Amy Duggar recently shared insights into her upbringing and family dynamics, revealing that her relationships with her cousins were largely superficial. During her appearance on the “Unplanned” podcast hosted by Matt and Abby Howard on December 10, 2023, she discussed the impact of the teachings from the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) on her family interactions.
Reflecting on her childhood, Amy described how her time with her cousins involved many shared experiences, such as trips and gatherings, but lacked depth. “We would spend so much time together… but it was more surface-level. It wasn’t really heartfelt,” said the 39-year-old. She emphasized that meaningful conversations about personal struggles or faith were notably absent, stating, “We never really talked about the things we were struggling with or what God was doing in our life.”
The influence of IBLP teachings on her cousins contributed to this disconnect. According to Amy’s husband, Dillon King, there was a tendency among IBLP followers to maintain emotional distance from those outside their circle. “They teach, like, if you’re not in that circle, they keep you at arm’s reach,” he explained.
Modesty Standards and Family Expectations
Amy also recounted experiences related to modesty standards within her extended family. Although she frequently wore jeans, there were occasions when she was asked to dress in skirts to align with her cousins’ values. “I’ve tried on pantaloons before. I’ve tried on one of their swimsuits… to appease my family and to show that I do respect their values and their rules,” she noted.
Her husband’s first meeting with her cousins highlighted the cultural differences shaped by IBLP rules. At a bowling event, he inadvertently danced to the music, only to receive puzzled looks from her cousins, who do not engage in dancing due to their family’s beliefs. “Dillon had no idea what he had done wrong,” Amy recalled about the awkwardness of that initial encounter.
Cousinship and Boundaries
Despite the challenges, Amy has developed a closer bond with her cousin, Jill Duggar, over the years. Their relationship has flourished, particularly after appearing together in the Prime Video docuseries “Shiny Happy People,” which addresses various controversies surrounding the Duggar family. “Cousinship is so much fun… we can joke around and laugh and we have inside jokes,” she expressed, highlighting the warmth and security she feels in their connection.
Amy also acknowledged the necessity of setting boundaries with her family, particularly in light of past issues. “I realized I needed to have boundaries set with my family and the situation because of the lies and things that were told,” she explained. She last communicated with Jim Bob Duggar, her uncle, “right before” his son Josh’s trial for child pornography charges in 2021, which resulted in a sentence of over 12 years in prison.
The revelations shared by Amy Duggar shed light on the complexities of familial relationships shaped by strict teachings and personal boundaries, illustrating a journey of self-discovery and the importance of authentic connections.
