There’s no doubt that HGTV’s Karen E. Laine has been through a lot lately. While her relationship with daughter Mina Starsiak Hawk remains strained, the Good Bones star is leaning on her family’s unwavering support to help her tackle a brand-new home improvement project. Karen took to Instagram on October 1 to share a heartwarming update about her family dynamics, proving that even in tough times, family bonds can be a source of strength.
A New Tradition Borrowed From the Amish
For Karen, family isn’t just about blood ties—it’s about coming together to accomplish big things. “A new family tradition, borrowed from the Amish, has begun: a monthly family ‘frolic,’ in which we all gather to tackle a job too big for a single family member while enjoying being together as a family,” she wrote in an Instagram post. This concept, inspired by the Amish tradition of community workdays, highlights Karen’s commitment to fostering unity and teamwork among her loved ones. Whether it’s renovating a home or simply spending quality time together, these gatherings serve as a reminder of the importance of staying connected, even during challenging times.
Hands-On Renovation with Family
In a candid photo shared on Instagram, Karen can be seen perched atop a pile of wall insulation, ready to dive into her latest project. While she didn’t specify which family members joined her for this particular frolic, the image speaks volumes about her dedication to making these gatherings meaningful. Interestingly, this post came just weeks after Mina revealed new details about their ongoing rift on her “Mina AF” podcast. It’s clear that Karen is focusing on building bridges wherever possible, even if her relationship with Mina remains unresolved for now.
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Mina opened up about the complexities of their relationship during the September 20 episode of her podcast. “It’s not been one thing that my mom and I can go back to, and I can say, ‘OK, I forgive you and we’re going to go past this one thing,’” she explained. “It’s a cumulative situation from the time I can remember when I was 3 of things that have created the situation that we’re in now, and it’s incredibly hard to undo.” The realtor also admitted that she did not invite Karen to her son Jack’s 5th birthday party, adding another layer to their strained relationship. Despite this, Karen has chosen to remain silent publicly, allowing the situation to unfold without interference.
Communication Breakdown: A Two-Way Street
During her podcast, Mina expressed frustration over the lack of mutual accountability in their communication. “I’m not sure if I have ever been at a point where I would say, ‘I’m good, I got it, I’m not the problem, you figure your stuff out and then come talk to me,’ and those are actually words my mom has said to me,” she said. “I’m not sure if she meant them at the time. I’m not sure if she felt them then or still feels them now, but when you’re trying to engage with someone who doesn’t think they have an active role in the current relationship status, that’s just banging your head against a brick wall.”
Mina’s words underscore the importance of open, honest communication in resolving conflicts. Without both parties willing to acknowledge their roles in the situation, it’s nearly impossible to move forward. While Karen hasn’t addressed the matter publicly, her focus on creating positive family experiences suggests she’s prioritizing healing in other areas of her life.
Despite the challenges she’s facing, Karen remains optimistic about the future. After the conclusion of Good Bones in its eighth season, she purchased a house in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she’s currently putting her DIY expertise to work. Fans are hopeful that her next chapter might include a spinoff of the beloved show, showcasing her continued passion for home renovation. “After eight years of doing Good Bones, I love our production company,” Karen told the Indianapolis Business Journal last month. “They are amazingly talented people. They have taught me so much. I don’t want to stop working with them. I would like to work with them until I die because they’re wonderful. HGTV has been wonderful to us. If I could create content for HGTV until I die, that would be a dream come true.”
