‘Counting On’: Josh Duggar Has Some Insane Rules That Anna Duggar Must Obey
Counting On fans are all too familiar with the conservative rules that Jim Bob Duggar makes his family follow, and his son Josh Duggar is following in his rigid footsteps. The women in the family must dress modestly according to the dress code, no one has physical contact with the opposite sex until their wedding day, and all of the kids are homeschooled.
Currently, eight of Jim Bob and Michelle’s 19 children are married and starting their own families, but are they implementing the same conservative rules in their own homes?
Josh and Anna Duggar stayed married despite his scandals
The oldest Duggar child is Josh, who is 31 and married to Anna Duggar. They have five kids – with one on the way – and Anna keeps fans up to date on Instagram about everything going down in their family.
Josh and Anna do not star in Counting On thanks to his 2015 molestation and cheating scandal. In fact, it was his actions that led to the end of 19 Kids & Counting and almost brought Jim Bob and Michelle’s media empire to an end.
Despite the scandals, Josh and Anna stayed together because the family doesn’t believe in divorce. And, the “no divorce” policy isn’t the only insane rule that Anna must obey.
Josh Duggar restricts all entertainment
According to The Talko, Josh will not allow Anna to read a book unless he approves it first. He does this to make sure that her reading material is in line with the family’s beliefs. He also closely monitors what she watches, and that means no TV or streaming platforms. The family only watches Josh-approved DVDs.
Josh also has followed in his parents’ footsteps and does not allow any dancing in his home. The 31-year-old won’t allow his wife to dance because it releases “bad feelings.”
No secret passwords
Anna enjoys posting pictures of her family on social media. But, one of the conditions of Josh allowing Anna to use Instagram and other platforms is that he must have access to all of her passwords. He has full access to each one of Anna’s accounts, which is quite ironic considering that Josh Duggar was caught cheating with women he met online via the Ashley Madison website. He also had dating profiles on sites like OkCupid.
Anna Duggar is not allowed to wear pants
Some of Josh Duggar’s sisters have made headlines because they have put Jim Bob’s strict dress code behind them and have started wearing pants, shorter skirts, and high heels. However, the power over what they wear has simply transitioned from their dad to their husbands, and Jill and Jinger’s husbands seem to be more lenient when it comes to clothing.
Josh, on the other hand, continues to keep the fashion rules very strict, and he doesn’t allow Anna to wear pants.
The mom-of-five must always be available
When it comes to men, Anna is not allowed to talk to any member of the opposite sex outside of her extended family. She must also be readily “available” for Josh for all of his sexual needs. Josh doesn’t allow his wife to use birth control because the number of children you have is determined by God. This is why after ten years of marriage, Anna has given birth to five children – and one more is on the way this fall.
Josh Duggar’s mom Michelle once explained on the family blog the expected relationship dynamic when you become a Duggar wife.
“Be available, and not just available, but be joyfully available for him. Smile and be willing to say, ’Yes, sweetie, I am here for you,’ no matter what, even though you may be exhausted and big pregnant and you may not feel like he feels. ’I’m still here for you and I’m going to meet that need because I know it’s a need for you.’”
Josh controls the money
This relationship is far from an equal partnership. When it comes to the family finances, Josh Duggar reportedly has total control over all of the money. If Anna wants to buy something, she must ask her husband first. She also needs permission to go to the grocery store to spend money on food for their growing family.
