Chip and Joanna Gaines warmed their way into our hearts through their home renovation show. They have proven that couples can work together and make an amazing team while at it. They hosted Fixer Upper for five seasons on HGTV, and the show sadly concluded its run in 2018. However, they had great news for fans announcing the spin-off they had in the works slated to air in 2021 on their new network, the Magnolia Network, which is also scheduled to launch sometime in 2021.
On top of teaching us valuable lessons about teamwork, Chip and Joanna also gave us several parenting lessons. They reportedly ended their HGTV show to focus on spending more time with family. They are the proud parents of five children, and they had their youngest in 2018. We've rounded up some of the lessons and tips we picked up from observing Joanna and Chip raising their wholesome family.
Log Out & Tune In
For a couple who found fame on a TV show, one aspect about the Gaines family that is surprising is that they don't own a TV set. They have an iPad that they'll allow their kids to use under strict rules and only for a given amount of time each day. To enjoy the privilege of accessing the iPad, their kids have to complete their homework and chores.
Joanna shared during an interview with Southern Living that she endeavors not to make the time her kids have on the iPad something that they look forward to each day. Instead, the couple encourages their children to log out and be more in tune with nature.
Convening With Nature
Without a TV set consuming their time, the Gaines family spends a lot of time outdoors. Living in a 1,700-square-foot farmhouse in the suburb of Crawford in Waco, Texas, offers them the luxury of spending lots of time outdoors. There's always something to get done around the 40 acres of land the farm rests on, and the Gaines family members all lend a hand.
Chip enjoys playing the occasional video game, understandably, but he doesn't let it go overboard. He knows that it's all about striking a balance. The children also gain much more from the outdoor sessions, including taking in some much-needed fresh air and sunshine.
Fostering Teamwork
Joanna notes that raising five kids is demanding and requires a lot of teamwork. Clear communication between the parents and lending the kids a listening ear has worked for them. They both know that it's important to work together, and they always question if they are doing enough and offering their kids the best upbringing.
Their open-door policy has helped them create mutual respect as well as set up boundaries with the kids. It has also helped them sow the seeds to form a close relationship with their children early enough, which should help them through the challenges that they'll encounter along the way.
Working With Life's Surprises
At the age of 40, Joanna had her fifth child, while Chip was 44 years old. She admitted that the pregnancy was a surprise, but she embraced it as yet another learning lesson. Joanna believes in seeing the teachable moments out of the parenting journey.
It was a challenge expecting a child at 40, and she admitted feeling more worn out than her experience with her other pregnancies. Joanna took it all in great stride, and she made it through. That's how they got their littlest family member to dote over.
Everyone Needs Help Sometimes
Kids can become a handful, and when you are dealing with five of them, it can get overwhelming. Joanna acknowledges the value of teamwork, and she always takes up the extra hand extended her way from time to time, which she also credits for helping her get to where she is now.
A study conducted by the University of Lincoln and the Marriage Foundation proved the statement "happy wife, happy life" true. The study conducted on 13K couples based in the U.K. with children born between the years 2000 and 2001 found that mothers who are happy directly impact their children's mental health as they grow up.
Learning The Value Of Hard Work
Celebrity kids typically seem spoilt, and in most cases, they always have their parents' fortunes to fall back on. It's the opposite in the Gaines family because Joanna and Chip have instilled a sense of hard work in their children. Living on a farm means that they all have responsibilities.
The kids are assigned age-appropriate chores like collecting eggs, which gives them a sense of responsibility. VeryWell also explains that teaching children what it means to work hard is beneficial later in their lives. The chores help kids feel included, and it steers them towards becoming good citizens.
The Kids Always Come First
Chip and Joanna both agree that their kids are their primary priority. This is backed up by the three-year break they took from filming to pour their efforts into raising the kids. Their social media accounts also support this observation because every other photo or post is all about their kids.
It is also evident that the Gaines children are a happy lot who have emulated their parents in several ways. Joanna and Chip also focus on the aspects that are important to them and the family as a whole, and typically that means spending as much time as they can together.
Family Fun Activities
The Gaines family knows that you can't thrive with all work without some playtime. They also don't leave playtime to the kids; they enjoy family fun activities. They are sports fans, which means that they are often playing American football, soccer, and basketball.
The Gaines family are drawn towards activities that involve teamwork, conditioning, and exercising their minds. They'll keep off the basketball court sometimes to avoid the scuffed knees, and instead, put together puzzles. Overall, they enjoy activities that bring them together as a family, build strength, and teach the kids how to compete healthily.
Embracing The Flaws Of Parenting
Every parent was new at it at one point, and it can be quite challenging navigating through it. Joanna and Chip have always shared their experiences with parenting, including the imperfect moments. When their eldest, Drake, was still a baby, Chip forgot him at home.
Joanna had gone out for a jog, and when Chip told her that he'd forgotten their little boy inside the house, Joanna sprinted back home. She got there faster than Chip, who had been driving. They never tried to hide this momentary lapse of judgment, and it just shows that they are as real as it gets.
Love Runs The World
Love runs the world, and the Gaines household is filled with it. Joanna and Chip might be strict, but at the end of the day, the choices they make for their kids come from a good place. Joanna and Chip are generous with hugs and physical affection, leaving no doubt that they have a great relationship with their children.
The kids are also fond of each other, and they do know that they are their "brother's keeper." They look out for each other, and they also love spending time with each other.
Strictness Does Not Translate To Bad Parenting
Being a strict parent doesn't equate to bad parenting, and the Gaines run their household on a tight ship. They embrace the strict label, and Joanna says it has helped them create healthy boundaries for their kids.
They are aware that their children will eventually grow up, start wearing makeup, and dating. They are ready to cross that bridge when they get there, but while they can still maintain the strict grip on their kids' lives, they will keep it that way. That means that as long as their kids are under their roof, tech and cell phones are strictly forbidden.
Positive Affirmations
Most parents have the problem of over-gifting when it comes to their kids. Joanna doesn't have a problem with that, but she prefers to turn presents into rewards. It is a form of positive affirmation for good behavior, and it also teaches the kids about responsibility.
Joanna struck a deal with her daughter to get plants every month if her daughter managed to take good care of the first one. They soon ran out of space because her garden of plants kept on growing. It's a strategy every parent should adopt, and all it takes is a little time and love.
A Regular Childhood
Going back to the Gaines kids who have the privilege of growing up with famous folks, Joanna and Chip make sure that it doesn't go to their heads. They do their best to provide their kids with a regular childhood as much as they can.
Chip and Joanna also know how to choose their battles in terms of effective parenting. They may be strict in certain aspects, but they also take a lax approach to other things. That is why they also take liberties with things like letting the kids stay up past bedtime occasionally.
Cherishing Traditions
Every family usually has a set of traditions that they cherish, and the Gaines family have their own. Christmas is a big deal in the Gaines household, and they try to keep every detail the same every year. They'll put up the same decorations, adorning the tree the same way, and they also maintain the recipes.
Keeping things constant has provided them with many memories right from their first experiences celebrating Christmas with their first child and now that they have five in total. It is the favorite holiday for the entire family because it allows them to spend more time together.
Explaining Scheduling
Joanna is also a firm believer in being transparent with the kids about "adulting." She discusses her schedule with them and lets them know why mom and dad have to work. She would explain to them that her favorite moments are those that she spends with them, but she has to work the same way that they go to school to get an education.
Joanna believes that opening up about the other huge part of her life has helped them grasp the importance of work. The kids also know that their folks will always be back home at the end of the day.
Imperfectly Perfect
Joanna is an interior designer by profession, and her skills are evident throughout their impeccably decorated home. The desire to have a perfect home became an obsession for her, but she realized it and focused on simplicity instead.
With five kids running around and playing with toys all the time, the house gets messy sometimes. Joanna and Chip want their kids to feel safe and comfortable above all else. That is why they've made peace with having a messy home from time to time, knowing that in the end, it's imperfectly perfect.
Indulging In Some Much-Needed Time Away
Indulging in some "Me" time whenever she can has helped Joanna balance everything. On a regular basis, she has to deal with work, raising a family, and also keep the fire burning in her relationship. She is grateful for the alone time she gets because it helps her from burning out.
Joanna grabs those moments every few minutes each day, and she does the things she enjoys. She wrote in a blog post in 2016 that focussing on balance helped her feel creatively fulfilled, which in turn made her an even better mother.
Encouraging & Inspiring
Joanna and Chip believe in taking an inclusive and inspiring approach when raising their kids. They have taken their children under their wing on the professional front, and they enjoy including them in their work whenever they can. They have taken the kids to work on several occasions.
Their kids also had cameos in Fixer Upper, where they saw the renovation projects their folks were working on. The kids also accompanied their folks on an antique shopping spree, and they were also exposed to the inner workings of recording the show.
The Small Moments Matter
We all get caught up in the big moments and forget to pay attention to the small moments. Joanna is convinced that the littlest details count more, and they are equally as important. She says that you don't always have to plan extravagant days out with the kids, but instead, you should focus on creating lasting moments.
The Gaines family enjoys seemingly trivial things like listening to music and driving around. Joanna also draws inspiration from Chips and tries to leave her comfort zone by finding simple yet creative ways of spending quality time with the kids.
Keep The Phones Away
The brand that Chip and Joanna have built requires them to spend a good amount of time on their phones. Joanna explained that work for them means making lots of phone calls and being connected to the Internet almost the entire day. However, they do their best to ditch their phones when they are back home.
They admit that it's difficult to avoid checking their phones even once when they are home. However, they understand that they won't ever get back the crucial time they spend with their kids once they are grown up.
Always Make Time For The Kids
The Gaines family has found its perfect rhythm in terms of balance. Joanna and Chip are markedly strict but don't let it fool you because they fully let loose when it's time to have some fun. Their house is always filled with humor, and they are constantly playing games.
The family regularly throws impromptu family dance parties when they allow themselves to go a little crazy. They also love DIY projects, and we've seen them share the paper robot costumes and other creations they've come up with through their social media pages.
It's Natural To Feel Like You're Not Doing Enough
Joanna opened up through her blog that she sometimes questioned if she is doing enough as a working mom. She said that it was heartbreaking whenever her kids clung to her when she was leaving the house, begging her to stay home. Joanna explained that she would still feel the same even when she stayed at home.
She chose instead to prioritize balance and not to allow the feelings of discontent to reign. She would only take a nap when she had worked through her daily duties. Whether it was folding laundry, writing her blog, or preparing dinner, she considered it "her time."
Learn How To Balance
Joanna and Chip are firm believers in balancing everything. They have rules they expect their kids to follow, and their household also runs on a given set of regulations. Rules are meant to be broken when the occasion calls for it, and the Gaines family knows when to bend the rules.
Joanna takes the lead because she can be both the intimidating enforcer when required and goof off when necessary. She can lighten the mood in the blink of an eye, and that’s what makes the kids even more comfortable with their parents.
They Encourage Creative Play
Beyond encouraging their kids to keep more in tune with nature, the Gaines family also steer their kids towards creative play sessions. Their kids get to think outside the box and make their own toys out of toilet paper rolls, paper cups, and any other materials they have at hand.
Creative play builds a child's imagination and helps them grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. It also encourages them to express ideas and share their feelings. It also takes the stress out of the play process, which can often creep up with over-structuring. Overall, it is a great step in helping children reach major milestones and keeping them happy.
A Relaxed Approach To Kids Growing Up
The harshest reality Joanna and Chip have to deal with is the same one that plagues all parents. Eventually, their kids will become teenagers, and that will present a whole new set of challenges that they haven't faced before. Chip recommends being relaxed and maintaining open channels of communication.
Most parents are nervous about having talks about the birds and the bees and other heavy topics with their kids. Chip isn't worried about his daughters dating, and, in fact, he'll encourage them to experience the process and have fun. Of course, all under reason, but he has a surprisingly relaxed approach to his kids growing up.
Simplifying Their Household
The Gaines make a living from the real estate industry, but they prefer things simplified when it comes to their abode. They explained that they try to maintain a simplified environment at home, and it is clear from the photos they've shared of their farmhouse.
They don't have rooms crowded with furniture, and you are not likely to see a toy lying around despite being a household with five kids. Keeping everything in place opens up the space they have available. Scientifically, order encourages childhood creativity, and their kids have more than enough room to explore.
Motherhood Is Fulfilling
Motherhood is a thankless job, and it isn't an easy one. Joanna serves as an inspiration to moms worldwide because of her positive approach to the parenting process. Thankfully, she shares her drops of wisdom through the Magnolia blog.
In one blog post titled A Letter to Moms, Joanna says that she no longer stresses over the little things like a burnt dinner, piled up laundry, or the long list of things that go wrong daily. She is more grateful for the instant gratification she gets from motherhood and says that it does pay off.
Growing Together
Some couples feel like they need their space to grow in different areas of their lives. That doesn't describe Joanna and Chip because they thrive in growing together. The sheer amount of time they spend together shows that they are completely comfortable with each other.
Dr. Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D., is a psychologist who specializes in careers and couples. Thomas says that couples who work together often have trouble separating their professional and romantic sides. She does believe that it is possible to find an ideal balance, and Chip and Joanna are the perfect examples.
Marriage Success Translates To Family Success
Chip and Joanna not only work to build a happy family, but they put in the effort in their marriage too. Their loving relationship with their kids mirrors their relationship with each other. They explain that mutual respect keeps the flame burning.
They continuously seek to find common ground and sustain the strong connection they share. It doesn't mean that they don't argue at times, but they have found constructive ways to resolve their issues rather than letting them spiral out of control. What works for them is always coming together, even in conflict, to work it out.
Strengthening Their Bond
Joanna and Chip also teach us that being a good parent isn't only reflected in the way you treat your children. They prove that having a loving relationship feeds into having a successful marriage, which in turn is their masterpiece when it comes to being great parents.
Like every other couple, it doesn't come easy for them, and they work hard at making it last. They reiterate that arguments are part of any marriage, and no one is perfect. However, they both understand that it is important to keep working at it and learning along the way towards building a strong marriage.
Spending As Much Time Together As A Couple
Joanna and Chip practically spend every waking moment together. However, like every healthy relationship, they still make time for each other away from the kids. In the same breath, they also give each other room, which may sound like something next to impossible, given that they work together.
They learned to maneuver it all, and they know when the other person needs some alone time. Their resilient bond has helped them work through arguments, and it's admirable that they have also figured out how to switch from their work to home relationship seamlessly.
The Love Notes
One of the sweetest things about Chip and Joanna also trickles down to the children. Whenever either of them leaves home for a long trip, they'll pen down sweet notes and leave them for the other to read. Chip explained that he's kept the growing pile of cute romantic notes over the years.
Joanna also shared that one of the creative ways she connected with her kids is through their stomachs. She often stashes a note in their lunchbox, which is so heartwarming. She also surprises them by picking them from school early for fun dates.
Embracing The Fun Side of Life
It's hard to imagine that Chip and Joanna get any time to kick back and relax. Between building their new media empire and raising their five children, it is understandable if they take a serious approach to life.
However, they do know when to let their hair loose and embrace the fun side of life. The family once pulled a prank on Joanna by messing around with a sign they have hung up in the house. It reads, "gather here with thankful hearts," but they switched the work hearts with farts. Joanna took it lightheartedly, and she even shared it on social media.
He Makes Her Laugh
Chip and Joanna have weathered through 17 years of marriage, and through the ups and down, they continually found comfort in each other. They have a chemistry that is quite apparent, and it shows even when they are working together.
Joanna believes that their strong bond is reliant on Chip's personality. He often makes her laugh, and that's one of the things that makes it work. She also references the first time they met and the kindness he showed her as part of the aspect that helped them forge a trusting and lasting bond.
Their Differences Unite Them
They say that opposites attract, and it's the same case for Chip and Joanna. He is sometimes a goofball, but he also rises to the occasion and takes risks when the occasion calls for it. Joanna is the control freak in their relationship, and she's always caught up in planning each step.
Their differences complement each other, and it makes them a force to reckon with. That's why they also work as business partners because they each have their strengths that make them a success. Add in their five children who all have unique personalities, and the biggest lesson we learn from it is that individuality is never a bad thing.