All of the Duggars work hard to project a wholesome public image, but the burden of “keeping up appearances” falls especially hard on the women of the family.
The expectation is not only that they’ll marry young and reproduce endlessly, but also that they’ll slide effortlessly into the role of docile and uncomplaining houswife.
For the most part, they’ve fallen in line with expectations, but even the Duggars aren’t immune to the times and the ways in which they’re a-changin’.
The consensus amongst fans seems to be that the most outward form of rebellion is obviously Jinger Duggar’s decision to wear pants in direct defiance of her family’s strict dress code.
Of course, there are some who believe that Jana Duggar’s refusal to marry just any old dude her parents set her up with is the ultimate middle finger to her upbringing.
But while Jinger and Jana may receive the most attention for asserting their independence, their sisters appear to be defying parental expectations in more subtle ways.
Take Jessa Duggar’s housekeeping for example:
Now mind you, we’re not engaging in any mess-shaming here.
Jessa shared the above photo on her own Instagram page in order to prove a point about the demands of parenting and the importance of prioritizing.
“This is real life, y’all. 1.) 6+ loads of laundry piled on the guest bed… can we just take a moment to celebrate the fact that it’s CLEAN laundry,” Jessa captioned the pic.
Yes, it’s the little victories that count most in life.
In fact, we’re firm believers that if any of your laundry is clean, you’ve earned a lengthy nap.
Jessa went on to reveal several of the more uncleanly corners of her home via photos and descriptions.
(“Side table that probably hasn’t been dusted in at least 6 months. Henry’s dried spit up on my side of the bed, that I’ve slept on for who knows how many nights.”)
So what’s the purpose of revealing her sloppier side to fans?
Well, Jessa says she’s hoping to convey this simple message:
“Some of y’all may be thinking, ‘C’mon now, it only takes a few min to dust or wipe down a mirror…’ I know, it is so. My reminder today has been that the same is true of the needs of the little people in our lives,” she wrote.
“I might think ‘I don’t have time right now.’ But it only takes a few min… here and there.”
She added:
“Not trying to pit a clean house against interaction with kids– sometimes both are possible, tho often they do seem in opposition to one another.
“Just remember, whatever projects are pulling at your time and attention today, don’t forget to make time for the people around you. These are the memories that will last forever. “
If you’re like us, it may leave you feeling like you’re not alone.
Check out the gallery below for a full rundown of Jessa’s mess.
Oh, and as always, don’t forget to watch Counting On online to seek out more relatable imperfections from the Duggars.
