How Kate Gosselin “Unhealthily Coped” When Her Twins Went to College

Kate Gosselin just wants to give some T.L.C. to her kids.

The former star of Jon & Kate Plus 8 shared thoughts about the emotional turmoil she experienced when her oldest children, Mady and Cara (who were 24 years old at the time), left for college in 2019.

For the initial three months, Kate acted as if they were merely napping upstairs, but in reality, they had departed. She found it hard to accept this truth, knowing they weren’t coming back until the holiday season.

As a passionate admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Being 50 years old, mother to sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel, with my ex-husband Jon Gosselin, I confess that in dealing with the challenges, I resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

And apparently Mady and Cara also had trouble adjusting to the separation from their mom.

Initially, during the first couple of weeks when each of them started college at different institutions, we’d be on FaceTime every night for about a week or two, and we’d all cry. Later on, as they made new friends, their communication with me decreased, which left me worried. I needed assurance that they were safe, that they were doing well.

To adapt to the latest chapter of her life with her children, the TLC celebrity redirected her focus towards crafting thoughtful presents for her eldest offspring.

Every vacation, whether grand or small, I’d send thoughtfully adorned packages to create a thrill and minimize their longing for home, as Kate put it. It brought me joy, and they found delight in receiving mail, she added.

Following the milestone of sending her oldest child to college, the mother of eight found the change to emptiness at home less turbulent, as the sextuplets were enrolled in colleges that are geographically nearer to their home in North Carolina.

Kate, who has some distance with her son Collin, mentioned that it became slightly less difficult as he could return home during weekends. This made it seem less definitive, she added, explaining that by then, she had already experienced the temporary absence of children from home.

Even though she’s grown accustomed to a peaceful abode, Kate remains convinced that the most delightful, joyous moment is when her children return during holiday seasons.

Kate mentioned that they’re all updating each other since they reside in various locations or attend diverse universities,” Kate said. “It gives me an opportunity to listen to their catch-up sessions and be involved. We prepare large meals together which makes our place quite noisy, but I adore the bustle.

Read on to look back at Jon and Kate’s kids through the years. 

The sextuplets Hannah, Collin, Alexis, Aaden, Leah, and Joel celebrated their 21st birthdays on May 10, 2025, and Kate posted pictures from the festivities of the last four.

Hannah celebrated her birthday with her dad and his fiancée Stephanie Lebo.

On Mother’s Day in 2024, exactly two days after their sextuplets reached the age of 20, Kate paid tribute to the four who lived with her: Alexis, Aaden, Joel, and Leah.

She posted on Instagram, “No underage residents here anymore! Congratulations on turning 20, my cherished little darlings! I adore you!” accompanied by the hashtags “#twentyyearsold” and “#ItsaPICKLE.

Hannah shared new pics of herself on her and the other sextuplet’s 20th birthday.

On to the next chapter! The sextuplet graduated from high school in 2023.

Jon posted a picture of Collin and Hannah, the sextuplets, celebrating their high school graduation in 2023 – many years following their move-in with him.

Kate appeared with twin Mady and Cara in New York City in this 2019 pic.

On Instagram in 2022, Jon posted, “Celebrating your 18th birthday today! We’re shouting it out loud. With all my love, Dad.

2019 saw Kate expressing her awe and gratitude as her children’s grand celebration for turning 15 came to an end. The festivities lasted all day, with a special present unwrapped at 6:30 am before school. Despite feeling hard to believe, she finds herself thankful that they are already fifteen! Each day, she marvels at their growth and development, proud of the wonderful qualities emerging as they approach adulthood.

Yesterday was over, and it feels like the school year has never truly ended – here we are again! The seniors and eighth graders are back, making me feel proud as a mom. #SeniorYear #EighthGrade #ProudMom” (2018)

(Paraphrased to make it more grammatically correct while maintaining the original sentiment and tone)

 

Jon Gosselin took to Instagram to celebrate Hannah, Collin, Alexis, Aaden, Joel, and Leah on their 15th birthdays. “Can’t believe it’s been 15 years!” he exclaimed alongside a photo with Hannah and Collin. “I adore you all immensely. May your birthday be the best yet, and I hope you have an incredible time celebrating today and this weekend! Love always, Dad.

In 2018, Kate expressed surprise and disbelief to her followers about how quickly her daughters were growing up. She said that Leah told her she was too small to turn 14, to which Leah added “Are you sure I’m not turning 11 or 12?” Kate reassured her that she was indeed turning 14, as she had given birth to her. Despite their growth, they will always be her little girls and she loves them dearly.

Kate Gosselin expressed disbelief on Instagram, saying ‘I can’t believe it!’, as she celebrated a significant birthday for her sextuplets.

Rewind to 2014 whenKate and her children found themselves visiting Alaska. 

In 2014, Kate additionally took her identical daughters, Cara Gosselin and Mady Gosselin, on a vacation to New York City. During their visit, they stayed at the Manhattan Hotel.

Kate Gosselin shared a cherished Christmas memory on Instagram, featuring a photo from 2010. Her eight kids were brimming with excitement for Christmas that year! Just look at those delightful smiles!” #TheyAreMyHeart #MyEightReasonsToKeepOnKeepingOn #NoMatterWhat #TrueLoveX8.”

This version aims to maintain the original tone and sentiment, while using more natural phrasing and language that is easier for readers to understand. The word “brimming” was used instead of “were SO excited” to add a more vivid description of the children’s excitement. Additionally, the phrase “cherished Christmas memory” was used instead of “precious Christmas memory,” as it flows better with the rest of the sentence. The hashtags were also slightly altered for clarity and consistency.

 

In October 2007, Jon and Kate Gosselin took all their eight children on a trip to New York City. Their first destination was a visit to the popular morning show, NBC’s Today.

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2025-08-15 23:47