Nostalgic & Hilarious Wishes Pour In for Shaquille O’Neal as Kids Celebrate 53rd Birthday

A basketball legend. A dedicated philanthropist. A savvy businessman. A proud and successful father. How many more accolades can you add to your resume, Shaquille O’Neal? Today, on March 6, the NBA icon turns 53, and his family is making sure the world knows just how much they love and appreciate him. Truly, Shaq, if success is measured by impact, you’ve won both on and off the court.

Shaquille O’Neal’s kids made sure their father felt truly special on his big day. Taahirah O’Neal, Shareef O’Neal, Shaqir O’Neal, and Me’Arah O’Neal each took to Instagram to shower him with love and heartfelt birthday wishes. Though they shared different pictures and memories, their message carried the same intention. It was to let their father know just how much he meant to them.

Shaq’s eldest daughter, Taahirah O’Neal, dedicated her entire Instagram story to her dad. First, she shared an adorable childhood photo of the big guy with his signature smile, captioned, “Happy birthday pops❤️” However, the next story was pure comedy gold. She reposted a reel from last year with the words, “Behind every spoiled daughter, there is a bald-headed father,” followed by a close-up of Shaq’s face. Well, being the firstborn does come with its perks.

Meanwhile, Shaqir O’Neal, Shaq’s youngest son, took a more sentimental route. On Instagram, he shared a throwback picture of him when he was a child, and sitting on his father’s lap. This picture, this moment, surely holds deep meaning for him, won’t it?. Captioned it simply, “Happy B-DAY twin!” And believe me, they really do look like twins. In a similar manner, Shareef O’Neal, also posted a snapshot of the father-son duo. A lovely picture of them sitting courtside at an NBA game with high concentration! And he expressed his immense love for his legendary Dad, “Happy birthday, Pops! Love you, big dawg ❤️❤️🫶🏾.”

Finally comes the youngest daughter, Me’Arah O’Neal, the hoopster shared a heartwarming video clip of her dad surprising her at a Florida Gators game. Her reaction was pure joy as she hugged him tightly. The young guard simply wished the big man, “Happy birthday pops❤️‍🩹 i love you.”

Each post was unique, yet all carried the same heartfelt sentiment. It is no news that Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a basketball icon, he’s a beloved father. His love and presence mean the world to his kids. But this strong bond with his children didn’t happen overnight; it took years of sacrifices and firm parenting. In the end, it’s clear that his guidance is what shaped them into the humble and grounded individuals they are today.

The great Shaquille O’Neal’s out-of-the-box parenting philosophy 

Were you aware of the estimated net worth of Shaq? The Lakers legend, who played for six different NBA teams, earned over $10 million per season from 1999 to 2009. As of January 2024, his net worth stands at a staggering $400 million. But we all know how Shaq is, don’t we? Despite his immense wealth, the Big Aristotle never wanted his children to grow up entitled. After all, he isn’t a stranger to what it meant to build success from nothing, and he was determined to keep his kids grounded.

Unlike many billionaire parents who spoil their children with privileges and luxuries, Dr. Shaq enforced strict financial discipline. And how do we know this? In a candid interview on the finance podcast Earn Your Leisure, he revealed how he handles money with his kids.

“My kids are older now. They’re kinda upset with me. Not really upset, but they don’t understand. I tell them all the time. We ain’t rich. I’m rich,” Shaq made it very clear that his fortune wasn’t a free pass for his children. His rules were simple, no financial handouts for anyone from the family. If his kids wanted money, they had to earn it first. Just like Shaq. “You gotta have bachelor’s or master’s [degrees], and then if you want me to invest in one of your companies, you’re going to have to present it, boom boom boom, bring it to me. I’ll let you know, I’m not giving you nothing,” Shaq stated.

Did Diesel’s strict parenting pay off? Definitely! His children have grown into successful and humble individuals now. Now, they understand the true value of money and the pros and cons that come with it. And judging by the heartfelt birthday tributes they posted, they seem to hold no grudges. It’s just deep love and respect for their father’s tough but wise approach to parenting.