Kimora Lee Simmons is shedding light on her current relationships with the fathers of her children, revealing that she doesn’t maintain connections with her ex-partners. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, the fashion icon expressed that she has primarily been the stable presence in her children’s lives, as they reside with her full-time.

“Typically, I would say that I co-parent reasonably well, but the reality is the kids are with me all the time,” Simmons shared. “I’m essentially the main parent. It’s challenging, but sometimes it’s hard to understand what’s on other people’s minds. Guys can be unpredictable.”

Simmons is a devoted mother to daughters Ming Lee, 25, and Aoki Lee, 23, with her ex-husband Russell Simmons. She also shares her 16-year-old son Kenzo Lee with actor Djimon Hounsou and 10-year-old son Wolfe Lee with former banker Tim Leissner. Additionally, she adopted her 16-year-old son Gary Lee and is a loving stepmother to Jayden, 19.

The successful entrepreneur emphasized the vital role her supportive circle of family and friends plays in raising her children. She noted that being a mother has always come naturally to her. Now single, Simmons highlighted that her life has never revolved around romantic entanglements but has been focused on being a constant presence for her family.

The entrepreneur credited her close circle of family and friends for helping her raise her children, noting that motherhood has always been second nature to her. Now single, Simmons said her life has never been driven by romantic relationships, but by showing up consistently for her family.

“I’m always ‘the mom,’ ” Simmons said. “I mother people all around me. When I hear people say to me, ‘I’ve come to you as a mom or best friend in my head,’ that’s what I live for.”

She added that even as her daughters have grown older, she remains their main source of support.

“Ming and Aoki are older, but I think they still feel very much like I’m ‘mom,’ and I think that’s okay,” she said. “For sure they can come to me. They live at home, they travel the world and they have a place in New York.”

After Simmons’ comments made headlines, Russell Simmons, 68, responded publicly on Threads, writing that there are “two sides to every story.” He claimed that he has been fighting to maintain a relationship with daughters Ming and Aoki.

“I gave u 50,000 a month for 20 years,” Russell wrote. “I was ur best /only friend. I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock.”

“I have been fighting for my kids love and my bread ever since,” he continued. “You threatened that if I sued you, I would never speak to my kids again. There are two sides to every story.”

Kimora later addressed his comments directly, stressing that their daughters are adults and encouraging him to focus elsewhere.

“My “girls” are GROWN WOMEN! You know these are lies. Why are you typing from thousands of miles away in a non extradition country? Go negotiate and Answer your Accusers.”

You can catch Kimora, her kids, and all their drama on new E! series Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane.