Model and dietitian Maye Musk, mother of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, says she knew her son was extraordinary by the time he was just three years old. In a recent TV interview, the 75-year-old revealed, “I told the teachers at his preschool, ‘My son is a genius,’ but no one believed me. Elon was shy and quiet, so his brilliance wasn’t obvious to others.”

Maye recalled that even as a toddler, Elon would engage her in deep, logical conversations and had an exceptional memory. “I was really the only one he felt comfortable talking to,” she said.

As Elon grew older, he continued to share his bold visions with her—ideas about solar energy, electric cars, rockets, and space travel. But Maye admitted she often urged him to slow down, fearing he was pushing himself too hard. “I told him to take breaks, but he never listened,” she said. “Now we all see the results.”

Overcoming Communication Challenges

Even as an adult, Elon struggled with communication. Maye credits his younger brother, Kimbal Musk, with helping him navigate early business ventures. The two brothers co-founded a software company in 1995, which sold in 1999 for $307 million. Elon earned $22 million from his 7% stake.

Because Elon found it hard to explain his ideas clearly, Kimbal often stepped in to communicate on his behalf. It wasn’t until Elon realized he needed to build a public image to advance his ambitions that he began engaging with the media himself.

“I remember calling him after his first big interview and saying, ‘Did you really do that?’ And he told me, ‘I had to. Nobody would sell me rocket parts because they didn’t know who I was,’” Maye recalled.

Leaving a Toxic Marriage for Her Children

Maye married South African engineer Errol Musk at 22 and had three children: Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca. But the marriage was abusive. “He constantly yelled and screamed. It was unbearable,” she said. “The hardest part wasn’t raising three kids—it was having a terrible husband.”

She eventually found the courage to leave, despite having little money. “I had no confidence in myself and was scared, but I had to give my children and myself a better life,” she said.

As a single mom, Maye juggled multiple jobs and often worked in harsh conditions. “There were times I didn’t have warm clothes or shoes in the winter, but I told myself things would get better. I just had to keep working.”

From Survival to Success

Maye eventually became a successful model and certified dietitian. Through it all, she prioritized her children’s education and independence, even when times were tough. “We didn’t always have enough to eat, but she made sure we had books,” Elon once said. “She rarely complained and always found a way forward.”

Raising Independent Kids Without Wealth

Maye believes the secret to raising successful kids isn’t money—it’s giving them freedom and responsibility.

“I never treated my kids like babies,” she said. “I didn’t check their homework or tell them what to study. That was their job.”

She taught them to be independent by assigning age-appropriate responsibilities. Maye herself started working for her father at age 8 and held receptionist duties at 12. She passed on that same work ethic to her children. Elon helped her with paperwork, Kimbal did odd jobs, and Tosca helped run a modeling school and even taught classes at age 8.

Maye says that many parents today coddle their children too much. “Don’t assume your kids are too young. Let them make decisions and learn from them,” she said. “Even when we were poor, my kids slept on mattresses on the floor with roommates—and they were fine. If you don’t spoil them, they’ll figure things out.”

She advises parents to let their kids take ownership of their future. “I saw parents so stressed out about college applications they stopped eating. Let your kids apply on their own. If they have a good business idea, support them. Teach them manners—but let them chase their passions.”

A Mother’s Pride

“I love my children and I’m proud of everything they’ve achieved,” Maye said. “Raising them wasn’t easy, but I never gave up. And I always believed they could do great things.”