Mike Hill on Fatherhood: "Cynthia Has My Heart, But My Girls Are My Heart"
The RHOA fiancé opens up about his life as a dad to his two daughters.
Cynthia Bailey's fiancé, Mile Hill, isn't just a proud soon-to-be stepdad to her daughter, Noelle Robinson, but he is, of course, a proud dad to his two daughters, Kayla and Ashlee. Fans have slowly been getting to know Mike and his girls a little better since Cynthia first introduced them to The Real Housewives of Atlanta viewers and her followers on social media. And for Mike, that means complete candor about everything he's experienced in his life.
Now Mike reveals even more — including how he's found the perfect formula and balance between his career as a broadcaster and his life at home with his family.
In an email interview with The Daily Dish, Mike opened up about his role as a dad.
The Daily Dish: Describe your first Father's Day.
Mike Hill: I honestly can't remember. That was 20 years ago. I'm sure all I got was a card and maybe a tie though.
Describe your best Father's Day.
MH: Can I be honest with you? The year everyone left me alone and I got to go play golf. We did have dinner later that night. So it was a near perfect day.
What is the best dad advice you ever got and from whom did you receive it?
MH: I was told once that money and gifts are always great, but the most important thing I can give my two girls is my time and attention. I received that advice from Ashlee and Kayla themselves. No one ever taught me how to be a "good" dad. I had to learn on my own and at times I believed material things would suffice since I have such a busy schedule. However, thanks to them, I've learned that my time and attention is priceless to them. Now, they STILL want that other material stuff but they prefer my presence. And I'm happy to give it to them.
How would you describe your dad philosophy?
MH: I am friendly but I am not their friend. I mean I'm there for them. We can have a good time. We can talk about anything and I'm super liberal when it comes to certain things but at the end of the day, I'm still "Dad." There's a line of respect they can't cross and they know it.
What have you learned most about yourself from being a dad?
MH: I'm really a softie and that's not always a good thing. I'm a pushover when it comes to them, AND THEY KNOW IT. Cynthia has my heart but my girls are my heart or at least a big part of it. I've gotten better but they usually get whatever they want, if they act right.
What’s the most important lesson you can teach your kids?
MH: To be kind and respectful to others but make sure it's reciprocated. Do that and your hard work will be rewarded.
Are you the easy parent or the disciplinary parent?
MH: I am certainly the easy parent for the most part, but I'm also the enforcer when that switch gets turned on.
What’s the most important lesson your kids have taught you?
MH: To never just give them my credit card and not ask, "What' do you want it for?" LOL, just kidding. That, but also to make sure I listen to and understand someone's feelings. I mean, I usually do but their generation is so much different than mine. It has taken some getting used to but I'm figuring them out.
What do you hope for your kids and future generations?
MH: That one day they will live in a society free from racism, sexism, or any kind of hate or prejudice. I just want them to be given a fair and equal chance to be as successful as possible, while making the world a better place to live in. They're beautiful, smart young ladies and I know they'll do their parts. I'm super proud to be their dad!
