What does a typical day in the Duggar house look like?

by | May 31, 2020 | 4 comments

We have goals, but then we have reality! We are learning to practice flexibility—not setting our affections on ideas or plans, which could be changed by God or others! Sometimes we have “Daddy Days” when Daddy overrides the schedule and takes the children out for family time, a field trip or a service project. We desire for each child to develop a learning spirit and a servant’s heart that looks for opportunities to serve others. We try to make each day fun. Every day is an exciting adventure!

We typically start the day with individual bible studies for all the children that can read by themselves. The little children who cannot read will sometimes sit beside an older one or watch Picture Proverbs.

We then begin our daily routine with personal hygiene (get dressed, brush teeth, comb hair, etc.). Once beds are made and everyone is dressed and ready for the day, it is time for breakfast, which is usually “serve yourself.” We usually keep it simple like cereal and milk, or a breakfast casserole prepared the night before.

After breakfast, everyone does their household chores—or as we call it around our house, “jurisdictions.” Throughout the day we try to pick up as we go along, but naturally things tend toward disorder. When jurisdictions are completed, the children start their music & individual school studies.

We break for lunch around 12PM. Often one of the older children will help to prepare lunch & we all help cleanup. After lunch we work to finish individual studies.

In the afternoon, any little ones go down for naps (4 and under), and all the school-aged children and Mom gather around the table for group studies. Next is time to finish up music practice or individual studies, but if completed, this is free time. Dinner usually happens around 6:00PM. We may do a “quick clean” on the house after dinner & then have free time.

The evenings are probably our favorite part of the day. Our older ones are usually back home from their various work/job sites, and there is always lots of laughter while we spend time enjoying each other’s company. Daddy often reads the Bible & we discuss the passage together before bedtime. We talk about the day & bring out points of how to apply what we have learned. Often our little ones will fall asleep as Daddy begins “Bible time,” but they still love to be with us at this special time.

We’ve found that as our children have gotten older, we are now in a new stage of life. The older children still at home often congregate into our room after Bible time, and sometimes we’ll stay up for hours talking! I know we will one day look back on these nights as some of our most precious times together.

II Corinthians 12:9 says,” My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

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4 Comments

  1. Mindy Merwitzer

    I have two questions do you still use a buddy system? Are any of your grandchildren in school at your house as I have heard Ben is the teacher?

    Reply
  2. Peters

    Beautiful way of family life.

    Reply
  3. Brittany

    With all the kids getting older and moving out, have yall considered selling your house and downsizing? or is it more convenient having so much space when everyone visits? thanks 😁

    Reply
    • Brandi from Branson Mo

      That’s a good question. I was wondering the same. I’d keep the big house but as the last child leaves for whatever reason (college, marriage, etc…) then what? Building it yourselves, will it be hard to let go if you do decide to downsize?
      Would it be in the same area? Or different town?

      Reply

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