Elon Musk’s Kids Share Their Perspectives on Their Famous Father

In a rare and revealing moment, the children of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk have opened up about their thoughts on their father. As the CEO of companies like Tesla and SpaceX, Musk is one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in the world.

While his business ventures and public persona are often under scrutiny, his private life, including his relationships with his children, has remained relatively shielded from the spotlight—until now.

Being the child of one of the world’s most influential and wealthiest individuals comes with its unique set of challenges. Musk has ten children, though much of the public focus has been on his eldest sons, twins Griffin and Xavier, as well as his toddler son X Æ A-Xii, born to musician Grimes.

Griffin and Xavier, who are now young adults, have largely stayed out of the public eye. However, Xavier, who came out as transgender and legally changed her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson in 2022, has made headlines for reportedly distancing herself from Musk.

In a recent interview, Griffin, now in his early 20s, provided insight into what life is like growing up with such a larger-than-life father. “It’s definitely not a normal upbringing,” he admitted.

“Dad’s always been ambitious, always focused on the future. It’s inspiring, but it can also feel like we’re living in his shadow sometimes.”

The Musk children’s views on their father appear to vary greatly. Vivian Jenna Wilson has publicly stated her desire to sever ties with Musk, citing irreconcilable differences. In a legal filing, she expressed that she no longer wishes to be associated with him, highlighting what appears to be a strained relationship.

Musk has addressed the situation in interviews, expressing sadness but also a level of acceptance. “I love all my kids, no matter what,” Musk said in an interview earlier this year. “I may not always get it right, but my goal has always been to give them the tools to succeed and think critically.”

Griffin, on the other hand, seemed more inclined to defend his father, describing him as “complicated but well-meaning.” He added, “There’s a lot of noise around my dad, but deep down, he cares. It’s just that sometimes he’s more focused on the big picture than the smaller, personal stuff.”

Musk’s co-parenting dynamic with Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, has also been a point of interest. The two share three children: X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (known as “Y”), and a third child whose name has been kept private.

Grimes has been open about the complexities of raising children with Musk. In interviews, she described him as a “brilliant, unconventional father,” while also admitting that his demanding schedule can make traditional parenting roles challenging.

Growing up as Musk’s children also means facing intense public scrutiny. Griffin spoke about how difficult it can be to navigate the expectations placed upon them. “People assume we’ll all go into tech or do something groundbreaking. There’s this pressure to be as ambitious as Dad, which can be overwhelming.”

At the same time, he acknowledged the privilege that comes with being Musk’s child. “We’ve had opportunities most people can only dream of. My dad always tells us, ‘The world is what you make of it.’ That’s a message I carry with me.”

Musk has previously shared his thoughts on parenting, emphasizing a philosophy of independence and self-reliance. He has mentioned that he doesn’t believe in forcing traditional schooling on his children, opting instead for a hands-on approach that encourages problem-solving and creativity.

“I try to lead by example,” Musk has said. “I want them to see what’s possible when you dream big and work hard.”

The rare glimpses into Musk’s family dynamics have sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some admire his ambition and see him as an inspiring figure, others criticize his parenting style, questioning whether his focus on work comes at the expense of personal relationships.

One Twitter user commented, “Elon Musk is a genius, but being a good parent requires more than just providing resources. It’s about presence and emotional connection.”

Another user defended Musk, tweeting, “We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. His kids will make their own paths, and it’s clear Musk loves them.”

As Musk continues to shape the future of technology and space exploration, his relationships with his children will undoubtedly remain a topic of interest. Despite the challenges, Griffin expressed optimism for the future.

“We’re still figuring it all out,” he said. “Every family has its ups and downs. Ours just happens to be a bit more public than most.”

The revelations from Elon Musk’s children provide a rare glimpse into the personal side of one of the world’s most enigmatic figures. While the challenges of balancing ambition and family are evident, the love and complexity within the Musk household are clear.

For better or worse, being Elon Musk’s child means living in a world of extraordinary possibilities—and extraordinary pressures.