Kate Gosselin Opens Up About Son Collin and Defends Her Parenting Style
— -- Reality TV mom Kate Gosselin, of TLC’s "Kate Plus 8," sat down to discuss the show’s fifth season and the challenges and controversies that she has faced both on and off screen over the years.
In 2009, Gosselin divorced her husband Jon and became a single mom to 16-year-old twins Mady and Cara and 12-year-old sextuplets Leah, Hannah, Alexis, Joel, Aaden and Collin.
Gosselin, 41, said that since the shows inception ten years ago, she has become a different person and parent. "I almost don't even know her ... now it's like the wisdom, the experience, it makes you really a better parent."
Gosselin went on to reveal a tough parenting decision she made for her son Collin, who was sent to get treatment for educational and social challenges that she said, "was not even really a choice." Based on the advice of his doctors, she said, "it had to happen." The mother of eight said their family is "plodding along," but the decision was necessary.
As someone who says she would go to the ends of the earth to get the best for her children, Gosselin says she takes comfort in knowing that this was the best thing she could do for Collin right now.
The mother called reports "unfounded" that her son told staffers at his treatment facility that he was abused by her.
"I'm in the public eye. I have been investigated many times ... It's always unfounded obviously," she said.
Her ex-husband claimed that he has not seen their son Collin in a year and a half and that Kate won't tell him where Collin is being treated.
The mother refuted her ex's claims and said she is in accordance with court orders to not speak about the care and custody of their children in detail.
"I've known all along where he is. But the world doesn't know. And I’ll leave it at that," Gosselin explained.
She went on to say that despite her ex-husband's assertions that he would take her to court over the issue, that she does not focus on that.
"I'm really focused less on what Jon has to say ... I don't really pay attention to be honest."
Jon’s attorney Kristen Dolvea-Lecher told ABC News, "The whole story is not being told ... [Jon] is a loving and caring father who is acting within the scope of the law to do what is best for his kids."
Turbulent times aside, the past decade has brought Kate and her children a vault of memories.
"I wanted those moments documented -- and got ten years worth. And I will never ever regret that," she said.
Another memory that the mom of eight won't soon forget, her infamous mom hairstyle that got made into a wig. "I got a hold of one somehow," she said laughing. "Maybe one day I'll pick 'em up at the bus stop wearing it. And I'll get out and be like, 'Kids, I'm over here.'"
Season five of "Kate Plus 8" premieres Tuesday, Nov. 22 on TLC.
