Jon Gosselin Says Reality TV Was Bad For The Kids

Jon Gosselin said reality TV destroyed his marriage, his image, and his children. The 36-year-old reality star appeared in the series Jon and Kate Plus 8 from 2007 to 2011. Gosselin said being part of a reality show put too much pressure on the entire family.

The reality star is specifically worried about the damage to his eight children. He said they never had an opportunity to have a normal life, as they spent the last six years behind the lens of a camera.

As reported by US Magazine, Gosselin admits reality TV has its perks. His children have had an opportunity to travel, and they are now celebrities. All eight children have trust funds, which will secure their college education. Unfortunately, he said being in the spotlight has damaged the children socially and developmentally:

“… developmentally, they have problems with their peers… they have problems with talking to other people… they have problems with wants and needs and manners and morals and what’s right and what’s wrong.”

Jon Gosselin and his former wife Kate are the parents of eight children, including on set of twins and sextuplets. The family made their television debut in 2005 with a Discovery Health Channel documentary titled Surviving Sextuplets and Twins. They also appeared in a follow-up special titled Sextuplets and Twins: One Year Later.

The viewers’ favorable response eventually led to a reality program featuring the unconventional family. As reported by Biography.com, Jon and Kate Plus 8 originally appeared on Discovery Heath, but was later broadcast on TLC.

In 2009, Kate and Jon Gosselin announced their separation. Jon’s participation in the program was reduced until he eventually refused to participate. The program’s title was later changed to Kate Plus 8.

Jon Gosselin said being in the spotlight for so many years was disastrous for his family. Although he and his wife had their problems, he said the program only made things worse. His biggest concern now is the mental health of his eight children.

[Image via Facebook]