Kimora Lee Simmons: “I’m a very hands-on mother”
They may have gone their separate ways after splitting up last year, but
Russell and
Kimora Lee Simmons remain very good friends. The two made a conscious effort to stay close for the sake of their two daughters,
Ming Lee, 7, and
Aoki Lee, who turns 5 on Thursday, Kimora tells
OK! Magazine. In an exclusive interview, the 32-year-old fashion and business mogul opens up about her ex, her kids and if she’d like to have more children.
On remaining friends with Russell: Russell, 49, filed for divorce in March 2006, but Kimora says they’re not divorced yet and "who knows" what will happen.
We’re great partners, and we have a beautiful family. We’ve been through so much together. It’s almost been 15 years. I can’t say it’s always been great, but I focus on my kids and my life and my businesses. I’m growing up. I feel like it’s time to take control of my life. I have to take the reigns myself and try my best to be happy.
Click below for all the highlights!
On Russell as a father: "
I’m a very hands-on mother. But he’s a very nurturing dad. He probably doesn’t spend as much time with them as I do because I’m with them day-in and day-out, work or play. [We talk about them] every day. All day. I would call for anything. We’re very connected to our children."
On her daughters: Kimora says the girls take after their mom more so than dad.
They’re really wild and outgoing. I think they mimic their mother, so that accounts for some of their business sense at such a young age, working very hard and being funny. They help me buckle down and focus. I’m such a kid at heart, so we have fun together. I’m always with them, whether it’s work or play. I’m never away from them for more than a few days at a time. They’re good kids.
On how motherhood has changed her: "
When you come home after a long day and you have a headache and you want to soak in a bubble bath and drink wine and your kid has a toothache, you forget your bubble bath. Being a mom helps me realize that life is not about you. They’ve taught me tolerance, patience and understanding."
On her parenting style: "I’m very strict with my kids. I let them be free and happy, but I expect respect, discipline and self-control. I’m always with them or on the phone checking every little thing. Did they flush the toilet? What did they eat? What time did they go to bed? I’m a very hands-on mother. Russell will tell you that."
On her daughters’ clothing line: The girls, who model for Baby Phat, have a signature clothing line called Ming and Aoki.
Oh, I am [proud]! Tears came to my eyes. It was a lot of fun for us. The kids are always designing and creating; the clothing line is an extension of that.
On having more kids: "
I love children, and I’ve looked into adopting. I definitely see lots of children in my future."
Source: OK!, August 27 issue, pg 58-61
Tags: Aoki Lee Simmons, Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons, Ming and Aoki, Ming Lee Simmons, Russell Simmons
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August 15th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Wow I never expected her to be so…down to earth. She sounds like a great mother.
August 15th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
The girls look like russell more.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Say what you will about her spending/lavish lifestyle, but every single time I’ve seen Kimora with her girls on TV, or talking about them in an interview, I’m impressed by her as a mom. They may have nannies, but these little girls have no confusion about who their mother is.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Gorgeous girls!
August 16th, 2007 at 9:02 am
First, just let me say that they’re so beautiful. I love the fact that Kimora and Russell can stay close and be civilized to each other. It’s a very good example for the kids. She does seem like a very “hands-on” mom – even though she’s busy, she includes them.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:30 am
wow. i think kimmora is a great mom. i saw her show on style called “life in the fab line”. kimmoras a GREAT mom. she always kept in touch with her kids, and they seemed/looked very happy. which i think they are =). on the show, she had just came back from work at 4am and was on a diet. but her kids made her a cupcake. she ate it even though she was on a diet. i think thats a GREAT mom no matter what. i respect what kimmora does. shes a great mom/model/designer.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I have always had respect for kimora since I have watched a few shows of her and her family..i don’t think that she and russell will get divorced though…i love the kids…aoki is my fav… she looks more like russell than ming but the resem. of russell is seen in ming/ they are gorgeous girls
August 16th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
i absolutely love love love kimora. she’s definitely a devoted parent. ming and aoki are getting so big and seem well-mannered, so they must be doing something right as parents.
August 19th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
She seems like a really great mother, even on her TV show, she includes them in all that she does. I LOVE that about her. Even though she’s wealthy w/ nannies & staff, there is no doubt that the relationship w/ her kids hasn’t changed.