Joanna Gaines' Parenting Instagrams Are Sweetly Inspiring

Even though it seems like not a day goes by without news of another horrible disaster, political scandal, or something else going wrong, not everything is a total firestorm. And in times of increased stress and anxiety, it can be nice to look to the inspiration of others to provide a sense of calm and control in a world filled with chaos. Enter: Joanna Gaines, the relatable star of HGTV's Fixer Upper; Gaines' best parenting Instagrams prove that she's the type of public figure with whom moms can empathize in addition to providing them with plenty of sweet, and often hilarious, anecdotes to take their minds off the stresses of everyday life.

Whether she's wrangling her little ones while on the set of her successful show, or spending some quality outdoor time with her family, Gaines is a total rock star at pretty much everything she does. The mom of four not only stars in the renowned HGTV series, but she also has launched a series of successful design brands, in addition to running her own bed and breakfast, The Magnolia House. But she has never been too busy to spend time with her kids, and she always manages to give some great advice and inspiration about what it means to be a working mother.

Here are just a few of her best posts on the subject.

When She Got Real About Family Time

"A crooked sign, a brave little girl, adult onesies, Don Williams radio, and an old teddy bear... These are the good ol' days," she wrote, also tagging husband Chip Gaines. Clearly, not everything is as picture-perfect as their life on camera might make it seem. But Gaines knows that it's these little moments, spent with family, that make life beautiful, crooked signs and all.

When She Was So Proud Of Her Daughter

Gaines, who has two girls (9-year-old Ella, and 6-year-old Emme) and two boys (8-year-old Duke, and 11-year-old Drake), often brings her kids to work with her. And it seems that some of them have taken a liking to interior design, just like their mom. "Sweet Ella got to try her hand at decorating tonight- so proud of her!" Gaines wrote in the above caption, adding the hashtag #familybusiness.

When She Let Her Kids Run Wild

Remember when you were a kid, and you discovered a new playground? It was basically the most exciting thing to ever happen to you. Well, Gaines knows that. She also knows that, sometimes, the best playgrounds are right in the backyard. "Chip created a farm style jungle gym for the kids," she said of the photo featuring her children jumping on hay bales. And seriously, doesn't that look like fun?

When She Discovered The Best Cheap Toy

Look, parenting isn't cheap. And when kids get bored, you can easily find yourself shelling out some big bucks. Luckily, Gaines found another solution.

"Our house has been full with nine kids this week since my sister has been in town," she explained. "These cups have been the favorite toy of choice. From the one year old who knocks them down every time someone builds them up to the eleven year old who tries to stack the cups as high as the ceiling... If you're looking for cheap family fun, Go buy a pack of plastic cups!?"

When She Found The Most Beautiful Parenting Metaphor

This one doesn't really even need any explanation. Here's what Gaines said:

There's an Adonis blue butterfly bush I had planted by the girl's window almost five years ago when we were renovating the farmhouse. I wanted butterflies by the girl's windows that they could see and enjoy. I never told them about the bush and honestly I forgot about it over the years. This morning I found my little Emmie sitting by her window looking excitedly at the bush and saying "Here she is! My little hummingbird comes every morning mom!"

First, I didn't know she looked out for her bird every morning. Second, I forgot all about the bush and never told her if she looked out the window she would see the prettiest butterflies and hummingbirds gathered around it. It's hard not to think this is a lot like parenting...

You sow seeds early on and work hard to be intentional and then over time you move on to new lessons and challenges. Then one day you look up and the seeds you planted in your little children's hearts are now in full bloom. Be encouraged today to keep pressing in and tending to their hearts. It will be worth it.

While it might seem like the Gaines have everything figured out, parenting is a journey — and Gaines is proving that it's definitely one worth taking.