Joanna Gaines Discusses Transitioning Her Kids to College
Joanna Gaines recently opened up about the emotional challenges of sending her daughter, Ella, to college for the first time while also saying goodbye to her son, Drake, who is starting his third year at university.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Gaines shared a photo of a room filled with boxes and included captions that reflected her feelings on these significant life changes. She expressed concerns about how quickly the years go by, stating, “They told me they would go earlier than I thought. The days are slower, but the years are faster, and if they’re right, I’m afraid of it.”
She conveyed a message of hope, saying, “Help accept change with a hopeful mind for the part I know is more true than others. My kids and I may have been made for each other, but I believe they were made for more.”
Gaines mentioned the bittersweet aspect of witnessing her eldest son leave for his third year at college, while her daughter prepares for her first year. “This season already feels like a huge, breathtaking surrender,” she added.
“My eldest son left in his third year in college, but my eldest daughter packs her bags for her first year across the country. This season already feels like one big, breathtaking surrender.”
She urged other parents—both those sending their children off to college and those who still have kids at home—to come together during these transitions. “And when it’s time to hold it together, let’s lean against each other,” she concluded.
Joanna and Chip Gaines are the parents of five children: Ella, Drake, Crew, Emmy, and Duke. Earlier on Sunday, Joanna shared a video of the family enjoying their last dinner together before Ella heads off to college, expressing mixed emotions about the moment.
Reflecting on the situation, she said, “Gulp. We’re back to college together for our final dinner, and the second head is about to leave her freshman year.”
In a previous discussion, Joanna acknowledged that saying goodbye to Ella was proving to be more challenging than when she said farewell to Drake. “Our second child, Ella, graduated this year, so we’re going through it again and trying to get another child away from the nest and be emotionally stable,” she noted.
When Chip asked if the experience was more difficult than with Drake, Joanna confirmed, “Yes. I think there’s an emotional difference. I love going to Bone Shops and Plant Shops and going out for coffee with Ella. That’s our rhythm. I feel like I’ve lost a friend in my daily life.”
