TLC has become a home for reality TV programming. Over the years, it's introduced us to people withstrange addictions, Olympic couponers, and even doctors. TLC's true bread and butter, though,are its reality TV shows that follow unique families as they navigate everyday life.
One of TLC's more underrated reality TV families is the Johnstons Family. The Johnstons are a family of little people who live in Georgia. Together, Trent and Amy have 5 children 2 biological: Jonah and Elizabeth and three adopted children: Anna, Emma, and Alex.
While the Johnstons have opened up their homes to TLC cameras and the world, there's still a lot of things most people don't know about the family.
14 Amber And Trent Spent 2 Years In A Long Distance Relationship After Meeting
Amber and Trent first met each other at a Little People of America convention. Amber was still in high school at the time and she and Trent lived in separate states making it impossible for them to see others on the regular. Instead of giving up, Trent and Amber decided to pursue a long-distance relationship.
13 The Family Has Started Modifying Their House To Make Life Better
When we were first introduced to the Johnston family they were adamant that they did not want to raise their children in a modified house like some other little people's families choose to do. However, the family has changed their stance...sort of. While the family isn't modifying their entire house they have decided to modify the kitchen so that it's easier for them to cook without having to climb on stools and risk injury.
12 They Chose To Adopt Dwarf Children From Countries Where Dwarfism Isn't As Excepted
Trent and Amber have two biological children of their own but they felt they had more love to offer so they turned to adoption. Instead of adopting within the United States, they sought out dwarf children from countries where dwarfism isn't as except meaning the children are less likely to be adopted and live long lives. They adopted Anna from Russia, Emma from China, and Alex from Korea.
11 Anna and Elizabeth Both Run Etsy Stores
Elizabeth and Anna are definitely the artists of the family.The girls got smart and turned their passion into a small business with the help of Etsy. Elizabeth sells original and custom pieces, including cards on her shop LizArtCo. While Anna sells handmade jewelryand bath fizz on her shop Fizz4passion.
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10 Respect Is A Big Deal In Their House
Southern hospitality and respect are a real thing and the Johnston's take it very seriously. If you've watched the show you'll notice that the kids often say end their yes and no responses with ma'am or sir when responding to their elders. Amber toldSouthern Livingthat it's required in their house because "it's a respect thing."
9 Jonah Almost Didn't Make It
It's no secret that people with dwarfism often suffer from an array of health issues.Unfortunately, Jonah's health issues started minutes after his birth. Not only was he born premature but the doctors had to revive him when he was delivered. Luckily they were able to revive him but he spent the next six weeks in NICU.
8 A Church Member Helped The Family Adopt Alex
Alex is the youngest member of the Johnston family and his presence truly is a blessing. He was born in South Korea where the international adoption process requires the entire adoption fee to be paid upfront instead of in stages. Amber and Trent knew Alex was destined to be part of their family and thankfully a member of their church stepped in to help them cover the costs of the adoption.
7 Amber Is The Only Little Person In Her Family
Unbeknownst to some, dwarfism doesn't have to be inherited to occur because it is a genetic mutation. Amber is living proof of this because she is the only little person in her entire family. Though she was physically different than her family, they never treated her as such which is why she's so adamant about raising her kids totreat everyone with respect.
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6 Trent Works As A GroundsSupervisor At A Georgia College
While it's true the TLC show is a job for the Johnston family its not wise to rely solely on TV money to support a household. While Amber is a stay-at-home mother, Trent works as a grounds supervisor at a local Georgia College. It makes sense now why he loves to work in his own yard.
5 The Family Wasn't Planning On Adopting But Were Moved By Anna's Story
After having their two biological children, Trent and Amber knew they wanted to adopt but they weren't ready quite yet. As a district director for Little People of America Amber was sent an email from Anna's orphanage asking if they could help them find her a loving home. After reading Anna's biography she knew that Annawas destined to be a Johnson.
4 The Johnstons Don't Believe InGovernmentAssistance
Trent and Amber find it extremely important to live within their means. In doing so, they've refused to accept financial help or government assistance in raising their family. While little people are able to receive benefits from the government due to their disability, Trent and Amber have never sought it out for themselves or for their children.
3 Elizabeth Had Brain Surgery At Eight Weeks Old
After Jonah's rough birth and first few weeks, Amber and Trent hoped that their second pregnancy would have a more positive outlook. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The pregnancy was extremely difficult on Amber and when Elizabeth was born she had to undergo brain surgery at just 8 weeks old.
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2 They Agreed To Do The Show To Bring Social Awareness And Acceptance To Their Community
While some families sign up to do reality TV because they want to be rich and famous, the Johnstons had other plans. Being a family of little people, they felt that if they shared their story people would see that they're just like everyone else. Not only do we get to see them in their home lives but we also see them deal with discrimination which they hope will make people more aware of their actions.
1 Amber Chose To Have Surgery To Ensure She Couldn't Get Pregnant Again
All pregnancies are different but the one thing they have in common is that they all come with risks. Amber, unfortunately, had two terrible experiences while carrying Jonah and Elizabeth including the dislocation of her hip several times. Amber made the tough decision to have tubal ligation surgery to ensure that she wouldn't get pregnant a third time.
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