Nicole Curtis, the star of the hit HGTV series "Rehab Addict," has carved out a unique path as a mother, raising her two sons, Ethan and Harper, amidst the chaos of her home renovation projects. Their lives have been intertwined with the restoration of old houses, creating a one-of-a-kind childhood experience for the boys.
Forging Resilience and Adaptability in the Face of Unconventional Circumstances
Ethan's Childhood in the Construction Zone
Ethan, Curtis' firstborn, has been a constant presence on her job sites since he was a young child. Welcomed into the world in 1997, Ethan spent much of his formative years surrounded by the dust and chaos of home renovations. As Curtis juggled her demanding career and motherhood, she made the decision to include Ethan in her work, recognizing the invaluable lessons he would learn from this unconventional upbringing."When he was little, I had to work 24-7. He had to be on a job site morning, noon and night," Curtis shared with PEOPLE in 2021. "Since the beginning, he was always by my side on every house build." This immersion in the world of home restoration not only shaped Ethan's understanding of the industry but also instilled in him a sense of resilience and adaptability that would serve him well in the years to come.As Ethan grew older, Curtis made a conscious effort to provide him with a more stable environment, promising him that he would no longer have to live in "drywall dust." The mother-son duo's close bond, forged through their shared experiences, has endured, with Curtis expressing her deep appreciation for the time they spent together during those formative years.
Harper's Arrival and the Evolving Challenges of Motherhood
In 2015, Curtis welcomed her second son, Harper, into the world, adding a new dimension to her parenting journey. While Ethan's childhood was marked by the constant flux of home renovations, Harper's early years have been shaped by his mother's growing experience and desire to create a more grounded, nurturing environment."I'm always open to being a better parent," Curtis told PEOPLE in 2017. "There is no 'I'm the best parent,' there is no, 'I'm the parent, you're right' — you have to be open to change." This acknowledgment of the ever-evolving nature of parenthood has guided Curtis as she navigates the challenges of raising her younger son.In recent years, Curtis and Harper have enjoyed quality time together, engaging in activities like skiing and snowboarding, and celebrating special occasions like her 47th birthday. These moments of connection and shared experiences have become a cherished part of their relationship, as Curtis strives to create a loving and fun-filled environment for her sons.
The Enduring Legacy of Unconventional Childhoods
As Ethan and Harper have grown, the impact of their unconventional upbringings has become increasingly evident. Ethan, now 26 years old, has gained a deep understanding of the home renovation industry, having been immersed in it since birth. In a 2022 appearance on his mother's show, "Rehab Addict Rescue," Ethan expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices Curtis has made and the knowledge he has acquired over the years."She's worked to the bone to get what she has," Ethan said, acknowledging the dedication and hard work that have defined his mother's career. Curtis, in turn, has recognized the unique perspective and expertise that Ethan has developed, describing him as the "opposite" of herself, yet deeply knowledgeable about the intricacies of old houses.As for Harper, his childhood has been shaped by his mother's evolving approach to parenting, one that emphasizes flexibility, open-mindedness, and a commitment to creating lasting memories. Curtis' desire to provide her younger son with a more grounded upbringing has translated into cherished moments of quality time and shared experiences, laying the foundation for a strong and nurturing bond.Through it all, Curtis has remained steadfast in her belief that the memories and lessons her sons take away from their unconventional childhoods are what truly matter. "We're doing the best we can and the memories are so fun," she shared in 2018. "That's what's most important: when my kids think about their life, I want them to remember we had fun."As Nicole Curtis continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of motherhood, her unwavering dedication to her sons and her commitment to fostering resilience, adaptability, and cherished memories serve as a testament to the power of unconventional parenting. Ethan and Harper's journeys, intertwined with the restoration of old homes, stand as a testament to the enduring impact of a mother's love and the transformative potential of embracing the unexpected.
