I think this is an interesting discussion, but I don't feel all that equipped to contribute. MJ was a little before my time of musical/intellectual awareness. So I'll cop out and just say that I hope everything turns out the best for those kids. Maybe the one good thing about their being in the public eye right now is that people WILL be monitoring where they end up and how they are treated. There are probably a lot of kids who become orphans and then just slip through the cracks...

Ever since Michael's death, this is something I have wondered about and think it is the biggest tragedy of the entire story. I don't think it seems there is any great choice. Glad to see Nancy O'Dell is back on Momversation. She seems so classy.

For me as I explained in an earlier post on my blog how after Michael Jackson's death everyone wants to get the piece of the pie is this going to happen with the kids? BUT I must say Dana you cracked me up!! Where is Angelina when three kids need to be saved?! Not to be insensitive of the whole thing but people like Jon and Kate and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford should be embracing the fact that their indiscretions are no longer on the front page of every magazine! Everyone wants to know what's going on with Jacksons estate, will, funeral and custody hearings. Back to the topic: I think that this is a private family issue that will be battled out in court, it doesn't have to be scrutinized by the public and splashed over the media. I know that Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother will not get custody of the children because Michael wishes it. Her age will be a factor but if they were able to give her custody and have the nanny there to help with the children that would be the best solution. They kids all stay together with family and the nanny that have known them all their lives. The only detail that is hard to swallow is Joe Jackson having the ability to be in the picture. Now we as the audience in Michael Jackson's life only sees the one side of it all, who knows what happens behind closed doors. Now in my opinion, some people need to stop thinking of these kids as cash cows or their personal lottery ticket that they can claim. Debbie Rowe is one who I personally think has been flip flopping about custody for years. Now that Michael has passed she wants the kids. Does she want her two kids or does she want them all? And what about Diana Ross? She is second in line in Michael's will if Katherine would be unable to care for the children. She's not a NUT in the Jackson family tree, maybe some normalcy is what these kids need in their lives. At this point the kids need to stay together and they need a hero. They need someone who genuinely want the best for them.

I, too, have been torn up thinking about Michael Jackson's children. I am sure their life has been strange enough before the death of their father. I would worry about the age of Michael's mother. My husband and I thought about this when putting together our will and whether to put a grandparent as the person to have the children if something were to happen to us. Angelina Jolie-too funny. I just feel that it shouldn't be Debbie Rowe. Maybe things have changed but it just feels to me, based on news reports, that she isn't that close to the children. What about all of Michael's other siblings? Aren't there like 10 other jackson kids. The Jackson 5 were just a few of them right? Thanks, Nancy, for telling us about this conversation via your facebook.

We do not do an allowence because my kids are 7,6 and 5. But I do pay them quarters to vaccum, dust, clean bathrooms, do yard work etc. I am taking advantage of the fact that they actually enjoy the work at this age. And they like having projects on their own...seperate from each other, being so close in age. Just wanted to give a heads up that my shopping blog is giving away an adorable kids lamps (though it could go anywhere). IF you like free stuff you can check it out here: http://decorscout.wordpress.com/2009/07/07/give-a-way-contest-from-allmo...

I think the website, someecards, said it well when they said "Maybe Michael Jackson's children shouldn't be looked after by the same people who looked after Michael Jackson. http://bit.ly/13BJw7 " Yes, he has said only good things about his mother, but since his mother was there during the alleged abuse, since his mother is still married to Joe Jackson and since Joe Jackson has done nothing but try to profit from his son his whole life, even now, in his death, I do not believe that is the best place for those children. Especially after today's "memorial". Michael tried so hard to shield his children from the media and the moment he's gone, his fmaily shoves those kids on stage in front of billions of people. What will they push those kids into next? It breaks my heart.

Magic Johnson gave a huge shout out to Michael's mom, Katherine, at the Memorial Service yesterday. So, he too, I guess is weighing in on the big discussion in a way. I cried my heart out watching the service yesterday. When the daughter spoke, I just bawled and bawled forever.

Here's my two cents. None of us know what goes on behind closed doors, who they spend the most time with and who they are most comfortable with. Only the kids know that. With that said, I believe the 2 older kids are old enough to make the decision themselves. Paris showed her maturity to be beyond that of the average 11 year old with her bravery to get in front of all those people to say goodbye to her Daddy. Most adults wouldn't have the strength to do that. I believe STRONGLY they should NOT be seperated, they will need each other during this time. My concern about Katherine is #1 her age and if she has the energy to give to these kids 24/7 and #2 being married to Joe Jackson concerns me because of the abuse stories the Jackson kids have talked about over the years. Thankfully they have a strong, united family to rally around them. Whoever they end up with, I will be keeping them in my prayers and wishing nothing but peace and love for them because that's what Michael stood for! R.I.P. Michael! Our loss is Heavens gain!