Mills family reached finals of 'The Parent Test' but were forced to sit out

The Mills family made it to the finals of the ABC reality show, “The Parent Test,” but Abe and Rachel Mills weren’t on the finale “due to unforeseen circumstances,” host Ali Wentworth announced.

Many people got the wrong idea when no other explanation for their absence was given, and they were replaced in the final three by another couple. One news outlet said they opted out.

The unforeseen circumstances turned out to be a positive COVID test by one of their children, who were flown to Los Angeles during their parents’ filming last summer.

Abe and Rachel were not allowed to return to the set, because they had been exposed when they briefly visited the children in their hotel room. The families’ children were scheduled to go to Disney Land while the parents were filming, but the Mills kids were confined to the hotel room because of the positive test.

The Webb family, one of the 12 families appearing on the show, dropped off games, puzzles and nerf guns for the Mills kids during their confinement.

“That was so selfless and loving of them,” Rachel said.

“No one asked them to do it,” Abe said, noting the gesture made all the difference between a boring stay and a fun time.

“It was a nice hotel room,” Abe said. “They were diving over couches (playing with the nerf guns).

“We were disappointed not to be included (in the final episode broadcast on Feb. 16), but at the same time it was an opportunity to teach our kids,” Abe added.

The Mills live in Ormond Beach and their family’s challenges were filmed in Volusia County. They are well-known in Palm Coast with their older children involved in sports at Matanzas High School. They are also well-known internationally by their YouTube channel, “Sunshine Mafia,” which often features their videos showcasing Matanzas sporting events.

Andrea McCoy, labeled as the disciplined parent, won the competition. Rachel and Abe were labeled as strict parents, though they were uneasy with the classification. They came away from the experience admiring all of the parents on the show.

“When we started, we didn’t know there would be voting,” Abe said, adding that they were conflicted by the competition aspect.

“I think we were surprised (to reach the final),” Abe said. “I felt humbled and grateful. But we think all the families were absolutely wonderful. All the parents were doing their best for their children.”