I'm a billionaire founder and father of 5. I parent them differently.

June 24, 2026 - 01:09

Zynga founder Mark Pincus, a billionaire with five children, says he deliberately parents differently than most. In a recent discussion, Pincus argued that traditional markers of success like grades, trophies, and elite college admissions are overrated. Instead, he focuses on giving his kids three things: agency, responsibility, and room for eccentricity.

Pincus believes that letting children make their own decisions, even when they fail, builds real confidence. He also stresses the importance of giving them genuine responsibilities around the house and in their lives, rather than shielding them from chores or consequences. Perhaps most unusual is his embrace of eccentricity. He encourages his kids to follow their weird interests, even if those interests don't look impressive on a resume.

The billionaire says he learned these lessons from his own journey building Zynga, the company behind FarmVille. He notes that the most innovative people he worked with were often the ones who were a little odd as kids. He wants his children to develop a strong internal compass, not just a list of achievements. For Pincus, raising a happy, curious, and resilient adult matters far more than raising a straight-A student.