Former reality TV star Jessa Seewald, known for her role in "Counting On," has become a central figure in discussions about family planning and personal choice. Now expecting her sixth child at the age of 32, she recently addressed critics who question her decision to have such a large family. In a candid YouTube video, Seewald opened up about the negative comments she encounters online and explained why she believes the size of her family is not something to be judged but rather trusted to divine guidance. Her reflections reveal a deep appreciation for her upbringing while emphasizing the importance of confidence in personal life decisions.
Jessa's journey into motherhood began shortly after marrying Ben Seewald at the age of 21. Over the years, they have embraced their faith-based philosophy that leaves family size in God's hands. This approach has led them to welcome a new child approximately every two years since their marriage in 2014. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Jessa maintains that most derogatory remarks come exclusively through digital channels rather than face-to-face interactions.
In her latest video, Jessa humorously recounted some of the more biting critiques she receives, including comparisons to rabbits and questions about emulating her mother’s example of raising 19 children. While assuring fans she won’t reach that number herself, Jessa expressed admiration for her mother, Michelle Duggar, calling her a role model for patience, kindness, and gentle speech. She also acknowledged the impact of how pregnancy news is presented, suggesting that preemptively addressing potential judgment can influence public perception.
Seewald emphasized that both she and Ben are clear about their capacity to care for their growing family responsibly. Their focus remains on nurturing each child spiritually and emotionally, ensuring they grow into adults who understand and love the Lord. They believe that quality parenting isn't solely determined by the quantity of children one has but instead relies heavily on divine grace and understanding one's own limitations.
Comparatively, among her siblings, only Josh surpasses Jessa in terms of offspring count, fathering seven with his wife Anna. Some relatives, like sisters Jill Dillard and Jinger Vuolo, have openly opposed the idea promoted by their parents that couples should aim to have as many children as possible. Jill noted during an interview that although she was raised believing otherwise, she eventually came to realize it wasn’t inherently wrong to decide against having numerous children.
Jessa concludes by reinforcing her commitment to living authentically according to her beliefs without seeking external validation. Her message underscores the significance of staying true to oneself and trusting in faith when navigating life’s milestones, particularly those related to family growth. Through her transparency, Jessa invites viewers to consider alternative perspectives on parenthood and embrace individual journeys within the context of broader societal expectations.