Emma Grede, cofounder of Skims and mother of four, recently described herself as a “max three-hour mum” on weekends during an interview. Her comment, which referred to spending focused quality time with her children rather than extended hours, generated widespread discussion on parenting styles and the challenges faced by working mothers.
Responding to the backlash on an April 14 episode of “Today with Jenna and Sheinelle,” Grede said she was surprised by the intense reactions. She pointed out that women entrepreneurs often face high expectations both as parents and business leaders. Her remarks ignited a broader conversation about how working mothers manage the demands of career ambition alongside family responsibilities.
The debate highlights the absence of a universal standard for how much time parents should spend with their children, despite persistent societal pressure on mothers to meet certain benchmarks. Grede’s defined approach forced many women to consider the trade-offs of parenting time amid professional goals.
Business Insider spoke with four working mothers who shared their perspectives on balancing work and family life.
Alex Otto, a marketing consultant and mother of three, recalled experiences similar to Grede’s but from a child’s point of view. Raised by a mother in finance who was frequently away, Otto noted that meaningful family time often happens during busy mornings and evenings. She emphasized the importance of having a supportive network to manage professional and parental duties. Otto described finding an exact balance as an ongoing process influenced by her children’s needs and different life stages. She stressed the value of intellectual and professional fulfillment for mothers, alongside parenting.
Crystal Foote, cofounder of an advertising technology company and mother of two, identified with Grede’s approach. She highlighted the difficulty of syncing demanding work schedules and family time, especially when building a business. Foote shared a personal example of juggling a conference with her children’s spring break, underscoring the sacrifices involved. She welcomed open conversations about the realities working mothers face, arguing that such discussions challenge outdated gender roles and redefine success.
Conversely, Mandy Castillo, owner of a family-run ice cream and dairy farm with two children, voiced disagreement. Castillo prioritized maximizing time with her children, acknowledging the fleeting nature of childhood. She noted the distinct mental burden mothers often carry, even when both parents work, and described integrating her children into her work environment whenever possible. For Castillo, parenting is about consistent presence despite professional demands. She valued communal dialogue among mothers to share varying experiences and approaches.
Ashleigh Coaxum, a stationery store owner and mother of two, appreciated Grede’s candidness in specifying her parenting time. Coaxum viewed the quantified limit as indicative of intention and balance. She described parenting time as flexible and responsive to her children’s evolving needs and emphasized the critical role of support systems. Coaxum questioned whether public debates focused on set numbers truly aid parents in balancing family and career demands.
The conversation spurred by Grede’s statement reveals the complexities working mothers encounter when striving to fulfill both professional ambitions and parenting roles. It underscores that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, with individual circumstances, support networks, and personal values shaping each family’s approach.
