Donald Trump Grooms Kids for Success

Feb. 6, 2004 -- -- On his new hit TV series Donald Trump is searching for the best apprentice, but in real life, he's already chosen a few.

Trump's hit series, The Apprentice, has contestants trying to impress "The Donald" while competing for a job in the Trump organization. That won't be necessary for his three oldest kids, who are eager to inherit the family legacy.

The organization is the result of high-risk business ventures that have paid off handsomely for the brash businessman, putting Trump on top of the real estate world — literally. His home is a multistory penthouse at the very top of the Manhattan skyline.

Trump admits while raising kids in the penthouse it was impossible to avoid turning them into a bunch of spoiled brats.

"There's no question about that," he told 20/20's Barbara Walters with a laugh. "But, you know, they're basically good kids … And they've done very well. I've never been embarrassed by my children."

Enjoy an Allowance and Don't Drink

Trump's three children with his first wife Ivana — who are now young adults — grew up in the palatial penthouse with marble floors, crystal chandeliers and views of three states until their parents divorced in 1990 and the children moved out. Trump also has a fourth daughter, 10-year-old Tiffany, from his 1993-1999 marriage to Marla Maples.

The three oldest children told Walters they're quite normal, despite their famed upbringing.

"It's a difficult thing to navigate, and over time you learn to accept it," said Ivanka, 22. "He's raised us with values and tries to keep us as grounded as possible."

"I put them on an allowance at all times," said Trump. "And their mother [Ivana] was strict with them and a good mother. But they were always put on a very heavy regiment of discipline."

The mogul's namesake, Donald Jr., 26 and a Trump employee, said he was spoiled culturally and educationally but not financially.