In a world where the cost of living seems to climb higher every year, the question of when—or if—to have children weighs heavily on millions of American families. Into this debate steps Maye Musk, the 77-year-old mother of tech titan Elon Musk, with a message that has set social media ablaze: If you want kids, just skip dinner dates and movie nights. It’s advice that’s as simple as it is controversial—and it’s got everyone talking.

Appearing on Fox & Friends last December, Maye Musk doubled down on advice she’s shared before, both on TV and on social media. Her message? Don’t let money worries keep you from having children. “You don’t have to go to the movies, you don’t have to go out for dinner,” she told the show’s hosts. “Just spend time with the most wonderful gifts you can ever have—children.”

It’s a line that sounds almost charming, even nostalgic. But for many, it landed with a thud. Critics say it’s out of touch with the harsh financial realities of raising children in 2025—a world far removed from the one Maye Musk navigated as a young mother in the 1970s.

A Mother’s Story: From Modest Beginnings to Billionaire Offspring

Maye Musk’s journey is undeniably impressive. As a single mother, she raised three children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—in a tiny apartment above a garage, later moving into modest two-bedroom homes. She worked hard, building a career as a dietitian and model, and made every dollar stretch.

“We didn’t go out for dinner nor to the movies,” she wrote in a recent social media post, echoing her stance on Fox. “As soon as I could afford some help in the house, I opened my dietetics practice in my home… Have children, add value to your life.”

Maye’s story is one of grit, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination. She didn’t dwell on what she lacked, but focused on building a future for her family—and her efforts paid off in ways few could have imagined. Today, her son Elon Musk is the world’s richest person, and her family’s success story is the stuff of legend.

A Message That Missed the Mark?

But while Maye Musk’s advice may have been intended as encouragement, it struck a nerve with many. Social media lit up with criticism, with some calling her words “tone-deaf” and “unrealistic.”

“It’s not the movie tickets that are breaking us,” one commenter wrote. “It’s $400 a week for daycare and $5 strawberries.”

And the numbers back them up. According to a recent LendingTree study, the cost of raising a child to age 18 in the U.S. has soared to nearly $300,000—a 25% jump from just two years ago. The average annual cost to raise a small child now tops $29,000, with daycare alone skyrocketing by over 50%. Food prices, insurance premiums, and housing costs have all surged, squeezing family budgets like never before.

These figures don’t even include college tuition, medical emergencies, or the countless small expenses that come with raising kids in today’s world. And with the Child Tax Credit now capped at $2,000 per child—down from $3,600 during the pandemic—many families feel like they’re running just to stay in place.

A Changing Economic Landscape

Maye Musk’s experience as a young mother was shaped by a different era. Housing was more affordable, childcare costs were lower, and the economic pressures facing families were less intense. Today, families in states like Hawaii spend over a quarter of their income on child-related expenses; even in Mississippi, it’s more than 16%.

For many Americans, skipping a few dinners out or turning down the occasional movie night simply isn’t enough to bridge the gap between dreams of parenthood and the reality of skyrocketing costs.

Intentions vs. Reality

To her credit, Maye Musk’s intent seems sincere. Her story is one of making do with less, finding joy in family, and refusing to let financial hardship dictate her life’s choices. She wants others to know that children can bring meaning and happiness, even when money is tight.

Her perspective also echoes that of her famous son, Elon Musk, who has repeatedly warned about declining birth rates and called for more people to have children, arguing that the future of civilization depends on it.

But for many families, the challenges are more complex than simply skipping a night out. Today’s parents face a dizzying array of costs—from healthcare and housing to education and childcare. The economic landscape has shifted dramatically, and what worked for one generation may not apply to the next.

A National Conversation

Maye Musk’s comments have sparked a national conversation, with some applauding her message of resilience and others criticizing her for missing the mark. The debate highlights a growing divide between those who see children as a priceless gift and those who view them as a financial hurdle that’s increasingly difficult to clear.

For some, her story is an inspiration—a reminder that love, creativity, and determination can overcome even the toughest odds. For others, it’s a painful reminder of how out of reach the American dream can feel in 2025.

Finding Common Ground

Perhaps the real takeaway from this debate is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family’s situation is unique, shaped by a complex web of factors—income, location, support systems, and personal priorities.

Maye Musk’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of sacrifice. But it’s also a reminder that times change, and so do the challenges families face.

For those considering parenthood, the decision is deeply personal—and there’s no shame in weighing the costs, both emotional and financial. For those who find inspiration in Maye Musk’s journey, her message may be a welcome boost. For others, it’s a call for more empathy and understanding from those in positions of privilege.

Conclusion: The True Cost of Raising a Family

In the end, Maye Musk’s words have reignited a vital conversation about what it takes to raise a family in America today. Her advice—though well-intentioned—serves as a reminder that the greatest gift parents can give their children is not just love, but the ability to provide for them in a world that’s changing faster than ever.

As families across the country navigate these challenges, one thing is clear: Raising children in 2025 requires more than just skipping dinner and movies. It requires resilience, creativity, and a society that supports parents every step of the way.