Sister Wives’ Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

As a therapist who has spent years helping families navigate through their complexities, I can truly empathize with both Kody and his children’s situations. It’s heartbreaking to see such a rift between a father and his offspring, especially when it seems rooted in unresolved feelings and misunderstandings.


Christine Brown wishes her ex Kody Brown handled his relationships with their children differently.

In simpler terms, one of the stars from “Sister Wives” acknowledged that it’s challenging to witness her and Kody’s six children having a strained connection with their father since their separation last year in 2021.

Christine shared with TopMob News during a joint interview with Janelle Brown that it’s deeply painful for her to see her children having difficulties with their father, as my own relationship with my dad is one of the most cherished in my life. She expressed her hope that they could enjoy a healthy bond with him.

For a quarter of a century, spiritually bonded couple Christine and Kody had a family before they parted ways. Their offspring include Aspyn Thompson (29), Mykelti Padron (28), Paedon Brown (26), Gwendlyn Brown (22), Ysabel Brown (21), and Truely Brown (14). Regardless of her personal feelings towards Kody, Christine has consistently endeavored to facilitate understanding among her children.

She expressed, ‘The key is to meet him as he currently is,’ and added, ‘Always keep your line open for him when he calls, pick up the phone.’

Over the past few years, the Brown family has undergone significant transformations. Following Christine’s departure, Kody’s multiple marriages with Janelle and Meri Brown came to an end, leaving him in a union exclusively with his legal spouse, Robyn Brown.

But while Christine has since found love with husband David Woolley, she still has frustrations in how Kody relates to many of his 18 children.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

She expressed her confusion, saying, “I simply can’t comprehend it at all.” However, she thinks highly of his children, stating, “They are some of the finest individuals I’ve encountered throughout my lifetime. They’re truly exceptional, and he has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. Yet, I believe he’s not fully seizing this chance, which is unfortunate for him. Because they are simply remarkable people.

Nevertheless, though Kody has been estranged from several of his children, it’s interesting to note that these relationships appear to have strengthened among them in more recent times.

As time passes, it seems like they’re getting nearer and nearer, Janelle noted. And I’m deeply appreciative of this fact. Despite living on opposite sides of the country, our children have done a remarkable job of keeping their relationships strong.

Sister Wives airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.

For more bombshells from this season of Sister Wives, read on. 

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Kody Brown expressed his intention to separate from his first wife, Meri Brown, not long after they exchanged vows in 1990. However, according to Meri, he gave her the impression that they would work on their issues by saying things like, “Meri, when we move to Flagstaff, this will be a fresh start for us.” This was during their relocation in 2018. “He often led me to believe such things,” Meri continued. “This is something he has done for many years.

As I expressed my concerns, I found myself voicing my primary issue: his tendency to withhold communication about his feelings, desires, and boundaries – a pattern that has persisted throughout our shared history.

Kody admitted there might have been some confusing signals, but as he began working on various matters, he found himself questioning, “What’s the point?” he clarified. “I wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her at this time.

Either way, Meri’s friends were thrilled when she finally pulled the plug in early 2023. 

She admitted, “They essentially said, ‘We’re here, we’re on your side. And it’s high time,'” she confessed. Now that the veil has been lifted, she feels that for years he had subtly tried to persuade her to leave by asserting he didn’t love her. “Because if I depart on my own accord,” she explained, “he won’t be the one labeled as the villain because he stayed put.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Several years had passed since the family bought a 14-acre plot of land in Flagstaff, Ariz., with plans to build on it. In the season premiere, Kody admitted that he was ready to let go of this dream, as they hadn’t been able to construct anything without first paying off the full $820,000 cost (which they reportedly settled in 2023). Addressing Robyn Brown, he suggested, “I’d almost prefer to abandon it or sell it and then begin anew somewhere else.

As for Robyn, “I can’t talk about that,” she responded. “That is so not where I’m at.”

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Previously, Janelle Brown shared with TopMob News that the relationship between them had been gradually drifting apart. However, it was primarily Kody’s shortcomings as a parent towards some of their children that led to her decision to part ways.

In simpler terms, the mom told Logan Brown, Madison Brown Brush, Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Brown, and Savanah Brown that a significant turning point for her was when his relationship with her kids deteriorated and he didn’t seem willing to go to great lengths to mend it. She added that this realization made her understand that this was the main reason she had stayed put.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Kody provided a reason as to why he wasn’t putting more effort into repairing the strained relationships he had with some of his grown-up kids.

In the September 15th episode, he expressed dissatisfaction by saying, “I no longer seem to belong in our family.” Even though he remains married to Robyn and jointly raising their five children – Dayton Brown, Aurora Brown, Breanna Brown, Solomon Brown, and Ariella Brown – his connection with some of the other kids is not frequent. He then questioned, “Given this situation, what am I supposed to do? It doesn’t feel like a family for me.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

In their 14-year long marriage, Robyn admitted during the season 19 premiere that they were experiencing the toughest times. She explained that Kody is unsure whether to blame himself or one of the other wives for the strain in their relationship. He feels rejected, and as a result, he seems to be questioning if Robyn will also reject him.

Consequently, she disclosed, “I’m constantly vigilant. I have to repeatedly check that he isn’t undermining our relationship.” The most challenging aspect, she concluded: “There aren’t any resources available to assist with the fact that I’m still married to a man who is going through multiple divorces.

In the meantime, Kody struggled with self-doubt, expressing, “I find it hard to stand before a mirror and tell myself sincerely, ‘Hello there. I adore you.’

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Include Madison, the eldest daughter of Janelle, in the list of children who are currently not in a relationship with Kody. As stated during the premiere, “I know that Maddie has had no contact with her father,” Janelle clarified. “Neither has he contacted her, nor she him. She doesn’t have any connection with Kody or his wife Robin. Essentially, she’s cut them both out of her life.

Janelle pointed out that Kody seems less invested in his relationship with Maddie’s children, Axel, Evangalynn, and Josephine. She expressed that he should only have contact with them if he is willing to fully commit to it.

During the September 22 broadcast, it was mentioned that Kody had essentially stopped communicating with Maddie and her husband Caleb Brush when the family began to significantly break apart.

Without Kody being around or reaching out, Maddie has taken on a very protective role, as expressed by Janelle. She feels that until he can reliably show up without causing a fuss, it might be best for everyone if they keep his presence uncertain.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been advocating for Kody to take steps towards reconciliation. However, it’s equally important that our children follow suit in this process. They too can contribute significantly to healing and rebuilding our relationships.

Currently, it appears as if Kody is not prepared to mend the rift between him and his daughter. He complains that whenever they converse, their discussions seem more like gossip-sharing, which leaves him feeling fatigued.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

During our special moment on our 32nd anniversary, “He hinted that he never truly loved me and felt compelled to marry me,” I confided in my dear friend Brandi during the September 15th premiere. To which I replied, “Kody, I know you did love me.

And if he didn’t, the mom to Leon Brown said in a confessional, why did he ever choose to propose? 

She pondered, “Why would a bachelor opt to marry a spinster when he didn’t feel affection towards her, instead of simply declaring and trying to compel feelings over three decades? Seems harsh, doesn’t it? To single me out among many others, and say, ‘I pick you as an experiment to force myself to grow fond of you?’

In his private thoughts, Kody stated, “Meri is making some claims against me. I don’t mind what she says. I won’t respond to them.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Janelle was uncertain whether she would develop Coyote Pass or choose to sell it, but she realized the first move was to settle the Arizona property debt. Since Kody wouldn’t discuss the matter with her, she shared her concerns with ex-sister wife Christine Brown in the September 22 episode: “I feel like I might need a lawyer,” she admitted. “I think that’s the only way I can possibly get any kind of resolution from him.

In her own words, Janelle admitted that since she hasn’t legally married Kody, she has no right to make any kind of claim on his property, explaining that it isn’t as simple as calling a lawyer for a divorce, given the lack of a legal marriage.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Kody prefers not to discuss the Arizona property with Janelle because he has lost trust in her.

He firmly stated during the September 22 episode that we will settle the property when necessary. He also explained, in a confessional, that he doesn’t want to share details about his actions or plans because he’s tired of information being misconstrued and spread through the grapevine by our fractured family.

A bit of a pot calling the kettle black, Janelle said in her own interview. 

She mentioned, “He spills secrets as if he’s got holes in him, especially about his past relationships and multiple spouses, which left me feeling uncomfortable because it seemed like information he shouldn’t have been disclosing to me.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

In days gone by, when the family’s love continued to grow instead of diminishing, they would combine their savings in a single collection.

In simpler terms, as Janelle explained in the September 22nd episode, we would pool all our resources to aid one individual, and then collectively offer support to another. This had been our usual approach until around the last decade. However, now it seems like everything is centered around personal estates, and everyone wants their own instead.

Back when Robyn found herself searching for a new abode in Arizona, we, her devoted fans, pooled our resources to purchase the stunning $1.65 million, five-bedroom property she’d fallen for – a gem that hit the market this August.

Robyn stated that it was planned for the property to benefit the entire family. However, when Janelle proposed that they all be co-signers on the mortgage, she was met with resistance. Kody reportedly responded, “No, no, we must safeguard, you understand, protect Robyn’s estate,” as Janelle remembered. Now that she’s leaving the family, Janelle explained, she wants her share of the Coyote Pass earnings and aims to recover some of the money she invested in Robyn’s house.

But that could be a tough sell. 

Robyn remarked, “After all this time collaborating, it’s perplexing.” Adding to the confusion, Janelle mentioned she was owed money by them. Robyn then questioned, “How does one calculate that? How does one arrive at that figure?” It’s such a puzzle.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Janelle expressed frustration over Coyote Pass not being paid off by the family, saying that Kody seemed to have numerous other financial obligations. However, she has observed him acquiring items such as trailers and home decorations. “I notice all the artwork on their walls,” she commented about Robyn and Kody’s residence. “I see so many things there. I understand, because I too have spent money on various possessions.” (Kody, in response, mentioned that a large portion of his funds were dedicated to purchasing vehicles—”Essentially, I had quite a few”—and insuring the children.)

Janelle admitted she wasn’t clear about Kody and Robyn’s financial management, but she often found herself astonished by the luxuriousness of Robyn’s backyard. It was always fully landscaped, and there were numerous items in her house. This left Janelle exclaiming, “Wow. Huh.

Essentially, she explained that he didn’t value her needs or desires, which over time became increasingly apparent even to her children, who expressed frustration, such as “Mom, what is going on?

Instead, we could say: After her first marriage ended, Robyn became diligent about managing her finances closely.

In the September 22 episode, she admitted, “I wasn’t particularly good with finances in the past. My upbringing was challenging, and it was during my divorce that I truly mastered budgeting.” Regarding her fellow sister wives, she commented, “It seems like you prioritized your spending differently than I did.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Currently, as shown in the September 22 episode, Janelle admitted that she and Meri, Robyn, and Kody (parents of Aspyn Brown, Mykelti Brown Padron, Paedon Brown, Gwendlyn Brown, Ysabel Brown, and Truely Brown respectively) don’t interact much with each other. She doesn’t see this situation improving significantly in the near future.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Reflecting on the period when they lived in four houses on a single cul-de-sac in Las Vegas, Kody fondly described it as “the high point of my life.” He reminisced, “Things were running smoothly, and having Maddie and Caleb around made it even better. I truly enjoyed their company, and Caleb was like a member of the family.

However, tensions arose in Arizona concerning coronavirus safety measures, leading to disagreements. Subsequently, as his marital relationships deteriorated, he found that the bond with his children also weakened, stating, “This situation made all our relationships turn bitter.

But Christine insisted their were issues well before she announced she was leaving in late 2021. 

She mentioned during the September 22 episode that the children who were feeling frustrated had been so for quite some time before her departure. Her absence did not alter their relationship with their father; Kody still has the opportunity to mend his ties with his kids.

Though it’ll definitely take some work. 

Kody clarified, “I’m still deeply upset about how I was treated in the past, and it’s difficult for me to move on because I’m not taking responsibility for things that my wife or ex-wife is blaming me for. I can only hope that with time, the resentment will fade, allowing us to find forgiveness and rediscover love.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Back in the day, when I was just a sprightly 21-year-old, I tied the knot with Meri, who was only 19 at the time. But here’s the thing – even though we were joined legally and spiritually, truth be told, we weren’t particularly well acquainted. Fast forward to 2014, we decided it was best for us to part ways, so I could officially become a dad to Robyn’s three precious children from her previous marriage.

In our wedding, she seemed different and I believe there were some past issues (or ‘baggage’) of Meri’s that I wasn’t aware of. At first, I thought I could cope with it. However, he admitted that everything was a struggle because “I can’t endure a life where she is perpetually angry at me.

Despite his desire to depart, he found himself unable to do so. Kody, who is part of a plural marriage, explained, “If one wishes to remain faithful and devoted to our faith, divorce is not an option. It’s forbidden. As a result, I was trapped within that relationship. However, it wasn’t that I yearned to escape the relationship. Instead, I sought understanding: Could we repair and salvage it?

Consequently, he admitted that Meri believed they could resolve their issues. However, each time they interacted, Kody stated, “She wasn’t pleasant, she wasn’t amusing, she wasn’t compassionate, she wasn’t engaging. I try to be interested in her, but I’m growing tired.

He acknowledged that it was understandable for Meri to feel as if she had been left behind, but he clarified, “I didn’t forcefully evict her. Instead, it was Christine, Janelle, and Meri themselves who decided I should temporarily depart from our shared household.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Even though Janelle and Christine didn’t feel the necessity of divorcing Kody due to their union being non-legal, Meri intended to seek a formal separation from him, which is known as a “release,” through their church.

In the episode from September 22nd, she clarified that all four of us women had united in marriage with Kody through our church. However, since we couldn’t all have legal marriages, we referred to it as a covenant. Since we aren’t planning on moving forward with any future marriage and I don’t want to be bound to him forever if he doesn’t desire me, I believe it’s best to completely end this arrangement. In other words, I’m at a point where I want to separate ourselves entirely from this union.

Kody hesitated about the concept, she mentioned, preferring not to recognize or submit to the power held by the church’s leaders.

Kody clarified his position: “The harm inflicted was so severe that there is no chance of reconciliation, regardless of the circumstances,” he said. “As for our accountability to God, I don’t want any further association with this church or its complications. So, I’m going to allow Meri her freedom to make her own choices because if I’m upset with her, it leads to arguments. Frankly, I just want her to move on because it has taken her far too long to accept that things have been over for a long time.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

2021 holiday gift exchange discussion turned sour for the 18 Brown family members. As Christine explained, “Things fell apart, things went wrong.” Kody, Robyn, and their children wanted no part of Janelle, me, our kids. The situation escalated after this text conversation led to a rift within the group.

In my perspective, my three elders shared that the interaction felt uncomfortable for them and suggested a temporary pause in our relationship. However, they didn’t express it as a desire to cut ties or ignore me altogether. Instead, it seemed more like, “Whoa, this has gotten a bit messy.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Aurora firmly stated that she was repeatedly informed, through various situations and by numerous individuals, that she wasn’t welcomed into the family when her mother married Kody in 2010. She emphasized that they never acknowledged or perceived her as their sister.

Her sister, Breanna, expressed that the parents might’ve made more effort in fostering our family bond, but unfortunately, such connections were not made effectively.

But Christine isn’t sure how they could have opened their arms any wider.

The implication here is that the speaker emphasized that Robyn’s children and Robyn themselves were always welcome, as if to say, “You are more than invited; feel free to drop by at our home whenever it suits you.

At the same time, she mentioned, her daughter Ysabel Brown shared a strong bond with Robyn’s children. In fact, Mykelti Brown Padron resided with them for a while. She said, “There were challenging periods and my kids felt exasperated at times, but they regarded Robyn’s children as their siblings just as closely.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Speaking enthusiastically about plural marriage, Janelle expressed, “In a properly functioning setup, it offers an extraordinary family structure that you’re integrated into, a tight-knit community where you belong. You have a husband and share a wonderful relationship with him, but at the same time, I retain my independence. To me, this multi-partner marriage seemed like a truly fantastic arrangement.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

According to Janelle, Kody found it more challenging to distribute his affection when the family moved from Las Vegas to Arizona in 2018.

On the September 29th episode, she observed that when Kody relocated to Flagstaff, he found it simpler to be apart from others. Occasionally, I had to remind him to visit my home. He’d often make excuses about being tired, but I’d reply, “You can rest just as effectively here as you would at Robyn’s.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

In simple terms, Janelle asserted that her children were reprimanded for accessing Robyn’s refrigerator. Meanwhile, Christine’s kids felt separated because they recognized that Robyn was in a relationship with their father, but he wasn’t living with them at home.

And Robyn said her crew definitely felt the divide. 

In her recent appearance, she expressed that Meri was warmly welcoming towards us, her family and children, but the rest of the family found it difficult to accept us. All along, our wish had been to be included in their family.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

During a recent episode on September 29th, Kody revealed that the constant movement between four homes of his children, including their youngest, Ariella (born in January 2016), had an impact on them. He shared an instance where Ariella held onto him tightly as he was about to depart, showing the emotional bond that developed due to these familial circumstances.

Kody stated, “‘I told her, ‘Another wife and mother are waiting for me, and other children need me too,’ reflecting the difficulty of the situation. She clung to me, crying, ‘Don’t abandon me, Daddy, don’t leave me.’ It’s tough, I can’t deny it.’

Unfortunately, that’s just a reality of plural marriage, insisted Janelle. 

Initially, she shared, her children understood that their father wouldn’t always be present. I’ve often felt that Kody and Robyn mishandled the situation with their children. He couldn’t stay away for more than three or four days because Ari would become very upset. To me, this seemed like poor parenting. Throughout family history, the other children have handled similar situations and they turned out to be well-adjusted adults.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Among the scarcely Brown youngsters, Mykelti remained in good terms with not only Robyn and Kody but also Christine and Janelle, her mother. Throughout Kody’s separations, it was Mykelti who stepped up as a mediator to keep peace within the family.

Ever since Robyn joined the Brown clan, I’ve been absolutely smitten! In fact, she was there with me when I welcomed my little miracles, Archer and Ace, into the world back in November 2022. What a blessing it was to have her by my side during such a special moment!

During that September episode, I found myself at a crossroads, struggling with self-discovery. But then Robyn came along, and she made me feel unique, understood, even cherished. When I yearned for companionship, she was there. When I needed someone to listen, to care for me, she was there too.

Christine couldn’t have been more delighted when Robyn joined their family and it was clear that she and Mykelti had a wonderful bond. In her own words, as shared on the Oct. 6 episode, “I had always hoped for this kind of relationship among my children, and now I see it happening.” Furthermore, Christine’s initial excitement about having a plural family stemmed from her desire to see her kids establish strong relationships with other mothers.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

In my perspective, it’s not just my wives who have cut me off from their lives; they seem intentionally to exclude me as a form of retribution for a crime I did not perpetrate. During the October 6 episodes, I expressed this viewpoint regarding my estrangement from some of my older children. Essentially, I’m only being punished because I didn’t fall deeply in love with their mothers.

What’s more, he continued, he think his former spouses are a bit to blame. 

He explained that the strain in his relationships with his kids was largely due to negative comments about him. He added, “I feel a whirlwind of disillusionment stemming from our family splitting up, and it often feels as if I’m being blamed for the situation.

However, though he accepts some responsibility, he strongly objects to the labeling or insults. In particular, he mentioned that there was tension with Hunter, Maddie, and Gabriel, Kody confided that one of his children responded to a text by saying, “You are worthless. I wouldn’t speak to you again even if I tried.

In another occurrence, he expressed to the cameras, “One of my children recently said, ‘You are really insensitive. I’ll no longer speak with you. You’ve been deceiving and indoctrinating me.’

He’s unwilling to tackle the problem of venom, he stated. He added that he feels his elders should step up and address the issues at hand. However, he’s ready to take action if someone else is willing to do their part as well.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

For Robyn, watching Kody’s estrangement from his adult children hit far too close to home. 

In her Oct. 6 conversation, she shared that when she was young, her parents went through a divorce. This meant that her father lived with another woman in a different city, while her mother lived on her own. She vividly recalled questioning her biological father about why he wasn’t around more during her childhood years, only to receive unsatisfying explanations and excuses. It was a difficult time for her.

Instead of letting Kody’s wounded emotions deter him, she was determined to keep pushing forward with her efforts. During their heated discussion, caught on camera towards the end of 2022, she expressed some reservations, saying, “I must admit, I find it difficult not to feel a slight loss of respect for you.

Kody admitted that he could improve the relationship with his children, but he emphasized that healing his own heart is a necessary step first.

He admitted that some of his children seem to be conspiring against him, and he expressed, “I’m so enraged about the situation that when I communicate with my kids, I fear they might provoke me with a criticism. At this moment, I’m too emotional and could only make things worse.

Sister Wives' Christine Shares Advice She Gives Her Kids About Kody

Though much of the family attended a wedding together in late 2022, they weren’t really feeling the love. 

In the October 6th episode, Kody expressed frustration to Robyn, saying he noticed Madison whisking her children away from him. He mentioned that his daughter hadn’t informed him about her pregnancy with their third child, Josephine, who was born in February 2023. Essentially, he said she didn’t tell him she was expecting.

Frankly, Maddie doesn’t tell her dad much of anything with the two rarely speaking.

Janelle clarified that Maddie avoids Kody because he hasn’t been around since Evie was born, over three-and-a-half years ago. She takes great care in shielding her children from him, as she doesn’t want them to be surprised by his sudden appearance and not recognize him as their grandfather,” explains the situation at the wedding.

Kody’s viewpoint: “It’s impractical for grandparents to be involved in their grandchildren’s lives constantly,” he pointed out, using Maddie’s situation in North Carolina as an example. “Especially when you relocate your children to a completely different coast. I have my job and personal commitments in Flagstaff.

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2024-10-12 17:22