Unsolicited Advice for the TLC Sister Wives

TLC's Sister Wives show begins its second season March 13. The show famously attempts to "demystify polygamy" as Kody and his four "sister wives," Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn, show us how normally they and their 16 children live.

Although the Sister Wives haven't asked me for advice, here's a little wisdom I'd like to offer.

Meri - the first wife

Meri, you married Kody 20 years ago. At the time, you were a normal couple. You've told us over and over again that you and Kody both were fans of polygamy, and you have even introduced Kody to subsequent wives.

You claim to love all your sister wives, and I think it's clear that you do. But do you really want to continue sharing Kody with three other women? Even if those women are your friends? Even if their children provide siblings for your daughter?

We've seen that the "Sister Wives" program caused you to lose a beloved job. My advice: ditch Kody. You gave him 20 years, but now it's time to think about yourself. Continue working on the degree you have started and move on towards a new future with your daughter. You might just find a new guy who loves you fine as you are - not just as part of a harem.

Janelle - the career woman

Janelle, you are the career woman of the bunch: the sister wife who works and brings home most of the bacon for the family (I'm guessing you out-earn Kody). Your no-nonsense attitude is refreshing, and I sense that you check out as soon as drama begins to build.

You have six children with Kody, and I recommend that you take those kids and leave. Now.

Think about it: what are you gaining from this partnership? Companionship? Yes, but I bet you have plenty of that at work. Free childcare? Yes, but consider how much of your income is going to support all these additional people. If you were on your own, your earnings could easily pay for quality childcare should you need it. Your kids are getting old enough that they're pretty independent anyway. Of the four wives, you seem the least infatuated with Kody. Now is a great time to escape!

Christine - the mom

Christine, you've said that you like being the third wife. You like the companionship of the other women, and you like Kody - at least part of the time. But I've seen the pain on your face when Kody gives attention to another wife. I saw the look on your face when you were in the hospital ready to give birth and Kody asked a nurse about having a baby with another wife . Is this really the husband you need?

If you break away from this relationship now, you can find another man who will give you his undivided attention - or at least less divided than the attention Kody is offering. You can still stay home and be mom, but it will be for your own six children, and not the 16 you are responsible for now.

Robyn - the new wife

Robyn, you're the latest wife, the "new thang" who Kody is still quite taken by. I know that you're excited to have landed such a catch, but trust me (or ask Meri, Janelle, or Christine), his attentions will fade with time. How will you feel when Kody brings home a candidate to be wife # 5?

My advice to you is to study and earn a degree. Perhaps you'll live happily ever with Kody, but in case you don't, you need a fall-back plan. Your three kids, including your son who has Asperger's Syndrome, need you to be responsible for them in case Kody is not.

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