Reverend Run's daughter offers advice to teens about father-daughter relationships

Angela Simmons, the 19-year-old daughter of Run DMC rap legend Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons and costar in the MTV reality show Run’s House, is featured as a guest contributor in the June issue of Seventeen magazine.  In the article, Angela’s goal is to encourage girls to maintain a strong, open bond with their fathers by offering insight into her own relationship with her celebrity dad. She shares her own experiences as a teenager, saying,

I always had a tight relationship with my father while I was growing up. I’m sure you felt the same way about your dad, but I was definitely ‘daddy’s little girl.’ We even had a ritual  we called ‘shnuggaloo’ where we’d snuggle up together as he tucked me into bed.  I felt like my dad knew me better than anyone and that I could trust him with anything. Then one day something just changed.  When I was 13 I got my period, and it was like I couldn’t talk to him anymore.

The aspiring fashion designer says she felt she couldn’t discuss the things that were important to her at the time, like guys, her need for feminine hygiene products, or sex, including her father’s insistence that she wait until marriage.

My dad always puts things into perspective.

She adds that she regretted not going to her father and  missing out on important times and lessons learned throughout her adolescence that she could have shared with him.

Confiding in your dad about even one thing is such a relief-then you’ll want to share more.  Recently a guy I was dating lied to me, and I was so upset.  I turned to my dad because I knew he would see it from a guy’s point of view and have my best interest in mind- and he totally consoled me.

Angela urges girls to open up the lines of communication with their fathers, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem, because it is worth it.

No matter what drama has come between you and your dad, he just wants you to be happy.  It’s up to you to let him in.

Source: Seventeen, June 2007, pg. 123Photo Credit: ALL Hip Hop

Comments

Another reason why I love this family on Run’s House As a Daddy’s Girl myself, I am so blessed by my friendship with my dad.

- sweetdiva on May 8th, 2007

She’s right. Cherish your relationship with your father.

My father passed away last week, and he is going to be so missed. I told my Dad everything and he was the most supportive person I have ever met. We had our rough patches, where we didn’t talk for almost a year, but he was always there for me. Sometimes it was even easier to talk to him then my Mum. I could confide to him and he wouldn’t judge like many mothers would. He would let me talk and try and give me the best advice without sounding preachy or protective. I am going to miss him terribly.

- Devon on May 8th, 2007

Sweetdiva ~ I totally agree with you!! I love Run’s House!! It’s a fantastic show and they all are so down to earth. Angela is a smart beautiful young woman. Rev in my opinion is a great father and has great family values that have been passed down to his children. I know we’re going to see and hear more from her!

- Natalie S. on May 9th, 2007

My condolences to you and your family Devon.

- sweetdiva on May 9th, 2007

I’m a huge fan of the simmons’ girl. they are very inspirational young women. Thanks for the comment

- gee gee on September 14th, 2008