Serial entrepreneur and blunt billionaire Mark Cuban may be a "shark" when it comes to business, but as a father, he reveals a softer side. "I think I probably hug my kids much more than other dads," he says.
Cuban, who is in the public eye as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, is involved in multiple business enterprises. Among his more high-profile ventures are the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks; film distribution company Magnolia Pictures; and cable network AXS TV which is a partnership between founder Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency and CBS.
Perhaps his multifaceted business existence is one of the reasons he likes to keep his home-life as drama free as possible. Both he and his wife have the same parenting style: "We are firm. Set the rules. Make sure they are followed. But we don't yell, hit, scream, or cause drama. Our kids do enough of that and we try to keep things settled."
Married since 2002, Cuban and his wife, Tiffany have three children: The oldest, Alexis who is 10-years-old; Alyssa 7-years-old; and Jake 4-years-old.
In a revealing Q&A, I learned how fatherhood changed the self-made mogul, the concerns about his kids' future, and the lessons he wants them to learn.
What is the best advice about parenting you have received?
Treat them like you want them to treat you when you are old and dependent on them. And also to talk to them, and not at them.
Do you feel like your personality changed after fatherhood?
No question about it. My priorities changed. My fears changed. I'm no longer the most important person in my life.
What is your biggest frustration as a parent, and what brings you the most joy from being a parent?
Just hearing my kids call me dad and hugging me, gives me the greatest joy. My greatest frustration is when I have to go out of town and leave them.
What do you worry about as a father?
My kids' health, well-being and raising them so they don't have a sense of entitlement when they grow up.
From the worlds of both sports and business, what lessons do you try to teach your kids?
That you have to be a good teammate. That you get out of life what you put in it. That you are responsible for yourself.
How does your wealth affect the way you raise your children?
We try to not focus on it. It's always there, but we try to be as normal as possible.
What were you like as a kid?
I was always an entrepreneur.
What are the values you most want to pass on to your children?
Be self-reliant. Don't be afraid to say you don't know something -- that no one has all the answers, but that if you always are learning and expanding your knowledge, you can figure things out, and take care of those you love.