Fall Duggars: 19 and counting! - Page 15

[DariusMom]

I see the older girls doing lots of child care and cleaning, but what to the boys do? I have seen episodes where they are doing things like taking a tree down or such, but it still seems like the girls have *a lot* more to do regularly in the way of chores.

I'm not being snarky or making judgments, btw! I live in Europe and episodes are aired pretty sporadically, so I know I miss a lot.

Oh ... and I actually really like the family and the show!

[cappuccinosmom]

Well, two of the older boys have their own businesses to run. There is upkeep for the house and property, upkeep of their equipment, and the rental properties (which can take up a *lot* of time and effort, I know my dh will be grateful when our boys hit their teens and can work alongside him. It'll be good for them, helpful to him) Most of their boys are at the younger end, and just like the younger girls, they don't have the bulk of the chores. In their buddy-lists, there are 3-4 kids each, with one older one, and the little boys are included and help with whatever "jurisdiction" is assigned to that group.

We don't actually see the older girls "working all the time" as some claim. When they are doing chores, it's mostly household stuff and thus visible to viewers, but IMO that gets conflated into "Oh those poor girls, and look at how the boys do nothing." They definitely have gender-differentiated roles, but I don't believe that means the boys are getting off with doing nothing for the family. We believe much the same as the Duggar's in that area, but believe me, my boys know how to make a bed, sweep a floor, and wash the dishes. One has an interest in cooking and we encourage that. Although our major focus for them will ultimately be getting them to the point of being able to provide well for a family, that doesn't mean that everything else is ignored. If they're single for a time, they need to know how to take care of themselves.

They have also switched out the chores (boys inside with mom, girls helping daddy), and say they do want all their children to at bare minimum be proficient in every area. I tend to take them at face value, so I believe them, even though TLC is not showing much of their normal daily life anymore.

[DariusMom]

Originally Posted by cappuccinosmom

They have also switched out the chores (boys inside with mom, girls helping daddy), and say they do want all their children to at bare minimum be proficient in every area. I tend to take them at face value, so I believe them, even though TLC is not showing much of their normal daily life anymore.

I actually caught this episode and thought it was a nice one.

anyway, thanks for clarifying, cappuccinosmom. as i mentioned, I only sporadically catch episodes so was genuinely wondering. I do wish I could see it more regularly.

[cappuccinosmom]

[mommy68]

Originally Posted by DariusMom

I see the older girls doing lots of child care and cleaning, but what to the boys do? I have seen episodes where they are doing things like taking a tree down or such, but it still seems like the girls have *a lot* more to do regularly in the way of chores.

I'm not being snarky or making judgments, btw! I live in Europe and episodes are aired pretty sporadically, so I know I miss a lot.

Oh ... and I actually really like the family and the show!

They had an episode a while back where the girls and boys switched jobs for the day and the boys cooked and did laundry while the girls did work on the vehicles and other boy stuff. It did seem like the girls actually have way more to do than the boys do, considering the older girls most likely help with the youngest babies as well. But I think all the kids, even the boys, have certain chores to do. I think they've said they do the buddy system too so that would mean the older boys buddy up with a younger boy and help them out each day.

[cappuccinosmom]

I forgot to add this.

But I have several times seen the little boys with a broom in hand, stocking the pantry, collecting laundry, putting TP in the cupboard, etc. I believe they do participate in household chores on a regular basis.

IMO part of it is just that the age group that *can* take the biggest responsibilities are mostly girls right now. By the time the littler boys are old enough, the older girls will be in mid-to-late 20's either married or doing something else.

I don't know if we'll even know where the Duggars are in 10 years, but I'd be interested to see what happens. I'd almost be willing to bet that if we do see them, those boys will be helping out quite a bit in the house, because they will the the ones with the age and maturity to have that responsibility.

[rhiandmoi]

Each child has a set of daily "chore packs" with 5 "chores" each that are age appropriate and for their jurisdiction. Some of the little one's include things like brushing their teeth or getting dressed, but the older ones have more "real" chores. But they all have a lot of things they're supposed to do each day to contribute to the household.

http://forums.parenting.com/blogs/da...w-chore-charts

[DariusMom]

Originally Posted by cappuccinosmom

IMO part of it is just that the age group that *can* take the biggest responsibilities are mostly girls right now. By the time the littler boys are old enough, the older girls will be in mid-to-late 20's either married or doing something else.

I don't know if we'll even know where the Duggars are in 10 years, but I'd be interested to see what happens. I'd almost be willing to bet that if we do see them, those boys will be helping out quite a bit in the house, because they will the the ones with the age and maturity to have that responsibility.

I wondered about this, too (after I posted). I can imagine if there are more older girls and then the group of "littler" boys that it can seem unbalanced.

I'd be interested to see where all the kids are in ten years too. And I'm a sucker for weddings (did see the episode where Josh and Anna got married) so I am hoping for more soon!

Originally Posted by rhiandmoi

Each child has a set of daily "chore packs" with 5 "chores" each that are age appropriate and for their jurisdiction. Some of the little one's include things like brushing their teeth or getting dressed, but the older ones have more "real" chores. But they all have a lot of things they're supposed to do each day to contribute to the household.

http://forums.parenting.com/blogs/da...w-chore-charts

Interesting! didn't realize this. Thanks!

[annettemarie]

Closed so I can start a winter thread.