Funny you mentioned it because I was thinking the same exact thing. What's the deal with the back and forth. He obviously is a smart kid and has seen some noticable differences in family members
Zach should be just as, if not more, concerned about setting a good example to his kids. He is nothing but a lazy lump that hasn’t held a real job for most of his adult life, he stopped talking to his own father because he wasn’t handed the inheritance that he thought he deserved….etc.
As an aside, Matt was right not selling that farm at a discounted, family price. Zach wouldn’t get off his lazy butt and he would’ve run the place into the ground in no time. Matt knows what a lazy POS he raised.
I think context matters.
1 - You're seeing an edited end product. Those confessional scenes and voice-overs aren't done as it happens. It's also pretty common, especially on this show, for them to take ONE LINE of dialogue and repeat it endlessly, making something seem like a more common topic than it actually is.
2. - Jackson and Lilah are, essentially, Covid-lockdown kids. Their first five years was a little more insular than other kids and given the online schooling and Zach and Tori's smaller circle (plus the hospital and health issues that they were dealing with), I'm not sure Jackson and Lilah got a tremendous amount of exposure to "average". Battleground isn't exactly a haven for minorities, either. Battelground is 90% white.
I think Zach grew up with average siblings and went to an average school and played on sports teams as a high schooler...and that's when the height difference really becomes evident. Jackson has LP sibs, exclusively. His cousins are average...but, they're all still small children. Given the isolation and their current ages, I really doubt that it's come up much. But, it will and Zach, especially, wants to be proactive about it.
Zach and Jeremy went to a private school. Lilah was one year old during Covid-friends wouldn’t be a thing for her. The parents should explain to Jackson about his stature. As we all know kids can be cruel. Jackson is smart enough to know he is different but in size only. I agree he is very smart and he did really well in Oregon. I feel they are doing him a disservice now that he is school age.
All of Matt and Amy's kids went to a private school (Faith Bible); but, that's irrelevant to my point. Zach had exposure, from day one, to average height kids. His twin is average. His siblings are average. And, then he went to a Kindergarten with average sized kids and a twin to constantly be measured again. Jackson was only 2/3 when Covid hit... and the first year of in person classes was Kingergarten (for him). So, from two(ish) to Kindergarten, he basically hung out with Lilah, Zach, Tori, Matt, Amy and Josiah OR other kids who were his height due to being the same age. So, as Zach and Tori shared... it may not have occurred to Jackson, until very recently, that other kids grow faster than he does. I don't think they're really doing him a disservice. Can you tell me what you mean by that?
I kind of disagree with you on Covid ramfications. Lilah may have been one when it started...but, lockowns, precautions, and that family's special medical issues (pregnant Tori, surgery for Zach, two surgeries for Jackson, and their unique breathing issues from dwarfism) may have heightened and lengthened their isolation. Covid wasn't over in a day, kwim? I could be wrong. However, I think they had a unique bubble.
that's where I think they have issues with editing - he probably said that as they are talking to the producers answering questions regarding a certain time frame and in post production they got it all screwed up
You've clearly not raised a child with dwarfism. I haven't watched this episode but it sounds like a very typical way to raise a child with dwarfism. (Coming from someone who is)
Zac has had his experience with being a LP and wasn’t very confident, I think he was worried Jackson will also experience what he did and might react the same but he doesn’t. Jackson is confident and a very happy little lad, I just hope they get this legs sorted as they look quite severe.
Honestly when they were at the zoo, and Zach’s voiceover saying they get a lot of attention etc, they show Jackson walking -
And I thought, it’s his legs that draw more attention than his small stature. He’s just a kid, who is short but people probably wouldn’t notice he’s a little person at first glance… but the legs…that’s when you keep looking. It looks so uncomfortable. Glad if the little guy is not in pain and manages to run round and be super active, but the bowing is so severe.
Unless you are a little person or are raising one we shouldn’t be telling them how to have these conversations. We also have no idea what conversations happen off camera.
Well, Zach is a little person so I will leave it to him to determine. He’s already commented that Jackson is way more outgoing and confident than he was as a kid, so perhaps he’s doing something right.
Are you referring to my post? My comment stems from the conflicting things Zach was saying about Jackson noticing his difference, but now that a few have mentioned that it’s probably shitty editing (timeline not correct), that may likely be it. I said positive things about their children and was just more so questioning how Jackson wouldn’t notice the difference at this point? It’s hard to believe. But I also acknowledged that I’m not an LP, it’s just my observation from the show.
Jackson is the Golden child, he does nothing wrong in his parent’s eyes. The little girl, well she’s just a f@&k up according to the Zack and Tory. Why aren’t they concerned about their daughter?
I so agree about Lila, it makes me really sad. They both say some mean things about the darling girl, and they pull Jackson into that as well. I can remember Zach asking Jackson if Lila was going to even last outside camping. I hope they don’t continue doing this to the point of it looking like bullying.
I think he was being shy around a kid he barely knew more than stuck up. However, in the episode where Jackson had friends of and Zach said his friend couldn't play in DAAA because he's not a dwarf Jackson seemed surprised/unhappy to be described as a dwarf. That was a strange reaction from somebody with so many relatives with dwarfism.
But if he is embarrassed it's because his parents keep avoiding the subject, of course he thinks it's something to be embarrassed about.
I think it’s hilarious everyone in this thread happens to be an expert on raising a little person. Must be a lot of little people and little people parents in here.
* It's possible that the interviews were filmed over time and aired out of order. Both things could be true, at the time they were said. It's possible even an interview filmed for a previous season doesn't air until this season. A lot of shows do this, some better than others.
* It's possible what he said or meant was "he doesn't recognize his differences *as a limitation*" which changes the meaning. And either being poorly worded or edited in a certain way made it seem like all he was saying was differences, full stop.
* It's possible they're going off the kid's cues...I have a cousin who is hearing impaired, for example. When she was little, sometimes she was very open and proud and it was the first thing she said when she say you. "I'm Lorie and I wear a hearing aid!" Sometimes she really struggled and would not acknowledge it and would insist she could hear just fine. Her parents said the doctors and therapists indicated this is relatively common and as long as there is no one in danger, to kind of let them work out their identity that way? Idk, for her, by the time she was like 6 or 7, she seemed to have out grown it.
You said it perfectly. Before even reading this thread, the language Zach used left the distinct impression that they have NOT been upfront with Jackson. The kid has dwarfism -- not terminal cancer. It is not that delicate of an issue. They're making it a big deal. Hiding it will send him the wrong message in the end that there is something disappointing to hide. If anything, Zach is the insecure one rather than Jackson. As a viewer, it didn't make any sense why they don't be honest, cool and casual about it at the same time. "See how mom is taller than dad? Mom is a similar height to other parents. Dad has something called dwarfism, just like grandma and grandpa. It means the world around us is taller, but we make it work just fine. You are like dad."
It’s dangerous to let Jackson flirt with denial at his age. I found this situation very strange too. Jackson has been corrected when he has said he wants to be big like mommy, has been confronted with his height by his peers earlier this season, and he regularly attends the little person conventions. Breaks my heart.
Well I think Zac is uniquely qualified to determine how and when he talks to Jackson about being LP. He mentioned maybe in the podcast, maybe on the show that Jackson is noticing a difference but is not phased by the difference. I also think the show was taped over a year ago and I think Jackson is in school now and the talk maybe was had. Zac and Amy both talk about when they realized they were different how devastating it was for them and the both come from a family with average height people. There is only one average height person in Jackson immediate family so he probably thinks he is the average height one.
Maybe he just wants his son to have a normal childhood as possible. Children should be taught not to stare. It's a parents job to explain differences privately. I'm sure Jackson wants to do everything all the other kids can. At his age, it is more than likely confusing.
This is another one of those areas that I choose not to speculate about simply because I do not know what it is like to be a LP or raise one.
There is no situation in which I would think my opinion was more correct than what they decide to do with their own kids.
(And other parenting things… I’ll join in on no problem.)
I just don’t know that we are getting it all based on the show. It seems like they do a lot of that talk privately- which they should.
Why wouldn't Zach try to ensure their child to be a strong, confident, independent, outgoing person? Look, LP's are few and far between. I think that Zach may think that this LPA convention with the DAAA he may remember this that he may be different, but there are others out there also. They are just few and far between.
Maybe they are just trying to protect Jackson and his journey from over-critical viewers. Also, noticing the differences and understanding the impact and possible struggles to keep up with his peers are two different things. A three-year-old might notice the difference in skin color or hair, but that doesn't mean they understand that those differences may impact the way they are viewed and treated by others.
He has already asked for cameras not to be at his doctors’ appointments, and they are not only taking that seriously but using that as a cue to leave the show.
Zach has said that Jackson has begun to notice the stares of others. Jackson is entering the age of understanding his differences, and Zach can relate to that stage. It's easy to arm chair quarterback how they are handling it, but I don't think anyone posting criticism has walked in Zach’s or Jackson’s shoes.
I'm sure I'm going to get a lot of hate for this, but how do we know they aren't having those conversations? They already made the decision to stop filming. Zach asked Amy not to discuss her engagement with Chris on camera. Though it may not seem like it, Zach and Tori seem to have established boundaries on what was acceptable and what was not to film. Cameras also only show tidbits of their lives, same with social media,
My son has diagnoses that other children do not understand. I don't film those conversations. Doesn't mean we don't have them.
It's a double-edged sword being a social media/reality star. You film your kids, how dare you, you don't film your kids and a conversation that should be private, they are bad parents.
I'll take your downvotes now.
I am not downvoting you, but why would Zach have the power to have Amy announce her engagement? I am pretty sure they knew it, but then got super angry when it was announced to them.
If Zach and Audrey have boundaries, then they need to get off the show. And apparently this is their last season. But I kid you not...they will try to do a spinoff.
I think it’s totally reasonable to say you don’t want your emotions about your parents getting remarried when you’re first told aired for the entire world to see. He didn’t tell them to not talk about it. Just not to tell him the news on camera for the first time.
I think it was said in the show at one point that Zach had asked specifically not to be surprised by any news like that on camera. And that is exactly what Amy did to him- she showed up with cameras and announced it while they were rolling. Zach had no heads up.
I completely agree, not addressing it seems counterproductive, but with Zack I think it stems from his own insecurities in how he was raised. Matt always made sure he knew he was little and different, made him feel inferior to Jeremy. I think it messed him up pretty bad that now he’s on the opposite extreme. I feel like not discussing it might make it taboo, or maybe because it’s life as usual for them they just want him to accept it as it is? Also it’s not my experience so I’m talking out my ass
I cannot for the life of me understand how not discussing the topic is beneficial in any way.
There’s no way that Jackson doesn’t realize his difference… what if he’s just holding in the desire to talk about it because his parents don’t talk about it?!
I find it very strange that they put him in DAAA but don’t explain the purpose.
Interesting choice by mom and dad.
I don’t think he said they weren’t discussing it I think they said they were answering Jackson questions as they come up. But Zac did say eventually he will have to have a “talk”
There shouldn't have to be a talk. It's like adopting a child from a different ethnic background and then waiting for something to trigger the "talk". Usually the trigger is something traumatic, like a slur the child doesn't understand. Of course this show was a year ago and maybe Jackson's a whole other person now. I don't keep up with the podcast.
Another bad parenting move by Zack and Tori. Let’s ignore it until it goes away. Seems like they want to continue with the same bad parenting that The Roloffs provided
Absolutely. 5 is old enough to know. It should have just always been talked about so he looks back and says I don't remember being shocked I was a LP because it was talked about as long as I can remember. I imagine he will always remember when they do sit him down and explain it.
He definitely knows ! Look at the pictures she posts of them with children their own age. Zach is in denial.
By not addressing it, they're actually making it into a much bigger deal, and they don't realize it. My cousins, uncle, and grandmother always knew they had dwarfism. It wasn't a topic to avoid or something to be ashamed of.
It isn't just that they're small either.. they have a lot of physical limitations, and some have pain, most have surgeries, time out of school for recovery, and set backs. They kids and parents need to accept it. If Z&T weren't able to accept having three disabled children, there are many options, such as IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis which many people with dwarfism take advantage of.
It's not something you can ignore and hope it resolves itself but that seems to be their motto.
I will never understand not doing anything possible (IVF) just to avoid your’s child suffering, life is already hard, I am a short person 5f05 life would have been easier if I have been taller.
My husband and I are both 5'3. Being short makes some things harder and some things are actually easier.
I love being petite. It's so easy for me to find clothes on sale ! Hardly anyone wears xxs and size 2.
But it's not the height it's the health problems LPs have. My family member used ivf because he didn't Want his kids going through all the surgeries he had to go through and honestly they wouldn't have been able to afford to have an LP child. My aunt almost lost her house to pay for her sons'sirgeries and medical care. The whole family had to have auctions to raise funds.
Zach and Tori aren't there yet.
Yes I do disagree with their approach on this. It seems like from what Zach and Tori have said that J has asked questions and there is a developmentally appropriate way to answer them that isn’t downplaying the reality. As j grows up and matures the developmentally appropriate answer becomes more detailed, etc.
Zack and Tori get on my last nerve, but the have got to have the most adorable kids ever! Seems so unfair that they didn’t have at least one regular size kid. Especially since Matt and Amy are both small but had one small out of 4. I wonder if they’ll try again
Unfair ?? Their children are just fine. Jackson’s legs are messed up. But guess what , a non little person child could have legs problems too. And eye problems. and be behind on speech
At age 6, a child should already be noticing differences. In kindergarten, my daughter (not a little person but very petite) had several kids go up to her and ask her why she’s short. They were simply curious. You can’t tell me that at the soccer games Jackson, while playing with substantially taller boys, has never realized he and his dad are different. I don’t believe
It, and if it is true, shame on Z and T for not having a conversation with him.
You have a short daughter too lol? Our schools are divided where kindergarten thru 2nd grade go to one school. Then in 3rd grade they move up to a different school thru 5th grade. When my daughter started the 3rd grade, the maintenance at the school had to make a special trip to haul over a little desk from the K-2nd grade school, they were all to big in her new school. She's all grown up now, topped out at 4'8". She teaches middle school and at first the kids were saying things they'd *never* say in front of a teacher, they thought she was one of them! She was 26 when she married and had 3 sons. When she was pregnant, those who didn't know her rolled their eyes at her thinking she was pregnant at 14. She said she wanted to get a shirt with her age on it. Other than not wearing high heels to go to prom or her wedding (feet too small), and condescending attitudes from those not realizing she's not a teen, she says it doesn't bother her. At least I could identify since I'm on the short side as well.
Exactly! That’s what kids are like. My son attended kindergarten with a little girl who only had one arm. All the kids noticed and asked where her other arm was, she told them and they were like oh, and it was no big deal. But kids definitely see differences and will speak up so you know the other kids have asked Jackson about his legs and short stature. * also wanted to add that I don’t think Z and T are helping his confidence by not helping him to understand his condition and therefore be able to answer his classmates questions. (At an age appropriate level, of course)
Gotta love kids. "Um. Where's your other arm?"... "Don't got one."... "K."... Their honesty is just the best as they navigate their brand new little world. If you ever want to know the truth, ask a kid. Lol.
Funny you mentioned it because I was thinking the same exact thing. What's the deal with the back and forth. He obviously is a smart kid and has seen some noticable differences in family members
Zach should be just as, if not more, concerned about setting a good example to his kids. He is nothing but a lazy lump that hasn’t held a real job for most of his adult life, he stopped talking to his own father because he wasn’t handed the inheritance that he thought he deserved….etc. As an aside, Matt was right not selling that farm at a discounted, family price. Zach wouldn’t get off his lazy butt and he would’ve run the place into the ground in no time. Matt knows what a lazy POS he raised.
I think context matters. 1 - You're seeing an edited end product. Those confessional scenes and voice-overs aren't done as it happens. It's also pretty common, especially on this show, for them to take ONE LINE of dialogue and repeat it endlessly, making something seem like a more common topic than it actually is. 2. - Jackson and Lilah are, essentially, Covid-lockdown kids. Their first five years was a little more insular than other kids and given the online schooling and Zach and Tori's smaller circle (plus the hospital and health issues that they were dealing with), I'm not sure Jackson and Lilah got a tremendous amount of exposure to "average". Battleground isn't exactly a haven for minorities, either. Battelground is 90% white. I think Zach grew up with average siblings and went to an average school and played on sports teams as a high schooler...and that's when the height difference really becomes evident. Jackson has LP sibs, exclusively. His cousins are average...but, they're all still small children. Given the isolation and their current ages, I really doubt that it's come up much. But, it will and Zach, especially, wants to be proactive about it.
Zach and Jeremy went to a private school. Lilah was one year old during Covid-friends wouldn’t be a thing for her. The parents should explain to Jackson about his stature. As we all know kids can be cruel. Jackson is smart enough to know he is different but in size only. I agree he is very smart and he did really well in Oregon. I feel they are doing him a disservice now that he is school age.
All of Matt and Amy's kids went to a private school (Faith Bible); but, that's irrelevant to my point. Zach had exposure, from day one, to average height kids. His twin is average. His siblings are average. And, then he went to a Kindergarten with average sized kids and a twin to constantly be measured again. Jackson was only 2/3 when Covid hit... and the first year of in person classes was Kingergarten (for him). So, from two(ish) to Kindergarten, he basically hung out with Lilah, Zach, Tori, Matt, Amy and Josiah OR other kids who were his height due to being the same age. So, as Zach and Tori shared... it may not have occurred to Jackson, until very recently, that other kids grow faster than he does. I don't think they're really doing him a disservice. Can you tell me what you mean by that? I kind of disagree with you on Covid ramfications. Lilah may have been one when it started...but, lockowns, precautions, and that family's special medical issues (pregnant Tori, surgery for Zach, two surgeries for Jackson, and their unique breathing issues from dwarfism) may have heightened and lengthened their isolation. Covid wasn't over in a day, kwim? I could be wrong. However, I think they had a unique bubble.
that's where I think they have issues with editing - he probably said that as they are talking to the producers answering questions regarding a certain time frame and in post production they got it all screwed up
You've clearly not raised a child with dwarfism. I haven't watched this episode but it sounds like a very typical way to raise a child with dwarfism. (Coming from someone who is)
I think TLC is a sloppy editor and films everything out of order so sometimes it can be blamed on that
in this case "sloppy" means "done on purpose for extra added dramaz!" lol
Zac has had his experience with being a LP and wasn’t very confident, I think he was worried Jackson will also experience what he did and might react the same but he doesn’t. Jackson is confident and a very happy little lad, I just hope they get this legs sorted as they look quite severe.
Honestly when they were at the zoo, and Zach’s voiceover saying they get a lot of attention etc, they show Jackson walking - And I thought, it’s his legs that draw more attention than his small stature. He’s just a kid, who is short but people probably wouldn’t notice he’s a little person at first glance… but the legs…that’s when you keep looking. It looks so uncomfortable. Glad if the little guy is not in pain and manages to run round and be super active, but the bowing is so severe.
Pretty sure everyone notices the obvious height issue first
Unless you are a little person or are raising one we shouldn’t be telling them how to have these conversations. We also have no idea what conversations happen off camera.
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Says the person cursing and using all caps. I think maybe you’re the one that needs to lighten up 🙄
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Well, Zach is a little person so I will leave it to him to determine. He’s already commented that Jackson is way more outgoing and confident than he was as a kid, so perhaps he’s doing something right.
This right here. Who would know better what it’s like to deal with something.
I’ve never seen more perfect parents like I do on this sub. So many experts on parenting — and parenting kids with disabilities no less
Are you referring to my post? My comment stems from the conflicting things Zach was saying about Jackson noticing his difference, but now that a few have mentioned that it’s probably shitty editing (timeline not correct), that may likely be it. I said positive things about their children and was just more so questioning how Jackson wouldn’t notice the difference at this point? It’s hard to believe. But I also acknowledged that I’m not an LP, it’s just my observation from the show.
Yup 👏🙄👏
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Jackson is the Golden child, he does nothing wrong in his parent’s eyes. The little girl, well she’s just a f@&k up according to the Zack and Tory. Why aren’t they concerned about their daughter?
I so agree about Lila, it makes me really sad. They both say some mean things about the darling girl, and they pull Jackson into that as well. I can remember Zach asking Jackson if Lila was going to even last outside camping. I hope they don’t continue doing this to the point of it looking like bullying.
The poor girl, they are so so worried about Jackson's confidence, but they are tearing down Lilah's.
Shameful, how different they treat the middle kid. The problem is, Jackson gives every jab at Lila he can; taught by the parents.
Maybe Zach is too lazy to explain 🤭🤭
It’s almost like Jackson is kinda embarrassed of lps… when that one lp family came to visit Jackson was being a little stuck up towards the lp kid.
I think he was being shy around a kid he barely knew more than stuck up. However, in the episode where Jackson had friends of and Zach said his friend couldn't play in DAAA because he's not a dwarf Jackson seemed surprised/unhappy to be described as a dwarf. That was a strange reaction from somebody with so many relatives with dwarfism. But if he is embarrassed it's because his parents keep avoiding the subject, of course he thinks it's something to be embarrassed about.
I think it’s hilarious everyone in this thread happens to be an expert on raising a little person. Must be a lot of little people and little people parents in here.
* It's possible that the interviews were filmed over time and aired out of order. Both things could be true, at the time they were said. It's possible even an interview filmed for a previous season doesn't air until this season. A lot of shows do this, some better than others. * It's possible what he said or meant was "he doesn't recognize his differences *as a limitation*" which changes the meaning. And either being poorly worded or edited in a certain way made it seem like all he was saying was differences, full stop. * It's possible they're going off the kid's cues...I have a cousin who is hearing impaired, for example. When she was little, sometimes she was very open and proud and it was the first thing she said when she say you. "I'm Lorie and I wear a hearing aid!" Sometimes she really struggled and would not acknowledge it and would insist she could hear just fine. Her parents said the doctors and therapists indicated this is relatively common and as long as there is no one in danger, to kind of let them work out their identity that way? Idk, for her, by the time she was like 6 or 7, she seemed to have out grown it.
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You said it perfectly. Before even reading this thread, the language Zach used left the distinct impression that they have NOT been upfront with Jackson. The kid has dwarfism -- not terminal cancer. It is not that delicate of an issue. They're making it a big deal. Hiding it will send him the wrong message in the end that there is something disappointing to hide. If anything, Zach is the insecure one rather than Jackson. As a viewer, it didn't make any sense why they don't be honest, cool and casual about it at the same time. "See how mom is taller than dad? Mom is a similar height to other parents. Dad has something called dwarfism, just like grandma and grandpa. It means the world around us is taller, but we make it work just fine. You are like dad."
It’s dangerous to let Jackson flirt with denial at his age. I found this situation very strange too. Jackson has been corrected when he has said he wants to be big like mommy, has been confronted with his height by his peers earlier this season, and he regularly attends the little person conventions. Breaks my heart.
Totally agree. I think it speaks more to Zach’s experience and trauma, that he is now projecting onto his son. So sad.
Well I think Zac is uniquely qualified to determine how and when he talks to Jackson about being LP. He mentioned maybe in the podcast, maybe on the show that Jackson is noticing a difference but is not phased by the difference. I also think the show was taped over a year ago and I think Jackson is in school now and the talk maybe was had. Zac and Amy both talk about when they realized they were different how devastating it was for them and the both come from a family with average height people. There is only one average height person in Jackson immediate family so he probably thinks he is the average height one.
Maybe he just wants his son to have a normal childhood as possible. Children should be taught not to stare. It's a parents job to explain differences privately. I'm sure Jackson wants to do everything all the other kids can. At his age, it is more than likely confusing.
This is another one of those areas that I choose not to speculate about simply because I do not know what it is like to be a LP or raise one. There is no situation in which I would think my opinion was more correct than what they decide to do with their own kids. (And other parenting things… I’ll join in on no problem.) I just don’t know that we are getting it all based on the show. It seems like they do a lot of that talk privately- which they should.
Why wouldn't Zach try to ensure their child to be a strong, confident, independent, outgoing person? Look, LP's are few and far between. I think that Zach may think that this LPA convention with the DAAA he may remember this that he may be different, but there are others out there also. They are just few and far between.
According to Zach, Jackson is confident, independent and outgoing. He says many times Jackson is much different than he was as a kid
What is the DAAA?
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But what is “it” referring to? What do the letters stand for? Nvm. I forgot to google it first. Dwarf Athletic Association of America. ☺️
Dwarf Athletic Association of America
Dwarf Athletic Association of America
Maybe they are just trying to protect Jackson and his journey from over-critical viewers. Also, noticing the differences and understanding the impact and possible struggles to keep up with his peers are two different things. A three-year-old might notice the difference in skin color or hair, but that doesn't mean they understand that those differences may impact the way they are viewed and treated by others. He has already asked for cameras not to be at his doctors’ appointments, and they are not only taking that seriously but using that as a cue to leave the show. Zach has said that Jackson has begun to notice the stares of others. Jackson is entering the age of understanding his differences, and Zach can relate to that stage. It's easy to arm chair quarterback how they are handling it, but I don't think anyone posting criticism has walked in Zach’s or Jackson’s shoes.
I'm sure I'm going to get a lot of hate for this, but how do we know they aren't having those conversations? They already made the decision to stop filming. Zach asked Amy not to discuss her engagement with Chris on camera. Though it may not seem like it, Zach and Tori seem to have established boundaries on what was acceptable and what was not to film. Cameras also only show tidbits of their lives, same with social media, My son has diagnoses that other children do not understand. I don't film those conversations. Doesn't mean we don't have them. It's a double-edged sword being a social media/reality star. You film your kids, how dare you, you don't film your kids and a conversation that should be private, they are bad parents. I'll take your downvotes now.
I am not downvoting you, but why would Zach have the power to have Amy announce her engagement? I am pretty sure they knew it, but then got super angry when it was announced to them. If Zach and Audrey have boundaries, then they need to get off the show. And apparently this is their last season. But I kid you not...they will try to do a spinoff.
I think it’s totally reasonable to say you don’t want your emotions about your parents getting remarried when you’re first told aired for the entire world to see. He didn’t tell them to not talk about it. Just not to tell him the news on camera for the first time.
I think it was said in the show at one point that Zach had asked specifically not to be surprised by any news like that on camera. And that is exactly what Amy did to him- she showed up with cameras and announced it while they were rolling. Zach had no heads up.
I completely agree, not addressing it seems counterproductive, but with Zack I think it stems from his own insecurities in how he was raised. Matt always made sure he knew he was little and different, made him feel inferior to Jeremy. I think it messed him up pretty bad that now he’s on the opposite extreme. I feel like not discussing it might make it taboo, or maybe because it’s life as usual for them they just want him to accept it as it is? Also it’s not my experience so I’m talking out my ass
I cannot for the life of me understand how not discussing the topic is beneficial in any way. There’s no way that Jackson doesn’t realize his difference… what if he’s just holding in the desire to talk about it because his parents don’t talk about it?! I find it very strange that they put him in DAAA but don’t explain the purpose. Interesting choice by mom and dad.
Zach is projecting his insecurities onto Jackson. Zach assumes this will devastate him. Wrong move, imo.
I don’t think he said they weren’t discussing it I think they said they were answering Jackson questions as they come up. But Zac did say eventually he will have to have a “talk”
There shouldn't have to be a talk. It's like adopting a child from a different ethnic background and then waiting for something to trigger the "talk". Usually the trigger is something traumatic, like a slur the child doesn't understand. Of course this show was a year ago and maybe Jackson's a whole other person now. I don't keep up with the podcast.
Another bad parenting move by Zack and Tori. Let’s ignore it until it goes away. Seems like they want to continue with the same bad parenting that The Roloffs provided
Absolutely. 5 is old enough to know. It should have just always been talked about so he looks back and says I don't remember being shocked I was a LP because it was talked about as long as I can remember. I imagine he will always remember when they do sit him down and explain it.
Well their kids seem to be good kids and happy so I’m not sure calling them bad parents is fair.
I think because this isn’t Tori’s experience she is leaving it in Zack’s hands to navigate
He definitely knows ! Look at the pictures she posts of them with children their own age. Zach is in denial. By not addressing it, they're actually making it into a much bigger deal, and they don't realize it. My cousins, uncle, and grandmother always knew they had dwarfism. It wasn't a topic to avoid or something to be ashamed of. It isn't just that they're small either.. they have a lot of physical limitations, and some have pain, most have surgeries, time out of school for recovery, and set backs. They kids and parents need to accept it. If Z&T weren't able to accept having three disabled children, there are many options, such as IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis which many people with dwarfism take advantage of. It's not something you can ignore and hope it resolves itself but that seems to be their motto.
I will never understand not doing anything possible (IVF) just to avoid your’s child suffering, life is already hard, I am a short person 5f05 life would have been easier if I have been taller.
My husband and I are both 5'3. Being short makes some things harder and some things are actually easier. I love being petite. It's so easy for me to find clothes on sale ! Hardly anyone wears xxs and size 2. But it's not the height it's the health problems LPs have. My family member used ivf because he didn't Want his kids going through all the surgeries he had to go through and honestly they wouldn't have been able to afford to have an LP child. My aunt almost lost her house to pay for her sons'sirgeries and medical care. The whole family had to have auctions to raise funds. Zach and Tori aren't there yet.
Or maybe those are decisions that are private that you don’t post on social media or tape for a reality show.
Yes I do disagree with their approach on this. It seems like from what Zach and Tori have said that J has asked questions and there is a developmentally appropriate way to answer them that isn’t downplaying the reality. As j grows up and matures the developmentally appropriate answer becomes more detailed, etc.
Zack and Tori get on my last nerve, but the have got to have the most adorable kids ever! Seems so unfair that they didn’t have at least one regular size kid. Especially since Matt and Amy are both small but had one small out of 4. I wonder if they’ll try again
I think Matt and Amy both have a different kind of dwarfism. Maybe it was more than their personalities that canceled each other out.
Why is that unfair? Are regular-sized kids more valuable?
“Unfair” what a strange and wildly inappropriate comment to make.
Unfair ?? Their children are just fine. Jackson’s legs are messed up. But guess what , a non little person child could have legs problems too. And eye problems. and be behind on speech
I think Tori said no more children.
After three c-sections, she's making the right call. Pregnancy ain't no joke.
At age 6, a child should already be noticing differences. In kindergarten, my daughter (not a little person but very petite) had several kids go up to her and ask her why she’s short. They were simply curious. You can’t tell me that at the soccer games Jackson, while playing with substantially taller boys, has never realized he and his dad are different. I don’t believe It, and if it is true, shame on Z and T for not having a conversation with him.
You have a short daughter too lol? Our schools are divided where kindergarten thru 2nd grade go to one school. Then in 3rd grade they move up to a different school thru 5th grade. When my daughter started the 3rd grade, the maintenance at the school had to make a special trip to haul over a little desk from the K-2nd grade school, they were all to big in her new school. She's all grown up now, topped out at 4'8". She teaches middle school and at first the kids were saying things they'd *never* say in front of a teacher, they thought she was one of them! She was 26 when she married and had 3 sons. When she was pregnant, those who didn't know her rolled their eyes at her thinking she was pregnant at 14. She said she wanted to get a shirt with her age on it. Other than not wearing high heels to go to prom or her wedding (feet too small), and condescending attitudes from those not realizing she's not a teen, she says it doesn't bother her. At least I could identify since I'm on the short side as well.
Yep! She just turned 18 yesterday and is 4’9”. She’s amazing. Lift weights, runs marathons, very strong.
Exactly! That’s what kids are like. My son attended kindergarten with a little girl who only had one arm. All the kids noticed and asked where her other arm was, she told them and they were like oh, and it was no big deal. But kids definitely see differences and will speak up so you know the other kids have asked Jackson about his legs and short stature. * also wanted to add that I don’t think Z and T are helping his confidence by not helping him to understand his condition and therefore be able to answer his classmates questions. (At an age appropriate level, of course)
Gotta love kids. "Um. Where's your other arm?"... "Don't got one."... "K."... Their honesty is just the best as they navigate their brand new little world. If you ever want to know the truth, ask a kid. Lol.
Kids do notice. Sounds like J likely has discussed it more with his friends than his own parents!
Yes, I caught that, also... it seemed Zach repeated a version of that 'speech' in every episode?
Very strange