S11.E06: Quack! Quack! Quack!

[walnutqueen]

Quote

The family plans some last-minute fun in Washington, D.C. before making their way to Delaware for Will and Zoey's annual appointments with specialists; the family recounts a sacred tradition that brings warm memories and tears.

[woodscommaelle]

Grandpa playing Simon Says was really cute.

What a great report from the doctor. He seemed like good people. I liked him.

Edit: I liked both doctors but the above was after watching the first doc.

Edited October 25, 2017 by woodscommaelle

[mythoughtis]

I really enjoyed this episode. It’s nice to see the kids getting to do kid activities, such as the duck.  Nice to see the family together.  The genetist(?) was very emotional about the impact this show is having on his patients and their families. 

Can you imagine the expense involved for average families to visit doctors several hundred miles away( and probably out of network for insurance)?

[Emmeline]

I know from personal experience how difficult it is to find a doctor that is willing, able, and in network to do your surgery.  I was finally told by a doctor in my area that I had such a difficult orthopedic case that I needed a team at a teaching hospital.  Luckily I live outside of Chicago and had several options.  Unfortunately, 2 of the doctors I would have chosen were at hospitals outside my network.  I ended up having 5 surgeries with 2 different surgeons within a 6 month period at my third choice of hospitals.

I have no idea how the insurance handles it when there are no doctors in your state, in your required specialty.  I’m sure they are not much help.  

[bichonblitz]

Will does not listen to Jen at all when it comes to discipline. It must be embarrassing for her. 

[JocelynCavanaugh]

31 minutes ago, bichonblitz said:

Will does not listen to Jen at all when it comes to discipline. It must be embarrassing for her. 

If it is she sure doesn't let it show! Jen seems to think her kids' behavior is normal, maybe just a little rowdy sometimes but NBD. She seems oblivious to the reactions of the people they encounter. 

[bichonblitz]

Just now, JocelynCavanaugh said:

If it is she sure doesn't let it show! Jen seems to think her kids' behavior is normal, maybe just a little rowdy sometimes but NBD. She seems oblivious to the reactions of the people they encounter. 

She said in her TH she was concerned they wouldn't behave at the appointments. I also noticed her smiling that fake smile every time Will wouldn't listen. She just stands back and smiles. I don't expect much else of a reaction from her when the camera's are rolling but when the camera's are off, teach your kids to listen to you, then you won't have to be concerned about their behavior!  

[woodscommaelle]

The preview for next week showing Zoe in her princess get-up rolling down the street in her Barbie SUV?  I cannot handle it.  She is one of the most adorable kids I've ever seen.  So expressive, so cute.  I adore her!

[Bellalisa]

This was a pretty boring episode with so much useless filler. How many interviews with Bill and Jen: It's  important to take them to the doctor. Going to the doctor is important so you can see where they are. Then an X ray is important. An X ray tells you how they are growing and if there is a problem. If there is you might have to act on it, if there isn't you don't.  It's let's you know. The doctors will tell us at the appointment. This is why we are going. To get the kids checked out. It is important to see specialist that know about their condition. Hopefully they are fine, but as parents this is your job to get them checked out to see how they are.. Our kids have to go to specialist, like geneticist. A geneticist knows stuff about genetic conditions. He can advise us on how they are" and on and on and on and on.  It was such useless filler drivel. Then about 15 minutes in the waiting room: now we are at the hospital, now we are in the waiting room, we are getting ready to see the doctor.  Now we are going for Xrays. Soon we will see the doctor. Then we will see the other doctor in a little while. But first we are seeing the first doctor. The second doctor will read the X-rays. This is so we can find out how they are doing. Then lots of footage of them walking from room to room. This really could have been a 30 minute show. 

I hate the fact that when the get their height checked, which was basically nothing the kids did except stand there, they get a BIG - High Five! GREAT JOB! The kids know they did nothing- the adults get really over the top with praise. It's weird when you compare to other times when they actually did something difficult or painful - they get the same GREAT JOB over the top praise that they got for doing nothing but standing still for 5 seconds?

[viewer]

I propose a drinking game!  Everytime they high 5 the kids you get a shot!  Again,  Bills mom looked uncomfortable around big mouth grandpa.   I am sure she can't believe she was married to him.  They are so opposite.   I think Zoey and Bill's mom are my favorite. 

[SMama]

They are most likely doing what it takes to get them through the check ups. Why did they need so many adults at the consult? 4-5 adults, Dr., nurse, and crew. I’d be going crazy. 

Jen seems like a neat freak, so I was surprised to see the kids laying on the floor and walking barefoot. I’m no neat freak but would not allow my child to do the same. Again, it must have been to get settled, not upset them. I’m happy Will and Zoey are doing well.

Edited October 25, 2017 by SMama

[Sasha888]

15 minutes ago, viewer said:

I propose a drinking game!  Everytime they high 5 the kids you get a shot!

And two shots every time everyone yells "YAY!" and applauds! :-)

IMO Bill's step-mom is a little over the top for the cameras. I prefer Bill's mom and step-dad out of all the grandparents. In a different thread, someone referred to Bill's mom having a "quiet dignity" about her...I totally agree.

[viewer]

Bill's mom is a very pretty woman.  Pops certainly didn't upgrade.  Bill gets a lot of his personality from his father.   Fortunately,  his looks are from mom.  I just cringe when the dad and step mom are on.  Too much in your face.  

[SMama]

They want TV exposure.

[Libby]

Jen apologized to the nurse as they were leaving. She said, "I'm sorry that my kids are a little wild." That surprised me. From what we were shown, I didn't think that the kids acted nearly as wild as they usually do (especially Will). I think a big part of that was that Bill didn't instigate Will. I guess that at least in a hospital, Bill doesn't believe in stirring things up. It was refreshing to see Bill acting like a grown up.

Edited October 25, 2017 by Libby

[woodscommaelle]

22 minutes ago, Sasha888 said:

And two shots every time everyone yells "YAY!" and applauds! :-)

IMO Bill's step-mom is a little over the top for the cameras. I prefer Bill's mom and step-dad out of all the grandparents. In a different thread, someone referred to Bill's mom having a "quiet dignity" about her...I totally agree.

I wish someone could post pics of this family's family tree.  :) I cannot keep the grandparents straight.

[Kohola3]

I think that the physician was sincerely speaking from the heart when he said that having the Arnold-Kleins being so open about their family has made a big difference to others with the same issues.  No matter what criticisms you have of parenting methods, etc. the initial idea behind the show was to educate and they have really done that over the years.  First to show the issues as little people in a "big" society, then as people with fertility issues, then as new adoptive parents of toddlers, speaking frankly of the difficulties of their childhood and, in my opinion most poignantly, Bill's openness about his thoughts of suicide.

Say what you will, I have learned a lot from them.  And I applaud their self made successes.  Jen is a brilliant doctor and it can't have been easy to complete med school.  Her parents were a big part of giving her the drive to succeed and I applaud them for that as well.  And while it's not as obvious, I would imagine the turmoil in the family situation with Bill's parents did a lot to make him such a devoted husband.

[mythoughtis]

Something to consider- Jenn’s parents says their vacations were spent at that hospital when Jenn was little, with just an extra day or so before to do fun things. Maybe one reason that  Jenn and Bill are taking the kids on so many trips is because they know that could be the case with them in a few years. 

I thought the kids did ok at the doctors. Yes, Will could have cooperated a bit more. So could a lot of other kids at doctors, including my own in past years.  The facility is used to kids coloring on the floor, etc. places like that try to make their waiting areas kid friendly. 

[flyingdi]

I think last night I learned there are certain things Bill does not feel comfortable discussing.  Bill uses humor to deal with everything.

Jen is a control freak and Will is a moody, independent minded child.  Those seem like oil and water personalities to me.  YMMV.

Zoey does have a very expressive face.  She is especially capable of expressing disapproval.

Will has a beautiful smile.  It lights up his whole face.

I was really surprised  that Zoey was the first to try driving the duck boat.  She usually seems like a very cautious kid.

[bichonblitz]

1 hour ago, Bellalisa said:

This was a pretty boring episode with so much useless filler. How many interviews with Bill and Jen: It's  important to take them to the doctor. Going to the doctor is important so you can see where they are. Then an X ray is important. An X ray tells you how they are growing and if there is a problem. If there is you might have to act on it, if there isn't you don't.  It's let's you know. The doctors will tell us at the appointment. This is why we are going. To get the kids checked out. It is important to see specialist that know about their condition. Hopefully they are fine, but as parents this is your job to get them checked out to see how they are.. Our kids have to go to specialist, like geneticist. A geneticist knows stuff about genetic conditions. He can advise us on how they are" and on and on and on and on.  It was such useless filler drivel. Then about 15 minutes in the waiting room: now we are at the hospital, now we are in the waiting room, we are getting ready to see the doctor.  Now we are going for Xrays. Soon we will see the doctor. Then we will see the other doctor in a little while. But first we are seeing the first doctor. The second doctor will read the X-rays. This is so we can find out how they are doing. Then lots of footage of them walking from room to room. This really could have been a 30 minute show. 

 

 

This^^^ is hysterical! Every time the show came back from commercials, there was Bill or Jen explaining again why they were at the Dr's. appts. 

Next week: Another birthday. Are we going to see them making a messy cake? Will not listening to Jen again? Bill being playmate? Lather, rinse, repeat. 

I do have to agree Zoey is beyond adorable. How cute was she standing at the X-ray machine counting for them. That little girl is just precious. 

Bill looked as though he didn't have an ounce of energy this episode. The kids wear him out. They definitely need help. Thank goodness for the grandparents and nannies. 

Edited October 25, 2017 by bichonblitz

[missnoa]

The conversation about how Will is getting to the age where he's really, truly going to realize he's different was interesting. It was also interesting hearing about how they try and keep kids on an even line so they maximize their mobility and stay active. I really like the first doctor, he has great bedside banner. Bill looked extremely relieved at the end of that first visit. Maybe it's just that he shows it more than Jen does but he seemed really worried about it and you could see on his face that he was nervous. I liked learning a little bit more about how, you know, Bill and Jen live with pain because of their types but Will shouldn't yet so they have to watch for it.

On another note, the kids are so stinking cute. I actually think they get cuter every episode and I'm glad they're right where they need to be and healthy.

Edited October 25, 2017 by missnoa

[Evagirl]

2 hours ago, viewer said:

Bill's mom is a very pretty woman.  Pops certainly didn't upgrade.  Bill gets a lot of his personality from his father.   Fortunately,  his looks are from mom.  I just cringe when the dad and step mom are on.  Too much in your face.  

I admired Bill's mom for continuing the tradition of seeing the specialists with the grandkids even though her ex-husband was in attendance along with his wife.  To my knowledge she hasn't spoken on camera this season and just a little bit (to the children, not the camera) in a previous season.  To be fair, they don't give Bill's step-mom any speaking time either.  Their divorce must have amicable, which is good.  However, it just felt "odd" to me to see here there with the couples, dining out etc and she was alone.  Maybe that's just what the camera showed and when off camera, Bill made an effort to make her feel like she was part of the "circle of love" that was going around.

[SunnyBeBe]

4 hours ago, bichonblitz said:

She said in her TH she was concerned they wouldn't behave at the appointments. I also noticed her smiling that fake smile every time Will wouldn't listen. She just stands back and smiles. I don't expect much else of a reaction from her when the camera's are rolling but when the camera's are off, teach your kids to listen to you, then you won't have to be concerned about their behavior!  

I agree.  Honestly, when Jen made that comment about how worried she was about whether the kids would behave in the doctor's office, it finally hit me!  I get it.  She and Bill really are not equipped to address the children's behavior.  They really do not get it. What I hate, is that she and Bill appear to be oblivious to the fact that uncontrollable children are NOT a good thing.  It's a disservice to the child.  Jen had to direct Bill to intervene at one point with Will.  There is no reason that they shouldn't have been able to get his height, immediately and without incident.  It's like Jen and Bill are helpless when it comes to direction.  It's sad.

  Man,  I can't even imagine wondering if my child was going to behave......lol. REALLY? I can assure you my children will behave.   Especially, if they are over the age of 2.  I mean, a baby might be cranky or hungry, but, school age children? OMG. It boggles the mind.  While the kids have moments of sweetness, I generally dread seeing them. Mainly, because it's uncomfortable for the parents and those who have to endure the kids acting out.   I hope this season will draw enough comments from the public and their friends and family to spur Bill and Jen to get some professional help.  They research and get lots of help with everything else.  This shouldn't be any different. 

[BusyOctober]

The kids are definitely adorable and very charming.  I love their expressions.  However, aside from the occasional behavior issues (encourage and re-enforced by the adults in their lives IMO), one thing really bugs me.  Bill's step-mom is constantly carrying Zoe and cuddling her like a baby.  Maybe Zoe gets tired or her little legs wear out, but she's 5 years old.  Carrying a tired child is one thing, but step mom cradles Zoe like an infant. Just because she is super small now doesn't mean they shouldn't treat Zoe (& Will) in more age appropriate ways.  

Bill's mom is definitely not a camera hog.  She is so low key and hardly speaks on camera.  Bill's dad is always ready for his close up!

As for their check ups, I'm glad things are going well for the kids now.  I'm guessing Will's legs will need surgery at some point due to the bowing.  It is never a happy thing to see a child suffer or go through painful procedures, but both kids are very fortunate to have parents with first hand experience of what they may have to endure.  And supportive grandparents who "get" the whole ordeal too.

Edited October 26, 2017 by BusyOctober

[scenicbyway]

I liked Jen's mom's talkinghead when she acknowledged that yes, their family vacations were spent getting Jen into and through surgeries and that she was sure Jen remembered the pain.  But she was also grateful that Jen remembered the good times too.  I suspect that you'd grow to hate "vacation" if you had a surgery everytime.

I thought the kids behaved fine for the Dr. office.  What a boring place to be.  They obviously aren't afraid, I'm sure they've been desensitized with all their mom has gone through since they've joined the family.  I think a big issue with discipline for Jen and Bill is that they can't physically restrain the kids.  I think that's why we see the grandparents around so much, Bill and Jen can't keep up with the kids.

[Absolom]

Ratings:  1.443 M viewers and a .24 rating.

[AZChristian]

44 minutes ago, scenicbyway said:

I think a big issue with discipline for Jen and Bill is that they can't physically restrain the kids.

I have a friend (sadly, no longer with us) who was a paraplegic.  She gave birth to two sons.  Those kids were trained from the time they were tiny that they needed to be either be (a) sitting across Mom's knees in the wheelchair, or (2) as they got older, they were to always walk with one hand on the armrest or handle of her wheelchair.  If kids are trained with consistency (NO exceptions), they don't have to be physically restrained.  This is even more crucial when the parent(s) have physical challenges that limit their own mobility.  If a child can/will not follow rules, the parents need to find a way (withholding privileges, not going shopping with Mom/Dad) to teach them that until they DO, they will not get to have nearly as much fun.  There is NO EXCUSE for the Kleins' kids to be in an area to touch valuable artifacts or walk (and stand) beyond a rope in a museum, much less running away from them near Buckingham Palace.  

I think the family is great - but I am concerned for the safety of the kids as well as the safety of valuable items nearby.

[Libby]

Jen and Bill have this attitude, isn't it cute and fun when our kids act wild (Jen's word). What a crazy, fun life we have. I think that is because since they've had the kids, TLC has been in the picture. The television network encourages this behavior. I think that Jen and Bill, as new parents, listened to the people around them, the TV producers. TLC wants good TV. They couldn't care less how these children turn out. Bill especially wants to be the joker and falls for the TLC line. Good TV is a good life! Someday TLC will be gone and Bill and Jen will be dealing with the fallout of listening to and trying to please the network.

Edited October 25, 2017 by Libby

[viewer]

Very well said.  I believe Bill has totally spoiled Will with his insecurity.   He is afraid of that child and it shows.   Jen is too busy and very self involved

What a mess they have made of good intentions. 

[Snow8585]

I think it is fair to assume that the doctors did not reveal everything about Zoey and  Will to the viewers. And there is no reason to. It was pretty clear to me that surgery is in Will's future but not necessarily Zoey's. What caught my attention was that Will is now 35 inches tall. I think that is what they said. And Zoey is 29 inches tall. Well Jen is 38 inches tall and Bill, 48. So Will is about her height and stronger than her.  And he tells her to her face he does not like her. That is a little scary in my view. Plus he takes karate lessons. He could easily hurt Jen AND Zoey if he really wanted to. I think he will spare BaBa.

[flyingdi]

1 hour ago, Snow8585 said:

I think it is fair to assume that the doctors did not reveal everything about Zoey and  Will to the viewers. And there is no reason to. It was pretty clear to me that surgery is in Will's future but not necessarily Zoey's. What caught my attention was that Will is now 35 inches tall. I think that is what they said. And Zoey is 29 inches tall. Well Jen is 38 inches tall and Bill, 48. So Will is about her height and stronger than her.  And he tells her to her face he does not like her. That is a little scary in my view. Plus he takes karate lessons. He could easily hurt Jen AND Zoey if he really wanted to. I think he will spare BaBa.

In the beginning of the show it states that Bill is 40 inches tall and Jen is 32 inches tall.  If that is correct Will is already taller than mom.

I see Will as an independent, rambunctious and energetic child prone to moodiness.  However, I see no evidence so far of him being violent or mean.  He's a charmer when he wants to be.

Favorite scene of the night- grandpa getting Zoey out of the car.  "Are we at the airport?". These kids travel a lot!  It was cute.

[Libby]

1 hour ago, viewer said:

Very well said.  I believe Bill has totally spoiled Will with his insecurity.   He is afraid of that child and it shows.   Jen is too busy and very self involved

What a mess they have made of good intentions. 

I agree with everything in this post, except I don't think that Bill is scared of Will. I think that Will adores his father and looks at him for cues. I think that Bill wants to feel like he adds money to the household, and consequently tows the TLC line. The TV show is where he can say that he helps to make money. All he has to do is instigate Will, who will do whatever he wants, and YAY, they pleased TLC.

[Kohola3]

1 hour ago, viewer said:

What a mess they have made of good intentions. 

With all due respect, I think that's a bit harsh.  They rescued those kids from a life of horrors.  No matter what you believe is good or bad parenting, they certainly have not "made a mess" of anything.  It's not like these kids seem to be headed toward a career in robbing liquor stores with pantyhose over their heads.  They may  have behavioral issues (and there are legions of kids that age that act worse) but we only see a small portion of their lives so we don't know what goes on off camera.  The intentions of their parents seem to be to give them a safe and happy home with a lot of love.  I am not worried about their outcome.

[Libby]

2 minutes ago, Kohola3 said:

With all due respect, I think that's a bit harsh.  They rescued those kids from a life of horrors.  No matter what you believe is good or bad parenting, they certainly have not "made a mess" of anything.  It's not like these kids seem to be headed toward a career in robbing liquor stores with pantyhose over their heads.  They may  have behavioral issues (and there are legions of kids that age that act worse) but we only see a small portion of their lives so we don't know what goes on off camera.  The intentions of their parents seem to be to give them a safe and happy home with a lot of love.  I am not worried about their outcome.

I agree. But this is a mistake that well intentioned parents often make. Give a little here, give a little there, the kids seem fine, it's ok. The next thing the parents know, they have a problem on their hands. It all seems fine when the kids are young, but a chipping away is happening. I've seen it happen.

[JocelynCavanaugh]

40 minutes ago, flyingdi said:

In the beginning of the show it states that Bill is 40 inches tall and Jen is 32 inches tall.  If that is correct Will is already taller than mom.

The intro says she's 3' 2" (aka 38") Bill is 4'.

[Snow8585]

41 minutes ago, flyingdi said:

In the beginning of the show it states that Bill is 40 inches tall and Jen is 32 inches tall.  If that is correct Will is already taller than mom.

I see Will as an independent, rambunctious and energetic child prone to moodiness.  However, I see no evidence so far of him being violent or mean.  He's a charmer when he wants to be.

Favorite scene of the night- grandpa getting Zoey out of the car.  "Are we at the airport?". These kids travel a lot!  It was cute.

Will does have a mean streak. He has hit people including his mother and has bit and tackled his sister. One can only imagine what goes on behind the scenes. Not to mention how he tries to steal the show from his sister whenever he can. Bill finally apologized to Zoey for ruining her party and making her cry. We did not see Will do the same.

[flyingdi]

6 minutes ago, JocelynCavanaugh said:

The intro says she's 3' 2" (aka 38") Bill is 4'.

Thanks!

[Absolom]

I don't see anyone doing with Will the kinds of things we do with grandson.  Maybe they're doing it off camera, but not getting results.  The day before his sister's party, we took him quietly aside and discussed it was HER birthday party and he had had a great party for his birthday and she should have the same opportunity.  We looked at some photos on the phone of his party. 

Right before the granddaughter's party we had a couple sentence reminder.  Only once during the party did I gather him up and had him look me in the eye so I knew I had his attention and asked him if he was having the right attitude.  He said no.  I went wild.  I'll do better and he did.  Even short as Jen is you can't parent if you don't get in there with them and make sure you have their attention.  Chattering at young kids is fairly useless.  

I wouldn't call Will mean yet, but rather unrestrained.  In another couple of years if he isn't corralled, then I'll be a lot more critical.  Jen talks to her kids like my daughter used to talk to hers.  The now sweetie this isn't really what you should be doing type thing. Daughter learned she needed to be a lot more directive and make sure he understood by making good eye contact and making the kids at least repeat the direction but better explain it.

[mythoughtis]

Kids that age tell their adult figure they don’t like them- meaning ‘ I don’t like that you made me do x.’ They don’t really mean they don’t like  them.  No- that meaning is saved for when they are 15, scream ‘ I hate you’ and slam the bedroom door.  I don’t think Will hates Jenn, nor do I think Bill is scared of him. Nor do I think Will would physically harm Jenn on purpose. He is however almost her size and needs to be taught that she is more fragile than him because she is tiny and has little mobility. I do think Bill, Jenn, and Bills Mom are physically incapable of corralling them.  That is why it’s Bills Dad, his stepMom, and Jenn’s parents that are the ones asked to accompany them on these trips. They can chase after them.  

Edited October 26, 2017 by mythoughtis

[Sasha888]

45 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

 I do think Bill, Jenn, and Bills Mom are physically incapable of corralling them.  That is why it’s Bills Dad, his stepMom, and Jenna parents that are the ones asked to accompany them on these trips. They can chase after them.  

I agree. I noticed when they were outdoors at Mt. Vernon, in one scene Jen's Mom is coming back to the group holding a giggling Zoey, and she says to Jen, "I tackled her." They didn't show Zoey running away on camera...but what other reason would there be for Grandma to have to tackle her and bring her back? Just my opinion here, but I thought Zoey should not be laughing after Grandma had to chase her down, if that was indeed the case...she should be getting a little talking to. Kids are hard to chase down for any adult, disability or not. They are fast, and might have a good head start on you, too, if you don't see it right away. In my mind this is the most troubling behavior I see. Not that other things aren't important too (respect, etc.) but running off is a matter of physical safety. 

AZChristian described a great situation that shows a Mom with a physical disability was totally capable of keeping her kids from running off - not by physically chasing them down, but by setting the proper boundaries in the first place. 

[viewer]

Bill is afraid of losing the bond he has with Will.  He has always been the friend to Will.  I don't believe he is afraid of Will physically.   I made the very same mistake.  It is crushing when it comes back to bite you.

[camom]

Quote

I see Will as an independent, rambunctious and energetic child prone to moodiness.  However, I see no evidence so far of him being violent or mean.  He's a charmer when he wants to be.

I don't see him as violent, but he's a little boy and they don't really think of the consequences of their actions.  When my sons were 7, if they got angry I could physically remove them from the situation.  Bill and Jen can't do that.  I can see Will striking out in anger and hurting Jen.  It wouldn't be his intention, but it could still happen.

[flyingdi]

I just don't want to judge these kids too harshly when they are still so young.  I see nothing abnormal about a 7 year old fighting with his 5 year old sister, even physically.   Biting, of course, should be discouraged.  

My brother and I have the same age difference and we fought all the time but still got along great.  The main admonishment I remember from my childhood was, "Don't embarrass your father in public.". Not because we were bad kids but because my dad had a tendency to blush like a four alarm fire.

Jen and Bill just need to master " the look".  My brother and I knew what that meant from an early age.

My point is, I don't think these kids are on the road to juvenile delinquency just yet.

Also, tiny as she is, I have great faith in Little Miss Zoey's ability to defend herself.

[Emily Thrace]

4 hours ago, Snow8585 said:

Will does have a mean streak. He has hit people including his mother and has bit and tackled his sister. One can only imagine what goes on behind the scenes. Not to mention how he tries to steal the show from his sister whenever he can. Bill finally apologized to Zoey for ruining her party and making her cry. We did not see Will do the same.

I don't think Will has a mean bone in his body, he actually really sweet and loving. He gets angry and expresses it in a physical way its not uncommon in kids his age. (My cousins boy reacted to his sister taking away something he was playing with by hitting her last time they were here. He's only a little younger than Will)  Will is a little less controlled in his reactions but he has BIG reactions to everything. I think he is a bit behind his peers but watching the old episodes it actually remarkable how far he has come. Considering his rough beginnings and even just his own natural enthusiasm I think he's actually doing quite well and a lot of that is a credit to his parents. Will is a  kid who would have struggled with self control even if he had the best possible start in life and he certainly hasn't had that.   I also wonder if the move to the US set him back a bit too since the Chinese culture would handle Will's issues differently.  

I also don't think being authoritative is the best approach for Will. With and impulsive kid like that simply saying "Stop That" is only going to work for about half a minute. Empathy works though and explaining to Will that he needs not to "Chop" because he might hurt somebody would probably work better. 

I also don't think the kids are completely undisciplined by any means. In fact the one thing Bill and Jen are really consistent for is putting the kids in timeout if they lash out physically. There not perfectly consistent every time but I suspect no parent ever is.  Kids needs change and every situation is different being inflexible causes its own problems.  

 

52 minutes ago, flyingdi said:

Also, tiny as she is, I have great faith in Little Miss Zoey's ability to defend herself.

Yes this might actually be one of my favorite things about her.  I also love that Bill and Jen embrace that. So many little girls get taught that fighting for yourself isn't "Nice".  One thing you can say about Bill and Jen is they appreciate and embrace their kids for who they are.

[bichonblitz]

38 minutes ago, Emily Thrace said:

In fact the one thing Bill and Jen are really consistent for is putting the kids in timeout if they lash out physically.

 

I don't think I have ever seen Bill put Will in time out. I must have missed that episode. 

[Sasha888]

14 minutes ago, bichonblitz said:

I don't think I have ever seen Bill put Will in time out. I must have missed that episode. 

I haven't either. I saw Jen put Will in time out when he hit her, during the episode where they were painting together. Haven't seen Bill put Will in a timeout, and haven't seen either parent put Zoey in a timeout. I think I've seen all the episodes, but I certainly could have missed a few. 

I don't mean for this to sound harsh on them as parents, I just haven't seen it. I do like Bill & Jen. I think they're great people...I think they have done some amazing things. I hope to see them do well as parents, too. I believe they are fully capable of it.

I tune in hoping to see them succeed, not hoping to see them fail. I think they'd be having an easier time with discipline if they'd started a bit younger, but I don't think they are "past the point of no return, these kids are doomed" or anything like that. JMO.

[Bellalisa]

Wasn't Will giving Jen the death stare in the doctor's office? They called it something else. Some type of stare. He was mad at being told what to do so he stared Jen down. And maybe she said Oh Okay the stare down- well I'll stare you down right back. He had a really strange look on his face- not one we have seen too often. He was mad and staring down his mother. 

[Kohola3]

And how long would this series last if we were watching the kids in time out every episode?  We only see small, edited snippets of what goes on in their daily lives, what TLC decides is entertaining and will keep us watching. I, for one, enjoy the stuff of their daily lives but I don't think this should be a documentary on disciplining young children.  We have never seen them do something egregious, we've simply seen rambunctious kids in situations outside their daily routine.  Most of us know a kid like Will who gets ramped up at the drop of a hat but they rarely end up in prison, to my knowledge.

[Tikichick]

12 hours ago, Snow8585 said:

Will does have a mean streak. He has hit people including his mother and has bit and tackled his sister. One can only imagine what goes on behind the scenes. Not to mention how he tries to steal the show from his sister whenever he can. Bill finally apologized to Zoey for ruining her party and making her cry. We did not see Will do the same.

We don't even see the entirety of what's filmed, let alone their entire lives.   Yep, we did not SEE Will apologize.  We also don't see them eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for each day represented in an episode. 

Will simply needs to develop the ability to rein in his physical reactions to his feelings.  Plenty of average six and seven year olds struggle with the same.  Will has had far from the average six or seven year old's life experience.  The past few years have been filled with love, good care and privileges.  Before that was likely a lot of suffering and trauma that isn't really known except to him.  No way should he be expected to simply shake it off and rebound, even after a few years of a wonderful home and family -- a home and family that has seen its share of rough times since he's joined them -- cancer, serious back pain and surgery, another sibling with trauma and adjustment issues.  

Does it seem the kids are struggling with some behavior issues?  Yep.  Based on the track record of these parents making these children feel safe, comfortable and so very loved in such a short amount of time, I'm going to trust they have a handle on things, or will do so very appropriately.   I know people struggling with children who have come out of the foster system to feel any bit of comfort or belonging who would give their right arm to accomplish even a fraction of what Bill and Jen managed to do on those scales -- let alone so quickly and to such a degree. 

[babs j.]

Something that I found amusing from a few seasons ago when they had just adopted Will and took him home - He had surgery (it might have been on his ears) and Jen said that, when she had had one of her many surgeries, she couldn't understand why her mother was so tired when Jen woke up.  Of course, her mother had been awake all (or most of the time) while Jrn was coming to and - even if she did get some sleep it was sitting up in a chair - and I wondered if her mother said or texted - "Now you know".  Will is almost as tall as Jen amd Bill is almost a giant compared to his wife and children.