the point of humiliating him. What would you guys do out there, if your wife belittled you constantly. I can not count how many times she rolled her eyes, and said to the film crew, do you see what I have to put up with??? She is so mental, that I think we will see some horrific stuff happen to those poor kids. I can not believe I’m writing all this. I didn’t realize how angry I felt about her. Dear God, please, for the sake of the kids. Stop filming their lives. It will make things worse for Mady especially. Does Kate not realize how child stars go to drugs and other things when they grow up, and no one cares about Jon and Kate plus 8, because they won’t be cute little kids anymore, and people can not stand watching this much longer. Does anyone ever tell that woman what shes doing to their lives???? Some one needs to rescue those kids with some serious help.

gosh y r u guys all ganging up on kate hu
u guys just try to raise up 8 children if u had u guys would have to complain more than once on how hard it is and how difficult
but she loves being a mother, she has a great heart and is just doing watever is great for her children
u guys should shut ur bad mouths about kate cuz u guys just imagine if u were in her shoes
theres no proof watsoever tht she got rid of anybody
doesnt anybody roll their eyes? doesnt everybody complain and ask fo rwat they want?

Mady is a brat and her behavior is unacceptable! How people can watch her and say, that’s normal is mind boggling! What child is unhappy and complaining ALL the time? Kids are not perfect but it’s obvious she has issues! I’m not going to try and diagnose her but she needs discipline or professional help. I personally think they let her get away with too much! I would have nipped it in the bud from the start! Both of them created the monster she has become.

Mady is JUST like Kate and that’s not a good thing. I’m thinking maybe that’s why Kate let her get away with so much? Can you imagine Mady as a teenager? That’s a scary thought! I guarantee you that Kate wont think it’s cute then!

She is abusive to the younger kids but as they get older she better watch out! Those boys might end up hurting her one day. Did you guys see the pics of her discipling one of the boys for acting up at school? I wish a child of mine would put their hands on one of my other kids! NOT acceptable. Who does she think she is?

Bottom line, I think she needs to be put in her place! I don’t care how smart she is, that is not an excuse for her poor behavior!

Also, I don’t think the cameras are to blame here. She was a brat from the beginning! You take away the camera and she will still have issues!

One more thing, I can appreciate her honesty because I’m blunt as well. However, her comment about the kids liking Jon more doesn’t hold much weight to me. Kids usually favor the parent that has less responsibility. The parent that doesn’t discipline them as much etc. So logically that would be Jon.

I can’t believe everyone is talking about this child like they are. She is a 8 year old kid, she will see all these comments, some are so cruel, why do this to this little girl.
STOP IT

Mady is a normal 8 year old girl who is just going through a phase.if you watch how she acted at the begining of the show and watch her now you can tell that shes acting better.and for all of the people who want to diagnose a little girl from watching a 30 minute show every week,unless you are a psychologist or you PERSONALLY have the “disabillity”, dont jump to conclusions about someone who youve never even met and how there mind works!

I’ll tell you what wrong with Mady.
She’s a smart girl and also an HONEST one.
Her behavior stems from her humiliation and rage at her parents’ phoney talk and behavior in front of the cameras. She sees right through them, especially her mother. You will notice that Kate backs off sometimes because she knows that Mady could do a number on her if she wanted to…so Kate dances around some issues while on camera. Mady is being told to cooperate and act this way, and smile, and she knows this is all so fake.
She is clearly unhappy in this fake family. It’s more than she can tolerate….so, she doesn’t tolerate it very well.

Mady is emotionally disturbed. I have worked in elementary emotional support for years. I recognized it right away. She may already have a diagnosis that has not been made public. If that is the case, it is a shame because having a child with ED on TV would be a terrific way to gain exposure of this disorder. Mady has difficulty controlling her emotions and she can’t help but let them control her. I hope that she is getting treatment in school and at home.

The parents are the ones needing counseling

Mady is like mom.

Mady’s parents need to forget their money grabbing way and focus on having her checked out for ADHA and bi polar and all the other conditioned mentioned. If she has none of those problems then she needs a few good spankings.

Mady is jealous of Cara because Cara is first born and jealous of the little kids because of all the attention they get.

Mady is a normal nine year old girl who has to deal with a lot of brothers and sisters. Who are we to judge her. We all get judged in the end. I have seen the shows where she has her little fits, but wouldn’t any little kid if they had to deal with the stress of having such a large family with six younger brothers and sisters who are also sextuplets. Give the poor girl a break!! I have also seen a couple of times where Cara has a fit, but do people go ragging on her, no, they just choose to belittle Mady and make her look like a horrible little monster. That makes me sick to think of anyone belittleing a kid they don’t even know. If someone did that to my neices I would smack them.

The kid is a nightmare. The only time she isn’t acting like a complete ass is when she is the center of attention. This kid needs to be disciplined in a major way.

that is a terrible thing to say

Mady is sadly turning into Kate. But, Mady still has a shread of normal personality left, one that realizes her mother is horrible, ala her stating that they liked their Daddy better (that statement should raise red flags to ANYONE watching that show). Mady resents the show, the attention her mother gets, which she knows is undeserving, and the attention her siblings get.

Mady is already exhibiting signs of Narcissistic Personality disorder, just like what Kate has. Perfect example is when (as mentioned in an earlier post) Mady states that she wants a Puppy that “Only loves HER”. NOT GOOD.

All of the Gosselin children need counseling and intervention right away, and Kate needs to lose full custody—I really fear for those kids. Jon has a lot of issues too, but at least he is not Kate.

I know we all loved the show at first, but now it’s clear—Kate is a MONSTER, not a “real mom” who’s “stressed”. The show must end and so must Kate’s wrath.

There are only 2 paths kids take—they imitate their parents/take on their problems, or spend their whole lives fighting themselves NOT to be like them. A constant battle.

Mady seems a very unhappy child. For all of you who are saying she is a normal 9 year old child, perhaps you need to look at your own parenting skills if you believe she is displaying “normal and happy” 9 year old behaviour? None of my 7 children ever behaved like her at 9 years old because they were happy children who had their physical and emotional needs taken care of. Mady displays signs of being one very unhappy little girl and yes she needs help, but I doubt she needs medical help … just decent parents who have the time and inclination to help ALL of their children when they run into emotional problems like Mady. I actually don’t think Mady is the only child in that family who is deeply unhappy and if this show continues, it will be interesting (and sad) to see just how many of them go off the rails like Mady has.

MADY??? OK we are talking about a 8-9 yr old who most of her life has had no attention!!! Her grandparents rarely see them along with the rest of John and Kate’s family and her parents have to divide their attention among 8 children and a spouse. She has no social life other than nanny’s and security guards, per parents have argued ever since the beginning (and i’m sure it didnt start there), she has camera’s poked in her face and i’m sure she gets ridiculed at school. Plus John was previously working before the show. I dont feel like I have adequate time for my 1 child with my job and husband—so what real time does Mady get? The PROBLEM, I believe is that the NY post and the rest of these 110 post would even begin to consider Mady as the problem and post this crap about a 9 yr. old!!!! Needing a swift kick in the but or dx. What she needs is a normal life! This is not to approve of Madie’s behavior– it def. needs addressing—- but what needs really needs adressing is the cause. A child who’s been abused will have behavioral issues—do we post comments about them??? NO! This is beyond sad— a child who has been through hell and now America( and the NY times)is gonna talk trash. We are the ones who needs the kick or dx. not Mady!!!

Mady is a delightful young lady with a lot of spunk. I look forward to seeing what she chooses to focus on in the future. As a teacher I would be delighted to have her in my class. She’s not so much an outdoorsy girl. Neither is her mom. Most of her unhappy times are during outdoor activity times. Easy explanantion. Please, no diagnosis!

Listen Mady is my age im 9 she acts like a sweetie pie she just wants ppl to love her more give her a break she has 7 brothers and sisters she just wants some time with Mommy and Daddy (without Jon).

Nana I agree with you wholeheartedly. Poor Mady is “the middle child” in that group. Doesn’t anybody remember the scenes where she was helping with “the little kids” as Kate called them. Mady is under-appreciated and honest. Yes she threw a fit at the American Girl store but we don’t know what happened BEHIND the scenes. Mady told Kate that Kate ruined it. Well why didn’t TLC just show what Kate did. Editing the scene to make poor little Mady look bad. God she’s just a child give her some slack. Even Kate said when they told the twins they were divorcing Mady said she saw it coming. The stress that little girl is under. The emotional abuse she has been subjected to is horrific.