Looking forward to watching Fergie patronise some fat northerners tonight?

[Fridayfeeling]

I can't wait

I thought she was great. But she seems to not quite grasp etiquete... is that the word Im looking for? Not sure... anyway, I thought when she was sharing her testimony at her daughters school, to say that it had been quoted of her... one would rather sleep with a goat than Fergie (something like that anyway) - this was not the tone or place to impart that kind of quote. The head of the school and teachers looked appallingly embarrassed.

But maybe, thats why she is so real. There is nothing false about her, she just says what is in her head... without consideration of repercussions, or how the media might relate it the next day.

She also still seems very close to her ex. And I was impressed with the way she handled her entrance to the house, when no one knew who she was. She has taken her fame in her stride. Well done her!

Thought it was completely hilarious that they didn't know who she was though. Will be interested to see how they get on tonight..

I though SF came accross very normal and caring actually. She mucked in with the family, washing up etc and she did not appear to be shocked at all when shown round the house, when my guess is she has never set foot in a council house before and chatted to folk with no teeth.

The family were lovley I felt, of course there are issues with health/obesity/smoking, but it was clear they were very close. The eldest daughter was lovley and very concerned for her mum.

It was very touching when she left at the
end and they all cried.

I can't wait to see it tonight.

And isn't Fergie's youngest daughter stunning?

I just don't understand how people like that can bleat that they have no money to eat healthy food, but still find the money for smokes and booze.....

PussinJimmyChoos - I would lean towards that tendancy to think like that, but at the end of the day, their lives are not very cushy are they? lets face it! Yes agreed cigarettes are disgusting, detremental to ones health and ridiculously expensive. But they dont have the money to go on days out, or go on holiday, or afford beautiful clothes, or DO lunch in the local mall.... no matter how many packets of fag they DONT smoke.... it would not add up to a better life.

I would agree that the money they all collectively pay out for in fags could go towards better food. One pack could buy a good quality large chicken for instance, and they could buy good quality beef steak mince and make their own beefburgers.
They have become acustomed to living on this kind of horrid horrid food, and now have a taste and preference for it.

Im also guessing that this family has had very little encouragement or input in their lives from outsiders. Despair, lack of motivation and boredom no doubt rule the day in that house.

I wouldnt like to be in their shoes, or anyone else's who has to budget so tightly to get a meal on the table.

Wolfgirl - I do see your point. My mum's best friend has been on benefits for years and no matter how poor she complained she was, there was always money for fags, but as she said, it was the only thing that kept her sane as she had nothing else.

I still find it though....and its not as if she doesn't have the time to make things from scratch!

I'm sorry but they allowed their 13-year-old son to smoke????? I had NO sympathy for the family at all. They obviously have no real interest in making things better for their children, even simpletons these days know the harm that cigarette smoking does. Not to mention the healthier food they could be buying with the money spent on fags.

I do quite like Sarah F and think she has been treated very badly by the media, but dealt with it well. However I'm afraid this programme just came across to me as a way for her to gain some publicity ahead of a new career back here.

I was also very confused as to why Social Services weren't all over the family as they were trying to adopt that little girl. Hardly an ideal living environment for her was it?

claraquitetirednow - yes totally agree with that about the 13 yr old. And Fergie was right about the lack of discipline.

This is going to be a tough path for this family to walk. Because the parents most likely had no discipline or guidance growing up themselves, they dont instill it upon their own family.

They do need a slap round the head (NCIS Gibbs style) for that one!

just to say, tho Im no phycologist (spelling?) I have a cousin, not close really, but he's there iykwim. Anyway he had an incredible wife, who died just after their 4th child was born. The children I think were aged something like 6 months, 3, 8 and 10. Within about 2 yrs maybe a few more, the eldest boys were smoking as was the dad.

I wonder if, its easier to turn to something like alchol, cigarettes, drugs than face your hurts, demons and lackings.

Pain would be the worst demon to deal with imo. Losing a wife/partner would be just the pits. Where/who what do you turn to when you are so pitiful down and grieving. Something has to pick you up. In their case, smoking was it.

Doesnt mean it was right. But its what got them through. Theyre still at it though, and thankfully the 3rd and 4th child are not at it - yet. Im hoping the men will quit soon.

The 13 yr old smoking and the rejection of the grandads vegetables was very sad.

Surely what should make the parents feel better is trying to create a better future for their children, to try and help ensure they don't end up in the same situation as they are? I felt the only one trying to do that was the oldest girl (Terry?), although she wasn't helped by her turkey drumstick loving bf!

I watched this only because I happened to see SF on This Morning yesterday talking about it. I was no fan of hers, but actually was quite impressed with her ability not to (publicly anyway) judge this family, but just to get on with them, find some common ground and muck in. I think the lack of education/intelligence is what makes people like this. Either they're bright but not encouraged, or they're not very bright in the first place, which leads to living in a situation like their's. In their case I think they're all quite bright people, suffering from lack of education, self-esteem and, clearly, money. Helped in the right direction, I'm sure they can lead much happier, healthier lives, that are more fulfilling. Although the mum obviously loves her children to bits, she's misguided in the way she's bringing them up, eg letting them smoke etc. I thought it was quite telling when she started to cry - she knew she was doing all the wrong things, but didn't know how to go about changing it. I hope they all gain from this, and so do others watching. They deserve a bit more out of life imo.

clara - I am sure if they are going through an adoption process they are being vetted by SS.

They are a loving, close knit family - wht should SS be all over them?

Dr Northener - because they are killing their children - smoking, feeding them rubbish, letting them get obese. I know people who haven't been allowed to adopt who have been able to offer a far, far better home environment. People need to take responsibility for their children and their future health.

But that little girl could have come from a home where she was being fed beautiful healthy food every day, but being beaten, abused etc. They love their children, even if they are misguided in the way they're bringing them up. And that has to count for a lot.