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Little People, Big World

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    An incredible family -- little and big.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Responsive parents and grandparents are raising four children. The family models ways to overcome challeneges and share successes.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    In one episode, Dad takes the boys camping and brings a shotgun. They discuss gun safety.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Teenage son calls his father an idiot.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Little People, Big World was written by Pam Gelman

Parents need to know that this reality series provides an extraordinary opportunity for kids to learn about a family composed of both little (the parents and one child are affected by dwarfism) and averaged-sized people. The challenges of being a little person are intertwined with the everyday craziness of a household with four busy kids. Sensitive children may find it hard to hear the Roloff kids talk about how some people don't accept their parents and brother for who they are. But most viewers will marvel at the incredible strength of the whole family.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the facts of dwarfism, including the common types and abilities of little people (TLC has put together an informative online FAQ). How do you think Amy, Matt, and Zach sustain the necessary stamina to meet the challenges they face? Think about your own daily routine: What parts would be hard to do if you were a little person? What different challenges do you think the Roloffs' kids have to deal with? How would you react to a little person at school, on your soccer team, in dance class? How can you show acceptance? Why is it so important to look past outward appearances and get to know the individual?
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More on Little People, Big World

What’s the Story?

TLC's LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD gives viewers a glimpse at the challenges and triumphs of a family composed of both little and average-sized people. Parents Amy and Matt Roloff are both little people, as is their 15-year-old son, Zach. His fraternal twin, Jeremy; 12-year-old sister, Molly; and 8-year-old brother, Jacob, are all of average height. Like any family, each member has his or her own personality, some easier to get along with than others. Watching the program, viewers see how this family has developed strategies to live life to its fullest -- and may find themselves surprised at how much the Roloffs' life relates to their own.

Is It Any Good?

Quality programs about adults and children who are different are rare. Viewers quickly see that many of the struggles faced by Matt and Amy are the same as those faced by average-sized grown-ups: finding time for just the two of them, dealing with miscommunications, deciding where things should be put away in the kitchen. Matt, who previously found success in Silicon Valley, is now starting his own business and coping with the financial challenges of running a start-up. He tends to like to do things his way and sometimes butts heads with his wife, his kids, and his own father. Amy, meanwhile, carries a lot of the family's weight, working two jobs, coaching her youngest son's soccer team, and managing the household of four busy kids.

In many ways, viewers can relate to the Roloff kids, who are trying to find their niche while managing their up/down relationships with their parents, siblings, and friends. Zach is particularly notable -- not only because of his size, but also because of the incredible strength he draws on to find his own way during a normally tumultuous period of development. He's a great student, athletic and well-liked by friends (boys and girls alike). (It's worth noting that sensitive kids might be strongly affected by trying to visualize Zach's daily challenges.) The Roloff family's message is a strong, simple one: Don't look down on them -- instead, accept them as they have accepted themselves. Recognize their achievements, and learn from them about the strengths and abilities of little people.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0

    matt and amy

    I love the show. But I feel Amy is a little hard on Matt. I'm sure Amy is under pressure with all she does. And it may add to her frustration when Matt trys to come up with something innovative. As he did succeed in his tools for little people. But the relationship seems forced and not truly genuine. I hope this show isn't causing relationship problems. I know Matt loves Amy. But not sure if the feelings mutual. She critizes his "Dreams" and calls him a dreamer. But that's what make some people really great. On their vacations I seen several moments that show lack of interest toward Matt. Any kiss or affection seems forced and not wanted by Amy. I think he is sweet and is trying the best of his ability. But no one is perfect.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0

    Great Show

    I love this show, and while the intentions are good--- I think the two older boy's language has gotten a little out of hand. I wish they also would listen to Matt & Amy they treat their parents very mean in my opinion. Never wanna help or take care of that beautiful home.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

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