HGTV Star Erin Napier's Children Embrace Nature, Shunning Phones and Tablets
Erin Napier, HGTV Star, shares her secrets to raising her two daughters, Helen and Mae, with husband Ben Napier Discover her effective parenting hacks and how she encourages her children to prioritize outdoor activities over screen time
Erin Napier and Ben Napier of Home Town fame are passionate about their family life, which includes their two beloved daughters. When asked about their stance on limited screen time, Erin, 38, revealed that their children have never had access to phones or tablets.
The author of The Heirloom Rooms: Soulful Stories of Home and Ben are parents to two daughters, Helen (5) and Mae (2). According to Erin, the girls occasionally use devices to chat with their grandparents via FaceTime and watch TV, but they primarily engage in real-life activities and have a great time. Erin mentioned that the girls enjoy playing outdoors, getting dirty, and exploring by digging and climbing trees. This is their preferred way of spending their time.
The reality TV stars, who are married, usually maintain a screen-free setting, except for a specific occasion when they can watch television.
"It actually benefits them," Erin clarified. "On certain occasions, the television is only turned on when I tell them, 'Let's relax. Let's sit down,' and I switch it on briefly while they begin their meal."
She maintained: "Afterward, we switch it off to have a family meal and engage in conversation. I don't know, there's this certain quality about the television that captures their attention and keeps them in one place, allowing me to have a calm atmosphere. I prefer it to be turned off, but occasionally, it acts like a bug light that lures them in."
Erin Napier. Manny Carabel/Getty Images
One of the shows that the Napiers let their daughters watch is their HGTV renovation series.
"Mae frequently expresses her desire to visit Home Town, but what she truly means is that she wants to accompany me to the construction site. She enjoys engaging in conversations with everyone," Erin remarked. "However, they somewhat understand the concept of the show. Helen has developed a fondness for drawing houses, which I assume she picked up from Home Town. Whenever we ask her if she wants to watch Home Town tonight, she agrees solely because she wants to stay up late."
Erin and Ben have established specific guidelines regarding dessert consumption, social media usage, and receiving assistance with homework for both Helen and Mae.
“No, I have already completed my homework. It's your turn now, baby," Erin laughed. "I don't assist her. I simply sit beside her, and when she has questions, I provide guidance. However, she is responsible for doing the work herself."
Erin Napier can only offer help with Helen's "kindergarten math" currently. She expresses concern about the more challenging math topics, specifically seventh grade, as she admits her limited proficiency in math. However, she feels confident in her ability to handle the current material.
For more of Erin’s go-to tips, watch the video above and pick up her new design book, Heirloom Rooms, on shelves now.
With reporting by Charlie Cooper
