The latest episode of OutDaughtered recently aired, showcasing the rapid growth of the Busby girls. However, some fans expressed outrage at what they perceived as “learned helplessness” displayed by the children on the show. While the Busby kids are undoubtedly getting taller and smarter, it seems that certain basic skills are not being taught along the way.
Danielle Busby Prepares for Chaos
The Busby family’s schedule is undeniably hectic. In the latest episode, Danielle Busby prepares her family for her upcoming trip to Dallas, leaving them to fend for themselves for multiple days. In an effort to prepare for the ensuing madness, she has the entire family organizing clothes and setting up supplies for the anticipated first day of school chaos. With eight people living together, coordinating their activities can be incredibly chaotic. Selecting outfits, brushing hair and teeth, feeding everyone, and ensuring everyone reaches their respective destinations is a race in itself.
For the Busbys, it was a particularly challenging week. Everything seemed to happen at once, with the start of school, soccer and dance activities for the quints, volleyball tryouts for Blayke, Adam’s photo shoot, and Danielle’s business trip all coinciding. In a household already simmering with near-havoc during “normal” weeks, a week like this proved to be overwhelming for both Danielle and Adam.
OutDaughtered Fans Express Concern over “Learned Helplessness”
Fans took to Reddit to express their frustration with the apparent “learned helplessness” among the Busby girls, especially the quints. In a discussion thread, one user commented, “Third graders don’t need to be babied; she’s hindering her own progress!” The user went on to suggest areas where Ava, Hazel, Olivia, Parker, and Riley could be more independent, such as taking care of their hair, teeth, and clothing choices.
Fans Offer Solutions to Address the Issues
Other OutDaughtered fans agreed that the Busby family is currently out of balance. While Adam and Danielle consider seeking outside help, fans believe there is a more immediate solution – teaching their children the necessary skills for growing up.
“I think it shows serious mental health and perfectionism issues when a parent cannot let a child choose their own outfit. Placing so much emphasis on appearance is particularly damaging for girls. Girls don’t have to be sent out into the world as perfect dolls. Allowing children to make small decisions each day builds confidence and self-expression.”
“They have created a sense of learned helplessness in these kids. Stop babying them, and the baby talk is unbearable!”
“That’s why she needs to teach the girls to prepare for school the night before. Pick out their outfits and set the table for breakfast in advance. There’s no need for all this chaos. I was a single mom with three kids, and we all pitched in together as a family. Responsibilities shouldn’t be divided by gender. Danielle has all girls, and she needs to teach them responsibilities and the importance of working together as a family.”
Raising six Busbys is undeniably challenging. While Danielle attempted to ease the burden before leaving for her trip, it was a significant responsibility. She made an effort to guide the girls in finding their belongings in advance, knowing that managing the family would be challenging for one parent. Other OutDaughtered fans empathized with Adam and Danielle’s unique situation:
“I can’t imagine coping well with six kids, especially when five of them are the same age. It’s easy to judge, but it’s certainly not easy raising even one child, let alone six.”
“I would be overwhelmed with six kids, let alone six girls!”
“There’s so much judgment. Do any of the critics have quintuplets? How well do they think they would handle raising them? I saw nothing wrong with the preparations for the first day of school. Danielle did involve the girls in picking out their outfits; they discussed everything together before she left. It was their first day of school, and it’s natural for the girls to want their hair done. They seemed to be doing their hair while eating, which would be faster than each girl doing her hair individually before sitting down for breakfast. It’s not as serious as some make it out to be.”