Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

As I reflect on the lives of these individuals, it seems that each one is embarking on a unique journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. Janelle, a woman of resilience, has taken a stand against her father’s actions, choosing to prioritize her emotional wellbeing over familial ties. Her decision echoes the sentiment of many who find themselves in similar situations – that peace and happiness often come from setting boundaries and standing firm on one’s values.


Janelle Brown is looking back at her family’s time on TV.

As a lifestyle guide, I’d rephrase it like this: In an open conversation, the star of “Sister Wives,” who parted ways with her husband Kody Brown in 2022 following three decades of spiritual union, shared insights on how they managed their six children – Logan (30), Madison (29), Hunter (27), Gabriel (23), Savanah (19) – and the late Garrison, in relation to the TLC series.

On a recent episode of the Reality Life with Kate Casey podcast (November 5th), Janelle shared that we were particularly cautious about filming them when they were young, allowing it only if they explicitly wished to be in front of the camera.

However, it was revealed by Janelle that the connection of each of her kids with ‘Sister Wives’ has evolved as they matured.

She observed that as some of them grow up, a few have decided to be in the public eye, while others have opted for a more secluded life. In my opinion, this is simply a matter of personal choice, and each child is at an age where they can make decisions about their own paths.

Previously this year, the son of Janelle and Kody, named Garrison, tragically took his own life. This sensitive topic will be discussed in upcoming episodes of the program.

Besides this, Janelle contemplated on the impact that being in the limelight had on her personal relationships.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Even though the Brown family, once known for their polygamous lifestyle on TLC over a decade ago, has seen significant changes in recent years. It all started when my beloved Christine Brown decided to part ways spiritually in 2021, followed by Janelle and then Meri not long after. Now, Robyn Brown is the sole wife standing by Kody’s side, being the mother of his remaining 18 children.

As for whether the Brown family would still be together without the show, Janelle is unsure.

She acknowledged that it’s challenging to say for certain, but she’s uncertain. Change is inevitable; everyone goes through it. It’s possible we both reached this stage. However, she’s genuinely happy that there are numerous possibilities open to us now.

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

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

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, Kody gave her the impression that he would address their issues by saying, “Meri, when we move to Flagstaff, this will be a fresh start for us.” This is what he often did, leading her to believe things would change, as she explained during the Sept. 15 premiere, referring to their 2018 relocation. “He’s led me to believe those things. This is what he’s done for many years.

She expressed her main concern as being his poor communication, including how he truly feels, his desires, and what he doesn’t want, along with the narrative he has maintained throughout the years.

Kody admitted there might have been some confusion in his communication, stating, “As I began working on these matters, I found myself questioning, ‘What’s the point of this?'” He clarified, implying that he wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her at present.

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

In a heartfelt admission, I couldn’t help but echo their words: “We’re here for you, we’ve got your back. It’s about time this happens!” Now, with my blinders off, it feels like he’s been subtly urging me to walk away for years, feigning indifference as if he didn’t care. But the truth is, if I were to leave, he could evade blame, claiming he wasn’t the one who walked out.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

After many years had passed since the family bought a 14-acre plot of land they intended to construct on, located in Flagstaff, Ariz., Kody admitted during the season premiere that he was now ready to let the dream fade away. Since they hadn’t paid off the full $820,000 cost (which reports say was settled around 2023), he suggested this idea to Robyn Brown: “I think it would be better if we either abandon it or sell it and then start anew somewhere else.

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

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

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

The pivotal moment for me occurred when his bond with my kids deteriorated, and it didn’t appear as if he would go to great lengths to mend it,” the mom shared with Logan Brown, Madison Brown Brush, Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Gabriel Brown, and Savanah Brown. “At that point, I realized that was what had been keeping me rooted here.

Even when Kody broached the idea of reconciling in the Nov. 3 episode, it was a non-negotiable for Janelle. 

She stated, “It’s hard for me to imagine finding peace with him and allowing him to be part of my children’s lives, so I will always prioritize them.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

The reason Kody didn’t put more effort into repairing the tensions he faced with some of his grown-up kids, was what he stated in his explanation.

In the Sept. 15 episode, he expressed his feelings of not belonging to the family anymore. Despite being fully married to Robyn and co-parenting their five children – Dayton Brown, Aurora Brown, Breanna Brown, Solomon Brown, and Ariella Brown – he felt disconnected, stating that he has limited interaction with some of the other children. He questioned how to navigate this complex situation, expressing that it didn’t feel like a family anymore.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Even though they’ve been genuinely monogamous for 14 years in their marriage, Robyn admitted during the season 19 premiere that things have been extremely challenging. “We seem to be struggling more than ever before,” she said. “Kody is uncertain whether he should blame himself or one of the other wives. He feels a great deal of rejection and I think he’s wondering if I might reject him too.

As a consequence, she admitted, “I’m constantly alert and vigilant to ensure he isn’t undermining our relationship.” In her own words, the most challenging aspect was: “There are no tools or guidance available when it comes to being married to a man who is going through multiple divorces.

Meanwhile, Kody struggled with self-doubt, admitting, “I find it hard to tell my reflection, ‘You’re amazing,'” indicating a lack of self-love.

In the October 27th episode, I found myself grappling with the sight of my ex-sister wives thriving in their latest phase. I remarked, “They’re all advancing,” and it struck me as if I was the one who had been overlooked or left behind in their progression.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Add Madison, the eldest daughter of Janelle, to the list of children who are currently not in a relationship with Kody. As Janelle shared during the premiere, “Maddie hasn’t spoken to her dad for some time now,” she said. “Neither of them has reached out to each other, and Maddie doesn’t have any contact with Kody or Robin at this point. She’s effectively cut ties with both of them.

Janelle pointed out that Kody’s relationship with Maddie’s children, Axel, Evangalynn, and Josephine, seems lackluster. She expressed that he wouldn’t be allowed much interaction unless he could fully commit to it.

Consequently, during the September 22 episode, Janelle mentioned that Kody had essentially stopped communicating with Maddie and her husband Caleb Brush when the family began to disintegrate significantly.

Without Kody being around or reaching out, Maddie has taken on a very protective role, as Janelle put it. She’s been acting like an overly protective mother, and she believes it’s best for everyone involved if they keep his presence unacknowledged until he can be more reliable and less dramatic, showing up consistently.

Moreover, as Robyn has been urging Kody to make amends, she also expressed, “It would be beneficial if the children took similar steps as well.

Currently, it appears Kody isn’t quite prepared to mend the rift, expressing frustration that each conversation with his daughter felt like fishing for gossip, which grew tiresome for him.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

During their 32nd anniversary celebration, Meri confided in her friend Brandi that Kody had hinted he never truly loved her and felt obligated to marry her. In response, she told him, “‘Kody,’ I said, ‘I know you cared for me.’

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

I ponder over this scenario: When a solitary man encounters a solitary woman, why would he decide to wed her and merely pledge affection, intending to cultivate love towards her when it wasn’t there initially? It seems unfair, doesn’t it? To select me from the masses and then say, “I choose you, in the hope of compelling myself to grow affection for you over the next 32 years?

In a private conversation, Kody stated: “Well, Meri is leveling some allegations. She can say anything she likes. I won’t be responding to them.

Though, he would share that they never enjoyed a honeymoon period. 

He firmly stated during the October 20th episode that their marriage was consistently strained throughout, to which he attributed his exceptional bond with Janelle, Christine, and Robyn.

Looking back, I realize that I should have ended that long-term commitment a quarter of a century ago. However, fear held me back, as I understood that my leadership would not approve if I were seen as disposing of spouses.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Despite being unsure whether to develop Coyote Pass or just sell it, Janelle realized that the first move was to settle the Arizona property debt. Since Kody refused to discuss the matter with her, she admitted to former sister wife Christine Brown on September 22, “I think I’ll need to consult a lawyer.” She added, “Because I believe that’s the only way I’ll ever get any kind of decision out of him.

In simpler terms, Janelle admitted that since she doesn’t have a legally binding marriage with Kody, she doesn’t possess any legal rights to claim his property. She explained this by stating, “It’s not as simple as calling a lawyer and requesting a divorce. The situation is complex because there’s no legal marriage.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Kody explains that he’s decided not to discuss the Arizona property with Janelle because he now lacks trust in her.

He emphasized during the September 22 episode, in a private conversation, that “when the right moment arrives, we will settle the property”. He added, “I prefer not to reveal my current actions or anything else because I’m tired of sharing information that gets twisted and spread by our dysfunctional family’s rumor mill.

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

In my expertise on all things lifestyle, I found myself in a conversation where I was privy to details about this individual’s past relationships and multiple spouses. To put it mildly, I felt as though the proverbial sieve had sprung a leak, sharing information that seemed better left unsaid.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

In times past, before their love began to dwindle, they would combine all their funds into a shared savings account.

In simpler terms, Janelle stated during the September 22nd broadcast that we would exhaust all our resources to aid one individual, and afterward, we would unite to assist another. This has been our practice for quite some time until recently. However, now it seems more about personal wealth accumulation rather than community support.

When Robyn required a house in Arizona, everyone contributed towards purchasing her luxurious $1.65 million five-bedroom property, which had been on the market since August.

Initially, Robyn mentioned that acquiring the property would benefit the family. However, when Janelle proposed that everyone should be on the mortgage, she was met with resistance. Kody responded, “No, no, we need to safeguard, you understand, protect Robyn’s estate,” as Janelle remembered. Now that she’s leaving the family, Janelle stated that she wants her share of the Coyote Pass earnings and also wishes to recover the money she invested in Robyn’s house.

But that could be a tough sell. 

Robyn remarked, “After all the time we’ve collaborated, it’s perplexing to me when Janelle mentions she’s owed money. I can’t seem to wrap my head around it – how does one calculate that?

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Speaking about their struggles with Coyote Pass payments, Janelle pointed out that Kody seemed to possess “a lot of other financial obligations,” despite his frequent purchases like trailers and home decorations. She noted the artwork adorning Robyn and Kody’s house and said, “I see all these items. It’s understandable because I too have spent money on various things.” (Kody, meanwhile, explained that a significant portion of his funds were allocated towards purchasing vehicles—”Basically multiple cars”—and insurance for the children.)

And while Janelle acknowledged she wasn’t sure how Kody and Robyn handled their finances, “I used to always be surprised at how nice her backyard was. It was completely finished. And there was always, like, stuff at her house. And I was like, ‘Wow. Huh.'”

Essentially, she expressed that he didn’t make her needs or desires a priority, which over time became a significant issue for her. Eventually, even her adult children started to notice and express their frustration, asking something along the lines of “What’s going on, Mom?

Robyn’s perspective was that she became quite mindful about managing her finances following the breakdown of her initial marriage.

She admitted on the September 22 episode that she hadn’t always been good with finances. During her younger years, she faced financial struggles and learned valuable budgeting skills during her divorce. Regarding her fellow sister wives, she suggested that their priorities for spending money may have differed from hers.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

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) do not interact much when they gather with their families. She doesn’t expect this situation to change significantly in the near future.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Speaking fondly about their period living on a cul-de-sac with four houses in Las Vegas, Kody reminisced, “Life was fantastic during that time. Maddie and Caleb were always nearby, making it wonderful to have them around. I adored Caleb – he felt like family to me.

In Arizona, disagreements escalated concerning COVID-19 safety measures, leading to a disintegration of order. When his marriages crumbled, he lamented that this was followed by a deterioration in his relationship with the children: “It caused all those connections to turn bitter.

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

She pointed out during the September 22 episode that the kids who seemed upset had been feeling that way long before she departed. She added that her departure didn’t impact the dynamics of his relationships with them; Kody has the ability to mend his connections with his children.

Though it’ll definitely take some work. 

Kody shared, “I’m still very upset about how I was treated, and it’s been difficult for me to move past that experience. To clarify, I don’t want to accept blame for actions my wife or ex-wife claims I took. I look forward to the day when feelings of contempt will fade away so we can find forgiveness and love once more.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Back when I was just 21 years old, I hadn’t known Meri all that deeply when we joined hands, both spiritually and legally. The same was true for her, as she was only 19 at the time of our union. Looking back, it seems this was a part of our journey that wasn’t as well-understood as it could have been. Fast forward to 2014, when we made the decision to move forward separately so I could legally adopt Robyn’s three eldest children from her previous marriage.

In our marriage, she appeared quite distinct from what I expected, and I believe there were some issues from her past (referred to as ‘baggage’) that I wasn’t aware of. Initially, I thought I could adapt to the situation. However, he stated everything seemed to be a conflict, and he found it impossible to continue living in a world where she was consistently upset with him.

Despite his desire to depart, he found himself unable to do so. Kody, in a polygamous union, explained that if one wishes to remain faithful and adhere to their beliefs, divorce is not an option. Consequently, he was unable to escape the relationship. However, he didn’t necessarily yearn for an exit. Instead, he sought understanding as to whether they could salvage and repair it.

Due to the conflicting signals, he admitted that Meri believed they could resolve their issues. However, whenever they were in each other’s company, Kody explained, “She wasn’t pleasant, she wasn’t entertaining, she wasn’t compassionate, she wasn’t engaging. I try to be interested in her, but I’m growing weary.

In a show of fairness, he pointed out, it was understandable that Meri might feel forsaken. However, it’s important to clarify that he wasn’t the one who asked her to depart. Instead, Christine, Janelle, and Meri all decided that I should leave our shared home.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Despite the fact that neither Janelle nor Christine considered it necessary to legally divorce Kody due to their unofficial union, Meri requested a formal separation from their church (a release) in late 2022.

She clarified in the Sept. 22 episode that all four of us married Kody through our church. Since we can’t all have legal marriages, it was more of a covenant. Now that we aren’t moving forward with any matrimonial relationship, I believe it’s appropriate to end this covenant. I don’t want to be bound to him forever if he doesn’t wish it, and I’m at a point where I want to sever our connection entirely.

Kody was hesitant about the concept, she mentioned, preferring not to recognize the power or influence of the church’s officials.

Kody made it clear that the damage between them was so severe that reconciliation wasn’t an option anymore. He also expressed his wish not to be answerable to this church, with all its complications. As a result, he plans to let Meri pursue her own path because if he holds a grudge against her, it would only lead to conflict. Essentially, he wants her to move on because it’s taken her too long to accept that things between them have been over for quite some time.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

2021’s holiday gift exchange conversation took an unpleasant turn for the 18 Brown children, as Christine explained. “Things went sour, things fell apart,” she recounted. “Kody and Robyn, along with their kids, stood on one side, showing no interest in Janelle, me, or our children. This text conversation led to a division that occurred afterward.

Robyn expressed that her older children perceived the interaction as “uncomfortable emotionally” and felt it necessary to distance themselves from the relationship temporarily. However, she clarified that this did not mean they no longer wished to meet or have any contact with her, but rather that they found the situation unpleasant.

For his part, Gabriel is hoping that they could find their way back to each other. 

He admitted during the October 13th episode that what he desires most is rekindling a relationship with Robyn’s kids. In middle school, Aurora was his preferred companion, and in high school, he often attempted to connect with Dayton. However, he doesn’t hold much optimism about forging a relationship with their father and Robyn.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Aurora firmly asserted that she was told on numerous occasions, by various individuals and under different circumstances, that she wasn’t welcomed into the family when her mom married Kody in 2010. They never regarded her as their sister, and they didn’t perceive or treat her in that manner.

Breanna, her sister, mentioned that she believed the parents could’ve made more effort in bringing us closer as a family, but that connection never truly materialized.

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

Robyn’s children and Robyn themselves were always invited to all events,” she emphasized. “In essence, they are more than welcome to drop by our house whenever it suits them.

At the same time, she mentioned that her daughter, Ysabel Brown, was extremely close to Robyn’s children. In fact, Mykelti Brown Padron lived with them for a while. She explained, “There were difficult periods and my children felt irritated, but they viewed Robyn’s kids as their siblings just the same.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Speaking enthusiastically about the freedom it provides, Janelle expressed her thoughts on plural marriage: “When it works well, it creates this incredible family structure where you belong, a community that supports you. You have a husband and enjoy a strong bond with him. And yet, I retain my independence too. To me, plural marriage is an exceptional lifestyle.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

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, it was observed that when Kody relocated to Flagstaff, he found it simpler to be apart. Occasionally, I had to remind him of his obligation to visit me at my home. He would often use fatigue as an excuse, but I’d reply, “You can rest just as effectively here as you can at Robyn’s.” This means that Kody could relax equally well at both my house and Robyn’s house.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

In simple terms, Janelle stated that her kids were reprimanded when they went into Robyn’s refrigerator. Meanwhile, for Christine’s children, the problem stemmed from observing that Robyn was in a relationship with their father, but he wasn’t part of their household.

And Robyn said her crew definitely felt the divide. 

She mentioned on the September 29th show that Meri welcomed my children and me warmly, while the rest of the family found it hard to accept us. What they desired was simply to belong within this family.

However, Gabriel might counter that they went to considerable effort to integrate their siblings into their group.

In the October 13th episode, he expressed his belief that Robyn seems to have a complex of being a victim. To clarify, it’s more direct. However, I don’t wish to place blame on her. Instead, I think everyone has their unique methods for coping and surviving, which is what she may be doing.

Nevertheless, he added, “If it’s truly her conviction that we were unfairly treating her or her children while she was receiving preferential treatment from Dad and we were consistently nurturing our bond with her kids, if she genuinely believes this, then there’s no possibility of me maintaining a relationship with Robyn in the future.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

In my personal experience, the constant shifting among four households growing up, as I shared during our latest broadcast on September 29th, has undeniably impacted me and my 18 siblings. A poignant example of this is when my youngest daughter, Ariella, born in January 2016, held tightly to my leg as I attempted to depart, clinging to me with a depth of emotion that underscored the challenges we all face due to our unique family arrangement.

In my role as a lifestyle advisor, I found myself having to clarify, “There’s another family that requires my presence, another motherly figure. I have other children who long to see me.” As she clung tightly and pleaded, “Don’t abandon me, Daddy, don’t abandon me,” it struck a chord within me, as I realized, “Goodness gracious, this is tough.

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

Right from the start,” she clarified, her children “were aware that their father wouldn’t always be around. To me, it seemed like Kody and Robyn weren’t handling the situation well with their kids. He couldn’t stay away for more than three or four days because Ari gets so distressed. I thought it was questionable parenting. Throughout family history, the other children have handled similar situations, and they turned out to be well-balanced adults.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Among the relatively few young individuals of Brown descent, Mykelti maintained a close relationship with not only Robyn and Kody but also Christine and Janelle, her mother. In the midst of Kody’s divorces, Mykelti stepped into the role of mediator or peacemaker.

From the very start, Mykelti felt close to Robyn upon her arrival in the Brown household. In fact, Mykelti extended an invitation for Robyn to be present at the birth of her twins Archer and Ace, which occurred in November 2022.

During the September 29th episode, Mykelti shared that when Robyn initially became part of our family, I was still trying to understand myself. She made me feel unique and acknowledged, Mykelti expressed. In my times of need, Robyn was present. When I needed someone to listen, to love me, she was there for me.

Christine’s mother was overjoyed beyond words. As Robyn joined their family and it became apparent that she and Mykelti shared a wonderful bond, Christine expressed her feelings during the Oct. 6 episode. “When I dreamt of having a multi-parent household,” Christine said, “I had always hoped that my children would cultivate strong relationships with other mothers. This is exactly what I envisioned!

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Kody believes it’s not just his wives who are choosing to exclude him from their lives; he thinks they are deliberately doing so as a form of punishment for a crime he didn’t commit, according to his explanation during the October 6 episodes. He attributes his estrangement from some of his older children to this situation, and claims that he is only guilty of not deeply loving their mothers.

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

From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I’ve realized that my strained relationship with my children is predominantly due to my own self-talk, which has been rather critical and unproductive. There’s an ongoing turbulence of disillusionment stemming from our family’s separation, and it seems like an easy outlet to place the blame on myself – after all, I am the common denominator in this situation.

However, although he accepts some responsibility, he strongly objects to the insults. In particular, he confided that he was finding it challenging to bond with Hunter, Maddie, and Gabriel. Kody disclosed that one of his children replied to a text message, “calling him worthless and stating they would never communicate with him again.

On a different occasion, he expressed to the cameras, “One of my children recently said, ‘You are behaving badly. I will no longer speak with you. You’ve been deceiving me and indoctrinating me.’

He’s unwilling to continuously handle the issue at hand, as he expressed, “I won’t keep extending my hand indefinitely,” emphasizing his belief that grown-ups should take more responsibility for resolving matters. However, he is prepared to contribute, but expects others to reciprocate and make an effort as well.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

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

During the Oct. 6 episode, she shared that her parents divorced when she was young. At that time, her father lived with another wife in a different city, while her mother lived on her own. She recalled questioning him about why he wasn’t around much during her childhood, to which he provided unsatisfying explanations that left her feeling unhappy.

Instead of letting Kody’s wounded emotions hinder his actions, she firmly stated that it was difficult for her not to lose a small amount of respect for him during their intense argument, which transpired towards the end of 2022.

Kody admitted that he could be taking greater steps to repair his relationships with his children, but he emphasized that healing his own heart is a necessary prerequisite for this process.

He expressed his concern that some of his children seem to be “ganging up” on him, stating, “I’m so upset over the recent events that when I interact with my kids, I fear they might accuse me, which could set me off. At the moment, I’m too emotionally charged and may only make things worse.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Despite many members of the family being present at the wedding of Janelle and Kody’s eldest son, Logan, to Michelle Petty in October 2022, it seemed there was a lack of warmth or affection among them.

In the October 6th episode, Kody expressed frustration to Robyn, stating that he noticed Madison hurriedly leaving their presence with her children, implying avoidance from him. He mentioned that his daughter had not informed him about her third pregnancy, which resulted in the birth of Josephine in February 2023, a fact he was unaware of. Essentially, Kody was saying that 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 why her daughter Maddie avoided Kody at the wedding: Maddie has kept a distance because she’s extremely cautious about her kids. To be precise, Kody hasn’t been around since Evie was born more than three and a half years ago, and Maddie didn’t want him to suddenly appear unannounced and claim to be their grandfather, leaving them bewildered and wondering who he was.

Kody expressed that it can be impractical for grandparents to constantly be involved in their grandchildren’s lives, using Maddie as an example who resides in North Carolina. He explained this further by stating that if one moves their children to the opposite coast, it becomes challenging to maintain a regular presence due to work and personal commitments in Flagstaff.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

While it’s clear that Kody and his adult children have very different viewpoints of their ongoing estrangement, one sticking point is his demanding some sort of mea culpa. 

Following the resolution of the COVID-19 crisis and returning to our regular routines, I, as a concerned family member, couldn’t help but notice that our family still wasn’t fully reconciled. Kody expressed that my sons needed to offer an apology, particularly to Robyn, and it seemed their grievances evolved into something more profound. Essentially, they were asked to have a heart-to-heart conversation with me.

In summary, Kody felt his children hadn’t been faithful to him, and he believed that the most cherished individual in their family, who had given so much love and dedication, had been disregarded or treated poorly. Janelle expressed her sentiment as, “Whatever Kody, yeah, whatever.

In simpler terms, Gabriel conveyed that his father had a persistent tone of expecting an apology from him in their conversations, as he narrated this to Janelle. Later on, Gabriel said something along the lines of, “If you’re not genuinely ready to repair our relationship and make amends, then we should stop talking.” A few days passed, and his father texted him again, expressing that he had been pondering over Gabriel’s words. He apologized by saying, “I forgive you, please forgive me,” but Gabriel questioned, “What exactly do you want me to forgive?

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Among the six children Kody has with Janelle, it’s just Savanah that he frequently interacts with. He contacts her every couple of months and they spend time together, as described in the October 13 episode. The other kids don’t seem to maintain much of a relationship with him.

Regarding Savannah, who completed high school in 2023, she believes her four elder brothers have assumed a paternal role in her life. In fact, she has shared with Janelle that she might ask her brothers to escort her during her future wedding ceremony.

In conversation with Savanah, she expressed, “It has become clear to me that this is just the type of father he will be. He’ll join us for fun times, but won’t always be around. I understand his situation and accept it as it is.

Janelle, however, is less forgiving. 

She expressed her frustration with Kody, saying, “I’m really fed up with him,” due to past experiences she’s had with other men like him. Over time, she’s witnessed several women she’s worked with who divorced and then found the fathers of their children disappearing from the picture.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

At the start of their estrangement, “Gabriel found it particularly tough since Kody often brought Gabriel along during business trips,” as explained by Janelle, implying that Kody had been a highly involved father until more recently.

Despite being puzzled about what might have caused his father’s anger, Gabriel asserted during the Oct. 13 episode, “I told Dad that if he doesn’t change and can’t accept responsibility, then I simply won’t visit him anymore. And I’m completely content with that decision.

In Janelle’s words, he finds comfort knowing his father isn’t part of his life, and it’s a wish I have for all my children too – that they may also find this peace. I believe they are all moving towards that state as well.

For his part, Kody also seems resigned to the situation. 

He expressed his apologies for how Gabriel seems, but he’s attempted to connect with him several times, yet has been turned down. However, this isn’t due to a lack of effort on his side.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

In late 2022, Meri, who was Kody’s final spouse, legally severed their relationship according to their faith’s terminology, which they refer to as a “release,” due to claims of abandonment.

She pointed out during the October 13 broadcast that he dislikes that particular word, as he believes he didn’t leave her behind. Instead, she feels that he did.

To put it simply, she believes he paid little attention to her until she chose to depart, allowing him to assert, “I have no involvement in this.

And Kody didn’t totally deny that he had a bit of a strategy. 

He admitted he had already moved on a while back, but in all honesty, he was scared of her reaction if he ended the relationship abruptly. You see, Meri wasn’t faithful to him, not once. That’s what made him hesitant. It’s more about her character because when a divorce happens, your reputation takes a hit.

Instead, alleged Meri, it was hers that was being tarnished. 

She expressed her disappointment by saying, “It’s truly unfortunate how Kody is portraying our marriage now. It seems like his perspective on us has shifted, but the things he’s telling others about me don’t align with reality, and unfortunately, they believe him.

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Explains Impact of the Show on Her Kids

Before Christina eventually parted ways with Kody, it became apparent to her that they were not well suited for each other based on a suggested exercise by their marriage counselor from Las Vegas.

In her search for a suitable partner, Christine jotted down qualities she desired in a husband, such as an effective communicator, someone who would be actively involved in her life and that of her children, and someone who found her appealing. However, Kody didn’t fit any of the characteristics she had listed, as she shared on the October 20 episode. “I told him about the list,” she admitted, “and he said, ‘I’m not those things for you.’ I replied, ‘No, you’re not.’

The missive was part of the reason she knew so quickly that now-husband David Woolley was her person. 

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that family is the cornerstone of his life. This hardworking father of eight, now a widower, runs his own drywall business. His unwavering integrity and authenticity have earned him a stellar reputation among his peers. Moreover, he excels in communication, making him an exceptional individual.

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2024-11-06 16:23