Duggars' Jurisdictions

A reader from Hungary recently emailed asking about the Duggars' jurisdictions. Here is our response:

In the Duggar household, chores are called "jurisdictions." For years, Jim Bob and Michelle have used the buddy system; the older children are each paired with a younger sibling, whom they mentor and assist with housework and schoolwork. The Duggars firmly believe that by teaching their sisters and brothers, the kids learn much more than they otherwise would.

For larger jobs, Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger each head up a "buddy team."

When it comes to jurisdictions, Jill is the family secretary. Jessa is the family organizer and administers the kids' school assignments. The older boys are in charge of the yard and fireplace. The girls make lunch and supper, and everyone helps clean up. Other jurisdictions include maintaining the kitchen, clothes' closet, upstairs hallway, living room, dining room, and playroom. One of the little tikes is in charge of rounding up the laundry, and another is responsible for emptying the various garbage bins throughout the house and disposing of the trash in the dumpster outside. 

How do the younger Duggars stay on task throughout the day? They wear checklists that pin to their clothes. The inspiration for these chore packs came from Titus2's Managers of their Chores.

Duggars' JurisdictionsDuggars' Jurisdictions