The following article contains references to the sexual abuse of children.
Former IBLP members including daughter Jill Duggar Dillard and her cousin Amy Duggar King describe it as a cult.
These are among the most troubling.
Children are expected not only to obey their parents, but to do so cheerfully.
Even accidentally overhearing a piece of forbidden music could send her into a panic.
Worse still, blind obedience can have dire consequences.
Eventually, the baby is conditioned not to move away from their assigned spot.
It was never called “spanking,” however King claimed they used a much milder term.
“[I]t was in the sweetest tone ever, like, ‘Do you need encouragement?
I think you need encouragement,'” she said, perDecider.
The greater medical community sees physical punishment as anything but “encouraging.”
And though the Duggars might argue that their “encouragement” promotes Godly behavior, not everyone would agree.
Avoiding pain is different from making a choice based on morality.
However, critics of homeschooling point to the lack of regulation and accountability in the field.
The quality of homeschooling also varies according to the curriculum involved.
“Shiny Happy People” also points out girls are taught that dressing immodestly will lead boys to lust.
Michelle has said her older children used a now-defunct computer course called Switched-On Schoolhouse.
Higher education isn’t valued in the family.
Have the Duggars truly prepared their kids for the outside world?
The world is yours!
you’ve got the option to be whatever you want to be!"
But the 19 Duggar siblings didn’t hear those messages growing up.
The children’s lack of higher education limits their choices right off.
The daughters have even fewer options.
Jill trained as a midwife but isn’t currently certified to practice.
What could the Duggar women have done if they’d had the choice to pursue interests outside the home?
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available.
Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Networkwebsiteor contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
