Chip and Joanna Gaines Announce New Addition: Not Everyone is Excited
Home renovation gurus and HGTV stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines of the popular show ‘Fixer Upper’, recently caused a stir in the online community. The couple shared news of Joanna’s pregnancy on social media, resulting in a mix of reactions from their fans and followers.
An Overwhelmingly Positive Response, with a Hint of Backlash
Social media platforms were filled with well wishes and encouraging words upon the announcement of the Gaines’ pregnancy. However, amidst the joyful congratulatory messages, some came forward with criticisms concerning the couple’s decision to enlarge their family.
In the realm of social media, it’s not unusual to see negative comments trailing big news. Hiding behind the anonymity of the digital world often makes it easier for people to share unsolicited and critical opinions.
Criticisms: A Closer Look
While the bulk of responses were of excitement and support, not everyone echoed the same sentiments. Criticisms ranged from concerns about overpopulation to comments about Joanna’s age. A few even accused the couple of using the baby to mend alleged rifts in their marriage.
One critic on Facebook expressed concern about overpopulation, noting that the Gaines’ existing children had pleaded against the idea of more siblings in a previous episode. Another person echoed this sentiment, advising the couple to exercise “wiser judgement” in terms of family planning.
Media Opinions Weigh In
Kristen Pyszczyk, a writer for Canada’s CBC News, penned an op-ed titled, “It shouldn’t be taboo to criticize parents for having too many kids.” In her article, Pyszczyk echoed many of the criticisms seen on social media. She argued that decisions about family size shouldn’t be solely personal but also factor in global implications such as overpopulation. Pyszczyk even proposed the idea of using societal shame as a tool to effect change in behavior.
The Gaines Family Size: A Departure from the Norm
Chip and Joanna Gaines are already parents to four children: Drake (12), Ella (11), Duke (9), and Emmie Kay (7). This family size is slightly larger than average, with most American families waiting longer to have children and opting for fewer kids when they do. According to Pew Research, the average mother has 2.4 children, a figure that has remained relatively stable for decades.
Debating the Couple’s Decision
There’s some confusion surrounding the Gaines’ decision to have another child. In a previous interview, Joanna had expressed her desire for more kids, suggesting that Chip was not in agreement. This differs from the claims made by some critics who state the Gaines’ children are against the idea of another sibling.
One undeniable fact is that the Gaines family can handle the financial implications of an expanded family. With a broad portfolio comprising a real estate company, retail destination, restaurant, book, magazine, rental properties, and revenue from their show, the couple’s net worth is estimated to be around sixteen million dollars.
Looking Forward
As the Gaines family prepares to welcome their newest member, they have decided to end their run on ‘Fixer Upper’ with the fifth season. The couple aimed to prioritize family time, a decision made before the baby was conceived. As their schedules open up, they’ll have more opportunities to prepare for the arrival of their fifth child, from decluttering to decorating the nursery. Despite the varying opinions, Chip and Joanna Gaines are focusing on their family and their future together.