Eldest daughter of Joanna Gaines heads off to college, causing fresh challenges for her mother in the realm of parenting
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Joanna Gaines, star of HGTV's "Fixer Upper," opened up about the emotional whirlwind of sending her children off to college. Gaines, who has five children - Ella, Drake, Crew, Emmie, and Duke - shared her unique experiences and feelings with her eldest son Drake and eldest daughter Ella.
Gaines described sending Ella off to college as "one big, breathless surrender," respecting her daughter's desire to express her own unique style and identity away from the family's fame. Ella was eager to establish her own identity independently, wanting to be known for herself without the shadow of the Gaines family. Joanna let her daughter do her own interior design for her dorm room, a testament to her support for Ella's independence.
In contrast, Joanna's emotional experience with Drake has been bittersweet and tender. She has openly shared how difficult it was seeing Drake earn his driver's license, with Joanna 'bawling her eyes out' as he first drove. Sending Drake off for college was initially very emotional, as it meant a big change in the family dynamic. Even after Drake started college at an undisclosed institution in 2023, Joanna sometimes struggles emotionally with goodbyes, as she expressed in an August 2024 Instagram post about still feeling sadness when saying goodbye to him during visits.
Before they left, Joanna shared a heartfelt family dinner video, capturing her wide range of emotions about Drake and Ella returning to college. The video emphasized her gratefulness for family time and the bittersweet nature of these transitions.
Joanna's emotional journey sending Ella and Drake to college differs mainly in the way each departure was perceived. Ella's departure was seen as a hopeful, independent step for her to explore her own identity, while Drake's departure marked more tearful, tender moments and ongoing challenges with saying goodbye, reflecting the deep emotional bond and adjustment to him growing up and moving out.
Both experiences highlight Joanna’s love and the mixed feelings of pride and sadness that come with parenting children who are growing into independence.
Janelle Ash contributed to this report for our website Digital, and story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.
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