The “parenting” industry in this country is huge. There’s no limit to the number of books, movies, workshops, TV shows and “specialists” dedicated to teaching parents how to be parents. Parents today can opt to use methods, programs, psychologies, systems, programs, time outs and counting from one to three, and whatever works is fine by me.
With so many children of celebrities having gotten themselves into a variety of pickles over the years actors, rock stars and models are probably not the first people you’d go to get good advice about your kids. That’s why I was very surprised and delighted to learn that two of the best parents I’ve ever seen are Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed. Who in the world would ever expect a rock demon and Playmate centerfold to have two of the nicest kids you could imagine?
To begin with I rarely watch TV and especially reality shows. I was never a big Kiss fan because I was into Disco when they reigned. My son is almost 20 so I really don’t need parenting tips. But while channel surfing one day I caught a commercial for The Gene Simmons Family Jewels reality show. It was one that featured Nick Simmons and never mind that he’s just adorable, the 20 something seemed genuine and well…just nice.
So I tried the show and got hooked. This couple’s two children Sophie and Nickolas seem like the most well adjusted, polite, unpretentious kids ever.
Watch a clip of Gene in full Kiss costume spitting blood all over the stage and “father of the year” doesn’t exactly come to mind. But both Gene and Shannon have raised intelligent, reasonable kids with ethics. They appear to be kind, considerate and respectful, and both seem proud and unabashed to show that they love their parents.
The family exhibits consistent open communication and no one is ever judgmental. They support each others endeavors and are always there for each other.
Gene’s great work ethic and Shannon’s optimistic attitude have produced a couple of incredibly grounded kids that anyone would love to have their child bring home with them.
Many of us could learn a little something from them. Bravo Gene & Shannon.