🌟Chore Charts for Kids of All Ages
Plus, here are the 15 most important parenting skills.
Jed Baker
June 08, 2025
🌟 TRENDING
Cutting Ties for Care: How Working Parents Are Rewriting Office Social Norms
In today’s fast-paced workplaces, many working parents are making quiet but strategic choices to preserve precious time for their children — even if it means weakening professional relationships. A recent study by Vanessa M. Conzon of Boston College and Ruthanne Huising of ESSEC Business School, featured in the Harvard Business Review, reveals how parents, especially mothers with young children, are minimizing casual workplace interactions to meet the dual demands of work and caregiving. These parents aren't slacking off — they’re intensely focused professionals trying to avoid being derailed by nonessential conversations, birthday lunches, or after-hours social events.
The research team interviewed 72 professionals across a pharmaceutical company, a university, and a consulting firm. What emerged was a clear pattern: parents short on time use what the authors call “interaction practices” to avoid or tightly control social engagement at work. They may skip team lunches, work remotely to dodge interruptions, or even hide during meetings to avoid casual chatter. These behaviors help parents hit deadlines and get out the door in time for school pickups — but they also come with unintended consequences. Many participants reported feeling socially isolated, lacking a sense of belonging at work, and missing out on informal networks that often drive opportunity and collaboration.
Conzon and Huising argue that this tradeoff — time with family vs. workplace social capital — isn't inevitable. They offer practical tips for both parents and managers. Parents should be aware of the relational costs of their choices and carve out small windows for intentional connection, such as scheduled lunches. Fathers, in particular, are encouraged to take on a more equal share of caregiving duties to ease the burden on mothers. For managers, the solution involves understanding why some employees seem disengaged from the social scene, creating structured mentorship opportunities, and focusing on outcomes rather than hours logged. With thoughtful strategies, organizations can create an environment where parents don’t have to choose between connection and care.
👉 Read the full article by Vanessa M. Conzon and Ruthanne Huising on HBR: Parents Are Minimizing Work Relationships to Make Time for Childcare
🌟 NEW MOVIE ALERT!!
Pixar Has a New Movie and We Couldn’t Be More Excited!
Hey Starglow Parents - Get ready for Disney and Pixar’s new out-of-this world adventure – Elio! This is their newest summer blockbuster and we COULD NOT be more excited, the trailer looks amazing…
The movie is a cosmic adventure about an alien obsessed kid who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador to the galaxy. One moment he’s a daydreamer feeling like he doesn’t belong on Earth, then next he’s face-to-face with aliens in the Communiverse and meeting his newfound best friend. Packed with wild worlds, hilarious aliens, and heartwarming moments, Elio is going to be the ultimate family movie event of the year. Don’t miss your chance to blast off — Elio hits theaters June 20. Get tickets now by clicking here and we’ll see you in the theater!
🌟 15 THINGS
15 Most Important Parenting Skills
What truly makes a difference in raising confident, emotionally healthy kids? This article breaks down 15 essential parenting skills—from active listening to setting boundaries and modeling behavior—that help children thrive at every stage. Whether you're a new parent or looking to strengthen your approach, these tips offer practical, research-backed guidance for everyday family life.
🌟 SCREEN/LIFE BALANCE
Chore Charts for Kids by Age
Teaching kids responsibility starts with giving them age-appropriate chores that help them contribute to the household in meaningful ways. From toddlers to teens, each stage of development brings new opportunities to build confidence, independence, and valuable life skills. This chore guide breaks down helpful tasks by age group—from preschoolers just learning to clean up after themselves to teens managing laundry and meal prep. With consistency and encouragement, chores can become an empowering part of a child’s daily routine.
