Have you ever found yourself watching Sister Wives and wondering, “Are they all related to each other?” Well, you’re not alone. With the complex and often confusing dynamic of plural marriage, it’s natural to have questions about how each member of a family is related to one another. But the answer might surprise you.
The Sister Wives, who are the subjects of the popular reality television show, are all married to the same man, Kody Brown. While they are not blood-related siblings, they do consider themselves to be spiritual sisters. This unique familial bond is a result of their shared faith, which they believe unites them as one big family.
Despite their unconventional relationship, the Sister Wives are committed to making their dynamic work, and they frequently open up about their struggles and triumphs in interviews and on the show. From juggling multiple households to dealing with jealousy and insecurity, these women face challenges that are unique to their situation. But at the end of the day, they rely on each other for support and friendship, proving that family doesn’t always have to be defined by blood.
DNA testing of sister wives
One of the questions that often come up among fans of the reality TV show, Sister Wives, is whether or not the sister wives are related to each other. DNA testing has provided answers to this question.
- In 2012, the Brown family (the stars of Sister Wives) participated in DNA testing with the aim of finding out whether or not they were blood relatives. The test results showed that the wives were not related by blood.
- The DNA testing also revealed that Kody Brown, the husband, was related to his wife Robyn, but only distantly, which means that their marriage is legal.
- The tests also proved that the children that Kody had with his wives were all siblings, despite being born to different mothers.
The result of the DNA testing helped to put to rest any speculations about the relationships between the sister wives. It proved that their bond was based on friendship, love, and a shared belief system and not on blood relation.
It should be noted that DNA testing is not standard practice for polygamous families as it may not be legal in some states or countries. However, for the Browns, the test provided valuable information and helped to dispel myths about their relationships.
| Conclusion |
|---|
| DNA testing of the sister wives showed that they were not related by blood, but that the children they had with Kody were all siblings. This information put to rest any speculations about their relationships. |
Family Tree of Sister Wives
One of the most intriguing aspects of the reality TV show “Sister Wives” is the intricate family tree that connects the various wives and their children. Here’s a closer look at the family tree of the Sister Wives:
- Kody Brown is the husband of all four Sister Wives – Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn.
- Meri Brown was Kody’s first wife and they have a daughter named Mariah.
- Janelle Brown is Kody’s second wife and they have six children together: Logan, Madison, Hunter, Garrison, Gabriel, and Savanah.
- Christine Brown is Kody’s third wife and they have six children together: Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel, and Truely.
- Robyn Brown is Kody’s fourth and most recent wife. She has three children from a previous marriage: Dayton, Aurora, and Breanna. She also has two children with Kody – Dayton and Aurora.
As you can see, the Brown family tree is quite complex, with multiple mothers and children who are related in different ways. To make things even more interesting, the Sister Wives are not only related to each other through marriage, but through their children as well.
Here’s a table that shows how the children of the Sister Wives are related to each other:
| Child | Parent | Sibling(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Mariah | Meri Brown | None |
| Logan | Janelle Brown | Madison, Hunter, Garrison, Gabriel, Savanah |
| Madison | Janelle Brown | Logan, Hunter, Garrison, Gabriel, Savanah |
| Hunter | Janelle Brown | Logan, Madison, Garrison, Gabriel, Savanah |
| Garrison | Janelle Brown | Logan, Madison, Hunter, Gabriel, Savanah |
| Gabriel | Janelle Brown | Logan, Madison, Hunter, Garrison, Savanah |
| Savanah | Janelle Brown | Logan, Madison, Hunter, Garrison, Gabriel |
| Aspyn | Christine Brown | Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel, Truely |
| Mykelti | Christine Brown | Aspyn, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel, Truely |
| Paedon | Christine Brown | Aspyn, Mykelti, Gwendlyn, Ysabel, Truely |
| Gwendlyn | Christine Brown | Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Ysabel, Truely |
| Ysabel | Christine Brown | Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Truely |
| Truely | Christine Brown | Aspyn, Mykelti, Paedon, Gwendlyn, Ysabel |
| Dayton (Robyn’s child) | Robyn Brown | Aurora, Breanna |
| Aurora (Robyn’s child) | Robyn Brown | Dayton, Breanna |
| Breanna (Robyn’s child) | Robyn Brown | Dayton, Aurora |
| Dayton (Kody’s child) | Kody Brown and Robyn Brown | Aurora |
| Aurora (Kody’s child) | Kody Brown and Robyn Brown | Dayton |
Looking at this family tree and the relationships between the various members of the Brown family, it’s easy to see why the Sister Wives continues to be a popular and fascinating show for viewers to watch.
Sister wives and the concept of polygamy
Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses, and it has been present in various societies throughout history. In recent times, the concept of polygamy has been popularized by the reality show “Sister Wives” which features a polygamous family and their daily lives. One of the unique aspects of polygamy is the relationship between sister wives.
- The sister wives in a polygamous family are not related by blood. Instead, they are all married to the same man, who is the head of the family.
- However, the sister wives may form close bonds with each other due to their shared experiences and living in the same household.
- There may also be a hierarchy within the family, with the first wife having a higher status than the subsequent wives. This can affect the relationship dynamics between the sister wives.
The dynamics between sister wives
The relationship between sister wives can be complex due to the nature of polygamy. There may be feelings of jealousy and competition between the wives, which can lead to tension within the family. However, there can also be a strong sense of sisterhood and support among the women.
Communication is key in maintaining a healthy relationship between sister wives. Open and honest discussions about feelings and boundaries can help to prevent conflicts and misunderstandings. Respect for each other’s roles and contributions to the family is also important.
Benefits and drawbacks of polygamy
Like any lifestyle choice, there are both benefits and drawbacks to polygamy. Some proponents of polygamy argue that it provides a larger support system and can lead to more stable and fulfilling relationships. However, there are also concerns about the potential for abuse and exploitation, particularly of women and children.
| Benefits of polygamy | Drawbacks of polygamy |
|---|---|
| Strong sense of community and support | Potential for abuse and exploitation of women and children |
| Ability to share resources and workload | Legal and social stigma |
| Opportunity for men to have multiple wives | Jealousy and competition between wives |
Ultimately, the decision to practice polygamy is a personal one, and it is important to consider the potential consequences for all parties involved.
Legal Status of Sister Wives’ Marriages
One of the most pressing questions surrounding the sister wives’ marriages is their legal status. As of now, the answer is complicated and varies by state. In some states, polygamous marriages are illegal, and anyone engaging in them risks criminal charges and legal consequences. In other states, there is no specific law prohibiting polygamy, but there may be restrictions on obtaining a marriage license for more than one person at a time.
- In Utah, where the Brown family originally resided, polygamy was a felony until 2020 when it was decriminalized, meaning that bigamy is still illegal, but no longer considered a felony offense.
- In Montana, bigamy is a felony offense punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- In Texas, bigamy is considered a felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, if both parties claim to be married, no matter the number, the law recognizes the marriage of the first person you tied the knot with.
It’s worth noting that even in states where polygamy is technically legal, there can still be legal ramifications for engaging in the practice. For example, individuals with multiple spouses may not be able to file joint tax returns or access certain government benefits. Additionally, they may face social stigmatization and discrimination.
Below is a table of US states and their legal status on polygamy:
| State | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Illegal |
| Alaska | Legal |
| Arizona | Illegal |
| Arkansas | Illegal |
| California | Illegal |
| Colorado | Illegal |
| Connecticut | Illegal |
| Delaware | Illegal |
| Florida | Illegal |
| Georgia | Illegal |
| Hawaii | Illegal |
| Idaho | Illegal |
| Illinois | Illegal |
| Indiana | Illegal |
| Iowa | Illegal |
| Kansas | Illegal |
| Kentucky | Illegal |
| Louisiana | Illegal |
| Maine | Illegal |
| Maryland | Illegal |
| Massachusetts | Illegal |
| Michigan | Illegal |
| Minnesota | Illegal |
| Mississippi | Illegal |
| Missouri | Illegal |
| Montana | Illegal |
| Nebraska | Illegal |
| Nevada | Legal |
| New Hampshire | Illegal |
| New Jersey | Illegal |
| New Mexico | Illegal |
| New York | Illegal |
| North Carolina | Illegal |
| North Dakota | Illegal |
| Ohio | Illegal |
| Oklahoma | Illegal |
| Oregon | Illegal |
| Pennsylvania | Illegal |
| Rhode Island | Illegal |
| South Carolina | Illegal |
| South Dakota | Illegal |
| Tennessee | Illegal |
| Texas | Illegal |
| Utah | Legal (effective 2020) |
| Vermont | Illegal |
| Virginia | Illegal |
| Washington | Illegal |
| West Virginia | Illegal |
| Wisconsin | Illegal |
| Wyoming | Illegal |
Overall, the legal status of sister wives’ marriages remains uncertain and varies widely by state. Those considering entering into a polygamous relationship should consult with an attorney in their state to fully understand the legal risks and ramifications.
One of the main concerns for sister wives who decide to share a husband is how the custody of children will work. However, with communication, cooperation, and mutual respect, sister wives can successfully co-parent their children together. Here are some aspects to consider regarding shared custody among sister wives:
- Consistency: In order to make sure that the children do not feel like there is any favoritism, it’s important to have consistent rules and expectations across all households. This can be achieved through open communication and setting boundaries.
- Flexibility: Sister wives need to be flexible with each other’s schedules and availability to ensure that each household has equal time with the children.
- Equal involvement: Each sister wife should have an equal say in decision-making regarding the children’s upbringing. This can be achieved through regular family meetings to discuss any important issues or decisions.
There are different ways to split custody of children among sister wives, including:
- Rotating schedule: Each sister wife has the children for a set amount of time before rotating to the next household. This can be weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on what works best for everyone.
- Designated days: Each sister wife has specific days of the week when they have the children. This can be helpful for those who have more predictable schedules.
- Permanent households: Each child lives in a specific household full-time, with the other sister wives coming over for visits and family events. This works well for families with older children who prefer a more stable living situation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Children get to experience multiple households and family dynamics | – Can be difficult to coordinate schedules and activities |
| – Shared responsibility can reduce stress and workload for individual wives | – Communication and conflict resolution skills are essential for success |
| – Provides children with a strong sense of community and belonging | – Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of sharing a partner and living situation |
Overall, shared custody among sister wives can be successful as long as there is open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work together for the benefit of the children involved.
Sister wives’ individual relationships with their husband
The dynamic of polygamous marriages can be complicated, especially when it comes to each wife’s relationship with their shared husband. Here is a breakdown of the individual relationships between the Sister Wives and their husband, Kody Brown:
- Meri: Meri was Kody’s first and legal wife. However, they have had a tumultuous relationship in recent years and have been working on rebuilding trust and communication through therapy.
- Janelle: Janelle is Kody’s second wife and they have been married for over 25 years. They share a deep friendship and seem to value their individual lives and pursuits within the marriage.
- Christine: Christine is Kody’s third wife and they have been married for over 25 years. They share a playful and affectionate relationship and she has often joked about Kody being her “favorite mistake.”
- Robyn: Robyn is Kody’s fourth and legal wife and they have been married since 2010. Their courtship and subsequent marriage caused some controversy within the family, but they have a strong, supportive partnership and have welcomed two children together.
It is worth noting that, while each wife has a unique relationship with Kody, they all emphasize the importance of their relationships with each other and strive for harmony within the family.
Below is a table outlining the key characteristics of each wife’s relationship with Kody:
| Wife | Key characteristics of relationship with Kody |
|---|---|
| Meri | Tumultuous, working on rebuilding trust, therapy |
| Janelle | Deep friendship, value individual pursuits |
| Christine | Playful, affectionate, “favorite mistake” |
| Robyn | Strong, supportive partnership, welcomed two children together |
Overall, while the Sister Wives are not biologically related to each other, their individual relationships with Kody and each other have evolved over time and contribute to the unique family dynamic portrayed on their reality television show.
Sister wives’ community and support system
One unique aspect of the Sister Wives lifestyle is their strong sense of community and support system. Here are some key elements:
- Shared experiences: Sister wives share the experience of being in a plural marriage and navigating the challenges that come with it. This creates a unique bond and understanding between them.
- Rotating schedules: In families with multiple wives, husbands often have a rotating schedule to ensure they spend quality time with each wife. This means that wives also have rotating schedules, allowing them to spend time with each other and form close relationships.
- Childcare: With multiple wives and potentially many children, there is often a strong support system for childcare. Wives can help each other with babysitting and other childcare duties, easing the load on individual mothers.
- Homeschooling: Many Sister Wives families choose to homeschool their children. This provides an opportunity for wives to help each other with teaching and sharing resources.
- Group activities: Sister Wives families often participate in group activities together, such as family vacations or community service events. This strengthens the sense of community and support among the wives and children.
- Emotional support: Plural marriages can be emotionally challenging. Sister wives provide emotional support to each other and help each other through difficult times.
- Financial support: With multiple adults in a household, there is often a shared financial responsibility. Sister wives contribute to the household income and expenses, and in some cases, may share their personal finances with each other.
Sister Wives’ communication style
Effective communication is crucial in any relationship, but it is especially important in plural marriages. Sister Wives families often have unique communication styles to ensure that everyone is heard and understood.
One such communication style is “round-robin.” This is when each family member takes turns sharing their thoughts and feelings. It ensures that everyone has an opportunity to speak and be heard, and helps prevent the dominant personalities from taking over the conversation.
Another approach is “check-ins.” This is when family members regularly take time to check in on each other and ask how they are doing. This fosters open communication and helps prevent any issues from festering and becoming larger problems down the line.
Decision making in Sister Wives families
Decision making in Sister Wives families is often a collaborative effort. The husband may have the final say, but he will take into account the opinions and needs of each wife.
| Decision-making process in Sister Wives families | Description |
|---|---|
| Consensus | All wives must agree on a decision before it is made. |
| Majority Rule | The decision is made based on the majority opinion. |
| Rotation | Each wife takes turns making decisions. |
| Husband as tiebreaker | The husband makes the final decision if the wives cannot reach a consensus or majority rule. |
Ultimately, the decision-making process is unique to each Sister Wives family and is based on their own individual dynamics and needs.
1. Are the Sister Wives biological sisters?
No, the Sister Wives are not biological sisters. They are wives to the same man and refer to each other as “sisters” due to their close bond.
2. How many Sister Wives are there?
As of 2021, Kody Brown (the husband) has four wives – Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn.
3. Is it legal to have multiple wives in the United States?
No, it is not legal to have multiple wives in the United States. However, the Brown family practices polygamy as part of their religion.
4. Do the Sister Wives live in the same house?
No, the Sister Wives do not live in the same house. Each wife has her own home, and Kody rotates between each house.
The Sister Wives refer to all the children in the family as their own. They consider all the children to be brothers and sisters, regardless of which mother they belong to.
6. Are the Sister Wives happy with their lifestyle?
The Sister Wives have openly discussed their struggles with polygamy, but they also express love and support for each other and their family. Ultimately, their happiness is subjective and varies from wife to wife.
7. Are there any legal or financial benefits to being a Sister Wife?
No, there are no legal or financial benefits to being a Sister Wife. Each wife is responsible for her own finances and has no legal rights to her husband’s other wives.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading our article on the Sister Wives and their relationship with each other. While their lifestyle may not be for everyone, it is important to respect their beliefs and choices. If you would like to learn more about the Brown family, you can watch their show “Sister Wives” on TLC. Don’t forget to come back and visit us for more interesting reads!