Erin Napier Sets the Record Straight on Homeschooling Her Children
Erin Napier, the beloved co-star of HGTV’s hit series Home Town, is no stranger to sharing her life with fans. However, when a stranger attempted to dictate the reasons behind her family’s educational choices, the designer and TV personality decided it was time to set the record straight.
Recently, Erin found herself in a heated social media exchange after an online critic made unfounded assumptions about why she and her husband, Ben Napier, chose to homeschool their daughters, Helen (8) and Mae (4). The clash began after Erin posted a message on her Instagram Stories condemning those who celebrate the death of others, prompting a critic to suggest that her homeschooling choice was merely a shield against school violence.
A Fierce Response to Unwanted Assumptions
Erin didn’t mince words when responding to the claim. In a blunt rebuttal, she told the critic, “You know nothing about why I am homeschooling my children, you sick goblin.”
While the interaction was brief, it highlighted a recurring theme in Erin’s life: the balance between being a public figure and maintaining a private, intentional family life. For the Napiers, homeschooling isn’t about fear—it’s about fit and philosophy.
Why the Napiers Chose a Non-Traditional Path
Homeschooling wasn’t always the obvious choice for Erin. She has admitted that, in her youth, she found the idea “weird.” However, motherhood changed her perspective. After meeting other families who embraced alternative education, she was struck by the maturity, communication skills, and genuine curiosity of homeschooled children.
For Erin and Ben, the primary goal is “slowing down childhood.” By taking control of their daughters’ education, they can ensure a pace that respects the children’s needs while fostering a lifelong love for learning.
A Peek Inside the Napier “Classroom”
Despite their demanding filming schedules for HGTV, the couple remains deeply involved in their children’s daily lessons. Here is how they structure their unconventional school day:
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- The Schedule: On filming days, the production team carves out at least two hours for lessons. When the parents are unavailable, a trusted family friend and retired educator steps in.
- Ben’s Subjects: Leveraging his background in history and English, Ben leads the way in history, math, and Bible studies.
- Erin’s Subjects: Erin focuses on early reading, arithmetic, grammar, poetry, cursive writing, art, and science.
- Real-World Learning: Education extends far beyond a desk. The girls enjoy horseback riding, museum visits, French and piano lessons, and even gardening with their grandparents.
Addressing the “Socialization” Myth
One of the most common criticisms of homeschooling is the lack of social interaction. Erin quickly puts those fears to rest. Helen and Mae maintain a packed social calendar through various extracurricular activities, including:
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- Gymnastics and Track
- Tennis and Ballet
- Art classes and science fairs
Erin estimates that the girls interact with between 12 and 20 friends on a typical day, proving that a non-traditional education doesn’t mean social isolation.
A Flexible Future
While the current arrangement is working beautifully, the Napiers are keeping their options open. They intend to continue homeschooling as long as it serves their children’s best interests, leaving the door open for the girls to potentially attend high school in the future.
By prioritizing family presence and personalized growth, Erin and Ben Napier are redefining what success in education looks like for their daughters, reminding us that the best classroom is often the one built on love and intentionality.
