Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has never hidden the fact that he parents his sons and daughters differently — and during a recent appearance on the It’s Sommer Time podcast, he broke down exactly why.
O’Neal, 54, told host Sommer Hill that he still gives his daughters Taahirah, Amirah, and Me’arah more privileges than his sons Myles, Shareef, and Shaqir, and he summed up the reason in one line:
“’Cause you have to protect the women longer.”
Privileges for Daughters vs. Expectations for Sons
O’Neal clarified that he isn’t closer to his daughters — he simply gives them more leeway. One example:
- His daughters can choose any car they want.
- His sons must work for theirs.
He explained that this approach is rooted in a message he repeats to his girls:
“You don’t need no dude to take care of you. I will always take care of you.”
Strict Dating Rules
O’Neal has long enforced different dating rules for his children:
- Sons can date at 18.
- Daughters must wait until 24.
He wants them focused on their goals — and he’s famously tough on anyone who wants to date them. Any man entering the picture must have a master’s degree, and O’Neal interrogates them to gauge their intentions.
Different House Rules
The divide continues at home:
- Sons must move out at 18.
- Daughters can stay as long as they want.
O’Neal says he trusts his daughters and is willing to fund any level of education they pursue.
“Respectable Nepotism” and the Three‑Degree Rule
Education is central to O’Neal’s parenting philosophy. All of his children must meet strict academic standards if they want access to his wealth.
“In order to touch daddy’s cheese, you gotta have three degrees.”
“We are not rich; I’m rich.”
He calls this respectable nepotism — his kids must earn their opportunities, not inherit them automatically.
O’Neal even shared a story about promising his oldest son any car he wanted if he earned straight A’s. When the son chose a Tesla, Shaq shut it down:
“Man, you better take your a across the street to Honda.”**
A $500 Million Fortune — With Conditions
With an estimated net worth of $500 million, O’Neal insists his children must prove themselves before receiving financial support. He wants them educated, disciplined, and capable — not spoiled by his success.
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