Kimora's Top 10 Parenting Tips
Tue., Dec. 14, 2010 1:00 PM PST by Kimora Lee SimmonsModel, mogul and mom Kimora Lee Simmons returns to Style Sunday, January 9 @ 9/8c for an all-new season of Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane. Keep reading for her expert advice on raising happy, healthy, confident kids!
1. Happiness Is Inside: Great shoes or handbags can make you feel fabulous but only temporarily. It's fun to look cute, but I teach my girls that bliss from material goodies will fade like a candy high if they lack substance underneath all the sparkle and shine.
2. Live Generously: My girls and I regularly go through their rooms to find clothes and toys to donate to charities. I firmly believe that children who have been given so much need to experience the joy that comes from giving. All children can do things to help, whether how big or small—by donating toys or lending a hand in the community.
3. Expose Children to Different Cultures, Places and People: Even if you can't afford to travel the world, you can take your children to the museum, zoo or local park. And don't be afraid to take them to grownup spots. Eating out in a restaurant teaches children how to be quiet and polite—and gives them the pleasure of knowing you trust them to behave.
4. Make Time for Fun: I encourage my children to try new things—dance, tennis, soccer, you name it, I want them to try it. But I don't want them to feel like they have to take every class just to please me. Kids need time to be kids! My recipe for good parenting includes a healthy dose of discipline and a lot of love.
5. Embrace Uniqueness: Don't try to blend in with all the other moms—it's OK to stand out from the crowd and be yourself. The best way to teach children to resist peer pressure is to resist it yourself.
6. Make Self-Reliance Your Foundation: Encourage your daughters to strive for independence and you'll raise girls who aren't afraid to grab every opportunity and fend for themselves when Mommy's not around.
7. Moms Need Love Too: Somewhere in the midst of all the mommy mayhem, you need to take a moment for pampering or a special treat. It could be a day at the spa, a bouquet of flowers or just meditation or a good workout. If you don't take time to take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of others.
8. Don't Try to Be Supermom: Balancing all that comes with building a company while raising two girls and now my little boy is the biggest (and most fulfilling) challenge of my life. I remind myself every day not to take on more than I can handle. I don't need to be a hero; I just need to do my best.
9. Brush Your Shoulders Off: Pettiness exists at every stage in life, so brush it off and encourage your kids to do the same. If you waste time wallowing in negativity, that attitude will rub off on your kids.
10. Everything You Can Imagine Is Real: Being a mom doesn't mean you have to give up your own dreams. Visualize your life. That means making a blueprint of every step along the way, from what you're wearing to how you will balance home and work life. By imagining every detail, you will be able make it happen.
Bonus: Self-Confidence Is a Legacy. Build yours up by starting with something simple, like taking pride in writing a good report at work or getting the kids to school on time with a healthy lunch. Every time you pat yourself on the back, your children learn to do the same.
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Show the next 51 - 56 of 56 comments
Now loading...Addy Fri, Mar 19, 2010, 11:35 PM
1. Thanks Kimora for those great trips, I guess great minds think alike. I love how you are so hands on with your kids, they are adorable and I love your style and sassiness. Can't wait to see your new show!
betty Sat, Mar 20, 2010, 5:39 AM
2. Looking forward to the show. I love Ming Lee!
Felicia Sat, Mar 20, 2010, 12:15 PM
3. Kamora, thank you for such a great show. After my oldest sister died and then my father 2 days later, I began to watch your show. You make me laugh out loud, some of your facial reactions are too much. I love the interaction with the girls on the show and how they are so like you. So again thanks for being you.
Felicia Sat, Mar 20, 2010, 12:17 PM
4. Sorry I spelled your name wrong forgive me Kimora!
skinbag fakeNbake Sun, Mar 21, 2010, 10:32 AM
5. Why is Style network giving this egomaniacal gasbag her own show? Personally I would only watch it if they made her do degrading things like follow around old people and pick up their dog's poop piles. Oh, by the way, GREAT advice Kimora: Shoes are not happiness! DUH.
Jojo (Joyce) Sun, Mar 21, 2010, 1:54 PM
6. Asian mixed just like you, it's great to see a mixed woman on tv. I wasn't always accepted in highschool like you, and I still have my own haters. When I read your book and watch your show, it inspires me so much to embrace my uniqueness. In the Philippines they said my hair was like African and my eyes were like Japanese. Thank you for inspiring me so much, you have no idea how your show affects me sometimes I cry because it really does help me on in my life, and not out of sorrow but out of happiness to see one of us "freaks" there on tv. "Defy the Haters" or how you don't mind people looking at you like you're crazy otherwise you wouldn't have made it, things like that get me going throughout my day. I'm going to run a jewelery design business in Boracay (Philippines) and I'm doing work with NAACP and trying to make it despite my own haters, I could say thank you forever but please keep going you inspire me to tears.
KAY Sun, Mar 21, 2010, 10:13 PM
7. Dear Kimora, An excellent parenting advice. I can't believe that you are not just a hands-on mom, but how wise and thoughful you are. Teaching your children to be genorous, to build confidence, to know when to brush off, and so much more. I am just amazed at your thoughts that make so much sense and so practical. Having raised one child before and now rasing a grandchild, I surely can use your deeply thoughtful parenting tips. God bless you.
Julie Mon, Mar 22, 2010, 11:16 AM
8. Great tips! I really like these, and also enjoy her show.
Elaine Mon, Mar 22, 2010, 2:32 PM
9. Those are great tips Kimora I have a baby girl on the way and I hope to do a fab job like you because you are sooooo awesome I love your show I love your attitude and I love your clothes!
solange ntoti Wed, Mar 24, 2010, 1:55 PM
10. kimora you have a wonderfull family and i have two girls like your girls i hope you can do the fab job with my kids,commercial,top model,show.but i love your family very much and your baby boy born same month with my hasband.have a blessing of God thanks.
solange ntoti Wed, Mar 24, 2010, 2:36 PM
11. We would like our kids to join yours for a fabulous modeling adventure....My kids are 7 and 8 years olds... We have been trying to get hold of you personal and were wanting nto meet with you so you can see them and ..We are working hard for them to emmerge.. right one the only company we are working with is onesource talent and also they are going to ammodeling class with jerrilynn a famous kids photographer here in Dallas......I would like to send you email of my 2 kids Breanna 7 and Bertha8.. both of them are very smart A student ..i do have their comcard also i want to share themwith you....i love your inner courage and your sens of business women ans mother...May god bless you again and really opens your horizon. Enjoy you new baby boy..i do have one as well Peter......
frances dent Thu, Mar 25, 2010, 9:46 AM
12. are you married?
frances dent Thu, Mar 25, 2010, 9:51 AM
13. i dont care if you are married or not but how do the husband feel? love your show your baby is cute as can bel you are a strong person love you as a friend fran dent
Regiane Sat, Mar 27, 2010, 7:18 AM
14. Thank you, Kimora.
janiya Mon, Mar 29, 2010, 6:37 AM
15. I REALLY AGREE KIMORA
meghan Mon, Mar 29, 2010, 5:08 PM
16. Wow that is totally true thank u kimora!!!!!!!
muffin Tue, Mar 30, 2010, 10:02 AM
17. kimora to be a celebrity you is very down to earth and u always take time with your children no matter what they are very well mannered and fully respect you and to me thats a beautiul thing continue with what u are doing. thats why i like your style and accomplishments u dont act like the whole world is in your hands you are one of us. may GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
rayrgurlfosho Tue, Mar 30, 2010, 11:31 AM
18. Mrs. Kimora Lee, ur truly Divalicious!!! just started watching the new season and I must say your family is soooo beautiful...keep up the great work Kimora. For those of us that are encouraged by your words * ur countless accomplishments * if it's kick off the stiletos an get the vaseline or the tender tears * teaching to Ming Lee * Akoi Lee about feeding * helping the less fortunate). Thank you, for showing the world how a strong women(black, red, or white) G.I.D....Family, Friends, Fun * Fortune... PS.My 1st blog message=)ssg
rayrgurlfosho Tue, Mar 30, 2010, 12:08 PM
19. oops!! Aoki Lee =)ssg
Kharimah Ahmed Wed, Mar 31, 2010, 10:02 AM
20. Kimora,u are a great woman.
DAWN Sat, Apr 3, 2010, 4:34 PM
21. hey there kimora thanks for being so real and a inspiration to all u ar fab your family is beautiful inside and out thanks again for being true to u
gina Mon, Apr 5, 2010, 5:20 PM
22. i watch your show everytime you come on if anybody have something to say about you bad they are just jeolous you have a great family and people like us are not very fortune you walk the run way now your kids our next little kenzo might be a manager one day with his line kzo i could not wait until you came back on you still look good and all the haters need to stop makeing comments they could just click on someone else great job you make alot of people sad sometimes because you have so much but you earned it nobody has bess friends like you one day get ming and aoki there one tv show that will be cute anyway good luck and maybe one day i would be able to make my kids proud you are miss fab in the fab lane and tell the haters if they need some hair that line will come soon
Claire Woodard Mon, Apr 5, 2010, 5:36 PM
23. What has happened to James * your assistant on the last season? Love your show.
Jackie Lathon Mon, Apr 12, 2010, 6:23 AM
24. Where is James *
sunshine Tue, Apr 13, 2010, 9:04 PM
25. love everything about you and your family your the best mom your kids have they are blessed people need to respect you as a fashionista icon that every body always complain about if the dont like the things that you put out there stop buying it kimora this broke that fell off that is the store problem not yours if they want free things than they need to go log on to tyra she has lots of free stuff for them keep up the good work and im glad that phat farm is jamm en to russell should be thankful for that give credit
Borla Fri, Apr 23, 2010, 4:53 AM
26. hey kimora, nice parenting tips. love them very much,as a mother of a cute boy myself, i appreciate it wen i see busy people having so much time for their kids nd not just leaving them in d hands of nannies. great job kimmy, u're a fab mom.
Carina Sat, Apr 24, 2010, 10:06 AM
27. i really like your show and i love the fact your everything in one, a mother, fashionista and also a women. keep it up your a 100% Diva
MARY RYAN Sat, Apr 24, 2010, 8:35 PM
28. hi i like this
Dee Sun, Apr 25, 2010, 9:12 PM
29. Hello Kimora, I absolutely love your parenting tips and your show. You actually make me Laugh Out Loud. I loved when you were on the juice diet and trying to shed some of your baby weight,you said you wish you didn't have to exercise and that it was some type of movement you could do like move the chocolate covered strawberry to your mouth or move the potato salad from the fork, I thought that was hilarious. It made me laugh but it also made me realize even more that you struggle with some of the same things that the everyday woman struggles with. Sometimes I have a tendency to look at celebrities like they are larger than life and you are in a Positive and Fabulous way but you are also human and have some of the same struggles that regular women have. I just want to say that right now I lost my job and my daughter and I are facing eviction from our apartment and I said that to say this, I look forward to watching your show because it helps me to relax and forget about my struggles.
Dee Sun, Apr 25, 2010, 9:29 PM
30. Oh and this is for the person (skinbag) who made the negative comment (number 5). Although you just despise someone that you never met, you still took the time to read the Parenting Tips and comment so I'm sure Kimora embraces her HATERS as well the people that LOVE her because she is still and will forever be F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S so HATE on!!!!! Keep being you Kimora because we (your fans) love you just the way you are:-)
Hana Vyskocil Tue, Apr 27, 2010, 9:09 AM
31. I love Kimora. She is very energetic and of course fabulous. Kimora I have the first season of Life in the Fab lane. I am looking for season 2 * When it will be for sale? I hope very soon. Thank you *****
DAWN GEE Mon, May 3, 2010, 4:12 PM
32. Hey Kimora!... Just wanted to say my girls and I love you so much!!! and My girls look up to me and yes I have one son also and we have so much fun watching your show. We take some of your tips and have so much great fun together. I take my kids to ice cream shops, cooking lessons, i let them create their own t-shirts, and let them decorate their own jeans and shoes. I buy the little jewelry sets and let them make their own jewelry, me and the girls go to the spa together...and I let them play dress up in my clothes, while my son is off playing football with his Dad and friends, then sometimes we make it all about him, My point is you inspire us so much and we are not rich but we are wealthy and blessed. I am a MOm and Full time student who just graduated (2010). I plan to be a business Mogul also. Thank you so much...I'm one of the ones who get it...girl...I loved it wen you said some people get it and some don't. Love ya..Keep up the good work.
Mika Tue, May 4, 2010, 11:02 AM
33. Kimora, I really love the show, your family, and the team of people you have working for you (ever so diligently)! The parenting tips are excellent...you covered pretty much everything in a nutshell. Parenting does not come with handbooks (although we wish it did, lol), but you would have your fans think otherwise. Thanks Kimora and Family! God Bless and keep up the FABULOUS work!
aokii Sun, May 9, 2010, 3:44 PM
34. my mom named me aokii just the same as kimora lee's perkins(lol)child name except it has 2 i's. i enjoy watching kimora life in the fab lane.and i love aoki she so cute.keep styling the camera and the spotlight from your sister and your mom.work it aoki show it of make something good and better than your moms clothing line and vanessa and angela's pastry's line. i know for a fact that ming aint going to do nothing because she to quiet.and she always steps back and lets her sister get in the spotlight. ming is not made to be a celebrity kid.she needs to be in a normal family SHE JUST DOSENT FIT IN THE IFE OF FAB ITS JUST MY OPINION.
Joanne Thu, May 13, 2010, 3:07 PM
35. Kimora You are amazing. I never thought anyone so young would think like me. Your children come first. My children came first too. My "children" are now 34 and 31. It is refreshing to see someone who is ambious, but doesn't forget her family. Your children are adorable. I especially like how they act like children not minature adults. Keep up the great job!
Tenishia Thu, May 13, 2010, 5:31 PM
36. Thats great advice love your show! www.letterstoasinglemother.com
Elaine Fri, May 21, 2010, 12:02 PM
37. Thats good information to hear. Im a mother of a toddler, a housewife and trying to start a business of my own! Im a perfectionist and sometimes wonder if its even possible to be as fabulous as Im reaching for. This advice gives me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing on! You are truly a role model for me! God Bless:)
nasia Sun, Jul 25, 2010, 9:07 AM
38. Please E! Take this trashy show off the air. You can call her whatever * "blasian". Her attitude is trash. Nobody in their right mind would wear her clothes. They would look like street walkers. Her clothes would be considered "boudoir" fashions. I feel sorry for the kids.
lady Sun, Aug 1, 2010, 12:32 PM
39. hola Kimora i love the show, i keep seeying over n over i wish i can meet u, u are a mother of 3 and you look fabulosa. well i have a lot going on in my life i have my daughter that suffer with a desasess that tumors grow in her brain n spine she is 17 n this year was so hard 4 her she went true so much radiation,sugerys we have 2 stay in the hospital for 2 months so i have 2 stop working but anyway i share this is because u do so much and what i like about you is that you do everything for your kids you dont have someone else to do it for you * and me seeying how bussy u are * im really proud of you ******* Maybe you can give me a tip how to help my daughter so she can see her self like before pretty now she is a weel chair nothing that the doctors do help so i dont know what else to do just praid to GOD so he can do his part. I want she to feel pretty like before * i will wait for your tips and maybe you can send one for me to. Im 38 years old, 245 pounds,stress, love all ur work...
maureen Wed, Aug 18, 2010, 6:41 AM
40. am short of words u re just too much
Darletha Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 12:21 PM
41. Kimora, thank you for your comments. I am a single mom of 5 adopted girls. I always made sure my girls were well ballanced with the things they need. To the point that I forgot to take care of me. Thank you for the advice. When my business pick up I will be in the plan with the children. You are an awsomw young woman. God bless you and your family, youdeserve it.
Amie Sun, Aug 29, 2010, 10:02 AM
42. love the parenting tips and i think they are awesome i also think you raise your kids right.i also like the fact that they donate stuff to the needy i love your show keep up the good word.although i am still a child i think you are still awesome.
Clayton Thomas Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 6:00 PM
43. I worked with kids throughout my professional career. I really liked your ten tips. Any parent could learn from them. Clayton Thomas www.tantrumstroublesand treasures.blogspot.com
Aglianico Thu, Jan 6, 2011, 2:38 PM
44. Cool! But where is James Campbell???
shirley Mon, Jan 17, 2011, 4:28 PM
45. hi,kimora i luv ur show u are my rolemodle i want too be just like u keep up da work
A.N. Thu, Jan 27, 2011, 5:28 PM
46. I love these tips and I love the show! I've seen the ads in the magazines for Life in the Fab Lane and I saw on twitter that the shirt Kimora's daughter is wearing is Milk and Hunny. I loved the web site and I ordered a tee shirt for my little niece and she adores it! Tip number 11 should be check mymilkandhunny.com out because your little girl will go crazy for it!
Det Sat, Feb 19, 2011, 11:43 AM
47. Much of this advice is well-intentioned, but I was distressed that during the 18 minutes I viewed of one episode of the Fab series, Kimora's treatment of a specific marketing manager (charged with organizing the Macy's event and scoring front row tickets to fashion shows with only three days notice) was disturbingly mean-spirited, indulgent, entitled behavior. I am a parent of a five-year old and I am a high school teacher at a private school with a predominantly privileged population. I can assure you that modeling that type of behavior, despite the written advice espoused in the above article, will result in children who will follow your concrete lead, interacting with others and treating people with the sense of inflated personal entitlement I viewed in horror during that episode. Walking the actual walk is invaluable. Congratulating oneself for inspired parenting when the daughters view that episode? There may be some explaining to do. Children are masters of spotting hypocrisy.
maudy Sun, Mar 27, 2011, 2:16 AM
48. hi Kimora!! i really like your show.. when u come to bali?
Destinylady Tue, Mar 29, 2011, 3:33 AM
49. kimora, u inspire me a lot. what i like and appreciate about u is- your re hardworking,focus and natural. U RE WHO U ARE
Destinylady Tue, Mar 29, 2011, 3:51 AM
50. Hi Det, I watch the same episode. i felt so bad.