As we've already pointed
out, Chip and Joanna Gaines are the definition of relationship goals. If there's one thing that
elevates them to the next level (if there is such a thing), it's their undying
love for their four (almost five!) children. The best part? Their kids — Drake, Ella, Duke, and Emmie — reciprocate this love
straight back to the Fixer Upper stars.
Unlike some celebrities,
Chip and Joanna don't shy away from showing their kids on their show or personal social media accounts.
We know about Ella's green thumb, Duke's pickle obsession, and so on. Time and
time again, Chip and Joanna gush about parenthood — and their body language reveals that they know
exactly what they're doing.
"More than anything,
we know that giving and receiving affection is normal in the Gaines'
home," body language expert and author of SNAP: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language,
and Charisma, told GoodHousekeeping.com. As some of us know, not all
families are overly — or even mildly — affectionate but the photos prove that
they are pros in the hugging, snuggling, and hand holding departments.
The
children are relaxed around their parents — even when there's a camera close
by. When cuddling on the couch after a hard day at work (remember they don't
have cell phones or TV!), Chip and his son fit
together like spoons, proving they're a close unit. "When they're on the
couch together, Chip's son is also modeling his mother's typical hand holding
behavior," she says. "He latches on to Chip's arm as a means of
stability." Like mother, like son.
Even
though they have their hands full running a number of businesses, Chip and
Joanna work hard to give their children a simple (and balanced) life. While we
see their kids on their show, it's apparent that they also keep their kids on
set away from the camera lens. "Joanna is clearly in sync with her
daughter," says Wood. "Her daughter's heels are inside of her mom's
feet, which symbolizes her sense of closeness and connection."
The duo
also encourage their children to be curious and playful. They live on a farm
without technology, so creativity is paramount. "When their daughter is
reaching for the camera, you can see that Chip and Joanna want her to explore
and are happy that she is doing so," she says. The kids aren't acting out
as a response to their parent's lack of attention but rather because they know
their parents always keep an eye on them, no matter how busy they might be.
Yes,
Chip is the goofy one in the bunch (don't discredit JoJo though!), but he's
also a loving and affectionate man. "He repeats similar behaviors with his
wife and his daughters," explains Wood. "Here, he's cradling and
kissing his daughter's head like a baby while she gives her weight — and heart
— to him." The serene look in her face is proof that she's comfortable
exactly where she is — right in her father's arms.
And it
seems like the boys are smitten with their momma.
Foot rubs are a type of
physical touch that tend the heart just as much as aching feet. "Foot rubs
are a means of connection," says Wood. "By rubbing his mom's feet,
he's showing her that he recognizes how hard she works to provide for him and
his siblings." This simple — and adorable — action is a stress reliever
and a way to bring the child closer (literally) to the parent.
More than
anything, we know that Chip and Joanna put family over everything.
Despite their kid's different ages and interests, they always appear as a
single family unit — even if they're all running off in different directions.
"A simple thought like having one blanket out on the lawn is proof that
they pride themselves in doing everything as a unit," she says.
Once
again, these two are a testament that love makes all the difference — at home
and on TV.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/news/a47571/chip-joanna-gaines-parenting-body-language/http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/news/a47552/chip-and-joanna-gaines-body-language/
Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.