Joanna Gaines opened up about how she handled a moment of bullying involving her youngest son, seven-year-old Crew, and the simple act of bringing seaweed for lunch. In a candid conversation with Delish’s Editorial Director Joanna Saltz for an exclusive cover story, Gaines shared the words she offered him and the warm, confident reply she received in return.
The moment came when Crew came home and explained that some classmates teased him for his seaweed lunch. Gaines recounted her response to the schoolyard moment: “Crew, don’t ever lose this—This is the most beautiful thing about you.” She emphasized that they would work through it together and that Crew’s friends would come to love the seaweed once they understood the story behind it. “The other day, my sweet boy came home and said, ‘Everyone made fun of me for bringing seaweed to school, so I’m going to go to lunch next week and bring everyone a packet, and we’re going to make it fun,’” she said. “I told him we’re going to work through this. And your friends are going to love this because they’re going to know the story.”
Beyond the lunch table, Gaines takes pride in her kids’ shared love of food that reflects their heritage. She revealed that her children’s favorites are Lebanese and Korean dishes, a nod to her own diverse background—her mother is Korean and her father was of Lebanese-German heritage. For Gaines, their culinary preferences are more than meals; they are a living link to family history and tradition she aims to pass down. “As far removed as they are from it—they never even met their great-grandparents, they weren’t alive—they know their story and their tradition through food is what I get to keep alive. It’s such an honor,” she said.
The family’s ties to that heritage aren’t just theoretical. Gaines recalled taking their brood to Korea two years ago to experience the culture firsthand. She noted moments when strangers at tables recognized the kids’ curiosity and, perhaps, their look, yet watched them enjoy kimchi tofu soup and seaweed soup—dishes that reflect a family history many American households don’t see reflected at the table. “And I’m like, well, my mother fed them this since they were very little. So that to them is very normal food,” Gaines explained, underscoring how everyday meals can carry powerful stories.
For readers, Gaines’ story offers a reminder that resilience and pride in one’s identity can come from the simplest acts—standing firm in who you are, turning a moment of teasing into a teachable, hopeful chapter about culture, family, and nourishment.
Summary note and value add:
– Key takeaway: Addressing bullying with a calm, affirming perspective and reframing adversity as a story can reinforce a child’s self-worth.
– Heritage through food: Celebrating Lebanese and Korean roots at the dining table can deepen family identity and openness to different cultures.
– Practical tip: Involve kids in preparing lunches that reflect their heritage to foster pride and curiosity about their background.
– Positive spin: The piece highlights resilience, family connection, and the joy of sharing culture, turning a tough moment into a family teaching moment.
If you’re looking for a quick takeaway: celebrate kids’ unique tastes, lean into conversations about their origins, and use everyday meals as a bridge to pride, history, and togetherness.