Why These HGTV Stars Call Raising Daughters ‘The Hardest Job’

Published: December 31, 2024

Why These HGTV Stars Call Raising Daughters ‘The Hardest Job’

By Movieguide® Contributor

HGTV’s Ben Napier says he lives in a “constant state of fear” trying to balance discipline and fun as a parent.

“Growing up, I had three brothers, and I know exactly how to handle boys,” Ben told Fox News. “I am in a constant state of fear with two little girls and wanting to discipline, but how far?”

Wife Erin Napier added, “But not crush their spirit.”

“And also not make them terrified of me,” Ben finished.

The couple share two daughters — Helen, 6, and Mae, 3.

“I feel like with boys, it’s OK to have a healthy amount of fear of your father,” Ben continued. “With girls it’s like, I need them to know that they can call on me with anything. I’m just not used to being around little girls…it is really hard.”

Erin shared, “I’ve been one my whole life…I’m trying my best, but it’s hard. Parenting is the hardest job in the world. Everybody knows that.”

“We’ve never been parents before,” she continued. “We’re still learning every single day. Learning how to do our jobs well and be the best parents possible is always the biggest challenge.”

The couple recently spoke about solo parenting vs. parenting together.

“I love my husband, but sometimes it’s easier when I do it solo because I can just be the boss,” Jenna Bush Hager told the couple during an episode of TODAY WITH HODA & JENNA.

Erin disagreed, saying, “No, it doesn’t work for me. We’re always together as a family of four. Mommy and Daddy are one unit…We’re just better as a team.”

Ben pointed out that since he and Erin are business partners and work together, they have the same schedule, which means solo parenting days are unusual for their family.

The Napiers are currently celebrating the latest season of their hit show HOME TOWN. The first episode premiered on Dec. 29.

“This is an unusual season because everything that happens in the first six episodes is a first for us,” Erin told TV Insider. “We’ve never done a garden and a greenhouse. We’ve never built a school. We’ve never built an addition to a house we did years ago. We’ve never had to tear a house down.”