‘Little People, Big World’ Stars Zach, Tori Roloff Open Up About Baby Jackson’s Achondroplasia

“Little People, Big World” stars Zach and Tori Roloff are basking in the joy of parenthood. Being a first time mother and father is, of course, not without its challenges, which the couple has been open about with fans.

In an interview with People, the TLC stars revealed that they’re not getting much sleep since their son Jackson was born, which has been a struggle — especially for Zach. In addition to the immediate challenges they’re facing, Zach and Tori will have a hard road ahead, but they’re ready. The pair confirmed to the publication that their son has Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, which means they’ll have to push him that much harder.

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“You have to encourage a dwarf child a little more because it will take them five steps to do what others can do in two,” Zach told People. “But I knew, dwarf or not, I was going to parent my child with the mentality that not everyone gets a trophy. You have to earn it.”

The “Little People, Big World” stars are hopeful that being open about their son’s dwarfism will shatter the stigma. Jackson won’t have it easy, but Zach assures fans there’s more to him than his diagnosis. They also want to help raise awareness and be a resource to other dwarf parents or parents of dwarf children.

“Tons of parents e mail me to say what an inspiration we are for their kids, showing that it’s possible for them to get married and have a family,” Zach said. “The other day we met a couple who have a dwarf child. They started watching our show and it made them feel that it was all going to be okay.”

Zach and Tori welcomed their baby boy on May 12. The first-time mom shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo of herself, her husband and baby Jackson. In her caption, she revealed all his birth stats and shared a sweet message about how much she and her hubby love their baby boy.

Although the “Little People, Big World” stars are over the moon about parenthood, they’re realistic about what the future may hold for their son. In a preview for Season 12 of the TLC series, Zach opened up to his mother about fears he was having about Jackson being born a dwarf. He revealed that the baby was “measuring below average” and worried he was in for a rough childhood.

“What am I going to say? ‘Oh yeah, I want a dwarf baby? I can’t wait for that kid to be bullied,’” Zach told mom Amy Roloff (via People).

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Despite that harsh reality, Zach and Tori’s excitement was unwavering. The pair shared updates about Tori’s pregnancy throughout. They detailed their preparations for the baby as well as his size and anything else they were able to document.

Zach and Tori aren’t the only Roloffs journeying into parenthood. Jeremy and wife Audrey Roloff are also due to be first-time parents in the coming months. The pair, who are expecting a baby girl, haven’t revealed anything else about their child.

Fans can watch Zach and Tori’s journey to becoming first-time parents from the earliest stages by tuning in to “Little People, Big World” Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EDT on TLC.