Technology has become such a de facto method of keeping in touch and conducting business that it has easily permeated our lives.  At the recent SXSW, Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, commented that he manages his 5 kids by “responding to emails while he interacts with them since they are not at that age where they require his full attention”. Business Insider picked up on this and resulting reactions from the crowd during Musk’s onstage interview. Needless to say it wasn’t positive feedback on his parenting style.

I am on the fence about this.  Personally, I think just the fact that he is able to be present with his kids while he is running three companies: Tesla Motors, SolarCity and SpaceX is an amazing feat in itself.  Many times I have been at the park with my daughter and see many parents on their phones playing Angry Birds or scanning Facebook not running billion dollar businesses.

Not that I am innocent either but I recognize that sometimes as a parent you are just there to be more of a playground policeman or babysitter than a playmate.  If he is picking and choosing his quality time while trying to manage three companies, then more power to him.

And by the way, the new Tesla S is pretty awesome.  If you get a chance to ride in one, do so with a warning, you might be ruined for all other cars.