Parenting in Norway vs USA with Founder of Tana Olav Sindrew Kriken | Dad of 3 · Startup Dad summary

Key takeaways

Foster quality relationships with kids through dedicated time together.
Unity in parenting through a shared voice creates stability for children.
Allow children to experience challenges and learn from adversity.
Modeling behavior as parents can inspire entrepreneurial spirit in kids.
Technology can enhance creativity and learning when used mindfully.
Be open to new experiences and adventures; saying 'yes' can lead to growth.

Summary

The Importance of Quality Time with Kids

In the episode, Olav emphasizes the significance of spending dedicated, tech-free time with each of his children through weekly 'dad dates.' These moments help strengthen their relationship and foster a deeper bond, even during long-distance separation.

Unified Parenting Philosophy

Olav shares the concept of parenting with 'one voice,' which he and his wife adopted to ensure they present a united front to their children. This approach not only fosters alignment but also provides stability for their kids.

Embracing Challenges and Struggles

Reflecting on his upbringing in Norway, Olav explains the value of allowing children to face challenges, adversity, and independence as essential elements for growth. He believes that tackling struggles prepares children for the real world.

Modeling Behavior and Entrepreneurship

Through daily examples, Olav's children are shaping their entrepreneurial skills without direct instruction. They see their father's hard work and creativity, leading them to develop their own business ideas and projects.

Technology as a Learning Tool

Contrary to common parental fears, Olav advocates for the thoughtful use of technology at home. He argues that when aligned with values and open discussions, technology like AI can enhance creativity and learning for kids.

A Call for Openness and Saying 'Yes'

Olav encourages parents to embrace opportunities and adventures with their children, reminding them that saying 'yes' more often can lead to unexpected and joyful experiences.

Show notes

Olav Sindre Kriken is a four-time founder, husband, and father of three who’s currently leading Tana, an AI-powered productivity startup. Originally from a small town in Norway, Olav now lives in Palo Alto, and splits his time between scaling a company and staying deeply present for his family. He believes his family is the most important startup he’ll ever build.

In this episode, Olav reflects on what it means to raise resilient, independent kids in a tech-saturated world, how parenting frameworks shape his decisions as a founder, and why being a dad made him rethink everything about success and legacy. We discussed:

From dad dates to startup deadlines: Why Olav sets aside sacred, tech-free time with each of his kids every week, and how that ritual strengthens their relationships, even during long stretches apart.
Parenting with one voice: Olav shares how he and his wife approach disagreements as co-founders of their family, and why behind-the-scenes alignment helps create stability for their kids.
Letting kids struggle: How growing up in Norway taught Olav that adversity is essential, and why he believes challenge, failure, and independence are some of the greatest gifts you can give your children.
The power of modeling: From bedtime story world-building to watching their dad lead a company, Olav’s kids are already writing business plans and experimenting with entrepreneurship, all without being told to.
Tech is not the enemy: Olav makes the case for embracing technology at home, from ChatGPT storytime to self-taught art via YouTube. He explains how AI can support creativity and learning when paired with values and conversation.

Where to find Olav Sindre Kriken

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriken/
X: https://x.com/OlavSindre

Where to find Adam Fishman

FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/
Instagram:https://ww.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Introducing Olav Sindre Kriken
(00:58) Kids come through You, not from you
(01:54) Parenting in Norway vs. the US
(08:36) Dad Dates are quality time with kids
(10:39) Balancing startup life and family time
(12:38) Unified parenting approach with one voice
(22:23) Parenting frameworks and philosophies
(29:38) Modeling entrepreneurship for kids
(32:00) Daughter's mask business
(32:46) Parenting through example
(33:36) Embracing technology for kids
(36:57) Creative uses of AI in parenting
(39:08) The story of the son and the window
(41:12) Say “Yes” More
(44:57) Lightning Round
(49:28) Funniest and Most Embarrassing Parenting Moments