S08.E04: Zoey's Birthday Party

[Foghorn Leghorn]

 

Bill said they wanted to clean out the garage so that they would have a clear path to the bathroom for their guests. I saw a toilet up against a wall in the garage; I hope that was not the bathroom Bill referred to because I certainly would not use a toilet sitting out in the open like that. I'd rather hold it.

 

Totally agree on this, I thought the same thing as the camera panned the oh so tidy garage and then I spotted a lone toilet and a sink with zero privacy!!  I'll hold it thanks!

Edited December 26, 2014 by Foghorn Leghorn

[Chalby]

Re: Jen looking as though she has 'aged'.

 

I have watched a couple of my friends age dramatically as they were going through chemo. That's a harsh road to climb. I hope Jen spoils herself with spa visits to celebrate her remission.

[NausetGirl]

But a kid with Will's condition would show weight gain if he's eating so much, the extra weight, or added pounds would have nowhere to go due to his short stature. He showed weight gain before when overeating, what would change now?

 

It'd be one thing if he were average size and had a little height to him, but since he doesn't there would be more physical signs if he were in fact eating so much instead of just seeing him with food, usually because he's having a meal, or sometimes when he's having a snack or whatever.

 

A child who was eating a great deal of time would not necessarily gain weight, regardless of physical condition. If the amount of food is being monitored, if the choices are limited to low-calorie foods, and if the child is active enough to burn off what he's eating, he would not gain weight. I fully realize we see Will's life in edited form - but what we do see more often than not shows food in some form - meals, snacks, "pantry crimes" etc.

[Honey]

I noticed that this years episodes are on Youtube. I don't know when they be posted.

I wish they were.  When you click on the You Tube video, it says click below to watch episode.  When you do that, it takes you to a site where you have to sign up and provide a CC#.  There has to be somewhere to watch it.  Frustrated.

 

ETA:  I see last weeks episode on You Tube for free.  Maybe it takes a while for the new ones to be put up.

Edited December 26, 2014 by Honey

[Libby]

I thought it was funny when Bill and Jen switched off while the garage was being straightened up. Bill had been rough housing with the children, playing "sandwich". The children were very excited and hyper. Jen comes in and says let's take a rest, lets read a book. I thought to myself, fat chance. I really don't think she understands children very well.

[CPP83]

A child who was eating a great deal of time would not necessay gain weight, regardless of physical condition. If the amount of food is being monitored, if the choices are limited to low-calorie foods, and if the child is active enough to burn off what he's eating, he would not gain weight. I fully realize we see Will's life in edited form - but what we do see more often than not shows food in some form - meals, snacks, "pantry crimes" etc.

 

 

Children with Achrondroplasia like Will often have metabolic disorders to go along with their body types, which already normally means they weigh heavier than average sized kids their ages do, which make it that much harder for them to lose weight, so basically they can pack on weight without really trying to and then have a hell of a time trying to get it off. So while being active and eating low calorie would help, the volume of food intake in Will's case is paramount as well.

 

If he's eating a lot of whatever it would typically impact him and his weight gain based on his specific medical conditions, that was my point. If he were an average sized five year old with a physical limitation that'd be one thing, but having the type of dwarfism he does causes him far more issues and problems with weight that he has to deal with. That's why I think Jen and Bill have done a good job so far finding a happy medium when it comes to Will and food because he appears to be holding steady and getting healthier and that is not easy to do.

 

The reason I bring up how the show is edited and what that means in consideration to all the "food talk" and scenes where they're eating is, imo, due to the fact that the show is a rather skimmed down version of their daily lives.

 

Will isn't snacking constantly, he is not having lunch four or five times a day, he isn't going to a birthday party every other day, he is a little boy who eats and that gets condensed that down for the episodes so that has a lot to do with why the volume seems so great when really it's many meals and snack times and treats over as many days if not longer so really the amounts are stretched out in a normal, non excessive way.

 

Yes food is a common topic but it's the same in many houses with little children five and three years old, or many households period, I know in mine it is, heh. We don't see Zoey and Will at bath time, we see them having breakfast, we don't see them being put to bed really, we see them at lunch, we don't see them at school or going to their kiddie gym classes, we see them getting a snack or having a birthday party.

 

So much of what happens in their daily lives isn't shown, which I actually think is for the best, and this show doesn't keep to a daily timeline. In one episode we might see them over the course of several days, or maybe a week, and sometimes even more than that.

 

That is why I don't see any need for Jen and Bill to curb Will's eating or that they need to get a better handle on it because, to me, he's just eating. He isn't eating a lot in reality but the show is able to collect all the scenes where Will and food are involved and they put a lot of them into a 40 minute block, anything can seem excessive and over the top when so much attention is paid to it.

 

 

 

I find Zoey so adorable. When she said "bye" to the invitation card lady in her tiny little girl voice my cold heart thawed a bit.

 

 

 

Zoey is like a ray of sunshine, heh, she can just bring a smile to your face. When she was being "tortured" I think at the first doctor's office after he was finished with the exam she seemed to abandon Bill and Jen, heh, and went to her Grandpapa for "protection". I thought that was too cute.

 

 

I thought it was funny when Bill and Jen switched off while the garage was being straightened up. Bill had been rough housing with the children, playing "sandwich". The children were very excited and hyper. Jen comes in and says let's take a rest, lets read a book. I thought to myself, fat chance. I really don't think she understands children very well.

 

 

 

It could have been getting close to nap time and Jen wanted to start helping them wind down. Or maybe she had a headache, heh, who knows, but a mom telling her kids to settle down and encouraging them to have "quiet time" is fairly common place, especially after their father has practically worked them up into a frenzy. I don't see that particular move as Jen not understanding children, if anything that's proof she knows them quite well. She was trying to distract and detain them, to me that's a typical response from a mother sometimes.

 

Imo taking your children aside and letting them have a cool off period after hyperactive playtime can be a good thing because it can keep them wrangled and in line. Jen herself has taken on the kids when they're running all over the place. We saw that exact scene at the beginning of the episode and yet she wasn't trying to get them to sit and be still and calm down for her sake, she let them have the run of the place and dealt with it.

Edited December 26, 2014 by CPP83

[TEEVEE]

TeeVee said   "...That coupled with the Klein's materialistic and shallow approach to living large, is so very unrelateable for me. The kids being so little and cute should not be sold as entertainment...."

 

I don't know if I agree with you, TeeVee. I love this show the most of all the reality fare that's out there. I find Bill and Jen aren't 'selling" their kids, as they are trying to teach us lessons and help explain their way of life. They also show how 'regular' they are despite their differences. Zoey and Will have allowed me a chance to be a bystander for overseas adoptions, as well as for prepping kids for people going into the hospital. It's been exceptionally interesting.

I don't disagree with you that it is interesting. It truly has been. It is easy for me to be judgy, but that is why we have this great forum. However, if it were me, and my desire for a child, perhaps even more so, a special needs child, TLC would be the last place I would turn.

[walnutqueen]

I had to laugh at Bill's "Stop saying shabby chic and farm at the same time".

 

I also enjoyed Jen's THs, laughing at her own "obsessions" and beaming with joy while talking about her kids.  Sweet.

[CPP83]

There is no way of knowing what happens when they are not being filmed.

 

 

 

My position is based on the comments that were made during Will's examination. According to what was said by both his parents and the doctor it seems he's doing well. Imo a child like Will with a eating problem/issue wouldn't present so well at the doctor's office. 

 

Whatever kind of diet he has it's good for him, he's shown positive improvements with his body and that doesn't just happen overnight with a kid with his type of dwarfism. That takes a lot of dietary planning and scheduling.

 

Certainly we can and do assume a lot of things in their personal, day to day lives but to me things like visiting the doctor and having a specialist give his verdict on a child's health and condition is pretty straightforward. Right now Will isn't in control of what he eats or how much, thank goodness, that s all Bill and Jen and they're seemingly keeping him in check.

 

 

Children do need a cool down period. I think Jen was asking them to go from 100 to 5 in a matter of minutes. I would have let them continue to play in a calmer way for a while and then brought up rest/book reading. There was absolutely no way they were ready to sit quietly yet, in my opinion.

 

 

 

Frankly I don't think it'd been the end of the world if they were "ready" or not, nothing was being taken away of any importance or denied to them for the long term, she decided it was time to settle them down for a little bit, no harm there.

 

Jen told them what they could/would do next and led them off, if they fussed or complained about it so be it, they would have settled down eventually. For all we know they might nave even been tired and ready for a break by that point themselves, they certainly seemed to have put Bill through the wringer as he seemed more than happy to "tag" Jen in, heh.

Edited December 26, 2014 by CPP83

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Do they give back....I mean when the cameras aren't rolling? When? I don't recall.  

 

I wondered the same thing.  How do they give back?  

[Libby]

The doctor they were talking to was an orthopedic doctor. I thought he was referring to Will's bone development. He didn't make any references to Will's eating habits or weight.

I don't see how conclusions about Will's diet can be reached from that doctor's visit.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

 

Right now Will isn't in control of what he eats or how much, thank goodness, that s all Bill and Jen and they're seemingly keeping him in check.

 

Unless the pantry is left wide open and he goes in and takes what he wants and won't give it back so Bill and Jen are keeping that in check!  LOL

[TEEVEE]

I haven't seen them not eating or referring to the next meal or snack. And WIll has gained weight in this belly and arms and legs. He might have been not given a nutritionally sound diet in China but he was not thin. This little quirk that may have turned to an obsession or just liking to eat could have been easily rectified in my non professional opinion within a month.

[CPP83]

The doctor they were talking to was an orthopedic doctor. I thought he was referring to Will's bone development. He didn't make any references to Will's eating habits or weight.

I don't see how conclusions about Will's diet can be reached from that doctor's visit.

 

 

I'm not a doctor myself, but I do know a little bit about the struggles of those with dwarfism, especially when it comes to their weight.

 

Will's bone growth and development can be directly impacted by his overall health, which does include his diet and how it's affecting his weight gain. If Will's diet wasn't keeping his weight in check he wouldn't present well to a doctor in general but especially to an orthopedic surgeon because a Will who weighs too much is very much at risk for not growing and developing strong bones as he should.

 

Bill commented that Will be seeing Dr. Mackenzie, that's the first doctor they visited with, at least annually up until adulthood to ensure his growth and development are progressing well. Since Will has Achondroplasia diet and exercise would be very much apart of any conversation dealing with his particular body issues.

 

Being a little person with excess weight is something that any doctor they see would pay close attention to. Added pounds can be the difference between bowed legs needing to be straightened by pins and back surgery and braces and casts, not to mention all the other adverse affects that come from being overweight or even considered obese.

 

The extra weight just sits on them like bricks and it's difficult to get rid of it, especially as they age so getting it in check when they're young is key, and so far Bill and Jen seem on top of that. They know for themselves how hard the struggle can be and it's clear to me that they want the very best for their children when it comes to their health.

 

 

 

Unless the pantry is left wide open and he goes in and takes what he wants and won't give it back so Bill and Jen are keeping that in check!  LOL

 

 

 

Well I think the baby gates stay closed more often than not, which block his access to the kitchen and pantry and so far Will hasn't yet learned how to scale a kitchen counter.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

 

I fully realize we see Will's life in edited form - but what we do see more often than not shows food in some form - meals, snacks, "pantry crimes" etc.

 

Food keeps Will happy, Zoey not so much in comparison.  Bill and Jen play to the cameras and indulge the kids simply to keep the peace and not force discipline or a break in filming.  It is funny though they don't seem to care when Zoey melts down on camera yet they are not allowing it to happen with Will.  

 

My guess is Will's meltdowns include throwing and hitting and I would love to see one so I can laugh along with Bill and Jen!

[4leafclover]

 

 

Do they give back....I mean when the cameras aren't rolling? When? I don't recall. 

I wondered the same thing.  How do they give back?

 

Jen and Bill do much to give back, particularly in the Houston area.  Both have given talks at local schools on the topic of bullying.  Their pet store, Rocky and Maggie's, is active in the support of local pet rescues and pet charities and Jen is very active in educating the public on the issues of healthcare related to children with disabilities (ACE Kids Act and Speak Now For Kids).  There may be more that I am not aware of, but I am particularly grateful for their philanthropic work in the pet rescue area, one in which I also feel passionate about as well.  

 

I am both confused and concerned about anyone who thinks their children are being "exploited" yet feels it is "entertaining"  to watch.  

Edited December 26, 2014 by 4leafclover

[CPP83]

Some people think that Will looks like he's gaining weight. They might speculate that he eats the same way off camera as on. Other people speculate that he eats less off camera. I don't think we can give one opinion or the other more weight. Both speculations are valid. In my opinion, we only know what we see on the show, and all speculations about what happens off camera should be given equal weight.

 

 

Everything I've said has solely been my opinion and I certainly don't wish to be seen as some authority on Will's health and lifestyle, I'm merely guessing and assuming as anyone else does.

[4leafclover]

The doctor's opinion that Will is doing well seems to give a slight edge to those who think food is not as big of an issue as others think it is.  

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Jen and Bill do much to give back, particularly in the Houston area.  Both have given talks at local schools on the topic of bullying.  Their pet store, Rocky and Maggie's, is active in the support of local pet rescues and pet charities and Jen is very active in educating the public on the issues of healthcare related to children with disabilities (ACE Kids Act and Speak Now For Kids).  There may be more that I am not aware of, but I am particularly grateful for their philanthropic work in the pet rescue area, one in which I also feel passionate about as well.  

 

I am both confused and concerned about anyone who thinks their children are being "exploited" yet feels it is "entertaining"  to watch.  

 

I think a lot of that giving back is "building their brand" to advertise both for their store and their new website of products.  And I am sure most pet stores lobby for pet rescue.  Do we know if they sell pets at their store?  This is a topic I also feel strongly about and as a member of a couple of local pet rescues we do not support the sale of pets when so many are in need.  I don't live in Texas so I don't know.  

 

Jen has told us on the show she represents her employer TCH in her efforts for Speak Now for Kids and as part of her job she is compensated in addition to a fully paid trip for the whole family to Washington.  

 

I applaud their efforts to share their own bullying experiences.  

Edited December 26, 2014 by Foghorn Leghorn

[4leafclover]

 

I think a lot of that giving back is "building their brand" to advertise both for their store and their new website of products.  And I am sure most pet stores lobby for pet rescue.  Do we know if they sell pets at their store?

 

Its obvious that no matter what Jen and Bill do for others, its not going to be enough for some.  While some may think their efforts in the pet rescue community is to "build their brand" or to "advertise,"  I would rather believe they are doing it for other reasons.  Maybe I'm naive, but I do think they're efforts are founded in the good instead of the branded.  Given the (assumed) limited time they have to physically make a living, I'm not going to deny them any efforts they make to build their retirement and educational funds for the future.  

 

And no, they do not sell pets in their store.  They do however, sponsor pet adoptions at Rocky and Maggie's through local rescues.

[Bellalisa]

Do you think on the invitation was a note about - this party is being televised and your child and yourself may appear on it. If you do not wish to be on TV, please don't come?

 

This is the kind of thing that intrigues me. 

[NausetGirl]

Do you think on the invitation was a note about - this party is being televised and your child and yourself may appear on it. If you do not wish to be on TV, please don't come?

 

This is the kind of thing that intrigues me. 

 

I certainly hope it did.  I would think parents had to sign some type of releases to be filmed, even if most ended up on the cutting room floor.

Edited December 26, 2014 by NausetGirl

[NausetGirl]

The doctor's opinion that Will is doing well seems to give a slight edge to those who think food is not as big of an issue as others think it is.  

 

Completely agree. Personally I'm far more concerned that food is being used as a leverage with Will for good behavior. And yes, I know it's used that way in many, if not most, households with young children. A lot of us speed when driving too, but that doesn't make it a good thing to do. It seems like doling out treats is an easy way-out in many situations, and it establishes a pattern - a poor one.  Kids begin to expect that they'll "get something" when they're good. Wouldn't it be better if children learned good behavior for other reasons?  Such as "Thank you for picking up your toys, that makes Daddy so happy..."  Or "You were so brave as the doctor's today when you didn't cry. What a big girl you're getting to be. Mommy was very proud of you..." etc.

Edited December 27, 2014 by NausetGirl

[NausetGirl]

Its obvious that no matter what Jen and Bill do for others, its not going to be enough for some.  While some may think their efforts in the pet rescue community is to "build their brand" or to "advertise,"  I would rather believe they are doing it for other reasons.  Maybe I'm naive, but I do think they're efforts are founded in the good instead of the branded.  Given the (assumed) limited time they have to physically make a living, I'm not going to deny them any efforts they make to build their retirement and educational funds for the future.  

 

And no, they do not sell pets in their store.  They do however, sponsor pet adoptions at Rocky and Maggie's through local rescues.

 

Why can't they be building their brand - and supporting pet rescues - at the same time?  If Bill did nothing to promote "Rocky and Maggie's" and it went under, there would be people dumping on him for allowing a business to fail that's needed to support his kids. Most smart businesses do this - all those companies that bring oversized checks to telethons each year are doing the same exact thing. Helping people AND getting the word out about their businesses. IMO, far better than the regular and endless commercials on TV.  Two birds, one stone...

Edited December 26, 2014 by NausetGirl

[ZoloftBlob]

I guess my question would be, what could Bill and Jen do to give back to the community to where they would not be accused of doing it merely to enrich themselves?

I mean, I partipate in a lot of my unnamed company's charitable events and I do so because I like the charity.... And it benefits me in that I "am showing commitment" etc to the company. I will even admit to participating at times solely because I want good credit at work, and not because I care so deeply about charity x. Thats enriching me. I have a friends who routinely helps out at the ASPCA and also adopted her pets there.... Does that make her help less since she is also profiting from it?

They don't have to do dick. Kate Gosselinbook, for example, is a faux TLC celeb who never did dick for charity. So what would Bill and Jen need to do to be considered to be doing charity work for real, and not for their own personal profit?

I'm asking because my suspicion here is that this is a "No matter what, Bill and Jen are terrible selfish users who have no motives that are decent" situation. Which is awkward because frankly I don't know many people who commit to charity participation without having so e personal stake in it.... A sick child or family member, their own interests,etc.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Whether they "give back" or not means nothing to me in the first place, it does not give them an edge nor make them extra special.  

[Jellybeans]

Ya'll are giving me a serious eating disorder with all the talk about how much Will does or does not eat.

[BitterApple]

I think a lot of the problem is the producers have basically made Will's (seeming) love of food a storyline for the show. Will loves cake. Will wants to go straight for the ice cream truck at the berry farm. Will sneaks goldfish and M&M's. If it was a one-off thing, I don't think there'd be much speculation over it, but the fact that it plays out in practically every episode is going to make people wonder.

[CPP83]

I think a lot of the problem is the producers have basically made Will's (seeming) love of food a storyline for the show. Will loves cake. Will wants to go straight for the ice cream truck at the berry farm. Will sneaks goldfish and M&M's. If it was a one-off thing, I don't think there'd be much speculation over it, but the fact that it plays out in practically every episode is going to make people wonder.

 

 

It sort of reminds me of something my mother always says about babies or little children: if they're not eating they're pooping, if they're not pooping they're playing, and if they're not playing they're sleeping.

 

Luckily they can't do all four at once, heh, but of the four we basically only get insight into Will doing two, eating and playing. If he isn't playing he's eating, if he isn't eating he's playing or wanting to eating.

 

Small kids really don't need much or do very much, imo, when you really put them under a microscope. The reason I like watching Zoey and Will is because they're adorable, heh, and I only get a short glimpse into their lives once a week and for a small number of episodes. I don't feel like a creepy voyeur, well less of one anyway, heh. 

 

Sure a lot of things get repeated, but I enjoy watching these little kiddos growing up and coming into their own, and Jen and Bill too. And frankly I'm just glad that they haven't tried to "spice things up" by suddenly trying to send the family off on various "field trips" or something else purely show motivated as they do on so many other TLC reality shows.

[CousinAmy]

 

Small kids really don't need much or do very much, imo, when you really put them under a microscope.

As a preschool teacher I beg to differ. Our kids have a full-day program of school; that means they play games (inside and outside), learn social behaviors as well as content areas, eat balanced meals and snack, nap, create artwork, sing and dance, every day. As far as I remember (and my mom backed me up on this) at three I mostly played with her while my brother was in school, and my life was pretty simple. (Going back to the early 1950s).

 

Today's kids not only have full schedules, but many preschools are now connected to Common Core Curriculum, so there are certain markers they need to hit at certain ages, well before they enter kindergarten. 

[Honey]

Regarding charity.  The charities don't care one bit why someone is donating, only that they are.  If they don't care, why should we?

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Today's kids not only have full schedules, but many preschools are now connected to Common Core Curriculum, so there are certain markers they need to hit at certain ages, well before they enter kindergarten. 

 

Thanks!  In your experience then how do you think Will is doing in hitting markers?  And Zoey.  I am interested in how they are benchmarked.  

[CPP83]

As a preschool teacher I beg to differ. Our kids have a full-day program of school; that means they play games (inside and outside), learn social behaviors as well as content areas, eat balanced meals and snack, nap, create artwork, sing and dance, every day. As far as I remember (and my mom backed me up on this) at three I mostly played with her while my brother was in school, and my life was pretty simple. (Going back to the early 1950s).

 

Today's kids not only have full schedules, but many preschools are now connected to Common Core Curriculum, so there are certain markers they need to hit at certain ages, well before they enter kindergarten. 

 

 

 

I was meaning what Will and Zoey have to do when they're at home. They film them mainly in a home setting, or out with Jen and Bill, etc. I am sure that they do quite a bit at school, especially nowadays, and all, it's just we don't see any of that.

[CousinAmy]

Most kids have pretty busy schedules these days, even when they're not in school. I know a three-year-old who plays soccer after preschool, and some five-year-old boys who play tackle football.

I don't have training in special ed, so I can't really speak to Will's challenges, other than he is not a typical four-going-on-five year old, but we know that already. We have never seen him interacting with peers -the kids at his birthday party didn't seem to be his actual playmates, just kids who go to the same gym at the same time. Otherwise we've mostly seen him with adults.

Bill thought he'd take the school by storm, because Will is funny and charming to adults. I think that shows how little he knows about children. But the teachers are skilled at facilitating social relationships, so we'll have to trust they know what they're doing.

Zoey is more like a typical three-year-old who's just a little behind in her speech, which is why she screams and cries so much. But considering where she came from just a year ago, her progress is amazing. She probably fits in with the other three-year-olds just fine.

[NikSac]

I didn't have a specific post to quote but just wanted to make a point on the "food issue."  In the past 4-5 years or so I've developed a "food issue" of my own where I'm often nauseous and just can't even stand the thought of eating. When I'm hungry, I'm hungry, and ironically I love to cook and eat when I feel good, but when my stomach's acting up it's just ugh - I sometimes go days where all I can eat is crackers and don't EVEN make me go into a restaurant or grocery store.  Having to turn down invitations due to upset stomach has made me realize just how food-centric almost everything is when people get together. Every time there's a birthday, holiday, or even a wedding, it's a brunch, lunch, or dinner, or else people are obsessing about what meal will or won't be served.

 

I promise there's a show related point here - which is, I can see how the fun/filmable stuff pretty much revolves around food. I agree that it seems like kind of a big deal to production but I also think it's just a life thing. The majority of the exciting stuff to show is naturally going to involve food. I think they may be over-emphasizing it with Will a bit, and perhaps because they saw him as overly interested in food, but I don't think it's all that abnormal.

[silversage]

I think the producers saw an issue with Will and food and they are pointing it out to us. If it wasn't a problem they wouldn't be showing it week after week. Even in the final shot of the Birthday party with the family sitting on the steps Will had food in his hand. By that time everyone should have had enough food or sugared out.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

I think the producers saw an issue with Will and food and they are pointing it out to us. If it wasn't a problem they wouldn't be showing it week after week. Even in the final shot of the Birthday party with the family sitting on the steps Will had food in his hand. By that time everyone should have had enough food or sugared out.

 

Well I would hate to think my child's weakness is being capitolized on by a network hellbent on ratings!  I wonder if that is why we get to see a lot of shots of Will (and Zoey) wearing diaper pull-ups.  They seem to be showcasing the delays.  I feel sorry for these kids in a few years when they watch themselves on You Tube and read the internet.  

[wrestlesflamingos]

The Arnold-Klien's are not producers of the show. If they were, they could dictate content. It means that if the current producers wanted to send a message, they could easily do it. They would not need to create a code of symbolism. Even if it was a code, code makers are needy attention sponges, there would be more clues to the code in the narrative.

Frankly, a show about children with developmental delays would get higher ratings than the show they are airing.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

The Arnold-Klien's are not producers of the show. If they were, they could dictate content. It means that if the current producers wanted to send a message, they could easily do it. They would not need to create a code of symbolism. Even if it was a code, code makers are needy attention sponges, there would be more clues to the code in the narrative.

Frankly, a show about children with developmental delays would get higher ratings than the show they are airing.

 

Jen and Bill are listed as "Consulting Producers" in the credits.  

 

I haven't had my coffee yet but you lost me!  What is a code of symbolism, what are code makers, I haven't a clue?!!!  LOL

 

 

[BizBuzz]

Jen and Bill are listed as "Consulting Producers" in the credits.

 

According to this site:

 

On some shows, you’ll see a Consulting Producer or Executive Consultant listed. This is generally a high-level writer who is contributing to a show, but is not one of the principal forces.

I would imagine, and I don't know for sure because I don't work in that line of business, but I would imagine that since they contribute to the actual scripting, they have to be called something.

[CousinAmy]

Actually, they're listed as Consulting Producers, which either means they get more money than if they were just on camera, or that they have a say in what appears on the show. Do they have final approval? They must be OK with the final product or they would presumably stop the show. (And if they did try to get out of their contract, being listed as producers gives them some extra weight in negotiations.)

Ack, I see that while I was typing, I'm not the only one to point this out!

Edited December 27, 2014 by CousinAmy

[Foghorn Leghorn]

And Wikipedia defines it:

 

These producers are former executive or possibly co-executive producers, or in rare cases directors, who no longer work on the show that much. They are called upon to assist the writers, sometimes specializing in a particular subject. 

[TEEVEE]

 

According to this site:

 

I would imagine, and I don't know for sure because I don't work in that line of business, but I would imagine that since they contribute to the actual scripting, they have to be called something.

I would think Jen writes her own lines when discussing her tumor markers, the sim lab and the such.

[Jellybeans]

I would think Jen writes her own lines when discussing her tumor markers, the sim lab and the such.

I hope so, she is the Doctor.

[NausetGirl]

I think a lot of the problem is the producers have basically made Will's (seeming) love of food a storyline for the show. Will loves cake. Will wants to go straight for the ice cream truck at the berry farm. Will sneaks goldfish and M&M's. If it was a one-off thing, I don't think there'd be much speculation over it, but the fact that it plays out in practically every episode is going to make people wonder.

 

Agree. And if they thought they could get away with it, I think TLC would cover Will's toilet-training issues as well. This is where, I believe, Bill and Jen do assert themselves though, since there has been absolutely no video of any bathroom or diaper issues with either child so far.

Edited December 27, 2014 by NausetGirl

[watcherwoman]

I'm fine with having Bill and Jen getting credit for what we see on the show.  I'm sure they are like most  compassionate normal folks, in that they don't even comprehend how anyone could focus on their children's toilet habits, or if their little ones wear pull-ups.  Worrying about those issues is beyond creepy to me...lol

 

I don't think kids in this modern age make a big deal of seeing other kid's "home movies", or even reality tv  exposure.  With social media and everyone posting hundreds of videos of their children's growing up moments,  everyone seems to be in the same boat.  I'm sure there are embarrassing moments for nearly everyone caught on film.

 

 

[4leafclover]

Wondering is one thing, harping on it non-stop is quite another.  

[Almost 3000]

Wondering is one thing, harping on it non-stop is quite another.

Thank you SO much for saying this!

[silversage]

Harping can go both ways in any given topic.

[wrestlesflamingos]

Harping can go both ways in any given topic.

Yup! Lets all move on, ok?