Parenting IRL: Venmo and Grad Invites?

If you have graduates in your family or social circle, you might have a stack of paper grad party invites on your fridge, in your inbox, or all over your social feeds.

But do any of these invites/announcements include a Venmo QR code, like one NPN member recently shared?

The original poster is more than happy to give a graduation gift but finds the QR code a bit much. Are paper checks too much of a bother? Do kids not know how to deposit physical checks?!

QR codes are everywhere, and I guess they’ve made their way to graduation announcements too.

What do you think of this move? Is it something your family has done or would consider? 

Trending: Mommymaxxing or Team Beta Mom

If you’re at all active on social media, you don’t have to look far to find examples of Mommymaxxing. It’s the mom version of the Looksmaxxing trend that has young men focused with perfecting the way they look. 

Mommymaxxing is all about maximizing motherhood. That means "bouncing back" after birth with ease, seamlessly choreographed sleep and after-school routines, and choosing the ideal extracurricular activities for the college prep pipeline. It’s aspirational and appealing content but unrealistic for many.

If Mommymaxxing is all about perfectionism, Beta Mom-ing is the exact opposite. It’s laundry and mess everywhere and feeling OK with that and not planning every detail of the day. And you know what else is a hallmark of a Beta Mom? Asking for help from a trusted support network because you know you can’t do it all alone.

Parenting labels are meh for many of us. Chances are you don’t fall neatly in either camp. I know I don’t.

But one thing I think we can all agree on is that parenting is plain tough, and we could all use a break from expectations and judgment.

In Chicago Parenting News:

• The Chicago Tribune reports that a cellphone ban was approved by Illinois lawmakers and is anticipated for the 2027-2028 school year.

• School Board campaigning season begins; Axios has your guide.

• Teens can join the Y for free this summer.

• WBEZ spoke with three recent Chicago college grads navigating the tough job market.

Before You Go ...

Join me at Horner Park Sunday, June 14, for a casual playground hang. We’ll have crafts and snacks. Plus, you can earn one month—or up to six months—of free membership. RSVP to let us know you’ll be there!

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