Chip & Joanna Spill the Truth: How Fame *Really* Changed Their Family!

By India McCarty

Chip and Joanna Gaines, known for their hit show on HGTV, recently shared how their approach to parenting has evolved since achieving fame. Despite the changes, the core value of togetherness remains paramount for the family.

“A decade ago, we were fiercely protective of our family, which wasn’t always easy,” Chip revealed to PEOPLE. “Family held the highest importance, closely followed by our business. We deeply valued our family, but our business ambitions were a close second. We wanted it to be meaningful and authentic. Now, looking back over these past ten years, there’s been a beautiful shift in priorities.”

The Gaineses are the proud parents of five children: Drake, 20; Ella, 18; Duke, 17; Emmie, 15; and Crew, 7.

Chip explained that with less pressure to “make it” in the business world, they’ve found more freedom to relax and confidently embrace their roles as a couple and as parents.

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“I think we now possess an expanded capacity to consider the ‘future,'” Joanna added. “Our greatest desire is to be together and cherish every moment.”

She continued, “We finally have the space to envision beyond the daily hustle. I feel we’re in a truly beautiful phase of reflection, where we can breathe and contemplate the future. What’s our vision for our family? What’s our vision for our business? We’ve arrived at that point, and now it feels like anything is possible!”

While the couple enjoys more flexibility in balancing work and family, Joanna shared in a recent Magnolia Journal essay that she’s learned to release rigid expectations about how life should unfold.

Related: Chip And Joanna Gaines: ‘Family Is The Most Important Thing in The World’

“I’ve stopped believing that strictness leads to inner peace or profound fulfillment,” she wrote. “In my experience, balance can often resemble stagnation, driven by the fear of taking on too much, letting go of something, or losing control. That’s simply not the way I want my world to operate.”

Instead, Joanna explained, “The things that ground me are what propel me forward,” citing quality time with loved ones and immersion in nature.

“Being true to myself means not being hard on myself for working long hours, as long as I also create time for moments of pure joy,” she concluded.

Chip also contributed to Magnolia Journal, reflecting on life’s peaks and valleys and expressing his wish for his children to experience the same range of emotions.

“Despite the common perception of the good life – relaxing on a beach with a piña colada and a hefty retirement fund – we find the most joy when we’re actively engaged and solving complex challenges,” he wrote.

Chip continued, “I know my kids will be bombarded with idealized images every day of their lives. I want them to have a realistic understanding of the alternative: the joy found in the journey.”

While their TV fame may have simplified some aspects of life for the Gaineses, meaningful family time remains their top priority.

Read Next: How Chip and Joanna Gaines Are Celebrating 22 Years of Marriage

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