I watched and have the same feelings as you do. I guess TLC is paying them a good salary otherwise how do they afford rent on 4 homes and raising 16 children. I still think the new wife is not as welcome by the other two wives as she is with Meri. I don't see a strong bond between the four. I also think that his connection with Meri and new wife is deeper than it is with the other two.

What I was happy to see was that some of the older kids are starting to voice their opinions. I think being in Vegas and hanging out with what we know as "normal" families has opened some of their eyes. It is painfully obvious that a few of the older kids are having some serious issues, escpecially the boy.

I know nothing about the show, nor their situation.

But here, there are many churches that run childrens/youth clubs and events. Many of them are free, or they fundraise later (kids sell cookie dough, etc.). Anybody can bring their kids there, even if they are not part of that religion/group.

The summer day camp DD was in for years was very low cost, and run by a near-by church group. She sat through the "instructions" if she felt like it, or sat quietly and read a book or something if she did not (she was not allowed to be disruptive or disrespectful, but that was MY rule).

Dances.

Mattie--I have seen the same thing re the wife relationships as you have, also. And assume there's a lot of financial help coming their way for doing the show--otherwise there's no way they could be doing half they've done.

Dances--I may not have totally explained my feelings. Of course, churches don't generally turn anyone away, and I myself was sent to a couple of vacation bible schools every summer at churches we didn't attend. That's no big deal. Churches don't mind that, because each extra person is a potential future member. But in this case? The parents sat down with the minister and were VERY adamant about the fact that they were ONLY looking for socialization for their kids, NOT religion (well most church youth groups I've seen DO have some religion involved--they help out with church religious activities, they generally have a bit of a prayer meeting along with their other activities, etc).

But I guess the thing I neglected to mention for those who haven't seen the show--we're not talking about 1 or 2 teens. There are what? at least 5-6? that's a lot of extra bodies to dump on a youth group all of a sudden. Churches are supported by their members--by their financial donations and more importantly, by their physical help--teaching, maintaining the property, helping organize various events, etc. To expect a church to merely give (youth activities for a half dozen extra kids) without the parents' participation is a little excessive, IMO. But yes, that's just one person's opinion. And I applaud the church for offering their services to the family.

Mind you--I understand the issue. My mom and aunt grew up in a family that was not religious, didn't belong to any church. A neighbor took them her church when they were little. They were members of that church for many decades. When my aunt died in January, the minister told me she was the longest member (not oldest, but the one who had gone to the church the longest). If they hadn't been welcomed, many things in their life and ours would have been different.

I have followed this series also. My DH laughs because whenever Kody the husband comes on I call him a pig. I believe that Jenelle, "wife" #2 is getting a bit disenchanted with the whole thing. Her bio kids are having a difficult time also. I have noticed the older kids seem to be overweight and wonder if they have emotional problems due to the situation. What does the "husband" do for a job?

Guess I missed the premier. I looked at the TV guide for TLC and they started showing Sister Wives reruns at 8 pm, and on except for a break at 10, then at 11pm it was listed as "Robyn announces her pregnancy." I thought I had already seen that, so I didn't save it. I guess I saw some previews; oh well.

Sue

They explained why they didn't go to an LDS church. They fear for their safety. They fear the same persecution they faced in Utah. They're trying to keep themselves and the kids out of harms way.

Yes. Being on TV puts a target on their backs, but the sense is that it is easier to turn a blind eye in Vegas. The authorities won't bother them, but the LDS may not be as amicable.

As for grumpy teenagers, sheesh! Anyone who has ever raised any teens knows that grumpy, disgruntled, contrary is a good day.

They're obviously allowed to speak their minds, and it's also obvious that their opinions are taken into consideration.

Mckeltie didn't want to go to church because of the cameras. Kody heard her out and said okay. Meri's daughter doesn't seem to be particularly troubled. She feels her mom's disappointment at not being able to have more chidlren. What's wrong with that. She's a caring, sensitive girl who loves her mother. Where's the problem?

It was clearly said last season that Meri feels a particular kinship with Robyn.

I don't know why but I like the show. It's not my lifestyle but It's interesting to see how other people live. I'll keep watching for now.

I see. I wouldn't have brought DD there and said they weren't to discuss religion around her LOL.

Dances.

Yarnlover, the problem wasn't so much with the girls as it was with the one older boy. I've worked with at risk kids and his behaviour did not exhibit a grumpy, disgruntled kid. The parents were clearly concerned about him as well. I hope they get him help.

Another point too, is that they all agree that the children can decide what religion they want to be when they get older. I don't think that the problem was that they were afraid the children would be exposed to a different religion. They want their kids to meet other kids in their area with the same morals and good solid family values, where better to look for these kids than at church.
As far as the kids having problems, sure the older ones do, first of all they are teenagers and they have just been ripped away from family, friends, and a home they love. There will be a period of adjustment for all of them. I mean the grown-ups hate it so you can imagine how the kids feel. We have seen this family enough to know that they are not turning a blind eye to the problems that the kids are facing right now. Maybe how they are dealing with this is one of the things that they are keeping private.
You bet your butt TLC is paying them, just like they pay The Little Couple, 19 Kids and counting. Little People Big World and every other reality show they have. I wish that my life was in the least bit out of the ordinary so TLC could pay me to air my life on national tv--would I quit my job--He!! to the yes. One season you would see me in my nice tri-level in my blue collar neighborhood and the next season I would be living in beach front condo where it stays warm year round. I would wear a t-shirt that said TLC pays me so much money, look what I can buy. That way there would be no speculation as to where the money came from..

Yes, you're right about the ordinary run of the mill problems--I wasn't talking about those. Mariah wasn't able to handle regular school in Utah, even before all the drama of the investigation. They've sort of glossed over it, but if you listen, it's pretty obvious that there are more than the usual teen issues in her case, and the case other boy who is quite obviously seriously depressed. And there are a few other things I've picked up on with the other kids--not as bad. My question, though, was if Meri can't get things sorted out for her family so the kids are in a healthier place (and I'm including all the kids--since they all co-parent), how can she handle a job working with other kids at risk?

As a former high school teacher and a parent myself, I just think--and of course we don't know everything about this family, only what we're shown--some of the issues I've seen go beyond the normal teen angst, and should be being aggressively addressed by the family. And were I the parent, my kids' welfare WOULD come before exploiting them on tv for money. But I assume the family is now between a rock and hard place--they need the show to exist, but the show has destroyed their old life, and now is harming their children. What do you do?

I see your point, Azzalea, and sure, if it were me or you or maybe most people, we would ditch the show and focus on the family at this time.

As for Meri working with troubled kids, I almost have to laugh at that, because in our town and maybe most towns, preachers and teachers usually have the kids that get in the most trouble. Seriously, I think it is because the kids are held to a higher standard because of what their parents do so they rebel. I guess what I am trying to say is if you looked at families where the parents worked with troubled teens-they probably have a lot of teen drama going on at their house, just like everybody does. I work for an exterminating company-I still get bugs at my house just like anyone else.
I think Meri and her daughter are going through a trying time because of all the drama with the move and all, and of course the show, but mostly just because 1 person in the equation ia a teen.