When you think of Meredith Marks, the name is practically synonymous with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. With over a decade of experience in the reality TV world, she’s navigated the highs and lows of the franchise with grace and resilience. But when her own children became part of the entertainment landscape, the experience took on a new dimension—especially when her youngest son, Brooks, joined the cast of Bravo’s Next Gen: NYC.
Marks, who has built a reputation as a savvy businesswoman and a dedicated mother, shared her reflections on the unique challenges of raising kids who are destined for the public eye. Her insights, offered in an interview with SheKnows as part of their Launch Codes series, provide a window into the balance between fostering independence and navigating the pressures of fame.
From the Curb to the Courtyard: Meredith’s Approach to Independence
Marks believes that preparing her children for the world, including the world of reality TV, starts with empowering them from a young age. “I think it’s a combination of a few things,” she explained. “First of all, when they were teenagers, I started having them do things for themselves, whether it’s something as simple as making an appointment with the doctor.”
By encouraging her kids to manage their own schedules, finances, and even household responsibilities, Marks has cultivated a generation of self-reliant young adults. “I really had them doing a lot of things at a young age to start managing their own schedule and lives,” she noted. “They got an allowance at a pretty young age because every day you’d be at the drugstore and they want another toy, and I’d be like, ‘Okay, if you want to buy it, you have an allowance.’”
This approach to parenting isn’t just about practical skills—it’s about building confidence and emotional resilience. For Marks, simplicity is key. “I kept our general rules fairly basic and simple,” she said. “I think that sort of allows them a little more room for trial and error.”
A Mother’s Emotional Rollercoaster: The Brooks Scene That Stung
While Marks has always been supportive of her children’s journey into young adulthood, one moment from Next Gen: NYC particularly caught her off guard. In the season finale, Brooks—a product of Marks’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit—made a difficult decision regarding his fashion brand, which operates under his mother’s established name in the industry.
The scene, which aired in June, showed Brooks telling his mother that he wanted to step away from her brand and forge his own path. “That final scene with me and Brooks,” Marks revealed. “That was really hard.”
“I had no idea that was coming, and it was very emotional for me,” she shared. “I’m obviously very attached to my children. They’re the most important thing in the world to me… While you love to see them be independent, you love to (see) them grow, you love to see them flourish, you know, there’s still a little piece of you that’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s time has now passed.’”
The moment resonates with many parents who are navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s a poignant reminder that letting go is one of the most challenging aspects of parenting.
Advice from the Curb: Communication, Compassion, and Confidence
Marks’s advice for parents raising young adults centers on one core principle: open communication. “Keep an open line of communication, you know?” she emphasized. “That’s something I started with them when they were very, very young. I did not have a ton of rules. I broke it down into three rules, and one of those rules was: Talk to me.”
This foundation of trust is crucial, especially when the stakes get high. “It’s not just [about telling] the truth,” Marks explained. “It’s volunteering the information of what’s going on in your life so that I can protect you and keep you safe.”
And when the news isn’t good? “A big part of that is when they do tell you stuff that you don’t want to hear, which inevitably is going to happen, you can’t get angry at them for it because they’ll never tell you anything again,” she advised. “Why would they? I’m human, of course. I might have a reaction, but I’ll say, ‘Look, I’m sorry I got upset. It’s a lot for me to handle, but I’m here for you.’”
This approach—empathy, patience, and unwavering support—has clearly served Marks and her family well. As her children navigate their own careers and personal lives, one thing remains clear: Meredith Marks has not only raised three remarkable young adults but has also learned to let them grow, even when it’s hard.
Conclusion
In a world where reality TV often overshadows real life, Meredith Marks has managed to blend both seamlessly. Her journey as a mother and reality star offers valuable lessons in parenting, resilience, and the importance of letting go. Through her transparency and heartfelt advice, she reminds us that raising children isn’t just about preparing them for the world—it’s about supporting them as they build their own paths
