S10.E03: Safety First

[BizBuzz]

Will and Zoe have a swimming lesson; Jen works with the fire department and gets an invitation to visit a local fire station with the family; Will is beyond thrilled to meet real fire fighters and ride in a fire truck.

[joanne3482]

Wahoo! Welcome back swim instructor! He's a cutie. (Oh and I did enjoy watching the kids swim.) 

 

I liked the fire lesson, but my dogs did not appreciate the testing of the smoke detector. I had a chow/retriever mix and a boxer trying to crawl into my lap. 

[flyingdi]

The fire lesson seemed to scare Zoey. I wonder if she slept in Mom and Dad's room.

[EmmeRose]

Zoey is becoming quite the swimmer! What a difference from last year.  And of course, Will is daring and continuing to progress to become an excellent swimmer!  I think both Will and Zoey's confidence is growing in leaps and bounds.  They are just such adorable kids in every way.

[whoknowswho]

I'm noticing a huge difference in Will's speech this year--having no trouble using full sentences.  And apparently, somewhat bad words. He can't help but be hilarious, if he doesn't become a firefighter, I see comedian perhaps in his future.

Bill slays me. He has such an easy-going way about him, nothing is a huge big deal unless it's something dangerous. He expects his kids to fall down, be messy, and be thankful they aren't yet into hot-wiring cars!

I snark about many shows I watch, but this one is the one that touches my heart in a real life way-- makes me laugh, and sometimes cry. I simply love this family. 

[farmgal4]

"Love these couches, guys." I'm dying. Will and Zoey win the Most Adorable Kids In The Universe award.

I'm noticing a huge difference in Will's speech this year--having no trouble using full sentences.  And apparently, somewhat bad words. He can't help but be hilarious, if he doesn't become a firefighter, I see comedian perhaps in his future.

Bill slays me. He has such an easy-going way about him, nothing is a huge big deal unless it's something dangerous. He expects his kids to fall down, be messy, and be thankful they aren't yet into hot-wiring cars!

I snark about many shows I watch, but this one is the one that touches my heart in a real life way-- makes me laugh, and sometimes cry. I simply love this family.

Preach!

The fire lesson seemed to scare Zoey. I wonder if she slept in Mom and Dad's room.

I think maybe Zoey got to sleep with Bill and Jen one night, for whatever reason, and now she wants to sleep with them EVERY night, but that's just a wild guess.

[mbutterfly]

Zoey is becoming quite the swimmer! What a difference from last year.  And of course, Will is daring and continuing to progress to become an excellent swimmer!  I think both Will and Zoey's confidence is growing in leaps and bounds.  They are just such adorable kids in every way.

It would be fun some day to learn that Will was a competitive swimmer. I hope they are off the air by then, but it would be neat to read that he won in some major Texas tournament. I'm not certain what stroke would help him overcome his short legs, but in other ways he has his body advantage of his proportionately large lungs. 

I'm noticing a huge difference in Will's speech this year--having no trouble using full sentences.  And apparently, somewhat bad words. He can't help but be hilarious, if he doesn't become a firefighter, I see comedian perhaps in his future.

Bill slays me. He has such an easy-going way about him, nothing is a huge big deal unless it's something dangerous. He expects his kids to fall down, be messy, and be thankful they aren't yet into hot-wiring cars!

I snark about many shows I watch, but this one is the one that touches my heart in a real life way-- makes me laugh, and sometimes cry. I simply love this family. 

One (of the many) things that separates this reality show from others is Bill's warm wit. He has a gift for it. 

I also thought that the fire lesson scared Zoey and that's why she was saying that she wanted to sleep with Jen and Bill that night.

I remember when the house was being inspected in preparation for adoption. The inspector said that the doors in the upstairs hallway weren't safe. She wanted them to put a lock on them that would be out of a child's reach. Bill said he wasn't going to do it, because in the event of a fire, he and Jen wouldn't be able to reach the lock either. It's a dilemma. What if the kids go out one of those doors when an adult isn't around? They could fall off of the balcony.

Happily I think they are both now mature enough not to go climbing over high balconies. When they were younger I would have been somewhat concerned. 

[Kohola3]

It would be fun some day to learn that Will was a competitive swimmer.

 

Yeah, I definitely see Will in the LIttle People Olympics.  I doubt he'd be able to compete with normal sized people but I can see him doing well competing with kids of his stature.

 

"Love these couches, guys."

 

 

I burst out laughing at that one.  He's starting to sound like his father with that dry wit.  They both crack me up.

 

They could fall off of the balcony.

 

Those balcony rails are pretty high, I don't think that's an issue.  Will would have to drag a ladder out there to get over the edge.

[ZoloftBlob]

I remember when the house was being inspected in preparation for adoption. The inspector said that the doors in the upstairs hallway weren't safe. She wanted them to put a lock on them that would be out of a child's reach. Bill said he wasn't going to do it, because in the event of a fire, he and Jen wouldn't be able to reach the lock either. It's a dilemma. What if the kids go out one of those doors when an adult isn't around? They could fall off of the balcony.

 

They clearly passed the home inspection that was prior to being allowed to permanently adopt children so I am thinking it wasn't that big of a deal. I don't expect parents to line the floors with broken glass to teach the kids to be nimble, but neither do I think kids need to exist in bubble wrap. All kids get into things they shouldn't or get hurt. Look at one of those early episodes where they had just brought Zoey home and the kid promptly cracked her head on the fireplace.

[bichonblitz]

Another cute show. I could do with out the plugging of the pet store, fashion show thingie but I understand Bill wants to plug his business.  Jen seems to have become much more comfortable with motherhood, nice to see her a little calmer, more confident and more natural with the kids. 

[gunderda]

I'm sure the design of the house wasn't intentional for fire safety (or maybe it was) - but I kept thinking what a great idea to have balconies on BOTH sides of the house upstairs just in case they can't get downstairs due to a fire. 

 

I think all younger kids should have basic swim safety - even if it's just the starfish method - however I wonder how effective it is when an accident happens and the kid is panicking? They are used to their own pool and no where to go for the stairs right away but in a different larger pool would they be ok?  It's better than no safety training at all but I'm just curious. 

Edited January 20, 2016 by gunderda

[DkNNy79]

Great episode. Loved all the segments that featured the kids: swimming, fire house, creperie, fire safety. Kinda tuned out during the simulation segment. Was mildly entertained by the pet owners auditioning for the fashion show.

Loved Will's enthusiasm during the fire station visit. Loved the swim race between the kids, though I noticed Will held onto his little boat throughout the race. So happy to see that Zoey has embraced swimming now and is excelling.

[BitterApple]

I loved the swim lesson and visit to the firehouse, but kind of got bored with everything else. It's great that they're trying to show a combination of kid and adult stuff, but the scenes felt very dragged out. They really need to switch to a half hour format.

With that said, Zoe was impressive in how far she's come with her swimming lessons. She looked adorable in her goggles. I felt horribly for Jen when Will called her stupid, but I thought she handled it well.

[walnutqueen]

gunderda, on 20 Jan 2016 - 07:15 AM, said:

I'm sure the design of the house wasn't intentional for fire safety (or maybe it was) - but I kept thinking what a great idea to have balconies on BOTH sides of the house upstairs just in case they can't get downstairs due to a fire. 

 

I think all younger kids should have basic swim safety - even if it's just the starfish method - however I wonder how effective it is when an accident happens and the kid is panicking? They are used to their own pool and no where to go for the stairs right away but in a different larger pool would they be ok?  It's better than no safety training at all but I'm just curious. 

 

The whole idea about repetitive lessons, and even baby water training, is that even in a strange situation or panic, the muscle memory and instinctive movements will kick in, so that the child doesn't drown.  It isn't foolproof, but has saved countless lives when mere minutes count, so it must work.

 

I really enjoyed seeing the SIMS center in action once again.  It is SO important for first responders to be able to practice their methods, especially when it comes to infants - I wish every firehouse and hospital in the country had access to these types of resources, because it definitely saves lives.

 

I'm also glad to see the kids getting fire safety "drills".  So many parents forget to teach their kids basic safety procedures, or even an exit plan in case of emergencies.  How clever was the part about meeting at the fire hydrant if they were separated and outside?  Because that's where the firefighters will be!

[Snow8585]

So is that what happened, Will called Jen stupid? I looked away for a second and I heard her confront him about a word he used. Why did he call her stupid?

[DkNNy79]

He was washing his hands, but he was taking too long cause he was playing with the water. Jen told him to stop, that it was enough and he said "stupid." So she gave him 2 minutes in time out and explained why he couldn't say that word. I think he just said stupid. I don't think he said you're stupid, but I could be wrong.

[BitterApple]

He was washing his hands, but he was taking too long cause he was playing with the water. Jen told him to stop, that it was enough and he said "stupid." So she gave him 2 minutes in time out and explained why he couldn't say that word. I think he just said stupid. I don't think he said you're stupid, but I could be wrong.

He didn't. I just figured he was directing it at her because she told him to do something he didn't want to do.

[whoknowswho]

Another episode where they prove they are just normal kids doing normal things with normal (albiet rich) parents.   They get scared, do bad things, and get punishment. When Zoey gets frightened or opinionated about something, her big dark eyes just flash emotion. I am not a mother, but she would win every argument in my house, just on that account.  She's smart as a whip.

The fire drill was great. My husband lost his two young non verbal autistic twin brothers in a house fire because they got separated, and one went back to find the other. Nothing would have likely saved their lives, but it is the most tragic thing---meeting at the fire hydrant is a great idea, and I know they will remember this lesson. 

[ZoloftBlob]

And she told him no and made him sit in time out for it and explained he wasn't to say things like that. A nice bit of discipline I thought, complete with instant correction.

[farmgal4]

And she told him no and made him sit in time out for it and explained he wasn't to say things like that. A nice bit of discipline I thought, complete with instant correction.

It was obvious that Will had been in timeout before, but I was impressed that he didn't throw a full-on meltdown tantrum while he was in timeout, like some kids (such as those on Supernanny) do. I have no doubt that the children are disciplined effectively.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

It is like a dam burst with Will's speech!  He is doing really well.  It was hard to hear what Will said to Jen before the word stupid, it could have been "you're" which to me would make more sense than "so" which was captioned.  Either way it was directed at her.  I heard Will ask Jen "how long?" with the unspoken "this time" hanging in the air.  I am sure Will gets a lot of time outs!  Cracked me up!  I can't wait to see Zoey's eyes when she gets a time out while filming!  I am loving Will talking!

 

I FF'd all the sim and R&M segments.  No kids no interest. 

[BitterApple]

The simulator scenes weren't my favorites, but I will say Jen really has a knack as a leader/instructor. I'm not sure if she does this already, but she would be great as a med school professor.

[Kohola3]

She runs that sim program (which I would LOVE to see more about, that's some interesting stuff) and she comes across as a really good instructor.  And as an NICU specialist she would have interns and residents under her tutelage as well.  I would have loved to have had her as an instructor.

[MarysWetBar]

I'm betting lil miss doesn't stay in a time out long at all. Jen handled explaining why really well to Will but I'm kinda wondering why using the word stupid gets you a time out and yet swinging and hitting your mother doesn't? (Zoey Bday episode).

I think Will is adorable and he makes me smile.

[BW Manilowe]

It is like a dam burst with Will's speech! He is doing really well. It was hard to hear what Will said to Jen before the word stupid, it could have been "you're" which to me would make more sense than "so" which was captioned. Either way it was directed at her. I heard Will ask Jen "how long?" with the unspoken "this time" hanging in the air. I am sure Will gets a lot of time outs! Cracked me up! I can't wait to see Zoey's eyes when she gets a time out while filming! I am loving Will talking!

I FF'd all the sim and R&M segments. No kids no interest.

Will's been getting timeouts since sort of soon after he got home. I remember an early episode after he got to Houston where Jen was trying to teach him how to paint--they'd already put Zoey's adoption into motion, but were still waiting for all the bureaucratic stuff to go through so they could go get her in India, & Jen wanted him to make a painting for her. He got tired of that & started melting down. I think Jen then tried to get him to take a nap, but he wanted to play with a toy car instead (he was still calling them "beep beep"s then) & he went to do that but he spilled the paint, got mouthy, or maybe he hit Jen (anyway, he disobeyed). And she put him in timeout for it--at least back then, I think Jen's "talking head" said it was 1 minute of timeout for each year of your age, so it was, like, 3 minutes because he was 3 when it happened. And when it was done he got to go back to playing with his car.

[BitterApple]

I'm betting lil miss doesn't stay in a time out long at all. Jen handled explaining why really well to Will but I'm kinda wondering why using the word stupid gets you a time out and yet swinging and hitting your mother doesn't? (Zoey Bday episode).

I think Will is adorable and he makes me smile.

I think it was one of those unfortunate deals where Zoe woke up in a crappy mood and Jen didn't want to go to war with her when they had 70 guests coming for a birthday party.

[CousinAmy]

I give them a lot of credit for the way they are teaching the children safety lessons. Will picks up on things very easily - he's very bright, curious, and enthusiastic. They are training him to have responsibility (and Zoey, too, but she's still pretty young to remember to touch the doornob) and with the swimming lessons, they are making sure the children can handle themselves in any situation. I loved the way they made Zoey yell, "Help me!" She doesn't have a loud voice, so I'm looking forward to her speaking louder and more assertively. 

 

When they were in her room discussing safety, I saw a row of dolls on a shelf that looked like they were dressed in traditional Indian fashion. They were absolutely beautiful dolls, and I'm glad that her room reflects her heritage. 

[eributterfly]

I also thought that the fire lesson scared Zoey and that's why she was saying that she wanted to sleep with Jen and Bill that night.

I remember when the house was being inspected in preparation for adoption. The inspector said that the doors in the upstairs hallway weren't safe. She wanted them to put a lock on them that would be out of a child's reach. Bill said he wasn't going to do it, because in the event of a fire, he and Jen wouldn't be able to reach the lock either. It's a dilemma. What if the kids go out one of those doors when an adult isn't around? They could fall off of the balcony.

I remember that episode and I did notice the lock is low enough so apparently the changed it for the approval and then adjusted it to fit what the felt was safe. I strongly doubt Will sold jump off the balcony if he climbed to the top or Zoey for that matter but you never know with kids. I think I would never have my kids on a different level from me for this exact reason. It just seems to add another measure of a safety issue that doesn't even have to exist. With all of the $ they have spent on non necessities that they can't spend $ on an automated locking and unlocking system for the balcony doors that the kids couldn't access but clearly Bill or Jen could immediately.

[eributterfly]

I did love this episode, I'm noticing less time of Jen being at work, but I do remember her saying in an interview that she no longer sees patients and is just focusing on her directing the simulation center, which I think is a M-F traditional hour job and no on call work. I thought it was odd that she said she hadn't see them swim in awhile because all of their lessons have been during the week and this one was on a Saturday. It made me think, do they not ever swim except at lessons. Clearly she would see them swim on any given family day outside. I know she can't swim but I'm hoping Bill can. What a bummer if the kids are only learning how to swim for safety and not to enjoy their pool. As always Bill in my opinion, being impressive with his larger than life vocabulary, referring to the kids legs and arms as appendages and their head to make a starfish in the water. The fire station visit was awesome and clearly another coincidence of Will somehow following in his grandpa and uncles footsteps without even knowing it. I noticed when it was an actual call and the fireman trying to get WIll out quickly so he could see it and Jen was saying No No No, you saw Will looking back and pulling back from the fire fighter as if to say, I have to listen to my mom. I have a feeling he will go into some sort of work that helps people, unfortunately, he may not be physically able to be a fireman or police officer but there are definately other things he can do to directly help others, which he seems to just naturally want to do. I still hate the grunt that Bill makes when he picks up Will that he has done since they got him. I'm not sure if Will is really heavy for him or if he is just exaggerating. Knowing Bill he's exaggerating. The fire drill was great as well and Will is at the perfect age where he will remember what to do as long as it's done consistently, Zoey, not so much, but as she gets older she will. I think Will got the feeling of the knob and putting a blanket under the door right off. I do have a tiny fear that if there is a fire Will maybe so concerned about Zoey he may risk life and limb to get to her and make sure she's safe. The not letting Will saying stupid go was also good to see. In the past, we have seen Jen discipline him and I am sure Bill has no problem doing this. But he pretty much knew right away he had gotten caught, with how he held the paper towel to his mouth. I see so often that a child will get in timeout for doing something but won't be told why it's wrong to do what they have done. It's as if you just accept timeout because I'm mom and ask no questions. I love how she explained why the word isn't nice and should t be said. Overall great episode.

Edited January 21, 2016 by eributterfly

[Absolom]

Ratings are in:  1.359 and a .38 rating.  Beaten by Dance Moms.  I think that's a shame.

[Absolom]

Consistent is good, but not the most important.  The overall ratings need to stay high enough for TLC to be making a profit.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

My dogs also go crazy when a smoke alarm goes off and I had to hit MUTE when I saw Bill with the broom.  The Kleins followed the fire department's protocol about what to do when the smoke alarm goes off including having a meeting place outside.  It was a great PSA to the viewers as a reminder to follow the same protocol. I still wonder why they would plan their master bedroom on the first floor in a custom built home that has an elevator.  The kids would be stranded alone upstairs if a fire broke out in the kitchen or laundry room closing off the stairs and elevator.  

 

I too wondered if the only time the kids swam was when the swim instructor was there.  That hot day when they rode bikes and had to come inside because it was so hot I thought why aren't you using your pool. 

[ZoloftBlob]

I still wonder why they would plan their master bedroom on the first floor in a custom built home that has an elevator. The kids would be stranded alone upstairs if a fire broke out in the kitchen or laundry room closing off the stairs and elevator.

 

When they were planning the home they didn't have children. Bill and Jen both have some stair difficulties so they have their bedroom on the ground floor. Most two story homes dont have an elevator at all and many average height mobile parents have a similar set up, parents on one floor, kids on another. If the objection is that if the stairwell is compromised by fire, the kids are trapped, thats true of any two story home with one stairwell, not just the Klein's Death House.

 

This is a risk in any two story home. There are emergency window ladders  that can be bought (my college dorm had them) in case you have to go out the window, but a lot of parents take this particular risk. I mean, all parents aren't required to live in single story homes or provide multiple points of egress from the higher floors. This is a home built to code.

I too wondered if the only time the kids swam was when the swim instructor was there.  That hot day when they rode bikes and had to come inside because it was so hot I thought why aren't you using your pool.

 

Because pool safety 101 is watch your children around water. Maybe no one had time to spend a half hour getting the kids into swim togs, or there were other things to do. My parents never allowed me to swim without an adult (sometimes a drunk adult but an adult) present, and I grew up around water. Will and Zoey are 6 and 4, they are a long way off from being left alone in the pool and while they are indulged kids, its probably healthy that they aren't indulged with their every whim. Just because its hot and you want to swim, you don't always get your own way.

[woodscommaelle]

The fire drill was great. My husband lost his two young non verbal autistic twin brothers in a house fire because they got separated, and one went back to find the other. Nothing would have likely saved their lives, but it is the most tragic thing---meeting at the fire hydrant is a great idea, and I know they will remember this lesson. 

My goodness what a terribly sad story.  So sorry that happened to him.

[ButterQueen]

I loved this episode. Will has to be a fireman!!

Loved seeing the progress they've made swimming. That instructor is awesome with the kids.

This show just makes me smile.

[Wellfleet]

The simulator scenes weren't my favorites, but I will say Jen really has a knack as a leader/instructor. I'm not sure if she does this already, but she would be great as a med school professor.

 

Completely agree. For many reasons, I'm hoping university-level teaching is on the horizon for Jen - instead of another "The Doctors" type of TV program which I believe she once said was a goal of hers [or at least HAD been a goal at one time]. A - Jen would be terrific in a classroom. There's a big difference between knowing your subject matter and being able to get it across to others. And she clearly has this knocked - in spades. B - I think she'd really like life on an academic calendar, especially since it would synch up with the kids' lives nicely for the next 12 or so years. C - it would in all likelihood be less strenuous physically for her. D - not needing to be "on call" has to sound like Heaven for most folks in health care.

 

eta - PS - A pox upon me. I forgot the most important reason of all. If there's anything we need in education now, it's teachers who are GOOD at teaching. Teachers who inspire, light a fire, pass on the joy and just plain care. Jen would be great for this reason too. 

Edited January 22, 2016 by Wellfleet

[toodles]

I like these slice of life episodes much more than the Tlc manufactured kind with the trips and whatnot. And while I'm certain tlc had a hand in the fire station, I enjoyed it

[gunderda]

I'm sure if they do some swim time without the instructor when Jen is home its probably pretty tame stuff (like playing with toys) and not the exercises they do with the instructor.

So she probably meant she hadnt seen them dive down and swim across the pool in awhile. 

[BitterApple]

Regarding Jen's comment, if she's working more of a 9 to 5 schedule, she may not get home til around 6. By that time, the kids are likely in that "winding down" phase where they're eating dinner, taking baths and getting ready for bed. If they use the pool, albeit earlier in the day, that might explain why Jen hasn't seen them swim in a while.

[BradandJanet]

Jen appeared on Jeopardy! a couple of days ago giving video clues. She was filmed in the hospital simulation lab, and the clues were for medical terms. 

[rainbowrockgal]

She was great!  The Jeopardy crew said they felt weird being filmed by the TLC crew.  It will be shown on TLC in Feb show after the Jeopardy show has aired.

[mbutterfly]

Regarding Jen's comment, if she's working more of a 9 to 5 schedule, she may not get home til around 6. By that time, the kids are likely in that "winding down" phase where they're eating dinner, taking baths and getting ready for bed. If they use the pool, albeit earlier in the day, that might explain why Jen hasn't seen them swim in a while.

I do think she gets home more quickly. Didn't they choose a lot about 5 minutes from the hospital. But I agree with the rest.

Edited January 24, 2016 by mbutterfly

[BW Manilowe]

Am I wrong, or was Zoey's hair back in her old "Dora the Explorer" type style during the swimming lesson segment, instead of her new pixie cut which she got in the ep previous to this 1 (leading to the idea they, at least sometimes, don't edit segments together chronologically from when they actually happened)?

Even though they also mentioned (or I'd swear they did, anyway) the kids going back to school in this ep, another thought was maybe this whole ep was filmed before Zoey got her haircut--if I'm right about the swimming lesson part, at least--but aired out of the order in which it was filmed. But I'd swear Zoey's hair was back to being longer in this ep, despite it having been pixie cut the previous week.

[jnymph]

Wow, hot swimming instructor & hot firemen too !

"Love these couches, guys!"

How damn funny & cute is Will ?

I'm totally a dog person but was bored with doggie fashion show stuff. Thank god for Bills humor or I'd have switched channels.

I found the SIM segment really interesting.

[Fostersmom]

I haven't seen her with the pixie on the show yet. Did I miss this? She had the bob for her back to school hair cut, Bill wanted the pixie, but Jen didn't.

[EmmeRose]

No, the back to school haircut was the bob.  I think she got the pixie right before Halloween, and that episode is next week.  I just hope that they are letting the poor child's hair grow.  The Christmas photos showed Zoey with her hair cut even shorter than Will's.  Personally, I don't think it is flattering at all as Zoey has a round face and people with this shaped face are always told to wear their hair longer.

[eributterfly]

Yeah, I definitely see Will in the LIttle People Olympics.  I doubt he'd be able to compete with normal sized people but I can see him doing well competing with kids of his stature.

 

 

I burst out laughing at that one.  He's starting to sound like his father with that dry wit.  They both crack me up.

 

Those balcony rails are pretty high, I don't think that's an issue.  Will would have to drag a ladder out there to get over the edge.

Honestly, with Wills strength he probably could climb up the railing and over the top. I doubt he would do that but you never know.

I also thought that the fire lesson scared Zoey and that's why she was saying that she wanted to sleep with Jen and Bill that night.

I remember when the house was being inspected in preparation for adoption. The inspector said that the doors in the upstairs hallway weren't safe. She wanted them to put a lock on them that would be out of a child's reach. Bill said he wasn't going to do it, because in the event of a fire, he and Jen wouldn't be able to reach the lock either. It's a dilemma. What if the kids go out one of those doors when an adult isn't around? They could fall off of the balcony.

I wonder if they made the change to comply and then made changes after the kids were theirs. He also asked if average size parents put a lock,that high, most probably don't.

[eributterfly]

I'm sure the design of the house wasn't intentional for fire safety (or maybe it was) - but I kept thinking what a great idea to have balconies on BOTH sides of the house upstairs just in case they can't get downstairs due to a fire. 

 

I think all younger kids should have basic swim safety - even if it's just the starfish method - however I wonder how effective it is when an accident happens and the kid is panicking? They are used to their own pool and no where to go for the stairs right away but in a different larger pool would they be ok?  It's better than no safety training at all but I'm just curious.

. I doubt they go swimming anywhere else. It seems they only swim in the pool at lessons. Jen said that she was glad she was there so she could see their progress from their last lesson, which makes me think do they even swim at all in the pool except at lessons. I know Jen can't swim but hopefully Bill can but he can't reach the bottom, I don't think. The water seems to come to Jarrods waist but maybe that is at Bills neck. As active as Will is in the pool I wouldn't feel comfortable as a slower little person to be alone with him in case of an emergency. Jarrod would be talking to Will and Will will just jump or fall into the water and swim off, Jarrod can get to him rather quickly if need be, Bill not so much.

I loved the swim lesson and visit to the firehouse, but kind of got bored with everything else. It's great that they're trying to show a combination of kid and adult stuff, but the scenes felt very dragged out. They really need to switch to a half hour format.

With that said, Zoe was impressive in how far she's come with her swimming lessons. She looked adorable in her goggles. I felt horribly for Jen when Will called her stupid, but I thought she handled it well.

I thought he called her stupid, she tried to say he said something was stupid or somebody was stupid but not her. I think she should have addressed specifically him calling her stupid but maybe she truly didn't understand him. She is clearly more comfortable in her role as a mommy. I had my doubts at first.

[eributterfly]

Another episode where they prove they are just normal kids doing normal things with normal (albiet rich) parents.   They get scared, do bad things, and get punishment. When Zoey gets frightened or opinionated about something, her big dark eyes just flash emotion. I am not a mother, but she would win every argument in my house, just on that account.  She's smart as a whip.

The fire drill was great. My husband lost his two young non verbal autistic twin brothers in a house fire because they got separated, and one went back to find the other. Nothing would have likely saved their lives, but it is the most tragic thing---meeting at the fire hydrant is a great idea, and I know they will remember this lesson.

So sorry for your husbands loss. That is my fear with Will, I truly believe he will put Zoe's safety before his own and become so concerned if he calls for her and she doesn't answer that he will go look for her. I don't think there is anyway he would leave that house without her. I think they need to kinda lie to him to let him know she will be ok just do what we tell you and she will do the same.

[eributterfly]

When they were planning the home they didn't have children. Bill and Jen both have some stair difficulties so they have their bedroom on the ground floor. Most two story homes dont have an elevator at all and many average height mobile parents have a similar set up, parents on one floor, kids on another. If the objection is that if the stairwell is compromised by fire, the kids are trapped, thats true of any two story home with one stairwell, not just the Klein's Death House.

 

This is a risk in any two story home. There are emergency window ladders  that can be bought (my college dorm had them) in case you have to go out the window, but a lot of parents take this particular risk. I mean, all parents aren't required to live in single story homes or provide multiple points of egress from the higher floors. This is a home built to code.

Because pool safety 101 is watch your children around water. Maybe no one had time to spend a half hour getting the kids into swim togs, or there were other things to do. My parents never allowed me to swim without an adult (sometimes a drunk adult but an adult) present, and I grew up around water. Will and Zoey are 6 and 4, they are a long way off from being left alone in the pool and while they are indulged kids, its probably healthy that they aren't indulged with their every whim. Just because its hot and you want to swim, you don't always get your own way.

During the building of the home, having children was already in the works so they knew the kids would be upstairs and they would be down. The difference IMO, is that an average sized person can run up the stairs if there would be a fire in the kitchen to get the kids it would take Jen and and Bill awhile to get up and back down again. The Roloffs master was downstairs and the kids were up but 3 of the four are average size a major difference when dealing with safety. I'm average and I wouldn't feel comfortable with my kids that young being on a different floor.