In a world filled with differing opinions and confusing approaches to parenting, professional basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has one simple rule he follows when it comes to parenting, “Let mom make the calls.”
While some parents say “leaving it to mom” is a copout, the father of six and former NBA star says the “teamwork approach” is what’s worked best for his family. “I lost a lot because of my job and I didn’t want to be a bad person, so I gave up my position as (disciplinarian),” he said. TODAY. “I chase the kids around the house and take them to Toys’R’Us. I don’t want to come home after a bad day and lose my grip.”
Having grown up in a difficult environment himself, Shaq acknowledges that his hands-off parenting style contrasted greatly with his father’s strict tactics. “Because of the environment my children grew up in, my (parenting) didn’t have to be difficult,” she said. “I grew up in a very difficult environment … many of my father’s tactics would not hold up today. But it worked for me. I just teach my kids to be respectful … and I’ve never had the problems my parents have had with me.”
The NBA analyst shares his daughter, Taahirah, 25, with ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourg, his children Shareef, 22, Amirah, 20, Shaqir, 18 and Me’arah, 15, with his ex husband Shaunie, and Myles, 25, Shaunie’s son from a previous relationship. The patriarch of a mostly blended family, O’Neal explains that his “Kids listen to mom because mom runs everything,” and ultimately, “Moms run the world.”
