Joanna Gaines Shares How Her Youngest Son Inspired Her New Children’s Book

Joanna Gaines' five children continually offer her valuable life lessons and cherished memories. As she shared exclusively with Us Weekly, "I think that’s my favorite part of being a mother — all the things my children have to teach me." The clarity with which her kids view the world challenges Joanna and provides her with a fresh perspective. "I’ll always be grateful to my children for that gift of seeing the world through their eyes," the 46-year-old remarked. Joanna and her husband, Chip, are parents to Drake, 20, Ella, 18, Duke, 16, and Emmie, 15. Their youngest son, Crew, 6, was a surprise addition, born in June 2018.

In reflecting on her motherhood journey, Joanna reflected, "I had our first four kids in such quick succession that, honestly, their younger years were a bit of a blur." Looking back, she expressed, "I wouldn’t change the way we grew our family, but when Crew came — as a surprise! — I was older." Joanna acknowledged that having four older kids offered her proof that time indeed moves quickly. She aimed to experience Crew’s childhood more fully.

"The first few years of his life, I took my foot off the gas for the first time in what felt like forever," Joanna explained. Crew has a knack for disrupting her habit of being busy. He always reminds her to "look up," teaching her the significance of slowing down. "Crew doesn’t miss an opportunity to point us all in the direction of beauty," she noted. His curiosity means he cherishes every detail, noting the flowers in their garden as well as the dirt from which they grow.

In response to her son’s wonders, Joanna created a children’s book titled The World Needs the Wonder You See. This whimsical picture book, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, encourages readers of all ages to explore nature’s small surprises. Joanna aims to inspire families to pause their hectic routines and discover the world around them together.

Like many parents, Joanna remembers times when her older kids would exclaim, "I’m bored." Identifying these moments, she often took them outside or encouraged creativity through activities like painting or treasure hunting. "Even now that my kids are older, my advice hasn’t changed much," she stated. Joanna believes the world teems with life, filled with treasures waiting to be found. "I want nothing more for my kids than a deep belief in and gratitude for all the beauty and little miracles the world has to offer."

As her children approach their teenage years, leading to significant milestones such as graduations and college applications, Joanna remains focused on savoring the present. "Every stage of ‘growing up’ has been a cycle of change, then gain," she said. Instead of dwelling on becoming an empty nester, she embraces the excitement of change and the joys of family moments.

The World Needs the Wonder You See is now available.

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