Emma Grede, co-founder of Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims, has sparked a heated debate over her recent remarks about motherhood. In a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal, Grede described herself as a “max three-hour mum” on weekends, stating that she spends only a few hours each Saturday and Sunday with her four children before dedicating the rest of her time to personal pursuits. This comment has drawn significant criticism online, prompting Grede to address the issue during a recent appearance on the Today show.
A Realistic Approach to Motherhood
Grede, 43, has been open about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with family life. With an 11-year-old son, Grey, a nine-year-old daughter, Lola, and four-year-old twins, Lake and Rafferty, she juggles various business ventures while maintaining a home life. During her interview, Grede clarified her “three-hour mum” label, explaining that her busy weekdays leave her exhausted by the weekend.
“Anyone who has children knows that you don’t spend eight hours on a Saturday and Sunday with them,” she asserted. “You have errands to run, things to do.” Grede emphasised the importance of allowing her children some independence, teaching them to entertain themselves and fostering their own interests.
Challenging Societal Standards
In response to the backlash she faced, Grede highlighted the double standards often imposed on women. “That headline would never be written about a man,” she remarked, referring to the media coverage of her comments. She believes that women are frequently held to unrealistic expectations in both their roles as parents and as professionals. “What I’m trying to do is be really honest about what it takes and be really honest about the things I don’t do,” she explained.
Grede encourages other women to be transparent about their own parenting choices and the sacrifices they make to pursue their ambitions. “Cutting sandwiches into star shapes? That was never it for me,” she quipped, underscoring her preference for quality time over traditional parenting norms.
Building Meaningful Memories
Despite her busy schedule, Grede is committed to creating lasting memories with her children. She focuses on high-impact experiences, such as family trips and outdoor adventures, rather than everyday minutiae. “We’re teaching our kids to be independent,” she said, underscoring her belief that part of parenting is preparing children to thrive on their own. With the help of a supportive household team, including nannies and staff, she maintains a home environment that allows her to balance her professional and personal lives effectively.
In her interview, Grede also encouraged women to articulate their goals and dreams, advising them to identify what they are unwilling to sacrifice in their pursuit of success. “I hold a vision for myself,” she concluded. “And I’m uncompromising.”
Why it Matters
Emma Grede’s comments have ignited a vital conversation about the expectations placed on mothers in today’s society. By sharing her perspective, she challenges the unrealistic standards that many women face, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of motherhood that values quality over quantity. Her willingness to speak out not only normalises diverse parenting styles but also empowers other women to embrace their choices without guilt. In a world where the pressures of parenting can often feel overwhelming, Grede’s message resonates with those seeking balance between personal aspirations and family life.