Billionaire Reveals Secrets to Raising Grounded Kids: "Not Enough to Do Nothing"

Billionaire real estate developer Jeff Greene, whose net worth is $7.9 billion, has a unique approach to raising his three adolescent sons. Inspired by Warren Buffett's advice to "leave their children enough so they can do anything but not enough that they can do nothing," Greene is determined to instill in his children the value of hard work and making a difference.

Greene, who grew up middle class in Massachusetts and worked his way through college and graduate school, takes great pride in being self-made. He believes that the children of the uber-rich often have their achievements questioned due to their wealth and connections. "I started with nothing, I did it all on my own," Greene said, adding that he has "taken that away" from his own children.

Instead, Greene focuses on helping his sons find "meaningful lives." He and his wife, Mei-Sze Greene, have signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate most of their wealth to charitable causes. In 2016, they founded The Greene School, a nonprofit private school with a need-blind admission policy that offers financial aid to students.

Greene believes in maintaining a balanced life, working around 50-60 hours a week while also finding time for tennis, trips with friends, and taking his kids to school daily. He dismisses the idea of retiring, saying he prefers the challenge of "trying to win at the stuff I do." Greene's approach to parenting and life reflects his belief that making money is a fraction as rewarding as helping others and making a positive impact on people's lives.