John Tan - Investor, Entrepreneur
"Good enough parenting. Parenting is hard. Don't beat yourself up over it."
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I'm a co-founder of Doyobi, an edtech startup that helps kids ages 8-13 build skills through collaborative problem solving in the metaverse. It's a spin off from Saturday Kids, a coding/curiosity school for kids I started 10 years ago.
I've been investing in startups since 2011. Ninja Van and Glints are probably the most well-known. These days I only invest in startups reimagining the future of work and learning.
How old are your kid(s)?
4, 6, 8, 10 and 11
Who is the primary caregiver in the household, and what are you and your partner’s parenting philosophy?
My wife. Our parenting philosophy is very simple - let our kids have the time and space to discover their interests and passions. Grades are not as important as skills and disposition.
What's your favourite moment in the day with your kid(s)?
Just hanging out with them. In the morning before they go to school (2 younger ones start preschool at 1130am, the eldest is unschooled), or at night after dinner when they are just playing.
How do you keep yourself sane?
I longboard and drink natural wine. Not at the same time. Usually.
Best tech tip on parenting. This can be apps / hardware / gear you use, and how you use them.
Spotify + Airpods. Really useful when you have 5 kids at home. Currently loving Vale, Helado Negro, Denzel Curry, Ferry Djimmy.
Most helpful advice you've received as a parent.
Good enough parenting. Parenting is hard. Don't beat yourself up over it.
What lessons do you not want your kid(s) to learn?
Study hard, do well in school, go to a good college, I'm all set for life.
What was the best lesson you learned from your child?
Be curious. Be spontaneous. Never stop asking 'why' and 'why not'.
What is your proudest dad moment?
Recently my two older kids flew unaccompanied to Berlin to meet their mum for a late summer vacation. Flew back on their own as well. I wrote a post about it (link).
If you could ask anyone, dead or alive, for their best parenting tip, who and what would that be?
Ken Robinson. How does his philosophy of encouraging kids to be curious, creative and confident translate to how he parents.
How do you manage technology exposure for your child/children?
Honestly, tough. Unlike many parents, I don't believe all screen time is bad screen time. There can be productive screen time too. We therefore let our kids have a lot more screen time than most parents. Sometimes, the amount of time they spend gaming can get out of hand.
What hobbies do you and your children share?
Being in nature. 3 of my kids attend forest school every week. I drop them off and go for a trail run.
Finally, your best dad joke!
When my eldest was learning to speak, he insisted his younger sister's name is Summer The End Tan.
It's Summer Leanne Tan.