Growing up in wealth, the five children of former U.S. President Donald Trump were guided toward discreet lifestyles, strong academic pursuits, and independent careers. Despite their privileged upbringing, they are known for their work ethics, absence of personal scandals, and success in their respective fields.
1. Family Support in Child Rearing
As a busy businessman and politician, Trump relied on extended family to help raise his children. He frequently expressed gratitude for their involvement.
For example, when his youngest son, Barron, grew exceptionally tall as a teenager, Trump credited his mother-in-law’s care. “Barron always ate meals cooked by his grandmother and was meticulously cared for. That’s why he’s grown so tall today,” Trump shared in an interview.
2. Teaching Respect and Gratitude
According to First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama by Joshua Kendall, Trump ensured he influenced his children positively despite his busy schedule.
Ivanka Trump, his second daughter, recalled calling her father at the office when she was young. Though busy, he rarely ignored her calls. Trump would put the phone on speaker to talk to her in front of colleagues and partners, always introducing her warmly and asking about her studies.
Trump emphasized respect for elders within the family. “As we grew older, my father placed great importance on the respect we showed to our parents and other elders,” Ivanka told Politico. She shared that any display of disrespect was strictly forbidden in their household.
3. Instilling a Strong Work Ethic
Trump served not just as a father but also as a mentor in his children’s professional lives. His work ethic left a lasting impression on them.
Donald Trump Jr., his eldest son, described his father as a hard-working man for whom business was a central focus. Eric Trump, his third son, shared that as children, they spent long hours in Trump’s office observing his passion for meetings and negotiations, which inspired their involvement in the family business.
However, Trump didn’t pressure his children to join the family business immediately after graduating. Ivanka noted, “He believed we could only excel in our work if we truly loved it.” His passion and dedication inspired his children to develop their own sense of responsibility.
4. Respecting Their Opinions
Trump maintained good relationships with his children by respecting their perspectives, even when they differed from his own. This mutual respect fostered open communication and constructive debates.
Additionally, he encouraged his children to develop healthy hobbies to stay grounded. For instance, Donald Jr. preferred hunting over partying, a passion that kept him focused during his youth. Similarly, Ivanka worked as a fashion model to earn pocket money before gaining experience in the family business by starting as a regular employee.
5. The “Three No’s” Rule
In a 2011 interview with CBN News, Trump shared his “Three No’s” rule for his children: no drinking, no smoking, and no drugs.
Trump revealed that his older brother’s struggles with alcoholism and the experiences of friends who succumbed to addiction shaped his strong stance against these substances. “I’ve never drunk alcohol,” he once declared on Fox News.
He extended this discipline to include avoiding excessive caffeine and even tattoos. Ivanka often joked, “Dad, you don’t need to remind us anymore.”
6. Prioritizing Grandparent Responsibilities
As a grandfather of 10, Trump cherished his role and made time to connect with his grandchildren. He enjoyed weekend activities with them, especially golfing.
Kai, his eldest grandchild, shared that Trump was loving and humorous, often indulging them with treats when their parents weren’t around. “When I received an award at school, he proudly told his friends about it. He’s a source of inspiration for our family,” Kai said.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s approach to parenting combined discipline, respect, mentorship, and an emphasis on independence. These principles helped his children build strong work ethics, pursue their passions, and develop successful careers, making them a source of pride for their father.
