Last month, the world learned that Kendra Caldwell is pregnant with her second child.
Since Kendra is only 20, and her first child is yet to celebrate his first birthday, this came as quite a shock to many.
But Kendra is officially a Duggar now, which means procreation is her primary reason for being.
Even so, many fans can’t help but wonder if this is the life that she would have chosen for herself, or if she’s been pressured by her famous in-laws to spend the next 20 years cranking out offspring.
Some even say Kendra’s social media posts are showing signs of mental and emotional fatigue.
Take a look and decide for yourself:
The Proud Parents
They may look like they’re still children themselves, but Joseph and Kendra are parents to one baby, with a second on the way.
Baby Garrett
Joseph and Kendra just welcomed their first child in 2018, but already, there’s another bun in the oven.
Moving Fast
Needless to say, Kendra and Joseph are not wasting any time with regard to expanding their family.
Like, REALLY Fast
As far as we can tell, Kendra got pregnant within days — or at most weeks — of tying the knot with Joseph.
Too Much, Too Soon?
Recently, fans have begun expressing concern for Kendra’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Cause For Concern?
But are they legitimately worried, or are they just disparaging the Duggar way of life?
Baby Makers
“Baby machines,†one Instagram user commented on a recent photo of Joe and Kendra.
Just Kids?
“Kendra is still very much a child herself,†another commenter wrote. “The idea of her being a mother to two young children so close in age has me worried for physical and mental health.â€Â
Did She Know What She Was Getting Into?
Despite the fact that she was born into a similarly conservative household, many fans believe Kendra is showing signs of being caught off guard by the many demands of marrying into the Duggar clan.
The Little Duggar Family
For example, Kendra no longer has personal social media pages of her own, and she instead shares the “Little Duggar Family” Instagram account with Joseph.
The Outsider’s Perspective
It’s possible that Kendra and Joesph made this decision together, but many believe this is Jim Bob and Michelle’s way of exercising control over their youngest daughter-in-law.
A New Controversy
Still, it appears that Kendra is the principle poster on that account, and this week, she came under fire for a photo she shared of her baby boy.
Seems Innocent Enough
Kendra posted this pic of her 11-month-old baby … and she included a caption that attracted the ire of some fans.
Such a Boy
“He’s such a boy,†she wrote. “Some of his favorite toys are found outside. That little twig entertained him for longer than his toys normally do!”
Fair Point
“Liking outside things is not a ‘boy’ thing, it’s a thing that lots of kids of all genders like,†reads the most-liked comment on the post. “Why do folks have to so aggressively gender their children? It only does damage by forcing kids into restrictive boxes.â€Â
Gender Role Blues
“Girls can do that too!” another fan remarked. “Not just a boy thing,â€Â
Sticks and Stones
“Girls often love sticks and bugs just as much as boys,†a third commenter echoed.
The Defense
Many fans were quick to point out that Kendra and Joseph both come from homes with very strict and traditional views on gender roles.
Still Learning
As a result, it may never have occurred to Kendra — who, lest we forget, is still VERY young — that girls can participate in activities traditionally associated with boys and vice-versa.
The Burden of Tradition
And it’s for that reason that this controversy ties into the concerns about Kendra raising so many young children at such a young age.
Only One Path
She likely never considered the possibility that there may be other options available to her — and as a result, she never stepped outside to do some exploring of her own.