Polygamous Families: Unveiling Stories, Challenges & Joys

General

0

Polygamy is when one person has more than one spouse at the same time. Some people see it as strange or even wrong, but there are communities all over the world that embrace this lifestyle. They say it brings them a feeling of togetherness, a stronger support system, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find anywhere else. In this article, I want to share some real stories from polygamous families. We’ll talk about their everyday lives, the hurdles they have to jump over, and the special moments they treasure.

Getting a Handle on Polygamy

When we hear the word “polygamy,” a lot of us imagine old-fashioned religious groups, especially some connected to Mormonism. But it’s important to remember that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the LDS Church) stopped officially supporting polygamy way back in the late 1800s. There are still smaller groups and individuals who practice it, though, and they’ve done so despite facing legal issues and social stigma.

Even so, polygamy itself isn’t exclusively Mormon; plenty of cultures around the world, both past and present, have had some form of it. For many families, it’s about having a bigger support network or following a religious calling. Some simply feel it’s a natural fit for how they want to structure their relationships, while others see it as a way to strengthen family bonds.

Tom Green’s Journey

Take Tom Green, for example. He was a Mormon polygamist living about 200 miles away from Salt Lake City. He became somewhat famous after appearing in the documentary My Six Wives and 29 Children. That film showed just how vibrant (and yes, at times chaotic) life can get when you have multiple spouses and a whole bunch of kids. While Tom’s story might not represent everyone who practices polygamy, it provides a firsthand look at how complex it can be. Imagine scheduling family outings, grocery runs, and daily chores for so many people!

The Blackmore Brothers: Growing Up in a Huge Family

Another glimpse into this world comes from Merlin Blackmore and his brothers, Murray and Warren. Their dad, Winston Blackmore, is known as Canada’s most famous polygamist, with around 150 children and 26 wives. Merlin and his brothers have used social media, especially TikTok, to talk about what it was like growing up with so many siblings. One thing that stands out is they had their own private school because the family was just that big. They also needed clear ways to tell which wife was their biological mom and which were their “other mothers.”

It might sound overwhelming, and maybe even bizarre, but hearing them talk about their experiences, you start to see it from their point of view. Sure, they had rules and traditions that were different from most families, but they also found unique ways to have fun and stay connected in such a big household.

The Brown Family: Reality TV Spotlight

If you’re into reality TV, you’ve probably heard of the Brown family on TLC’s Sister Wives. Kody Brown is married to Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn, and they share 16 kids among them. Cameras follow them as they try to keep their household balanced, dealing with everyday issues like finances, disagreements, and raising teenagers, all while living under a spotlight. One thing they often mention is how important open communication and respect are in making their relationships work. When you’re juggling multiple spouses and kids, misunderstandings can get out of hand pretty quickly if you’re not careful.

A Walk Through History

Polygamy isn’t a new idea. Ancient civilizations sometimes used it as a way to form strong alliances or grow their communities faster. Religious texts like the Bible and the Quran even mention stories of men with multiple wives. In the United States, polygamy became closely linked to early Mormon pioneers who believed it was a divine command. But by 1890, after facing laws and public pressure, the mainstream LDS Church gave it up. Since then, fundamentalist groups that practice it have mostly lived in more secluded areas to avoid trouble with the authorities.

Polygamy in Today’s World

Nowadays, you can still find polygamous communities in the Western U.S. (like parts of Utah), Canada, and beyond. They often keep to themselves, creating their own schools and social rules. Of course, not every community is the same. Some are open and healthy, where all adults choose the lifestyle freely, while others have been exposed in the news for abusive or forced marriages, especially of young girls. It’s really important to tell these two situations apart, because one is about consensual, adult relationships, and the other is about exploitation.

The Role of Media and Public Opinion

Reality shows (Sister Wives, Big Love) and documentaries have put polygamy under a giant magnifying glass, bringing all kinds of reactions from viewers. Some are curious and want to learn more about these families, while others feel uneasy or even hostile toward the idea. News stories, on the other hand, often zero in on controversies or crimes, painting polygamy in a harsh light. But there’s no single “type” of polygamous family, some are happy, respectful, and loving, while others have issues just like any other family.

Modern-Day Struggles

Polygamous families in the 21st century face a bunch of challenges most of us probably wouldn’t think about:

1. Privacy in a Connected World

With social media everywhere, keeping a big family life under wraps can be hard. Teens especially might be curious about what’s outside their community and want to explore mainstream culture online.

2. Financial Burden

More spouses usually means more kids, and more kids mean higher costs for basics like food, housing, clothing, and education. In some communities, going to college or getting a mainstream job isn’t encouraged, which can make finances even tighter.

3. Legal Worries

In many places, polygamy is still illegal, so some families live in constant fear of being discovered and possibly prosecuted.

How We Can Move Forward

If we want to understand polygamy better, we need open communication between those communities and everyone else. That includes educational programs, cultural exchanges, and yes, even platforms where polygamous families can share their stories. The law also needs to separate consensual adult relationships from situations involving abuse. Simply making polygamy illegal often pushes these families further into secrecy, which can make it harder for vulnerable people to ask for help if they need it.

The more polygamous families are encouraged to tell us about their experiences, the better we can grasp the highs and lows of their lifestyle. Over time, this could help erase some of the fear and misunderstandings people have.

The Bottom Line

Like any family, polygamous households have their moments of triumph, their everyday stresses, and their emotional ups and downs. Some members love the extended support system, while others might struggle with feelings of jealousy or the stress of managing a large household. But at the core, it’s about people looking for love, companionship, and a sense of belonging, universal needs that go way beyond any single relationship style.

This article is shared by Sister Wives, a platform started in 2008 for people in the poly community and anyone curious about or open to learning more about polygamy. We invite you to keep an open mind and remember that every family, no matter how it’s structured, comes with its own hopes and challenges.

Published By: Sister Wives 

Matchmakers Inc