If you follow Shawn Johnson East on Instagram, you basically know that her life is a beautiful, loud, and slightly chaotic whirlwind of toddler energy and athletic genes. It’s a lot. Honestly, seeing a former Olympic gold medalist navigate the same "toddler-refusing-to-eat-their-protein" struggles as the rest of us is weirdly comforting.
But here is the thing: staying on top of the "East Fam" roster isn't as simple as it used to be. They aren't just a family of four anymore. As of early 2026, Shawn and her husband, former NFL long snapper Andrew East, have officially hit that "man-to-man defense" stage of parenting where they are outnumbered by their own children.
Meet the East Kids: Drew, Jett, and Bear
The journey from a duo to a family of five didn't happen overnight, and it definitely wasn't without its hurdles. Shawn has been incredibly open about their path to parenthood, including the heartbreak of a miscarriage in 2017 before welcoming their first "rainbow baby."
Drew Hazel East
Born on October 29, 2019, Drew Hazel is the one who started it all. She’s six years old now, which is wild to think about if you remember her as the tiny baby in those early YouTube vlogs. Shawn has often called Drew a "daddy's girl," and the name is a direct nod to Andrew.
If you’re wondering if the gymnastics genes passed down, the answer is a resounding yes. A few years back, Shawn took Drew to meet her old coach, Liang Chow, and the kid was basically a heat-seeking missile for the trampoline and the beam. She’s active, she’s spunky, and she’s the undisputed leader of the sibling pack.
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Jett James East
Then came Jett. Born July 19, 2021, Jett James is currently four years old. If Drew is the leader, Jett is the resident daredevil.
Shawn recently joked on social media that Jett looks like he’s already 14 because he’s grown so fast. He’s obsessed with anything with a motor—specifically motorcycles. Yes, real kid-sized ones. Watching him zoom around probably gives Shawn more gray hairs than a double backflip ever did. His name is a cool mix of family history, pulling from Shawn’s great-great-great grandmother and Andrew’s brother.
Barrett "Bear" Madison East
The newest addition to the crew is Barrett Madison, affectionately known as "Bear." He arrived on December 12, 2023.
The name Bear is actually a deeply emotional tribute. Madison was the middle name of Andrew’s late father, Guy Madison East, who passed away in 2022. Using that name was a way to keep his memory alive within the family. Even though he’s the youngest, he seems to have brought a certain "magic" to the house, as Shawn puts it. Jett, in particular, has taken to being a big brother like a champ, apparently breaking into Bear’s room just to hang out with him.
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The Reality of Three Kids Under Six
Let’s talk logistics. You’ve probably heard Shawn mention that "three is a lot." She isn't kidding. Transitioning from two kids to three changed the entire dynamic of their household.
With two kids, you can still play "zone defense"—one parent takes one kid, and everyone is covered. Once Bear arrived, Shawn and Andrew realized someone always has to be "on." There is no more "tag-teaming" where one person gets a break while the other watches the kids. Now, it’s a constant rotation of who has the "bigs" (Drew and Jett) and who has the baby.
They Actually Eat Together
In an era where most families eat in shifts or in front of iPads, Shawn and Andrew have been pretty vocal about sitting down for family meals six days a week. Does it last long? Nope. Usually about ten minutes before the toddlers start vibrating out of their seats. But those ten minutes of chaos are a non-negotiable part of their family culture.
What Most People Get Wrong About the East Family
People see the polished YouTube videos and the brand deals and assume it’s all easy. But Shawn has been very raw about the "surreal" nervousness that comes with every birth. Even by the third C-section, the anxiety doesn't just disappear.
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- The "Perfect" Parent Myth: Shawn frequently shares the "fails," like Jett escaping his pack-and-play in the middle of the night or the struggle to get the kids to eat anything other than "toddler carbs."
- The Athletics Pressure: While fans are dying to see Drew or Jett in the Olympics, Shawn and Andrew seem pretty chill about it. They want the kids to be active, sure, but the focus is more on "intentional parenting" than "gold medal grooming."
- The Gender Reveals: They actually didn't find out the sex of Drew or Bear before they were born. They loved the surprise of Andrew being the one to tell Shawn in the delivery room.
Why 2026 is a Big Year for the Kids
The family is currently navigating 2026 with a lot of "vision setting." If you listen to their Couple Things podcast, you know they are big on goals. This year is about finding the balance between their massive business ventures (like FamilyMade) and making sure Drew, Jett, and Bear have a "normal" childhood despite the cameras.
They’ve moved past the "survival mode" of the newborn phase with Bear and are now into the "active family" phase. This means more travel, more sports, and definitely more chaos.
Actionable Insights for Growing Families
If you’re looking at Shawn Johnson’s life and wondering how they stay sane, here are a few takeaways based on their parenting philosophy:
- Prioritize the "Family Huddle": Even if it’s just 10 minutes at the dinner table, consistent face time matters.
- Lean Into the Chaos: Stop trying to make things perfect. If the kid wants to wear a baseball hat and cargo pants while posing for a "teenager" photo, let them.
- Honor Family Roots: Whether it’s through names like Barrett Madison or visiting old coaches, connecting kids to their history builds a sense of belonging.
- Set Tangible Goals: Use a "vision setting" method. Don't just wing the year; sit down with your partner and decide what you want your family life to look like over the next 12 months.
The East family has grown from a gymnastics star and a football player into a full-blown domestic team. While they haven't definitively said they are "done" having kids, they seem pretty content with their three little explorers for now.
To keep up with the latest milestones, you can follow Shawn’s "East Family" updates through her newsletter or YouTube channel, where they continue to document the unedited reality of raising three kids in the spotlight.