I do think they seem to be sheltered from a lot of the bad things that happen in the world (sex, drugs, and rock and roll type stuff...). I don't think this makes them unprepared, per se, because I imagine that there are things they will be prepared for that many - if not most - kids today are not prepared for. I'll bet they can balance checkbooks, make grocery lists, avoid credit card balances, and a million other necessary life skills that your average 18 year old kid who has been cruising Main and worrying about their highlights growing out will master until she's 39.

I'd think that statistics would show that at least one or two of them is likely to rebel at some point. But overall, I'd bet that there will be less drug /alcohol abuse, unplanned teen pregnancies, and shoplifting issues from their 16 than most families today are able to accomplish.

Having so many doesn't remotely appeal to me. I don't have the organizational skills to pull it off! But... I know they aren't our cultural norm, but that doesn't mean their techniques won't effectively create responsible, happy adults. It's far from perfect, no matter how they showcase it on Discovery, because no doubt there are some emotional needs that aren't being met, etc... but that's life. It's true in every family in regards to *some* issue.