As a dad to three daughters, HGTV star Mike Jackson is on a mission to inspire other men to be hands-on dads, even if that means learning to braid their little girls’ hair.
On January 15, 2025, the “Married to Real Estate” star posted a lengthy and powerful message addressed to “new dads,” serving as the caption to a video of himself braiding the hair of his five-year-old daughter, Harper, whom he shares with wife and co-star Egypt Sherrod.
Urging dads to look past “societal gender roles” and not be afraid to dive into tasks traditionally handled by moms, Jackson wrote, “A skill set, is a skill set. A ‘know how’ is a know how. There’s no male or female prerequisite when it comes to doing for your children, or your family.”
“I walked in the house,” Jackson shared as an example, “and Harper said ‘I’m going to ask mommy to do my hair for school tomorrow.’ I told her to ‘let Mommy rest, come sit down.’ Why allow her to ask Mommy, when Dad is very capable, accessible, and able to do her hair?”
Mike Jackson Says There’s ‘Nothing Soft’ About Being There for His Girls
In addition to Harper, Jackson and Sherrod are also raising their 13-year-old daughter Kendall at their Atlanta home. In May 2024, they all attended the college graduation of Jackson’s daughter Simone, 23, from a previous relationship.
Over the years, Jackson has taken pride in being available and providing for his daughters in any way they need. In his note to fellow dads, he encouraged them to do the same.
“Dishes need cleaning, clean them,” he wrote. “Clothes need to be washed, handle it. If you have any incline of how to cook, make a meal when necessary.”
Jackson continued, “It’s unfortunate when SOME men lean into ‘That’s a woman’s role.’🤦🏽♂️ Bro, so you’re telling me if you lived alone you’re not going to cook, clean, iron, etc, etc in your own home? Stop the shenanigans. By the way I unknowingly learned to braid hair in my High school home economics class by making friendship bracelets. Funny how God works right lol.”
Jackson, who gave away free bedroom makeovers to single parents during the holidays, also addressed some men’s concerns that they won’t seem masculine or tough enough if they take on certain tasks in their households.
“Trust me, There’s nothing ‘soft,’ or ‘not of a man’s way’ about filling in or picking up the pieces when your partner needs to rest, ‘just be,’ decompress, or be taken care of,” he wrote. “Yes, ‘To each their own.’ I’m not saying what I’m saying is Law, or the only way, I’m just saying it’s ok to be well rounded as a man, as a human being.”
He continued, “Food for thought: Some of the best Chefs and Cleaners I know are well established, brilliant, strong men. Don’t let these movies, and or your peers have you not being all of you because you don’t want to seem to not be a ‘man’s man!’🤦🏽♂️”
“It’s unfair to keep the real you from your children just to appease the world,” Jackson opined. “They are your world. Embrace them. Be the energy you seek to exist. Be what you were missing, and or needed as a child. I can’t fault you, or your peers. I mean hey, I understand some people have never seen a real man, or woman to look up to for an example, advice or inspiration. You may be the first one in your family.”
“Anyway,” Jackson concluded, “you were on my mind and I figured I share some insight with you. Don’t forget ‘Your presence is priceless.’ The presents, gifts, material things are short term pleasers. Keep growing through the process. Sincerely, a brother who cares”
Mike Jackson Has Gone Viral Before for His Encouraging Videos About Fatherhood
This is not the first time Jackson has demonstrated his pride around being a girl dad and his gentle, encouraging nature with his daughters. In August 2022, a motivational video (seen above) went viral with over 303,000 likes, when he prodded Harper to jump off her dresser and into his arms.
When she was too scared of falling, he had her slowly and sweetly repeat an affirmation back to him: “There’s nothing that I can’t do when I put my mind to it!”
Jackson has also shared other messages for new dads, from practical advice (like his 2023 post after Harper had surgery for a breathing issue) to another post that year on his sweet tactics for getting Harper to fall asleep, including holding her hand while she drifted off.
In a 2024 house tour video that Jackson and Sherrod filmed for HGTV, the doting dad and husband was asked by Sherrod what three things he’d take with him if he were stranded on an island.
He responded, “Three things? That’s not enough because it would need to be four. My family — you and our three daughters.”
Jackson and Sherrod are currently filming a fourth season of “Married to Real Estate,” but its 2025 premiere date hasn’t been announced yet.
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HGTV Star Mike Jackson Pens Powerful Message to Fellow Dads