But we must admit that we did click on the Facebook photos of Hailey Glassman, Jon’s 22-year-old girlfriend, below:

And we watched as the blogosphere ignited to attack Hailey Glassman as a terrible role model and an unfit prospective step-mother.

Sure, it’s obvious: 22-year-old  Hailey is not ready to be a role model for the eight Gosselin kids. And we’re not very interested in the conversation about a publicity-seeking separated dad dating a much younger woman.

But here’s what does intrigue us:

We’ve been talking about the idea that “stepparents” today are being vetted as role models. We know many of have remarried. Or, maybe you’re a step-parent yourself? Perhaps, your own kids have a step-parent in their lives?

Not long ago, you rarely heard the word “step-parent” without hearing the word “wicked” in front of it.

Or with the word “monster” in front it.

These just sound wrong to us. So, when we heard Oprah refer to a step-parent as a “bonus” parent, it just felt right.

We’re proud to go on the record ending this hurtful name-calling.

Yes, it’s “bonus parent” from now on @Singlemommyhood! Which leave us wondering:

Should bonus parents really be role models — or is this just media hype?

What qualities does the ideal bonus parent possess?

In other words, is there an essential “non-negotiable” trait that every successful bonus parent should share?

Personal stories welcome!

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Jon and Kate, formerly reality TV’s power couple, have announced that they’re splitting up.

At first, both of us were fascinated by these eight adorable kids, one hapless dad, and a dominating, super-organized mom. But  now that we’ve watched this reality TV family’s pain become real, we’re concerned.

By now, you’ve heard Jon’s announcement last night: “Kate and I have decided to separate.”

Single parenthood can be daunting — especially when you willingly live your life in the media glare. We’d love to offer Jon and Kate some advice as they go their separate ways:

Mean it when you say, “The kids come first.” Both of you have said and done some incredibly insensitive and thoughtless things. Jon, apparently you are apartment-shopping in Manhattan.  Say what? Why would you choose to live so far from your kids?  Please focus on what’s best for your kids.

Rethink your life priorities. This is a big part of the single parent experience. It’s time for both of you to start thinking about “our kids.” Kate, we’ve heard you say often, “My kids” This is not helpful.  Please must tone it down and allow Jon an equal parental role. Your kids need all the love, support, and guidance you can offer.

Save for your kids’ futures. You live off the work of your kids. Jon was quoted in People: “Every time a season renewal comes up, we always have a family discussion. Our kids are 80 percent of our family, and if they don’t want to film, we’re not filming.”  So, your eight kids sit at a family meeting and get 80% of the vote on the financial future of your family? Get real. Make sure your kids have ample funds tucked away for their future needs like college.

Be responsible parents. Both of you have provided ample evidence that you’ve cheated on each other. How embarrassing and confusing for your kids to see all the headline tabloid speculation about your alleged infidelities. Everything is archived on the Internet.  If the kids don’t know now, they surely will know later. All single parents deserve a private life, but responsible parenting comes first. You’ve chosen a public life. Accept the situation you’ve created and strive for discretion and privacy for your kids’ sake.

Work to co-parent together. You employ a small army of nannies, production assistants, and publicity agents. Forget the guest shot on Dr. Phil.  Commit to work with qualified psychologists  and get busy with the hard work of co-parenting. Clearly, communication will be your greatest challenge.

We’d love to know: what advice can you offer Jon and Kate?

~~~

Editorial update on Tues. afternoon:

According to US Magazine, “Production has been halted on Jon & Kate Plus 8 following the Gosselins’ Monday revelation they’re splitting up, the network has announced.”

~~~

Photo from PRphotos.com

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Is Kate headed for “singlemommyhood”?

At that time, many of you were only minimally familiar — or interested — in Jon and Kate plus Eight, a TLC reality series featuring Jon and Kate Gosselin, who are raising one set of twins and sextuplets.

What started as blogosphere buzz has now ignited into an escalating media firestorm. Of course, their series ratings are through the roof. We’ve read allegations of marital infidelity on both sides. Family members and past associates have shared nasty tales about both Jon and Kate (ouch!).

For many, Jon and Kate have fallen from “super hero parent” status. Pennsylvania officials have now launched an investigation to determine if the constant video taping of the eight kids in real time constitutes a violation of child labor laws. Others say that Jon and Kate are publicity seekers who have put fame and fortune ahead of their kids’ well being. Some say that their house is not a home, but simply a place of business.

If you follow any number of mainstream magazines, Kate is clear that she relishes her “work,” while Jon seems overwhelmed by their loss of privacy.

What makes this even more interesting is the fact that Rachel and I have been debating the Jon and Kate saga.

While Rachel thinks the whole drama is a publicity stunt, I want to chat about the latest developments.

After some cajoling, Rachel did watch the show — once. I, on the other hand, admit to being a big Jon and Kate follower.

So, I’m intrigued about how you feel:

Are you interested in what’s happening with Jon and Kate?

Or are you simply disinterested, disgusted, or dismayed by Jon and Kate’s promotional juggernaut?

Or are you convinced that this whole saga is simply crafty publicity?

~~~

Photo of Kate Gosselin from PR Photos during Book Signing for “Eight Little Faces” and “Multiple Blessings.” Photo Credit: Albert L. Ortega

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