Janelle Challenges Kody and Robyn’s Parenting Choices in ‘Sister Wives’ Recap

Sister Wives Recap: Janelle Challenges Kody, Critiques Robyn’s Parenting Skills

In a gripping episode of Sister Wives that aired on September 29, Janelle Brown voiced serious concerns regarding the dynamics within the household of her former partner Kody Brown and his current wife Robyn Brown. Janelle asserted that there exists a troubling sense of “separateness” that affects all the children involved. “My kids were reprimanded for simply opening Robyn’s fridge,” Janelle, 55, revealed during the show, shedding light on the unease that has crept into their family life.

Having parted ways with Kody in 2022 after three decades together, Janelle reflected on how Kody’s focus seemed to shift away from his children with his first three wives after welcoming Robyn, 45, into the family. Kody legally married Robyn in 2014 after his divorce from his first wife Meri Brown, with whom he remained spiritually bound until their split in 2023. Christine Brown, Kody’s third wife, also exited the relationship in November 2021.

Janelle explained that her children always sensed their father’s divided attention, attributing the tension not to any animosity towards Robyn, but rather to how she allowed Kody to neglect spending equal time with all the households. “My kids have known from the start that their dad wouldn’t always be around,” Janelle stated. “I feel that Kody and Robyn mishandled their parenting situation. The other kids turned out fine.”

Janelle specifically mentioned Kody’s challenges with his and Robyn’s 8-year-old daughter Ari, noting that Kody struggled to be away for more than a few days due to Ari’s sadness. In stark contrast, Janelle expressed concern that these parenting approaches were counterproductive. “That’s poor parenting,” she remarked. “Looking back, the other kids managed better.”

Robyn, in her defense, countered claims of preferential treatment towards her children, asserting that Kody never neglected visits with the other wives. She acknowledged Ari’s attachment to her father but maintained that it didn’t hinder Kody’s time with his other kids. “Kody visiting another mom’s home was never an issue. I wouldn’t let that happen,” Robyn insisted, adding that Meri had been welcoming towards her children.

Christine Brown, who shares six kids with Kody, shared that her children had stopped wanting to visit their father at Robyn’s house due to the obvious couple dynamic they witnessed. “They were frustrated because Robyn and their dad were clearly a couple at her place, which made them feel sidelined,” Christine, 52, explained, hinting at their complex family dynamics.

Kody, however, viewed the situation differently, recalling that he and Christine shared a romantic connection at her home as well, suggesting that the narrative presented may overlook other factors.

As tensions simmered among the adults and their kids, Robyn revealed that she has been “mourning” the fraying of these family relationships, indicating her struggles with situational depression. “It’s heartbreaking, and I miss my family members,” she confessed.

Sister Wives continues to unfold the complexities of Kody Brown’s extensive family every Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.