Jinger Duggar Vuolo Says It Was ‘Hard And Scary’ To Speak Up About Her Life And What She’d Learned Growing Up In The 19 Kids And Counting Household

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Jinger Duggar Vuolo became well-known as a teenager due to her family’s reality show on TLC called “19 Kids and Counting“. Although the Duggars are no longer appearing on TV in 2025, many continue to follow their lives. Tragically, Josh Duggar, the eldest of Jim Bob and Michelle’s children, faced molestation allegations, leading to his arrest on charges of child pornography and a sentence of 151 months in prison. In response, some of his sisters have chosen to share their experiences growing up, with Vuolo being one of the most outspoken. She described this as a challenging and scary process but also essential.

In her new book People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations, Jinger Duggar Vuolo dives into how she discovered her true identity after a lifetime of seeking approval from others. In an interview on CBS Mornings, she said she had to fight the people-pleasing urge when writing her previous book, saying:

What stands out is that people generally prefer authenticity when considering the broader perspective of what they’re interested in hearing about. For years, I struggled to reach a point where I felt comfortable enough to expose my genuine self. Writing “Becoming Free Indeed” required me to confront and challenge teachings I was raised with, which proved to be difficult and intimidating.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar brought up their children adhering to the principles taught by disgraced spiritual leader Bill Gothard and the Institute for Basic Life Principles, which emphasizes male authority, extensive families, and modest attire. (It was only after much time that Jinger Duggar Vuolo finally admitted to her parents that she had chosen to defy the no-pants rule that they had been taught.)

Despite feeling uneasy and encountering resistance, Jinger felt compelled to voice her concerns when she recognized that certain aspects of their religious teachings were harmful.

Initially, I hesitated to voice my thoughts, as the public discourse surrounding these contentious matters seemed to lack a clear perspective. However, being a person who values harmony, I found myself increasingly compelled to break my silence. The teachings in question, I believed, were not only misleading but potentially harmful to people. Consequently, it became imperative for me to speak up and share my concerns.

She asserted that she witnessed friends suffering due to the IBLP lifestyle, which fueled her determination to express her concerns. Similarly, Jinger Duggar Vuolo felt compelled to voice her opinions about her brother Josh, hinting at ongoing disagreements among some of the Duggar siblings, as shared with CBS.

At times, navigating through my family dynamics can be intricate. Generally, I have good rapport with most – my brothers, sisters, and mom – for which I’m deeply grateful. However, there are a few relationships that remain somewhat challenging.

It appears that managing those complex relationships might continue to pose challenges for her, given her upbringing under quite stringent rules and expectations. Her tendency to please others may also play a significant role in this. The latest book by Jinger Duggar Vuolo is currently available, and you can also watch the docuseries titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets,” which can be streamed with an Amazon Prime membership.

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2025-01-17 21:37