Oct 16, 2026 · 4 min listen · Last updated October 16, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, October 16th. The morning read — ten things in parenting worth the eight minutes. Let's get into it. First, from Scary Mommy. 'The Worst Witch' Is The Tim Curry Movie You Should Be Watching This Halloween.
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Daily Parenting Brief · October 16th
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'The Worst Witch' Is The Tim Curry Movie You Should Be Watching This Halloween
Tim Curry, known for his iconic roles like Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise in IT, left a lasting impact on film and TV. His passing in August 2026 felt like losing an old friend for many fans. While his popular works are often revisited during Halloween, one lesser-known gem is the 1986 musical adaptation of The Worst Witch. Based on Jill Murphy’s children’s book, it follows Mildred Hubble, the clumsy student at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches.
Curry plays the Grand Wizard Egbert Hellibore, making a brief but unforgettable appearance at the end. His musical number, “Anything Can Happen on Halloween,” is a highlight, showcasing his ability to shine even with limited screen time. The visuals may be dated, but Curry’s performance is captivating, blending charm and a hint of spookiness. If you’re looking to add something unique to your Halloween movie lineup this year, The Worst Witch is definitely worth a watch.
New Tattoo, CT Leaf Peeping, WNBA Finals, Fav Pants on Sale & More!
This week’s newsletter is a bit shorter because Karla and Ailsaaaaaa visited! They explored Connecticut, hitting a lovely French bakery, a vintage shop, and even hiked Kent Falls. Karla and the author got matching tattoos inspired by their shared love of travel and autumn leaves.
Excitement is in the air for the WNBA Finals starting tonight. The Golden State Valkyries, making their first finals appearance, are up against the Atlanta Dream, who are seeking their first championship. Notably, the Valkyries became the league's first $1 billion franchise, thanks to key player Gabby Williams.
For those looking for fall dinner ideas, the newsletter suggests a week’s worth of meals, including Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza and Steak Bowls. There are also some great fashion finds on sale, like Ruti “On the Loose” Pants, currently 20% off.
Lastly, the author shares a new series on Prime Video based on a Stephen King novel, perfect for the Halloween season, and encourages readers to stay hydrated. It’s a warm, engaging wrap-up that invites readers to connect and support the newsletter.
The article shares a mom's personal journey in finding the perfect jeans that fit her busy lifestyle. She emphasizes that not all jeans are made equal, especially for a mom of four. Her go-to brand is J.Crew Factory, which she appreciates for its quality, fit, and affordability.
When choosing jeans, she looks for versatility—can they transition from work to kids' activities to dinner? Comfort is crucial too; she needs jeans that allow her to move freely and feel good throughout her day. The right fit is essential, especially since she has specific sizing needs.
In the end, if a pair of jeans can keep up with her hectic life and still feel comfortable for a cozy evening on the couch, they earn a spot in her closet. J.Crew Factory consistently meets these needs, making it her favorite place to shop for denim and other casual wear.
Why I Cried a Lot of Happy Tears on Simchat Torah This Year
The author shares a touching experience from Simchat Torah, where a cherished ritual called Kol Hene’arim takes place. During this ceremony, children gather under tallitot, or prayer shawls, while adults offer blessings and songs for their protection. This year, the author faced a bittersweet moment as her daughter turned 12, marking her transition from childhood to Jewish adulthood, which meant she could no longer participate under the canopy.
However, in a beautiful twist, the synagogue honored her daughter with her first aliyah, allowing her to stand with the children while still embracing her new identity. This moment reinforced the idea that the journey to adulthood isn’t instantaneous; it’s a gradual process, supported by the community. The author felt a renewed sense of connection and protection for her daughter, illustrating the importance of community during this transition.
The “Good Girl” Pipeline Leads Straight To Mom Burnout
The article explores how the “good girl” mentality, often rooted in cultural and familial expectations, can lead to burnout, especially among mothers. Many women, like the author, grow up prioritizing others' needs over their own, leading to perfectionism and conflict avoidance. Therapists Adebisi Gbadamosi and Samantha Grimes highlight common struggles for these women, including guilt, poor boundaries, and anxiety. They emphasize the importance of recognizing personal needs and practicing mindfulness. Setting boundaries and delegating responsibilities can help alleviate the pressure. Ultimately, the goal is to raise children who prioritize their own voices and well-being, breaking this cycle.