Amber De La Mottes shares her experiences growing up in a rigid religious environment.

Amber de la Mottes, the matriarch from TLC's Big Family, Big City, has opened up about her experiences growing up in a rigid religious environment. Reflecting on her 15 years in the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, she describes feeling "brainwashed," stating, "It was like being part of a cult where the rules dictated every aspect of our lives."

During her upbringing, Amber and her family followed strict guidelines, which included women needing to subsist in silence and modest apparel, reinforcing societal norms that felt antiquated and overbearing. “Women were taught to be quiet and subservient,” she recalled, revealing the profound impact these beliefs had on her views.

Now, as Amber navigates life outside the church, she aims to foster new experiences while still holding on to some traditional values, particularly when it comes to dating. She emphasizes the importance of intentional relationships: “We believe in dating with a purpose, targeting marriage rather than casual connections.”

As her daughter Pearl steps into the dating world, Amber's strict guidelines include no texting excessively and no kissing, advocating for careful connection rather than emotional recklessness. This protective approach showcases how Amber is determined to blend her past with a more progressive mindset.

The family's transition to a more modern lifestyle and their approach to dating.

In the latest episode of TLC's *Big Family, Big City*, the de la Motte family navigates their post-church life, reflecting on their traditional upbringing while aiming for a modern approach. Matriarch Amber de la Motte has embraced change, although their strict dating rules remain intact as they ponder the nuances of love and relationships.

The family's daughter, Pearl, recently embarked on her first relationship, introducing her boyfriend, Adam, to her parents. The de la Mottes maintain a cautious but hopeful outlook on dating, emphasizing that it should align with the goal of marriage rather than mere enjoyment. This philosophy sets the tone for their family dynamics.

Amber and Marc's commitment to their values is clear, as they outlined strict rules for dating that include limiting texting and avoiding alone time. Their protective approach aims to guide their children while still allowing them to explore new experiences—an evolving balance between tradition and modernity.

During Adam's initial meeting with Amber and Marc, he echoed their belief in purposeful dating. The family's hybrid view of love and relationships indicates a significant shift from their past, showing that even when stepping into new territory, their foundational values retain importance.

Balancing traditional values with new experiences in their dating philosophy.

In the latest episode of TLC's Big Family, Big City, the de la Mottes family navigates the intricate balance of traditional values and new experiences as they embrace their shift from a conservative upbringing. Matriarch Amber candidly reflects on their journey after stepping away from the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, describing the restrictive environment that influenced their early beliefs about relationships.

As they adapt to life in New York, Amber and her husband Marc instill a fresh yet cautious approach to dating in their children. With their daughter Pearl exploring her first relationship, the couple emphasizes the importance of dating with intention, focusing keenly on the ultimate goal of marriage. They stress simple dating rules: no excessive texting, limited one-on-one time, and most notably, no kissing.

While many teens may find these guidelines outdated, the de la Motte family believes they protect their children from casual relationships. Marc highlights that for their family, dating is serious business; it's not just about fun but about laying a groundwork for potentially lifelong commitments. As they navigate this new normal, the family embodies the spirit of blending cherished traditions with modern-day experiences.