If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of big announcements, baby bumps, and family updates. But if you follow Jessa Duggar Seewald, you know her news tends to come with a side of unsolicited commentary. And honestly? Jessa’s handling it like a pro.
So, here’s the scoop: Jessa and her husband, Ben, just shared they’re expecting baby number six. Six! That’s a big family by today’s standards, no doubt. The announcement went up on Instagram in March, and as expected, the internet had opinions. But if you think she’s letting any negativity get to her, think again.
Whenever someone shares they’re adding another kid to the crew, people online feel the need to chime in. Maybe it’s curiosity, maybe it’s just that urge some folks get to say something about someone else’s life choices. Jessa gets it. She actually opened up about this in a recent YouTube video, and her response was refreshåingly honest (and a little bit inspiring, if we’re being honest).
“I’ve never had anybody walk up to my face and be nasty,” Jessa said. “I have heard a lot of rude and unnecessary comments, but generally those are just online.”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever read a rude comment online and wondered what would happen if people had to say that stuff face to face. Jessa’s got the same question. She says most of the negativity sticks to the internet—and honestly, isn’t that true for so many of us?
Of course, there’s also that comparison people keep making: “Are you trying to be like your mom?” For those not keeping up, Jessa grew up as one of 19 kids. Yes, nineteen. But she’s not out to copy her mom, though she’s not ashamed to admit that Michelle Duggar is her hero.
“I’m not going to have 19 kids, but honestly, my mom is my hero. I love her. I adore her… So when people say, ‘Do you want to be like your mother?’ I’m like, ‘Yes, please, Lord, help me.’ ”
Honestly? That’s pretty sweet. How many of us can say we admire our moms that much?
But back to those online comments—Jessa has some advice on dealing with them. And it’s actually really good advice for anyone who feels judged for their life choices (so, basically, all of us at some point). She said the way you share your news can set the tone for how people respond. For example, saying “We’re so thankful for this baby” gives off a much different vibe than “This one was a surprise.”
She’s not suggesting you have to sugarcoat your life, but it’s a good reminder that your attitude can shape other people’s reactions. If you’re confident and joyful about your choices, sometimes people will follow your lead.
But here’s the kicker—Jessa doesn’t actually live for other people’s approval. And neither should we, honestly.
“It’s not other people’s approval that we should want most, but I think that we can definitely influence in the way that we share information [and] maybe how other people will perceive and receive.”
At the end of the day, Jessa’s just excited for her new baby, grateful for her family, and not particularly worried about random comments from strangers on the internet. And really, isn’t that the kind of energy we should all be channeling? Whether you’re adding a sixth kid to your family or making any other life choice, there will always be people with opinions. The trick is remembering whose opinion really matters.
So, here’s to Jessa and Ben—and to everyone out there making choices that feel right for their own families, no matter what the peanut gallery says.
image credit Instagram
