Renowned designer Joanna Gaines shares her heartfelt reflections on the rapid passage of time as her children grow up. In an interview, she discusses how four of her five children are now old enough to drive, with some already preparing for college. While this transition brings mixed emotions, Gaines finds solace in cherishing moments with her youngest child, Crew. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and being present, creating meaningful experiences with her family. Her new children’s book, inspired by outdoor adventures with Crew, underscores her commitment to finding wonder in everyday life.
Gaines, at 46, reflects on the bittersweet reality that her older children—Drake, Ella, Duke, and Emmie—are reaching milestones that signal their independence. Drake is 19, Ella is 18, Duke is 16, and Emmie is 15. Each one has reached an age where they are beginning to venture out into the world. Duke has already started college, and Ella will follow suit in the fall. This realization has prompted Gaines to reassess how she spends her time, making a conscious effort to savor each moment with her family.
The arrival of her youngest, Crew, who is six years old, has brought a fresh perspective to Gaines' life. She describes him as a child who is deeply connected to nature, always observing the world around him with curiosity and wonder. His presence has reminded Gaines of the importance of maintaining a sense of awe and living in the present. “He’s always looking out the window, the first to notice something,” she explains. “He has this childlike faith that if he just looks, he’ll find something.”
Gaines has channeled these experiences into her latest children’s book, The World Needs the Wonder You See, which is set to release on January 28. The book captures the essence of exploring the outdoors and discovering the beauty in small details, much like the adventures she and Crew have shared. Through this project, Gaines hopes to inspire others to reconnect with the wonder of the world around them.
Beyond the challenges of raising teenagers, Gaines also speaks about the joy of watching her children grow into responsible adults. She takes pride in seeing them form close bonds with one another, often spending time together as friends rather than siblings. “They’re just turning into these wonderful human beings,” she says. “My favorite thing is seeing them hanging out in a restaurant together as friends. It’s such a cool transformation from when they were younger and constantly fighting.”
While the thought of her children driving can be nerve-wracking, Gaines admits to using an app to keep track of their whereabouts and speed. However, she remains focused on embracing this new chapter in her life. Despite the busyness, she feels more grounded and appreciative of the moments that matter most. Gaines’ approach to parenting serves as a reminder to cherish every phase of life, no matter how fleeting it may seem.