Ben and Erin Napier’s love story is the kind that feels both timeless and refreshingly real. They met in 2004 while attending Jones County Junior College in Mississippi—Erin was the yearbook designer, and Ben, the charismatic and kind-hearted student body president.
Within just days of dating, Ben told Erin he would marry her someday, and four years later, he kept that promise. Their marriage, built on a foundation of faith, creativity, and shared purpose, has not only weathered the test of time but thrived under the pressures of fame and responsibility.
The couple rose to national recognition as the warm, down-to-earth hosts of HGTV’s Home Town, but at home, they’ve always prioritized something far more important than television: their relationship and family.
Ben is known for his big heart and even bigger hugs, while Erin brings an artistic sensibility and emotional honesty to everything she does. Together, they’ve built a life that revolves around their deep love for one another and their two daughters, Helen and Mae.
Helen, born in 2018, is thoughtful and creative, with a curiosity about the world that Erin often shares in glimpses through her social media. Mae, born in 2021, is the spunky and affectionate younger sister who adores Helen and brings a playful energy into the home.
The Napier family life is centered in their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, where they’ve chosen to stay rooted despite national fame. They raise their daughters with intention, guarding their privacy and shielding them from unnecessary public exposure.
Erin has been especially vocal about protecting her children from the harshness of social media, going as far as co-founding an initiative that encourages parents to delay giving their kids online access until they’re older.
HGTV star Erin Napier recently shared her thoughts on parenting and dealing with peer pressure in a heartfelt Instagram post. Known for her authenticity, Erin opened up about teaching her daughter, Helen, to embrace a unique path rather than following the crowd—particularly when it comes to smartphones and peer pressure.
Erin revealed that Helen has faced bullying for not having a phone, a situation she described as heartbreaking, especially at such a young age. Despite the emotional difficulty, Erin emphasized that they, as parents, have worked hard to build resilience in Helen.
She explained that their family prioritizes open communication, affirmations of self-worth, and encourages Helen to find strength and pride in being unique rather than succumbing to peer pressure.
Erin shared a powerful message with parents about the pressure children often feel to fit in by having phones. She emphasized that if a child wants a phone simply because they’re worried about being bullied or teased, it should serve as a “red flag” to parents. Erin argued, “If kids are being mean before a phone is introduced—what’s stopping them from being mean online?”
Erin and her husband, Ben Napier, have been instilling in Helen the courage to “go against the flow.” She explained that their family “plays a different game,” proudly highlighting that her daughter has developed a resilient and rebellious spirit, particularly toward the societal pressure of owning a smartphone at a young age.
“She’s got a rebel attitude about this at this point, and she LOVES being different,” Erin wrote, noting Helen’s remarkable ability to feel confident without needing validation from having a phone like many of her peers. “Already, kids her age are getting smartphones, and she feels like she has a superpower: the ability to not care about phones.”
Erin’s transparent and inspiring message has resonated widely, prompting discussions about parenting strategies, the influence of technology, and the importance of nurturing children’s individuality and confidence in a technology-driven world.
She concluded her thoughtful post by inviting followers to join a community of like-minded parents at ospreykids.com, reinforcing the power of parental unity in protecting and empowering children against societal pressures and bullying.
