HGTV’s Erin Napier Reveals Shocking Reason She Homeschools Her Kids

HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier do not regret their decision to homeschool their children, despite receiving criticism from some fans who say the kids are missing out on ‘real world’ interactions. Erin reacted to comments online and revealed a shocking reason behind the couple’s decision to keep their kids out of the classroom.

The Home Town hosts share two daughters, Helen (8) and Mae (4), and decided to start homeschooling them last year. Erin often shares updates about her girls’ education on social media, including a recent Instagram post showing Ben teaching them history.

“Imagine having the best elementary history, Bible, math and poetry teacher ever who tells you stories about the world that make you want to go see them in real life while you listen to spaghetti western soundtracks and that’s homeschool with [Ben],” Erin wrote in the caption.

While many appreciated the update, one Instagram user wrote, “The concept is wonderful, but they really need to experience the real world, getting along with others laughing learning with others! Dealing with the real world!”

 

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Erin defended herself against the criticism in the post’s comments, leading to a back-and-forth between her and other users.

“Is everyone in the real world the exact same age, in one place together every day? No,” she wrote. “Our kids interact with all ages every day in sports, art classes, dance classes, field trips, coming on set with us, and working together to do their chores every day. I know it’s what is familiar to you, but it is absolutely not the only way.”

As the topic moved on to developing social skills, Erin responded, “My social skills had to be learned sitting still in a room with people my age, many who had extremely limited or poor parenting at home, in my most formative and vulnerable years. I thank God my parents were so influential on me!”

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She then revealed the catalyst for homeschooling Helen and Mae, recalling a shocking personal experience from her own school days.

“When they’re little children, I absolutely should and will keep them away from children whose parents make bad decisions for them,” Erin stated. “I was exposed to porn on a school bus by a boy my age in 5th grade. That was the one and only time I rode the bus, because my parents cared enough to change it immediately.”

She concluded, “I am happy to be criticized if this is the (poor) argument you want to make.”

Earlier this year, Erin opened up about their decision to homeschool, admitting that she too thought it was “weird” when she was younger. But that changed when she and Ben “met with some homeschoolers who were so remarkable, so mature, so communicative and interested in learning, it made us realize we wanted whatever that was.”