Egypt and Mike Open Up About the Different Stages of Parenthood

Throughout Married to Real Estate's run on HGTV, husband-and-wife co-hosts Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson have shared their clients’ homes as well as snippets of their own life — including their experience raising three growing daughters. The couple spends their days working hard to create timeless designs, but the clock never stops when it comes to Simone, Kendall and Harper.

Simone Graduates

Simone, Mike’s daughter from a previous relationship, is just as important to Egypt as she was the day of the duo’s 2010 wedding. “I’ve been in her life since she was three years old," Egypt said. "She’s my baby. You ask me, [I say] I have three daughters.”

It’s a big jump from diapers to a graduation gown, but that turning point happened last year when 22-year-old Simone graduated from Marist College in New York with a degree in fashion merchandising. “I don’t know if we should say she did it, or we did it,” said Egypt during a Season 3 episode. Misty-eyed, Mike responded, “I tell you this, I’m so proud of her."

Kendall Takes Middle School

Simone’s graduation wasn’t the only ceremony that marked the passing of time for Egypt and Mike. In 2023, 11-year-old Kendall graduated fifth grade and set her sights on middle school. While Mike expressed his pride on the occasion, Egypt couldn’t help but focus on a familiar feeling, writing on Instagram, “I can’t even believe it. Another week and another child graduates. My firstborn baby, my sensitive, creative, brilliant, complicated, witty, sassy, gorgeous child Kendall.”

Eight months later, on her 12th birthday, Egypt shared more with followers about what it's like being the mom of a growing preteen. “I literally cannot believe how time is flying," she wrote on Instagram. "She was two weeks old when we packed up and left New York so that my child could grow with fresh air, trees and sunshine.” Looks like Harper has her big sis to thank for growing up in beautiful Atlanta!

Harper Rides a Bike

Soon to be five years old, Harper experienced a lot of firsts on Married to Real Estate. She learned how to ride a bike and attended her first day of preschool. When it came time for that day in Season 2, Egypt had a hard time staying in the present. “It’s a happy moment, but it’s kind of bittersweet because all of a sudden she goes to school and then she’s getting married,” she told Mike.

“You see, now you’re moving too fast," Mike said.

Egypt was hit the hardest when she redecorated Harper’s room and swapped out her crib for a bed. “I just brought her home, do you know what I mean?” she told a friend. “And Kendall used to sleep in this crib. I was so excited Harper could take her old bedroom set. I’m just having a really hard time right now.” Later in a confessional with Mike, she explained, “Everything in here holds sentimental value and the idea of taking it out — it’s not even a material thing, it’s the idea that our girls are growing so fast.”

And growing, they are! In Season 3, Mike passed on his lacrosse skills to Harper and Kendall (he played in high school and college). He even built Harper her own lemonade stand — with her adorable assistance — and helped her set up shop at a job site.

Mike and Egypt are certainly giving all their girls the tools to grow and enjoy life, no matter what stage of it they're in.

Continue following the girls’ journeys by streaming Married to Real Estate on Max. Keep up with everything Egypt and Mike via @HGTV on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and HGTV.com. Find Egypt and Mike on Instagram at @egyptsherrod and @djfadelf.