Chip and Joanna Gaines became household names with their HGTV series “Fixer Upper,” which premiered in 2013. While the show brought them tremendous success, Chip recently admitted one regret – including their children in the spotlight.
“We were kind of naive and dumb, really, to be frank, enough to be like, let’s have the kids be involved,” Chip confessed.
In the beginning, the couple’s children were often shown on the reality series. However, as they grew up, fans saw less and less of them. Joanna became more mindful of sharing their images online because while she and Chip signed up to be in the public eye, their children did not.
Reflecting on the decision to include their children – Drake, 18; Ella Rose, 16; Duke, 14; Emmie Kay, 13; and Crew, 4 – in the spotlight, Chip acknowledged feeling “dazed and confused.” They questioned whether the kids should be part of the series.
“When we started, we had a production company, and I’m not throwing them under the bus. I think it was a great strategy. We were naive and dumb enough to be like, ‘Let’s have the kids be involved,’” Chip said.
The Gaines’ initially believed that featuring their children on the show would promote their business of designing and building homes in Waco. However, as their popularity grew, so did the recognition of their children in public.
“At some point, Mama Bear and Papa Bear kicked in. I didn’t want my kids to be visible in that way unless they wanted to be visible,” Chip explained.
As their business evolved and their children got older, the Gaineses began featuring their children less and less on the show. Joanna emphasized the importance of allowing their kids to have their own identities outside of the television series.
“Now that they’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to let them have their own identity outside of this. Unless they want to be a part of it, I don’t even ask them. I don’t want them to feel like they’re just ‘the kid from Fixer,’” Joanna shared.
With their oldest child soon heading off to college, the couple is more conscious than ever about how they present their children to the public. Their focus is on allowing their children to be known for who they are, rather than just being recognized as “the kid from Fixer Upper.”
Joanna candidly admitted, “The first round, I kind of chalk it up to I didn’t know what was happening. If I could’ve redone some things, I would’ve.”
It’s admirable of Chip and Joanna Gaines to acknowledge their initial naivety in involving their children in the show. Their approach shows maturity and a genuine concern for their kids’ well-being. Let us know if you’re a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines!
