Shaquille O’Neal opens up about his bond with daughters Me’arah and Amirah, says sons must move out at 18

NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal is a giant on the court, but when it comes to parenting, he has a thoughtful approach. During a revealing episode of The Pivot Podcast, he discussed how he treats his kids differently as they grow up. His sons are encouraged to move out at 18, but his daughters can stick around for as long as they need. This shows the importance he places on his relationship with his daughters.During his appearance on The Pivot Podcast, O’Neal didn't shy away from expressing his preference — “I like my girls a little bit better,” he admitted. He further added, “Because as a man you have to protect, provide and love your woman. I trust them more because they’re more sensitive, they’re more caring and they’re thinkers.”This perspective translates into his household rules. O’Neal stated, “I tell my boys when y’all get 18 you all got to go. Girls can stay as long as they want.” He encourages his daughters to pursue higher education at their own pace, saying, “Go to college, get your master’s, get your doctorate, I’ll pay for it, take your time.”O'Neal has a big family with six kids. He shares four of them with his ex-wife Shaunie: sons Shareef and Shaqir, and daughters Amirah and Me’arah. He also has a daughter named Taahirah with his ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh, plus a stepson, Myles, from Shaunie’s past relationship.The ex-Lakers center thinks his daughters are more trustworthy because they're sensitive, caring, and thoughtful. He sees his sons as a bit more impulsive, though, “You know how boys are. My boys, you bring something in front of them and they’re gone.”O'Neal's style shows he wants his sons to stand on their own two feet, but he's always there for his daughters. He thinks it's vital for his sons to make their own choices, while his daughters can choose to stay home and work on their education and personal development.This way of thinking fits right in with his overall take on being a parent. O’Neal has said that being a dad has made him more approachable and understanding. He pointed out, “Being a dad helped me become more likable... as soon as you have the kids, soon as you open that door, all that has to go away.”His daughters, especially Amirah, really care about him and look out for him. When they're out in public, Amirah often guides her dad away from busy places, suggesting they grab some ice cream to keep things chill. This kind of support highlights the strong connection they have.Also Read: Michael Jordan returns to NBA spotlight as NBC sports' special contributor for 2025–26 seasonShaquille O’Neal has a unique way of parenting that really gets to know his kids' personalities and needs. He pushes his sons to be independent by 18, helping them gear up for adult life. At the same time, he lets his daughters stay home and chase their dreams at their own speed, creating a nurturing space for them to thrive. This personalized method shows how dedicated O’Neal is to balancing independence and support in his family.