Camargue
"The Little Couple" now seems about 95% about the children, with Bill and Jen (and their attempts at parenting) providing custodial roles! Even when a story line begins with Bill or Jen, it pivots to highlight the children, and the "problems" of parenting. (Perhaps the show needs a new title.) The test of the Stein/Arnold parenting strategy will not be available for 20 years or so. We have no idea if cute little Will, and tiny adorable Zoey, will develop the character necessary to be happy, well-adjusted, productive human beings, given their unusual histories. Both Will and Zoey were plucked from desperately poor situations (Will in China; Zoey in India) in crowded orphanages. With their physical limitations, it would be fair to assume their futures were not terribly bright in their native countries, and that they were probably headed toward very limited outcomes. But, with their being "chosen" by the adoption services that recommended them to Bill and Jen, the children can certainly be included in the (often times trite) adage of "winning life's lottery!" They are certainly extremely fortunate!The heavily edited episodes of reality TV do not tell us what we are actually seeing; normal life for them, or just "cute" moments. Bill and Jen seem to PUSH their children into doing things they are not nearly old enough to do, so episodes may come across as trite, shallow, or just obnoxiously spoiled. Example, banging away on piano keys as a 3 year old gives zero indication of interest; Jen should have waited until the children are at least 7 or so, with greater finger strength, and more verbal ability to understand and question what they are doing. Who can forget their TERRIBLE behavior at the Legoland New York display. (Just because Bill is "from there" does not give their family complete freedom to damage the exhibit! Millions of people are from New York City (including my own grandparents) but most do not claim special privileges at New York exhibits.)Another example is that Bill should NOT have given Will access to a museum quality Scottish cannon to "knock around." Instead of being concerned about damaging the brass and copper plating on the historic cannon, Bill ONLY voiced concern that the cannon barrel didn't "land on Will's foot" and send him to an infirmary. (At that point, I would have welcomed ANY discipline toward Will, but there was none coming. Just the poor beleaguered Scottish guide imploring Will to "come over here.") Bill and his father were useless in minding Will's destructive behavior (or the obvious delight he takes in being destructive, which is certainly problematic). The family went to lunch in Scotland and spent an inordinate amount of time insulting "haggis," as disgusting and Jen wouldn't even try it. Bill bragged about being "sophisticated" but still condemned it before tasting. (FYI, haggis tastes very much like our holiday stuffing, since it contains most of the same ingredients, but adds oatmeal as a filler instead of dried bread cubes.) It is usually served as a "side dish" to another "main" protein, such as baked chicken or turkey. It is delicious; I order it every time I'm in Scotland. Also, it will be a bit different wherever you order it since recipes vary. Just as your mother's stuffing is different than your MIL's, which is different from your neighbor's, which is different from a restaurant version! In fact, Bill told his dad it was much like liverwurst, which means his order had a lot of liver; some has more heart; while another has more onion, or celery; but it is ALL good.) They couldn't even be fair; they condemned it before they tried it, which is not a good lesson for the children. (Since Will eats like a garbage scow, I don't know why they didn't give it to him. He would have acknowledged that it tasted good.) The "opportunities" that Will and Zoey engage in, remind me of our first "reality show" with Prince William and Prince Harry being allowed to do things that were not age appropriate because Lady Diana was able to arrange outings for her sons that other children would never be allowed to do. Did those "amazing opportunities" cause William and Harry to develop any happier or better off? Certainly they did nothing for William's bed wetting and nail chewing, or Harry's inappropriate behavior, ability to focus, or make sound decisions. Being treated "as more entitled" than other children is a mixed blessing. Being allowed to do things that are not age appropriate can result in destructive behavior, which should be embarrassing to Bill and Jen, but she just gives a horse laugh and he says, "they're kids, what do you expect." (What we expect are for the adults to behave responsibly; to monitor and direct their children. Bill saying, "they're too fast for me" is a poor excuse for lazy (or absent) parenting.The Stein/Arnold family will be able to give their children amazing opportunities; the world will be their oyster; I can't imagine any college turning them down, or any roadblocks or challenges not overcome. As far as their self-confidence, ability to self-motivate, or feel compassion for others . . . . that is the test.
Irishchatter
I love this show! Myself, my family and my granny love watching this whenever it's on! It is just such a sweet show! At first, I thought the show was scripted but as i kept watching more episodes, I didn't think that thought after all because they are such genuinely nice people who are so caring of their two adopted children and work very hard in their careers.Jennifer is a very very well spoken person, she should be president of America as she really inspires people who have dwarfism and other disabilities. Bill is very sweet and laid back, he can be droll sometimes which is very funny. He definitely is the sense of humour guy. You have to love Will, he is such a cutie who would always smile and like Bill, he has gotten his sense of humor. Zoe is like such a doll although she is quite picky and very careful on who she deals with even for her age, she definitely knows what she likes and doesn't like! If you want someone to cheer you up, tune into these folks, you would love them!
donnajleo
It's as if I were a fly on the wall...that these Kleins are sharing their lives with the world at large is fabulous. I am not still married and had no children and it's really fun and a lot of smiles watching how Jen and Bill so bravely live and the kids are hilarious. As they come up against the things that might slow them down, the next thing they are living as joyously ( is that a word?) as they can. Will is a character and is a force of nature and he is lucky to have found these parents. Zoey is adorable and has a determination that is admirable and foretells a strong little girl. They seem to get along so well and it's really fun to watch them as they grow. Bill and Jen are some special people.
italianredneckgirl
While in the hospital I found, TLC's,The Little Couple. I was in the ICU, struggling. Without boring anyone with the details of my life, I'll say that The Little Couple saved my life and kept me company while I was unable to have my own family by my side. The show is reality based, following the lives of Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klien. Dr. Arnold is a physician at Texas Children's Hospital, specializing in pediatrics and simulation development and education. Standing at a mere 3'2,Jennifer is a powerhouse of strength and charisma. It was during a marathon that included her cancer scare that I first discovered the show. William 'Bill' Klien is the CEO of Rocky's & Maggie's, a pet store in Texas. He is originally from New York, where he was a successful business man as well. Standing at just about 4'0, Bill is the loving,caring, sweet husband to Jen. Following the couple throughout their relationship, the ups, downs, and medical scares feels like going through it with family. Jen and Bill are extremely likable. It isn't difficult to overlook their stature-not that they want us to. Quite the contrary, they are proponents of education. They, hand and hand educate everyone, not only on their skeletal dysplasia, but on marriage, and finally, joyfully parenthood. Traveling around the world, twice, Jen and Bill have created their perfect little family. Will and Zoey are precious, precocious children that add happiness and genuine smiles to anyone's life. I'm incredibly invested in this show, crossing social media and having the opportunity to "chat" with Jen. We share a lot of the same career experiences, as well as both being mommas. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend watching this series. Just do it, you'll be happy you did.