HGTV’s Erin Napier Reveals Exciting Family News – Fans React
Erin and Ben Napier are not ready for the summer family time to end, and so the HGTV stars have made an enormous decision that will impact them and the whole family going forward.
Back on July 23, Erin shared a post on her Instagram page, writing, “How do we stop the clock so school never starts back? Anyone else soaking up this time with your kids like raisin bran in whole milk?”
Erin and Ben share two children, daughters, Helen (7) and Mae (4), whom they often share updates about on social media.
In the comments of Erin’s post, several fans recommended homeschooling, with one person sharing, “I homeschooled mine from 4th grade until she left for college. Loved having all that added time together.”
Erin Napier Instagram
Well, it appears that Erin took the advice to heart because on September 1, she returned to Instagram to reveal that she and Ben will be homeschooling Helen and Mae moving forward.
In a since-deleted post, per EntertainmentNow, Erin shared, “Homeschool was our dream from the day Helen was born, but work was busy, then Mae was born and we just kept saying ‘someday we will.'”
Erin Napier Instagram
She continued, “After 3 years at an amazing little school, the dream wouldn’t leave me alone and we weren’t ready to let this summer of being together and having fun end. So, here we go. My painting studio became a classical school overnight.”
Erin showed a brief glimpse of the new home classroom in a September 4 gallery post, which shows two wooden desks and chairs, a printer, and a whiteboard on a stand. Another photo showed Susan Wise Bauer’s book The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education, which several commenters said is a great guide to homeschooling.
View this post on Instagram
“Well-Trained Mind book was my gateway to homeschooling,” said one Instagram user. “I was never able to put my son in public school after learning what I learned from that and Last Child in the Woods. He’s a senior now!”
“Love that you are reading Susan Wise Bauer’s book! She is a gifted writer and educator,” wrote another.
“I Love The Well Trained Mind! It helped me so much when we transitioned to homeschool when my oldest was in 1st grade,” another added.
Erin has spoken openly in the past about her daughters’ education and co-runs the organization Osprey, which is about “helping our kids achieve social media-free childhoods until they graduate high school.”
In a July 1 Instagram post, the Home Town Takeover star said, “A school would rue the day I hear an assignment requires a phone or app for my girls. I am more than ready for that conversation, but hopeful we never have to have it. I think a sea change is coming in ed tech.”
Conversation27 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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C
I believe u should do what's best for ur family but I'm disappointed. Perhaps their decision has to do with their occupation and folk always having something to say. They r about building community. Community includes school. I know the girls will do rec games, have spiritual experiences, and engage with kids their age in other venues. I wish them the best and much success. I admire parents who have the fortitude to homeschool.
47 10
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B
I think this is wonderful! We homeschooled our children for six years until I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that forced us to put them in public schools. I had intended to homeschool them through high school as many of our friends did successfully. Congratulations, Ben, Erin, Helen, and Mae!!!
28 1
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B
Kids needs socialization to be around other people. That's good up to certain age but not through college times. And that's when kids sometimes sneak and do things cause they want to be out and about. Remember you don't have to be with your kids 24/7 for them to love you. Some kids act worse when they get out because they been in so long they need to interact don't be afraid. Soon as they get old enough they will leave.
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M
I think it’s great that you are going to do home schooling! And think of all the quality time you will have with the girls! When I saw the picture I couldn’t believe how much they’ve grown!! You are both smart and fun Parents and I’m sure your girls will have fun while learning! I don’t think I was ever smart enough to homeschool my daughter!
15 1
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N
I had to home school my youngest son at high school age as he traveled with a national ski team. We did most of his work by remote on an internet teaching site. The last two years I found a ski resort town that had a high school that would allow the national and competitive athletes off for the semesters they traveled so I rented an apartment there and moved with him. It was great as he made other friends and got the experience of prom. I also wanted the moments of my child with me always but I have ruined a 100 pound baby of a dog who did not get socialized because of Covid. So realizing how important socialization is with pets it is more important with children. I was not educated to be a teacher and believe education should be left to the professionals. More important to find the right school to give you children the opportunity for higher education at a university of their choice. In others words unless you have a teaching degree it’s best to leave teaching to the professionals, at least at the higher age groups. They need interaction with peers as well. Have done both so that is my two cents. I am an educated American but will add I live in Canada and my children were raised here so may have given me a different perspective.
26 13
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O
Of course Erin would do that! She is a beautiful, thoughtful, careful person. I love her! Forming human beings is one of the highest callings we have in life. I homeschooled my son for 8 years, between his 2nd and 10th grades. It's makes a huge impact, developmentally, when kids are young, to be close to their families. They take direction from parents, rather than peers, and end up parroting back their language, culture, and values. School can be too "Lord of the Flies" with such big classrooms lately. Then after you are snug and happy together, you can let go a little more of them, year by year, into the wider world as they are ready.
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O
Awesome decision. Look for Montessori ideas...great manipulatives that Ben can make for Mae. Books on Amazon: Teaching Montessori in the Home.
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G
We homeschooled our son from 3rd grade through High School. He is Dyslexic and it was the best decision for him. He had a great homeschool group and he had a ton of friends at our church and community. I'm so pleased for your family.
6 1
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O
Sadly homeschooling for the most part is the parents need for total control over their children. Socializing, resilience and developing healthy relationships is fundamental for personal growth and development
12 9
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G
Sadly, you clearly do not know enough homeschooling families. Equally sad is your narrow-minded insight that gov't funded public education is the 'best' way to develop a healthy, growing human being. High marks for the Napiers and anyone else who is courageous enough to take the opportunity to impact the lives of their children in a very meaningful way. Blessings.
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G
Home schooling only works when they are younger. By the 5th grade kids need to be with other kids.
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P
Are you coming back to HGTV to do more renovations or are you stopping for now.I really like your shows you and Ben do.hópe you will have new shows coming up?
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P
I think that you are depriving your girls of important social interaction. The time you spend together after school is the precious time. You don’t want to be with the children 24 hours a day. They need to meet others and learn how to handle themselves in this very difficult world. I don’t know if you are quitting your show, but I would imagine homeschooling would leave you very little free time. I am totally against homeschooling. I would leave that up to the train educators.
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G
Can’t imagine not having the school experiences with teachers, staff and classmates. Seems selfish and very sheltering to me. Life is experiencing people places and things. Hopefully this sheltering will end well.
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P
So happy for your family! Good decision! I homeschooled my daughter after first grade. After one year she took the mandatory state tests and tested at 9th grade level, still w perfect score. I made them stop bringing in the future years that day. They wanted to know how she did so well. One tester said they were going to look at it for their kids. At 9th grade, she tested at grade level comp and ability grade 17. She got a full scholarship to a major university; said they loved getting Homeschoolers as great students and needed no "remedial" work to be college ready. Now she's an in demand intern'l atty. I had worked .6 throughout those yrs and it was doable. Socialization, etc.. no problem. Easier to develop leadership. Was VP of her 4-H club at age 11, P at 12. Leadership award from Kiwani club. Excellent speech giver and often asked to speak for others. YOU GOT THIS! NO DOUBT AT ALL! And it takes so much less time than public curriculums., and learn more. She'd started reading law bks at age 8 because she wanted to, so I ordered some used ones! Teach the main core and then you can add in specifics to their interests.
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P
I really think you will do a great job as teacher. Ya have the Mom teacher down pretty good. But, please remember to teach the girls cursive writing.
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C
Don't know where you have been home schooled children attend homeschooling groups, doing school with other children, field trips with other schools. Look at the mess kids are in that go to school. Graduating and can't even read. Committing suicide because of bullying.
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C
I loved homeschooling my children
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G
The best decision you could have made for your daughter's. No one loves and cares more for your children than you. You will raise them with solid morals. Greatest love of all. God bless you and your family.❤️
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C
Thought you might’ve said you’re expecting baby number 3 and it’s a boy oh well
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C
I homeschooled my girls when my youngest was starting Jr High and my oldest was starting HS. The best thing I ever did. 🙂
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B
This is a sound decision, especially since you will not have to worry about some woke teacher brainwashing your children. You will also never have to worry about your children being targeted by a deranged school shooter.
20 57
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O
Ur a mess
12 3
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P
Nobody wants a teacher to brainwash them into believing what the current government says and does!
12 10
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G
Think it's time you woke up!
12 3
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C
Looks like you need more education as Woke means. Having Empathy, if you can find a teacher teaching that hold on to her/him with both hands.
9 3
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G
It's time for people who throw around the word "woke" to define it. I have yet to find a person who does though.
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