How We Manage Kids Brutal Honesty in Public
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
- Kids are genuinely curious about everything - but they’re also brutally honest.
This can sometimes be uncomfortable in public, especially when they choose to stare or ask questions about someone different than themselves.
A lot of parents react to these tough with shame, shushing their kids or pushing them away. But this doesn’t teach them anything. Ever wondered what people who are different than you really want you to say to your kids in public when these kinds of questions come up? This is Raising Heights with Zach and Tori Roloff, and this is exactly what we’re breaking down today.
Listen in as we chat about:
➡️ How people really want you to respond to your kids when tough questions come up
➡️ Educating the behavior at the moment vs the impact of reflection
➡️ Why all behaviors and lessons have to start at home
➡️ The power of being kind in making a difference and changing lives
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:52 Peaks and Pits
11:02 How to educate kids about dwarfism and disability
18:35 Educating children about disabilities
25:08 Faith, genetics, and diversity in a family with a child with dwarfism
28:35 Staring at people with dwarfism in public
34:37 Parenting, disability advocacy, and faith
42:09 Disability awareness
47:30 Parenting and personalities
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Anytime my son asked me why someone looked different, I would say "why do you have blue eyes and I have brown? No two people are the same. But we are all part of the human race, so treat people how you would want to be treated. With respect!"
Exactly: We are all born "different" and...our blood is the same color, we cry the same tears, we feel joy and pain... differences make the world interesting and beautiful!
I⁷in
Zach's character ,how he carries himself adds to his handsome demeanor.
lol you must have a fetish . Get some help with that
Yes handsome and i love his voice
I so enjoy Zach's broad thinking around his dwarfism and his overall outlook on life. He has such a balanced process.
I agree…I would also like Tori to hold back more often and let Zach finish his thoughts…
When my daughter was 4 we passed a little girl in wheelchair flailing her arms and moving her head oddly. My daughter asked me why she was in a wheelchair. I replied that I didn't know for sure but it appeared that she had cerebral palsy. (I'm a nurse) She asked all types of questions as we walked and I answered as best as I could. So about 2 weeks later she said she wondered how Sarah was doing. Unaware of anyone named Sarah I asked who she was talking about. Her reply was Sarah Popalsey, the girl in the wheelchair! I'll never forget that moment.
Kids say things I just wished my girls both of them wouldn’t be so loud.
😂🤣 Damn I didn't see it going there. Oh sweet children
Adorable! ❤
I just want to say thank you for putting up with TLC for all these years with your family to educate us on this topic. I wouldn’t have ever been exposed to differences if it weren’t for shows like yours. It just normalized this for many of us and I’m grateful for that.
What do you mean putting up? While the dynamics of this family has changed I'm sure they had a choice to ( put up with TLC) as long as they have. There has been alot of positives for this family as well as it's fans. I personally think the show will stop soon because Zack and Tori has stopped taping. I wish everyone nothing but the best
@@TheJleliot if you watch some of the other shows’ cast members social media posts they will talk about their experiences working with TLC. While it’s typically positive, it can still be very tiring and annoying having cameras around almost 24/7 for a good chunk of your life. The editing can also change the audience perspective in a positive or negative way when they put things out of order. Prime example is when they brought up-in one of the previous podcast episodes-about how they (TLC) wanted to add more drama to LPBW when they were talking about the kids. Zach and Tori stated in the first podcast episode that this (the podcast) is where they can tell their story their way. So yes, put up with TLC.
It was for the money lol
@@violetash9597 Like Jake being sexually assaulted! Did TLC give him anything for ruining his life?
@@daveshoemaker7137 as far as I know, there was no compensation.
My son has vitiligo (loss of skin pigment that can be disfiguring.) When he started school, I had a "talk" with him attempting to prepare for the "questions." I went into great medical detail about his condition and how he should explain it to his classmates. It was a loooooong talk. One day, I asked him if anyone had asked about his skin. Of course they had- I asked, "How did you respond?" He said, "I just told them it's the way God made me." It was a simple and the most accurate response. Sometimes, adults/parents complicate explanations. I learned a lot from him that day :)
What do you think about just saying 'I don't know' and then dropping the topic? Like we all have physical traits and personality quirks or family history facts and the truth is we just literally don't know where they come from or why they are there or what it's about. I feel like that combined with body language might work.
Ваш сын молодец, пусть всегда будет уверен в себе
Tori I completely understand no one liking "negative" comments. I just have to say though, that I was so excited for this podcast because I was born with a disability. Please, let Zach finish his thoughts/sentences. I think there was so much more I could have learned from him. Love you both!
OMG, I just made a comment about that. 😂
… this might just be how some couples share stories and talk together… Zack can hold his own and he comes back to it and gets his point in 😃
It’s obvious they both have a ton of respect and love for one another 😊
@@cathinuferrous2336 Right! It's their own unique rhythm -- and it works great for them 😊
I came on here to see if anyone else felt like she was cutting him off. Cause it was driving me crazy
Yes I agree. I love this podcast and love hearing from Both of them, but not one podcast has she not interrupted something he was going to say that I was disappointed I didn’t get to hear. Unfortunately she isn’t reading these comments because she is still doing it months later every single week. 😂
I love your podcast. Tori, let Zach finish what he is saying. Love you all.
Little People Big World is such a great show! It really taught the world about dwarfism! ❤
My son is in a wheelchair and has a feeding tube. I was at the doctors. This mom was checking her daughter in and the little girl was hanging out in the waiting room. I was talking to my son about eating and getting his tube on to eat. She was very curious and I said would you like to see his Mickey Button where he eats. She came closer and I showed her as her mom watched on. I put it on and said now you can eat. She was like wow cool. I said everyone needs to eat my son just eats differently and that’s okay. I asked what she thought she said I eat with my mouth I said me too but Jace needs a Mickey button to eat. She said he is really happy because he was smiley and happy at am that point. Then we were called in and the mom said thank you. I said no problem. I would rather kids be educated about my soon then wonder why and no one answer. We went in for our appointment. I hope I had an impact Jon this little girls life. I would rather answer rather then have her wonder. It was a great teachable moment. ❤
What a great Mom you are. Education is the best way to handle it.
💚awesome what you did. Made me tear up.
Where do you guys film from? I thought this was your living room. Obviously not.. 😄💚
Awesome topic! Suggestion both speak, Zach sounds very wise, would like to hear him more often with less interruption. I love seeing and hearing you both and your growth as individuals. Watched the show for years and I love the family foundation. God bless your family
For sure! I do the same with my son who is w/c dependent with Mickey (also non verbal without his eye gaze device). What I have noticed as a mom of “typical” kids as well; is the teaching of “don’t stare” has caused an issue where my son is just invisible now. Nobody acknowledges him or talks to him and many times goes out of their way to avoid him. He is only 11 and it does make me sad that he has such little interaction with other people when we are in public.
I would love to hear Zach finish a sentence. To hear about his experiences. I do enjoy both of you.
Yes she's so annoying constantly interrupting Zach. I like Zach's perspective on things.
Yeah I agree, it is so annoying, when she butts in, and he forgets what he was talking about.
Yes, I know Tori has been trying to work on this, but she really needs to control her thoughts & let Zach speak.
Like stop cutting him off and I'm wishing people would be honest with them instead of just kissing their asses, if you were real fan, I've watched since day #1. Asking questions is NOT negativity, a pod cast opens up your life to questions and newsflash, you can't talk about kids 24)7 or you need to get a life cause after the kids are grown and gone you both will have absolutely nothing left, just like Zach's parents duh.
Tori is fine.. quit ragging on her. Don't watch
I grew up with one atheist parent & one devout christian parent. I think that gave me a better awareness of all the faith differences in the world, and a clearer picture of genuine kindness coming from an individual rather than it being a product of any faith alone. I've seen that there are both cruel & kind individuals everywhere, in every belief system. While my husband & I usually chose to attend a christian church, we also had close friendships with a diverse set of people from various religions and the non-religious, which I think helps prevent an isolationist "us vs. them" mentality in other areas too. Kindness is a choice. ❤
I have a son that received an autism diagnosis at 2 years old. Throughout his life I realized that Kindness starts in the home. My advice to others has always been to teach ALL your children about differences in others. Teach kindness. Teach Acceptance. I also know this. If we want this world to accept the differences in our children... they have to see them, they have to be with them, they have to get to know them. Inclusion is the answer! ❤
Tori, I love your enthusiasm! But, please let Zach finish a sentence. Love the podcast/content!
Especially when she interrupts him on the topic he is actually the expert of. It's frustrating.
She drove me mad with it lol Ask him a question then interrupts him to explain what the answer is to something he's the expert in
It seems to just be their 'rhythm' -- it works for them - and I think it's cute 😊
I live in a small rural state with not many people who have dwarfism. We moved into an apartment and there was a couple who both have dwarfism and because of your show, when I saw them I didn’t even give it a second thought. Without your show, I wouldn’t have stared because I was also taught not to do that but I may have given a second glance. The show definitely helped to educate people and teach people who may have only ever seen someone with dwarfism on TV.
Zach is so PRACTICAL; SENSIBLE; & Full of GODLY WISDOM # Love & Prayers for your Family.
Yes and I agree it’s not his responsibility to teach people how to behave and adults! Just his own kids
I like Zach’s simple response that is how God made him. With all the deceptions and lies nowadays is refreshing to hear absolute truth😊. Don’t change. May God bless you and your family Zach and Tori🙏💕❤️💕
I know my story isn’t that big, but I had Bell’s palsy for almost 2 months, and my right side of my face was paralyzed, and I could tell you that I was almost in tears because we went to eat at a China buffet and a grown woman was staring at me, eating and making a disgusting face, because I was struggling to eat . Treating somebody this way is not OK and so I totally agree with what you guys are saying especially adults should know better.
I totally feel your pain on this. I won't eat in public cuz I struggle to eat as well because of something that makes my face look, well, ugly. In fact, I won't even go in public without a face mask anymore cuz, every time I even forget to put it on, it only takes a couple of seconds for me to remember cuz I first FEEL, then I see everyone looking at me and suddenly I feel naked, and then I snap RIGHT AWAY, MY MASK!! and then put it on right away. But it's SO WEIRD cuz really, all I have to do is walk into the grocery store and in just the FIRST FEW SECONDS im in there, it REALLY IS like I walked in there naked! I'm looking round like.... WHAT???!!! then the thought "OH, MY MASK!" is my NEXT THOUGHT! But when I have my mask on (as I almost always do) it's TOTALLY DIFFERENT! NOBODY NOTICES ME AT ALL! It's SO NICE!
I’m absolutely loving hearing how your faith helps your family! I’m a Christian too and without God I’d be lost! Zach was the one I absolutely connected with the most from the Roloff Family! Thank you both!
As someone who uses a wheelchair myself, I am totally fine having someone come up to me and ask me questions, especially from kids who are genuinely curious. I would rather have that than have someone just stare or whisper or be led away like they did something wrong in asking the question.
I, too, am in a wheelchair. I have CRPS in my foot/leg & cant walk… also can’t wear a sock or shoe on my left foot. I once had a very small child staring while in a grocery store so I said hi to her. It took her about 5 seconds to respond back & then asked where my shoe was. So I told her I lost it. I think it’s under my bed so I have to go home & clean my room so I can find it. But her shoes were sooo pretty. Mom smiled back at me…. Child was allowed to be curious, wasn’t met with contention & everyone left with a smile. 💛 Curiosity is what helps us learn.
I love that you guys are Christian’s and not afraid to talk about it and pass that onto the kids, we need more of this in this world.
@@nancystasinopoulosjalowiec7668 give me a freaking break, clearly you aren’t.
Mat 7:4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
So happy you talked about being a Christian
I all ready thought that y'all were. I love your😢 parenting skills. All I want is to watch your blog.❤ I don't stare because enough people stared at
us. My dad was a double amputee (legs).When he would have a heart attack and in the hospital he want us to bring them with us when we picked him up. He didn't care if people stared at him. Here we go mama would carry them over her shoulder and you should have seen it. Some times we would put them in a wheelchair and pile blanket on them and let people think we had a serious problem. If anyone ask him he would talk to them and explain what happened to him. He would pull up his pant leg and let thump to see how they sounded parents even wanted tosee.I grew up with a father with no leg. He couldn't run of play ball but he would seat and rally for up if we were playing ball. There's wasn't much he couldn't do. Sorry, I was rambling and it was a different circumstance than y'all . Love to all the family. Can't wait for your next blog.❤
Me toooooo!!!!❤️🙏
That is the canned response every non Christian always says. Read the bible cover to cover three times through before you can qualify yourself as an expert on how Christians are supposed to be. Christians are normal people with normal feelings, and have a right to their feelings. Even God does not expect them to walk around as perfect humans, thats why His son died for us.@@nancystasinopoulosjalowiec7668
Children notice anything that is different then what they are used to. Clothes, hair, glasses, mode of transportation and disabilities. Its the parents obligation to educate them on how diverse their surroundings are. If they stare, use this moment as a teaching moment. Lids adapt so well and understand much more than some parents give them credit for. Thanks for a great podcast.
Sorry about your kitchen and the flooding 🙈
Thank you TORI for specifying your family’s faith-based perspective. As an atheist who parented my children accordingly, it was always just as simple an explanation: We are all different; some differences can be seen, some can’t. It’s science. I really appreciated though that you stated your family’s perspective and acknowledged that there are others who do not share your faith. I thank you for that.
Well duh lol obviously she or anyone know other people do things their way. No hate but that just seems obvious and I sense perhaps it's backhanded. We need more people bringing others to Jesus not less. And its beneficial for children to have that at a young age.
@@kaylariggs5188 Sure, that’s if you believe in all the Jesus God religion stuff. I was being sincere and thanking Tori for actually stating that those of us based in reason/science and not Christian faith may have other ways of educating our reason-based children. And wow, very mature of you to say Duh. Trying to be engaging in a positive way here. It’s hard to live as an atheist in what Christians think is a Christian nation (thought it absolutely is not). We atheists have to deal with the “given” that faith-based families always put out there (God made it that way). Well, uh, no, not for those of us who have no belief in your god
It's not 'YOUR' God it's everyone's God. I will pray that Jesus will work thru you & let you realize that God IS REAL...The Bible is the truth.
@@sherrywarner383 It most definitely is YOUR god. Not mine. No imaginary supreme being takes up vital real estate in my brain or heart. You believers in the greatest and most dangerous ruse of all time need to stop imposing your god, religion, and frankly detachment from reality on others. Keep that crazy to yourself.
@Cullenore how did we get here and why? From an atheist perspective
As a adult with a physical disability I want to thank you Tori and Zac for answering the question as to how a parent should reaction to a child asking about a disabled person. I have said all my life that a child never learns without asking but at the same time parents usually need more help than the child.
Tori hun, to those who berate you for venting your frustrations, fears etc, screw those haters as they're nothing more than extremely jealous/envious of the beautiful life you and Zach have created and worked so hard for. You have every right to have a place to let your frustrations go as we all do. I'm so sorry y'all have to deal with haters, just remember that there are far more of us who truly care about y'all ! You do you ❤️❤️❤️
I love how you said this❤ Haters/trolls are toddlers in adult bodies that need therapy and possibly meds! Lashing out on anyone, especially complete strangers, makes them look like jealous, immature idiots who are bitter. Max Lucado. daily meditations : Bitterness and anger are cancer to one's soul. The only good news is, bad comments also pay them 💪 and many will jump in to defend, more money for them! I try to always find good in the bad 🤷♀️ But, broken people need not reply, period!
Love your comment, agree 100% 😊
Tori, please let Zach answer the questions and please STOP interrupting him.
I love you both, it would really be great to hear what Zach has to say without being interrupted.
Zack nailed it on the head!! Kids need parents to
Step up! Not every experience outside the home should be a teaching experience teaching begins in the home. There are plenty of opportunities to teach your kids the proper way to address someone being different.
I love that you guys upload really early Thursday mornings, because I travel really early every Thursday. You help me pass the time while waiting for my flights.
Tori you had very valid frustrations . As a mom I feel like our hearts are in our homes and when your rhythm is off it’s a struggle . Hang in there and sending hugs from Eastern Oregon .
All of Zach’s family, Tori’s parents, and your kids would be fun guests
Friends
Amy and Chris
These PodCasts have become a favorite part of my day…thank you for producing! Love your family👏
I love this episode. I have a son (now in his late 20s) with tourettes. The neurologist at his diagnosis told him when people/kids ask why he's doing something, to say, "that's how God made me." I ALWAYS told my son that everyone has something - some things you can see & some things you can't. ❤ Love the LPBW show & now Raising Heights!
“Everyone has something” I love this! It’s so true and that’s what makes the world beautiful when we can all embrace those differences ❤
Thank you for sharing your faith!!! I retired after 40 years of being a teacher and administrator of children who experienced significant disabilities. Whether it was my own children or the typical children I taught in choir and missions at church, I talked to them about how God made us all differently. Not just in hair or skin color, but in abilities and challenges. I hope they went on to teach their one children that God creates each person as a unique individual; and our responsibility is to love everyone like He loves us.
I don't have the faith based answer but I think there is nothing wrong with saying that we are all made differently. It can be generic too. Every person looks different, talks different, things differently. I really appreciate this conversation. Thank you both for being so candid. Very very helpful to a fellow parent of three small kiddos.
No burden in educating others. That’s how GOD made us??? How is a kid supposed to make sense of it without educating. You really think educating is a burden??? Not right . Sorry
I love Zach’s answer. Some parents don’t teach kids these things.
I've been disabled my whole life. I'm one that has not embraced my disability. I've always hated it when someone pointed it out. Sometimes I would feel mad, sometimes I would be embarrassed and sometimes I would just stare back at people until they felt weird about it. I'm also a very timid person and people in general make me nervous. I've always liked to keep to myself a lot. Flash forward to now that I'm almost 50 years old I try hard to educate my kids and others but it's still hard for me. Thanks for talking about this. I can relate so much to Zach and all that he said..
I could have wrote this …..this is me 100%
Tori, please let Zach finish his thoughts before you speak, please, thank you!
I watched LPBW from the beginning, but it has been a pleasure to discover you two in an entirely new way. God bless you.
i love the approach you guys have with your kids when in public seeing someone who is different. And honestly, it all starts in the home. Children are not born to be prejudice, they are taught it!!!!
Would love to see Amy Roloff on one of these pod casts with you guys! Great podcast you guys! Love that you talk about your faith and Jesus❤
Yes, and hear her thoughts on parenting Zach along with three average height children. I know we had their show, but having her and Zach discuss now as both adults would be interesting.
Yes me too ! I would love to see Amy on y’all’s podcast .
Have been loving your honesty about everything. We too have sons with different challenges. I am so glad you stated “they want to be just like you”. So true. I have never treated anyone with a challenge differently because everyone wants to be treated the way and we are all unique in our own way. Exactly Zach, God created us in our own unique way. We are all his.
I have recall back in the late 80’s early 90’s there was a man with dwarfism who was one of the meanest grumpy individual I ever met - he was always mad in general due to businesses not accommodating due to his height and he was known to get drunk and he always carried a large stick to help him walk but would definitely hit people when he was drunk. I am so grateful for your program Little People and now your Pod to educate people
As a parent and teacher, I will say that I’ve always made it clear that you don’t ask questions like that in public. That’s something that you go home and ask your parents -why is that person different than I am. I’ve always taught my children if you have a question about something when we get home-you can ask me and I’ll explain it to you. The children are rude because parents have not taught them what is appropriate and what’s not. I agree with Zachary that it puts a burden on the person to answer it in public. Keep doing what you are doing by explaining these situations to people. Thank you so much for today’s message.
My dad was disabled in a motorcycle accident just before I was born and he was obviously handicapped my entire life. He was a teacher and encouraged people to just ask questions about his condition. He also taught us that we were an obvious example to others that people with disability are fundamentally part of the community just like everyone else!
The “brutal honesty” in children is part of the developmental process, or so I was taught in my school psychology program. Eventually the prefrontal lobes allow all of us to “think before we speak/act.” We lose that skill again-in our dotage. The degrees of being “outspoken” and of impulsivity vary among personalities, but well-parented children aren’t being “rude” per se-or trying to make messes or have accidents! But-children can be taught appropriate protocol. I really like your comments about being unable to teach on the fly what has never been discussed before! So true. I’m glad you two discuss this particular topic frankly.
First of all…love you guys! So happy yall are having this discussion. I remember the first time my son asked a man why he didn’t have any teeth…I was so embarrassed and had no clue what to say in that moment. Would saying God just made him that way work then!? I later told him if he ever had questions about how someone looked…to wait and then to ask me when we are in private.
Thank you so much for your honesty! I'm originally from Hillsboro, Oregon and watched you and your mom Zach, go to Home Depot for the Saturday kids day and you would build a birdhouse or tool carrier with her and I distinctly remember my little girls asking me questions about how small she was. I taught them to ask questions like that quietly and then we would continue the conversation in the car on the way home. This is why I think it is so important for your kids not to be continuously glued to videos and games while in the car because you can have such good conversations that would be missed otherwise. You offer very good and sound advice and I pray you continue!
Love your podcast. Your honesty and openness is truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing your lives and thoughts. You both have so much to offer to the conversation. It is so great that Zach gets to teach the public from his own experience so please let him finish his thoughts. I know it’s hard to do when you have so much to say and offer and a limited time. Appreciate you both. God bless you and your family.
LPBW was such a great way to help all able bodied people see people with dwarfism as normal, which was a first for television. Children are a sponge for learning and teaching and it’s a great opportunity to show your child how to talk to and think about anyone who is different than them. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻great episode guys! Also love the sweatshirts💚 you have swag now😂😂 ❤ Look for the teachable moments!
Thank you Tori for addressing that not everyone has the same beliefs. I personally would not use God to explain people’s differences to my son. I would use a very simple explanation of science. All bodies are different but some have more noticeable differences.
God created science
I love you guys. I also think that kids react to things that are different the way their parents react. Some parents are more ridiculous when people are different. I used to work in the school system and have literally seen parents look at kids that are different and say things vocally that you really shouldn't see happen. I feel that parents actually need to teach their childrent to realize that not everyone are the same but they are people and have feelings too.
As a parent with young kids I'm so happy to hear you address how we should respond as parents to questions about dwarfism or another disability. So good to keep in mind!! Sometimes it truly is hard to know what to do in a situation like that.
THE LOUDNESS OF THE FANS IS DEAFENING!! I love Zach’s thoughts about asthetics! Insurance!! 😮 The haters can just stop it! You go right ahead and vent!! I’ve been there with a kitchen flood!
“Where is your mother?” For sure!!! I agree that LPBW taught me about dwarfism. Later seasons, not so much. But I still love it. “That’s how God made him”…perfect first response! To the parent…don’t be embarrassed. Perfect advice!
Every podcast I say that was the best one!! Love you guys!
I don’t know how it happens but I love how the camera jumps between the two you!
Haha…the gene mutation explanation…Zach you crack me up! “Dwarf privilege “ 😂😂
If I saw you all in person, I would be tongue tied! I’m such a fan!
Bottom line…parent your kids, so true! You both are very wise, and it comes so naturally!
The child without a parent story…😂
As a young first time mom (about 30 years ago) I was in the post office with my 3 year old son. Another mom entered with her son about the same age. He was in a wheelchair. Tyler looked up at my and loudly announced, “hey mom! That boy is different than me!” Having never experienced this scenario I didn’t know how to handle it. I knelt down in a panic (not wanting to answer inappropriately). Before I had a chance to formulate my words, Tyler continued, “yah! He wears glasses and I don’t”. Sigh of relief. The boys began playing. I glanced at his momma and noticed that her eyes were glistening!!
When my daughter was 3, we were at a fall festival and a very large person was coming straight toward her. She had never seen someone that size before. She said very loudly "whoa! That's the biggest lady I've ever seen!! Mama do you see that lady???" Not only did the lady hear her but everyone else did and they all turned to see who my daughter was talking about. My husband and I quickly scooped her up and walked away. We were very embarrassed. It wasn't only a learning time for her but for us. We had never thought of how to teach her to react to someone different because we'd never had the situation arise. We immediately saw an area of parenting that we needed to work on. We told her that yes, it was the largest person we had ever seen, however....it isn't polite to say that out loud. How would she feel if someone said something loud about her that might hurt her feelings or embarrass her? She took it all in and learned from the incident and so did we.
I love Zacks perspective on things.. This conversation was needed. It has me rethinking some of my parenting skills when it comes to how my child reacts in public.
I am catching you for the second time. I enjoy catching up with your family. When people ask question why something is different , I just tell them the truth. Zack, you have a great voice!
I LOVE the way y'all parent .... Christian.... Understanding....Kind....Acceptance....& Above all LOVE.
I've never seen any differences even though there are some differences. But as Zach said, 'God created me like this' and it IS okay❤️.
Love this conversation, you guys are so amazing at explaining the difference in people , and how to handle it . I had a blind neighbour who had a lead dog and my nieces asked him “ are you blind or the dog “ children are so inquisitive . Good job guys ❤️🇨🇦❤️
Dude.. I am LOVING this podcast!! You guys are so fun to listen to. I love how you share your faith, your parenting stories and advice, personal stories. So glad you started this!! Xoxo
I can’t imagine the challenges with the show but Zach, I hope you know how much the show has educated people about dwarfism. I appreciate that so much as I feel much more educated and I’m sure there are thousands that feel the same
I've been overweight almost my entire life and I know how it feels to stand out, be ridiculed by kids at school and even family members. There was a time when I was very self conscious and tried to avoid children knowing there would be comments out of them. I understand what you guys are saying here. Watching your show for yrs and also the Little Couple with Bill and Jen really did let us know, just as Amy said and all of you have shown, you truly are just like us doing things a little bit different. Zach your light has always shone brightly. I watched your show because of you and your mom❤ The guest I would love to see is Amy 🥰
I have a 2 month old and a 5 year old and I instantly get embarrassed when he points out differences in others in public. I never know how to react so thank you for the information and insight. Love your podcast and have always loved watching your family on LPBW! Keep em coming family! 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you for sharing that info. I have a sister with Downs Syndrome and people don't understand alot of people who don't have a clue about different disabilities or people who are different. I appreciate the Roloff's show to learn about little people.
Love this! I also like to add in "we don't talk about other people's bodies" this covers disabilities and disorders of all types. I always try to bring it up in private and offer to answer questions or explain as much as I can and then remind them to think of others feelings. *long time nanny, you're not less than or worse of a parent for having less experience and not knowing how to react to situations you've never been in.
I just want to say I really appreciate both of your persons . When y’all was talking about God making us all different I almost cried. Your amazing individuals and a God blessed couple. We need more parents like you two. And more people like you as friends . Love and prayers .
I have loved listening to Zach. He’s very educated, and he really expresses himself well, much more so than he was allowed to on the show.
I have grown up watching LPBW since I was maybe 10 and the show had really enlightened me about little people. As a kid I really didn’t see a lot of little people so the show definitely help me realize that we are all just humans and capable of so much! I can remember when my family and I were leaving a restaurant and I was helping my little brother get into the van and a little person family pulled up next to us and I can remember my brother pointing and laughing saying “Looks at those midgets!”. I was so distraught and was so emotional and the first thing that came to my mind was Zach and his family and I had to educate my brother that they are just like him and I and they are born a little different. That memory lives rent free in my head as a learning experience but also a realization that LP will forever have to deal with these comments and looks from people of all ages! I love you guys and your family, we will always be fans of the show and will miss you guys! ❤
You two are so awesome! I have throughly enjoyed every single episode. I can't believe this first season is soon coming to an end. It's went by so fast! I'd also be interested if y'all done an episode similar to this one but it be about if you've experienced adults being brutally honest saying something about Zack and the kids being different. I'm curious about this because Tori mentioned seeing a man at the swimming pool with only 1 leg, and my husband has actually lost both his lower legs in the past year. We've actually experienced more adults being rude and making jokes and their kids actually saying hey Dad/Mom don't say that it's mean.
Small kids are very observant.
They might bring up something that's different..but it is human nature to do that.
However, once a SIMPLE and reasonable explanation has been given..they are always the first to move on and treat every1 the same.
Curiosity isn't rude. It is natural.
Adults could so learn some things about socializing with people who are different from kids.
Great message! And thank you for being open with your faith and not afraid to share it on social media! Your podcasts are always great to listen to. You are both so true, down to earth and relatable, it’s great!
This episode was so great. It’s helpful to know ways to handle a situation like this. Until your reality show, I don’t think, I’d ever ran into a little person. I would never want to make anyone uncomfortable so hearing how to help kids understand differences is great. Your explanation was great. 😊
YAYYYYYY !!! Can't wait to see the kiddos next week :)
This was a great episode & hearing Zach's view on this was very insightful....
I really am not sure how I would approach this with kids in public...they are SO brutally honest sometimes and when they don't understand things they always ask SOOO many questions haha
NEXT SEASON I think it would be so great for you guys to bring in guests! Other parents, family members & friends. I would be so curious to see the perspectives of those closest to you guys!
It would be so interesting to hear the perspective of your parents Tori! I'm sure they fell in love with Zach quickly like you did! But what kinds of things did you guys discuss and have had to learn together knowing that there was a high chance of having short statured children? Your mom has always come across as such an angel who has the sweetest heart!
My parents were always very open to answering any questions I had growing up. I knew that and I think it's good to let your child know that because it is easy as a young child to become curious and point and just blurt out bold questions at inappropriate times. My parents also taught me that everyone deserves respect, it's not polite to point, stare or whisper and we should treat everyone as we want to be treated.
Therefore, if I saw someone who looked different than me and I was curious, it was easier for me to wait until we got home to ask my parents because I knew how I should behave and I also knew that my questions would be answered.
I love this. Thanks for sharing. I use to hear kids having melt downs and I would say my kid would never I would do this or that. Well my DIL has brought a beautiful young man into our life. Her brother, who has autism and I have learned so much and have had to do so much praying for forgiveness for my judgment. Now when I see a parent struggling or a child having issues I can say a prayer for them and see how I can help. ❤ Awareness is awesome.
Hey guys, just want to say I love your podcast and so happy your in Battleground now. My husband went to high school there and we have lots of family there. We live pretty close to you in Woodland since we were married in 77', yes a long time and yes we're old now. Your kids are sooo cute. I think as a child the only dwarfs we ever saw was on the movie Wizzard of Oz as the munchkins. My sister and I acted out the song, The Lollypop Kids for our parents. Remember it, so cute. I love that your believers gifted with so much wisdom to share. Keep it up, your such blessings. 🙏🏽
Thank you for being so open about your faith.
This is a great episode. This may help alot of people. Great job. Thanks for all the info and advice. Blessings
I’ve seen your dad and my granddaughter saw Zach and Jackson at the beach. Our thoughts were it was fun to see you in person and appreciate all that you have taught us.
I just want to say I love your podcast! I look forward to each new episode every week, thank you guys for sharing your life with us fans! ❤️
Every human being needs to watch this video… thank you for inspiring all of us to be authentic loving people. ❤️🙏👍
My Aunt was born with spina bifida. She is one of the most amazing and CAPABLE women I know. When I was little she could still walk with crutches. As she aged she needed to use a wheelchair to be mobile.
I can remember when I was a child I would get so upset at people who would stare or make dumb comments. She was great about it. She would ask them “would you like to see my crutches or would you like to look at my wheelchair.”
She always approached it as a teaching moment. But, she always handled it with such grace and kindness. She always was open to explaining her condition and to educate. She raised us to politely and kindly ask questions if we met someone who might have a different abilities or body differences. She said “people are usually happy to tell you their story.” She raised all of us (13 nieces and nephews) to be kind and compassionate. A trait we have passed on to our children. Knowing her has made all of better human beings.
This was a great topic to discuss. Parents really need to talk to their kids when they’re young that not everyone is the same and it’s okay. I’m really liking your podcast.
What a great podcast ! I literally learn something each one I listen to. Thank
You for opening up to us all. Hope the house is finished soon!!
Great episode and topic. I always love to hear opinions like this directly from those actually impacted by it. Also, have to say that I love the thumbnail pic - you both look so happy and great. Looking forward to the chaos of episode 10!
This was a great topic!!! I feel like I learned a lot. I love that you guys do read the comments and try to learn from them!
The two of you are such wonderful souls and great people. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. We use the same saying as y'all do, because God made them that way and we love them so much. Your both so great at this and I will miss you while you're gone, but looking forward for ya to coming back... 💖💖💖
You guys are so real, so genuine, and such freaking wonderful parents! I have a collapsed spine from a severely botched back surgery. I'm also a female and 6'6" tall, so I already had that to deal with...(5'11" in the 5th grade.) Now, since my surgery in 2008, my spine has slowly collapsed and I'm currently leaned over just above the waist (picture an upside down "L" and when I'm standing that's as straight as my body will get period.) I look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame on steroids and people stare, point, adults will say something totally rude ABOUT me to the person that they are in public with, atleast one person each time I go in public walks up and asks if I'm okay and if they can pray for me (which I welcome.) However, I do get tired of dealing with it every trip into public, it's created severe social anxiety for which I will not go into public unless I absolutely HAVE to, and I'm 42 yrs old now so I just want peace. I've accepted that I'm different, I've accepted it'll probably never get fixed due to the high chance of paralysis or death and I'm not going to chance leaving my 14 yr old to be raised by his crappy father. My ex husband who has Morquio Syndrome and he's only 5'1" so imagine the stares we got when I was straight and 6'6" tall! My 14 yr old took after me, he's a spitting image of my brother and I, and he's 6'4" or 5" (160 lbs.) So he's tall and skinny with muscle but skinny...😊 I've always, always made sure to educate him about people who are different, I've approached in a very similar way that you guys do, and he is now such an empath at age 14, very mature for his age in that aspect, very helpful to run and grab a door, carry groceries, etc for a stranger that seems to be struggling. So, I'm very proud of how he responds in situations where he sees someone who might be a little different from him (he kinda knows how it feels as he's really tall for his age...) Anyway, I agree wholeheartedly with everything that you guys said, especially to not forget the incident and to have an educational conversation with your child when you're in private. If you have to, Google whatever it is that you saw was different whether it be dwarfism, down syndrome, someone extremely tall like myself, someone in a wheel chair like myself, etc. THAT is SO IMPORTANT, especially in the younger years and up into their teens. I started educating mine about differences from the moment that he could speak and understand. Well, I've ranted long enough just to simply say that you guys are awesome, I love your podcast (I only listen to or watch two others.) Thank you for taking the time and using your platform to use this moment to educate thousands of people! Maybe they will have discussions with friends or family and y'all could start a whole a$$ movement. ❤❤❤
Love your podcast!! Thank you for continuing on with a podcast, I have been watching Little People Big World since the beginning and it's nice to see both you grow from kids to adults to parents. As a person with ADHD and talk over people all the time, it's hard to let others talk when I don't notice at the time I talk too much or talk over people until after it's all said. It's definitely a constant struggle. I have noticed Tori is doing better with letting Zack talk more, but I understand the struggle. I would love to see both Zack and Tori's parents and siblings on. Maybe Zack and Jeremy can discuss being twins as adults.
I am thankful to my dearest Mom. We grew up a million years ago in the 60's. Before we went out in public she would explain to us that there were going to be people that were different from us. In her own simple way, she gave us an explanation that would help us in the big world. One of my first classmates was a gal named Beryl. Her Mom consumed thalidomide and Beryl came into the world as a kiddo with other than normal attributes. I'm glad we were friends, and I will always remember her courage and how my Mom helped me understand the world I lived in.
I love that you are talking to us. I’d love to see you have your siblings on. Blessings and thanks for sharing.
I think your podcasts have been terrific so far. This one was very very enlightening also because being older the fact that parents tell kids not to stare was the way it was taught. And I do agree with teaching children the way you would like it done and I for one will for sure be doing that if it ever arises with my grandchild or probably any child I overhear asking. Better informed means better behavior also.
I look forward to your podcast every week! May God bless you always❤️
A thought that came to me is that the parents are uncomfortable and so handle the situation inappropriate. Humanity needs to be educated on how to handle differences. great show!
It surely has been amazing hearing your story from you. You are refreshingly honest.
We have a daughter with Down Syndrome, and we've had to endure stares in public over the years. God has given me the grace to not let it really bother me. I am proud of her, and I am so glad that our girl doesn't seem to notice these looks . I also worked in Special Ed and out on the playground with my students I've had lots of questions from kids regarding my daughter or other students with disabilities. I just tell them that we are all different, and that's a good thing. I also don't shy away from saying that God surprised, yet blessed us with this special child. I wouldn't change her for anything in the world!
You two are awesome in how you handle these situations.
I handle stares at my adult daughter with Down Syndrome with a proud smile. I prefer to answer questions that kids might have.
I've known a number of people with Down syndrome throughout my life, and I've always been in awe of how wonderful each and every one of them were, and I've learned so much from them personally. I think people with Down syndrome have superpowers that the rest of the world can benefit from.❤
Thank you for your podcast and talking about your faith. God bless your family.
Absolutely love this vlog! You both are so awesome!! Thank you!!💕😊
Yeah I would NOT suggest telling your kids go ask them, “what happened? Why are you in a wheelchair?” Makes them feel like their existence needs explanation. And like Zach said, we don’t owe anyone an explanation for how we move through the world. I was born with Spina Bifida and use crutches or sometimes a scooter, but in listening to people who use wheelchairs due to a spinal cord injury, they’ve made the point that often that due to car accident or traumatic event, and they don’t want to have to relive that over and over. I think if it’s an issue of a mobility aid, a good in the moment answer is something like “some people’s bodies work differently and they might use something to help them get around more easily”. Then later follow up maybe like Zach suggested about teaching them what is good manners in those moments. Thanks for takling this subject. Love you guys!
thank you for discussing this topic! Never really knew how to best deal with this issue when my kids were little. Hopefully I'll do a better job with my grandkids when they come. And I appreciate that as Christians you expressed that part of the issue... God created you like that!! He makes us as we are, and each person is His unique creation and as you so well stated has a purpose in this life! Have truly appreciated watching/listening to your videos and learning how "normal" of a family you two have!