Jessa Duggar, former
Counting On actress,
Is standing up for her choices and paying tribute to her mother, Michelle Duggar, amid the backlash over her decision to grow her family further. The 32-year-old mom of five and TV star recently revealed that she’s pregnant again, making it six children. However, she insists that she doesn’t aspire to have as many kids as her parents, who famously had 19 offspring.
She replied:
I won’t be having 19 children, but seriously, I look up to my mother as my role model.
On May 8, Jessa Duggar released an open YouTube video addressing the significant online backlash that typically occurs after announcing her pregnancies. Despite being used to these comments, which often revolve around her large family size, she stated that much of this negativity happens anonymously behind computer screens. In her YouTube post, she shared her thoughts on this matter.
When it comes to individuals expressing negative views, I understand this might not apply universally; however, as far as I am concerned, nobody has ever confronted me directly with unpleasantness. Although I’ve come across many impolite and unwarranted remarks, these typically occur online.
Internet bullies have wondered if she is trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps when it comes to having many children. She shared that some people queried:
People might say, ‘Oh, you’re multiplying faster than rabbits’ or ‘You’re insane’ or ‘Are you attempting to emulate your mother? Are you planning to have 19 kids too?’
But Jessa Duggar clarified:
I’m definitely not planning to have 19 children, but seriously, I consider my mother to be my heroine.
Jessa Duggar expressed deep admiration for her mother, Michelle Duggar, calling her “a prime model of motherhood.” Despite this high regard, Jessa stated that she does not intend to have 19 children herself.
I am deeply fond of her; she inspires me profoundly in numerous aspects. Her patience, love, tenderness, and gentle manner speak volumes about who she is as an individual. To me, she epitomizes what it means to be a wonderful mother. Therefore, whenever someone asks whether I wish to emulate my mother, I respond with enthusiasm, “Absolutely, dear Lord, assist me in becoming more like her.”
Jessa Duggar highlighted that Michelle remains an ongoing source of inspiration for her, particularly regarding her well-loved and devoted maternal role, despite Jessa’s playful remarks.
Jessa Duggar also passed along some guidance she had gotten:
“I recently came across some valuable advice on this subject which suggested that we often have the power to influence how others perceive our message. For instance, when we express ourselves with phrases such as, ‘We’re anticipating,’ or ‘We’re thrilled about this baby; we feel incredibly blessed,’ it creates a distinct atmosphere compared to stating, ‘This will be our last child without question.’”
She continued:
I believe it isn’t incorrect to express specific ideas, yet I understand that occasionally, we adjust our delivery based on what we assume others’ reactions might be. For instance, if we feel folks could criticize us for planning to have another child, we may tend to share this info with an air of justification or regret about our current situation.
She emphasized that even though she and her spouse Ben Seewald are open to expanding their family, they approach motherhood with seriousness and caution. She stated:
We consistently handle things one step at a time… Ben’s primary worry revolves around my wellbeing, along with ensuring we have the ability to provide adequate care, nurture their growth, and support them until they reach maturity. Our overarching objective is witnessing each of them develop an understanding and deep affection for the Lord.
Jessa Duggar stated that both she and Ben are satisfied with the choices they’ve made as a couple and do not feel compelled to conform to external expectations, such as having more children or halting further growth of their family. She mentioned this sentiment herself.
I don’t necessarily believe this is about the number of things involved; for example, ‘If you have too many, you won’t be able to handle them effectively,’ or conversely, ‘Handling just a few will allow you to manage them better.’
Despite initially joking with Ben about playing football with their children and considering having as many as 15 kids, Jessa has since reconsidered her position, she mentioned.
I believe that God’s grace is more than enough, yet we must recognize our limitations. Regardless of whether you have one or 19, it ultimately comes down to depending on the Lord and placing your trust in Him.
Jessa Duggar’s growing family:
In 2014, Jessa Duggar tied the knot with Ben Seewald. They have five children: their sons are named Spurgeon (9), Henry (8), and George (16 months), while their daughters are called Ivy (5) and Fern (3). In March, Jessa revealed her sixth pregnancy via an Instagram post.
Josh Duggar, with his seven children, is presently the most active among the Duggar siblings, followed closely by Jessa. Unlike her sister Jill Dillard and Jinger Vuolo—who have criticized their parents’ strict views on family size—Jessa adopts a middle-ground stance driven by her faith.
Tune in to Soap Central for additional updates.
