PENCILED-IN PARENTING

Kardashian Whisperer Defends ‘Three-Hour Mom’ Weekend Rule

Emma Grede is doubling down after her mom-hack sparked a divisive debate online.

Emma Grede, 43, isn’t budging after her blunt take on work-life balance sent the internet into a tailspin. The Skims co-founder revealed in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, while promoting her new book Start With Yourself: A Vision for Work and Life, that she spends a maximum of three hours with her kids on weekends—a rule that quickly sparked an online debate. Appearing Tuesday on the Today Show, Grede said she wasn’t surprised by the backlash, arguing women in business are “held to such an impossible standard” as parents. Grede asserted it’s important to “be really honest,” pointing to the demands of running five companies while raising a family of four. Grede explained that weekends are largely reserved for errands and personal time, adding that teaching kids independence—letting them learn how to “actually entertain themselves”—is a key priority. Rather than logging long hours, she focuses on “high-impact, core memories,” like fishing trips and family getaways, she said.