Lionel Richieknows a thing or two about how hard it is to raise kids in the spotlight.
In this week’s issue of PEOPLE, the music legend opens up about the lessons he’s learned in life and love throughout his almost 50-year career in entertainment — and what it’sreallylike being dad to his famous kids:Nicole Richie, 37,Sofia Richie, 20, andMiles Richie, 24.
Thankfully, all three are already grownups because as Richie gears up for his 70th birthday in June, the star has his own nonstop schedule to tend to.
In the midst of his second season judgingAmerican Idolon ABC, Richie just announced his upcoming new albumLive From Las VegasandHello Tourand is busy promoting his newEndless Lovehome decor line. He’s alsoworking closely with Prince Charlesas Global Ambassador to the Prince’s Trust International charity.
From left: Nicole Richie, Lionel Richie, Sofia Richie and Miles Richie.
Still, he always makes time for his kids. “I’m a tough dad, but what I realize in life is that you have to approach it with a tad bit of humor,” says Richie of his parenting style.
Lionel Richie with Nicole Richie.
But when it comes to the tough conversations with Nicole, Sofia and Miles, Richie takes it all in stride.
What helps is thinking back to what he was like as a kid.
“I remember the look on my parents’ faces when I tried explaining to them that we’reThe Commodores, and we’re the Black Beatles, and we’re gonna take over the world,” he says of the singing group he joined while attending Tuskegee University.
Sami Drain
“It’s the same look I have on my face when Nicole, Miles and Sophia come to me with their ideas,” he adds. “I kind of use that as my centering point before I completely go off.”
But more often than not, he remains calm: “I’m gonna have to kind of sit still at this point and kind of let it happen to me as it happened to my parents.”
source: people.com
