Elon Musk and Lil X: Career or Kids? Is He Really a Good Father

Elon Musk—the billionaire, the innovator, the man behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). But beyond his groundbreaking ventures and controversial public persona, one pressing question remains: Is he truly present in his children’s lives?

With an ever-expanding empire, Musk has built a reputation for working tirelessly, pushing humanity toward space exploration, AI dominance, and a redefined social media landscape. However, as his career reaches new heights, his role as a father to his many children, including his son, X Æ A-Xii (Lil X), has come under scrutiny.

Can a man so consumed by work also be a devoted dad? Or is he prioritizing the future of technology over the future of his own children?

Musk has often spoken about the importance of family, yet reports suggest he spends limited time with his children. Known for keeping an unforgiving work schedule—sometimes claiming to work 100+ hours a week—he has repeatedly stated that his companies require his full attention.

While many admire his dedication to advancing humanity, it begs the question: At what cost?

Lil X, the son Musk shares with musician Grimes, is one of the billionaire’s most publicized children. Musk has been photographed carrying the toddler around SpaceX facilities, but these rare glimpses of fatherhood only fuel the debate: Is this just for show, or is Musk truly invested in his role as a dad?

His other children, including the twins and triplets he had with his first wife, Justine Wilson, have largely stayed out of the spotlight.

However, Musk’s fractured relationship with his transgender daughter, Vivian Wilson, who legally changed her name to distance herself from him, indicates that not all of his children see him as a great father figure.

Musk’s relentless drive for success is undeniable, but his own words suggest that fatherhood takes a backseat to his ambitions.

In past interviews, Musk has openly admitted that he doesn’t have much time for traditional parenting. He once stated that his children are raised more by their nannies and teachers than by him, reinforcing the perception that he is an absentee father.

Even his approach to education for his kids is unconventional. Instead of sending them to regular schools, Musk created Ad Astra, an elite and experimental school designed to cultivate problem-solving skills. While innovative, this decision raises another question: Is he truly involved in their lives, or is he outsourcing their upbringing like he does his company’s operations?

Musk has often framed his work as being for the benefit of humanity’s future, yet what about the future of his own children?

His relationship with Lil X might be more visible, but his history with his other children suggests a pattern of emotional distance. His daughter Vivian’s decision to completely sever ties with him only highlights the impact of his absence.

Even those closest to him have expressed concerns about his parenting style. Reports from insiders suggest that while Musk enjoys moments with his kids, he struggles with long-term emotional connections.

There’s no denying that Musk has reshaped industries and continues to push boundaries. But fatherhood isn’t like launching rockets—it requires consistency, presence, and emotional investment.

Can Musk truly balance being a father with his relentless career pursuits? Or will his children grow up seeing him as a man who chose innovation over intimacy, progress over parenting?

For now, the answer remains uncertain.