Shaquille O’Neal’s kids are going to cry unfair again. The big man has a firm parenting philosophy of not spoiling his kids. But that is not going to extend to potential grandchildren. It’s understandable. He’s only continuing the family tradition his grandmother created. Thanks to a fan who sought Dr. O’Neal’s advice on The Big Podcast, Shaq dipped into his sweetest memories of his grandmother. So all those parents who think O’Neal is going to dissuade Pops and Mawmaw from spoiling your kids, tough luck!

Responding to a concerned mom who wanted to stop her parents from spoiling her kids, the dad of six said, “Not a grandparent yet but I’m probably going to do the same thing.” As confirmed by Adam Lefkoe, Shaq means he’s going to spoil any future grandkids irrespective of what any of his children feel. The reason is his grandmother.

His kids have a fair warning as O’Neal said on the Dear Fathers podcast that he’s told his kids not to bring his grandkids around till they’re at least two. Because he imagines himself as the “coolest, youngest, flyest grandpa” who will, “give them everything they want.” Quite the contrast to him telling all six kids they’re not getting any of “Daddy’s cheese.”

Shaq and his siblings didn’t have a childhood like his children and their cousins had. He’s been expressive about his mom, Lucille, and (step) dad, Sgt. Phillip Harrison, making sacrifices and stretching the limited financial resources among the kids. As much as he understood the circumstances, he got to be a big kid when he was with his grandmother. “My grandmother didn’t have a lot but she spoiled me,” he said and proceeded to give the fan the following advice. “Accept it. Because when that day comes when the grandparents are not here, you going to wish they were here.”

In the past, Shaq recalled being devastated when his grandmother passed. But he has the fondest memories of her that he shared on the podcast.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Grandma set the bar high

Grandma O’Neal’s spoiling was only one way as she shut down Shaq’s attempt to buy her a $6 million house. He just wanted to reciprocate all the love she gave him as a kid. Lucille apparently relaxed the rules when Shaq visited grandma, like getting extra dessert and playing outside longer. His grandma would even go into her change drawer and give him extra money to get snacks. Can’t blame Shaq for wanting to live up to his role model when he’s a grandfather in the future.

As for the parents who don’t want to be the ‘bad guy’ to the kids who have generous grandparents, he advises to explain to the kids later to not make demands and expect presents. Or parents can treat every visit from grandparents as a special Christmas day with presents and let the kids enjoy whatever time they have with grandparents.

Do you agree with Shaq’s grandparenting philosophy? Or do you have other advice for his concerned fan?