Polyamorous Family Opens Up About Unique Parenting Dynamic in New Reality Show

A polyamorous family set to star in TLC’s upcoming reality series Polyfamily has shared their unconventional approach to parenting—including not knowing the biological fathers of their three youngest children.

The Oregon-based group, consisting of married couples Alysia and Tyler Rodgers and Sean and Taya Hartless, live together as a committed foursome and are raising their blended family collectively.

The Oregon-based polyamorous family currently parents four children together, with another baby on the way. Pictured left to right Sean, Alysia, Taya, and Tyler pose with their growing brood.

A "Polyfamous" Family Dynamic

The two couples, who met as friends before becoming romantically involved, moved in together in 2020 to avoid a long-distance commute. Since then, they’ve expanded their family, with Alysia and Taya each giving birth to children just seven months apart. The group has chosen not to determine paternity for their three youngest kids, believing it fosters equality and minimizes jealousy.

"Genetics don’t matter—we’re all equal parents," Tyler told Today in 2023. "It’s not up for debate."

Raising Kids in a Non-Traditional Household

Before merging households, Alysia and Tyler had been married for 11 years and had two children. Now, the "quad" parents four kids together, with another on the way. Their children are aware of the family structure, with Tyler explaining, "They know their mom has a boyfriend and their dad has a girlfriend."

Despite facing judgment from outsiders—and even initial resistance from family—the group says their lifestyle offers unique benefits.

"Having four sets of adult hands to help is incredible," Tyler said. "It’s rare to have that kind of support."

Overcoming Challenges & Embracing Love

Like any relationship, the foursome admits they’ve dealt with jealousy and societal stigma. However, they believe the rewards—more love, support, and shared responsibilities—outweigh the struggles.

"A lot of people think polyamory is deviant," Taya shared. "But for us, it’s about more love, more hands to help, and a fuller life."

What to Expect from Polyfamily

The new TLC series, premiering in April, will document their daily lives, parenting approach, and how they navigate societal perceptions. The network describes the show as a "one-of-a-kind look inside polyamory and non-traditional family structures."

With over 125,000 Instagram followers, the family has already garnered a significant online following. Their story challenges conventional norms, proving that family love isn’t limited to traditional setups.