Wife Swap Season 4 Episode 7 LaBrie/Zaring
- TVPG
- February 13, 2008
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5.8 (10)
When it comes to family dynamics, the LaBrie family and the Zaring family couldn't be more different. In episode 7 of season 4 of Wife Swap, these two families are about to shake things up and learn a lot about themselves and each other in the process.
The LaBrie family is headed up by dad Brian, an athletic director, and mom Julie, a stay-at-home mom. They have three kids: 16-year-old Devin, 14-year-old Drew, and 9-year-old Daisy. Despite their good intentions, the LaBries struggle with communication and conflict resolution. Mom Julie is tired of feeling like she is responsible for all the household duties, while dad Brian admits that he has a hard time empathizing with his wife's needs.
Meanwhile, the Zaring family, led by dad Doug and mom Wendy, runs a smooth operation thanks to their effective communication skills. Doug is a stay-at-home dad, while Wendy is a high-powered executive. They have three children: 16-year-old Nikki, 14-year-old Cory, and 11-year-old Zachary. The Zarings take pride in their daily routines and work hard to make sure everything runs like clockwork. They believe their family has a healthy balance of structure and nurturing, and they're not afraid to enforce rules when needed.
When they swap wives, each family is forced to confront the areas in which they struggle. Wendy enters the LaBrie home and immediately notices how little communication takes place. To help the family better understand one another, she organizes a family meeting, which leaves Brian feeling vulnerable and Julie feeling heard. Wendy also encourages Brian to take over more household responsibilities, which leaves him with newfound respect for his wife's work.
Meanwhile, Julie has a lot to adjust to while staying with the Zarings. She's taken aback by the Zarings' strict routine, and feels like she's not allowed to be herself. However, as the week goes on, Julie begins to appreciate the structure and respect the Zarings have for one another. She takes the time to connect with each family member individually, which helps her understand how each person contributes to the family.
In the end, both families learn valuable lessons. The LaBries realize the importance of communication, and Brian steps up to take on more household responsibilities. The Zarings learn that flexibility and the ability to adapt to change are important traits to have in a family, and they discover that they have room to grow when it comes to nurturing their children.
Viewers will be able to follow the families' journeys as they navigate the unfamiliar territory of having a new spouse and parent figure. The episode provides a glimpse into the differences that can exist in family dynamics, and underscores the value of communication and compromise in any relationship.