What does loving your children actually feel like? Is it a split-second, life-altering love like we hear about, or is it a deep background hum that builds over time? Is there a difference between loving our kids and loving the motherhood experience? Today Meagan and Sarah unpack motherly love, including our specific styles of showing love to – and receiving it from – our kids. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:Speaking Our Kids’ Love Languages (And Knowing Our Own): Episode 29610 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449Have an episode idea? Email us!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s check in about clothes! As work-from-home moms in our forties, winter “fashion” is mostly about cozy comfort. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share what we’re wearing lately, including a surprising headache-related accessory, a total 180 on long-sleeved pajamas, and a bralette misfire. We also look to you, dear listener, to help us source some wardrobe pieces we’re in need of. Help us out!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan mentioned…the Bliss Triangle Bralette from Harper Wilde (we both have this bra, as well as the original Bliss)Wool leggings from WoolxLands’ End Pajama SetsSarah mentioned…Cloudsurfer shoes from On RunningTheraICE Headache Relief Cap paired with a heat neck wrap for headachesleaning into secondhand cashmere and wool sweaters (we discussed Quince as a source for affordable cashmere)Sarah’s looking for sleep tank recommendations and a quick-dry sporty hat. Meagan wants a whole new look. Email us to help us out!More episodes on style and product recommendationsCozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve been warned: raising teens can actually be…sort of wonderful. And also hard (but what season of motherhood isn’t?). Today Meagan and Sarah share what specific things we love about teenagers, from their thoughtful conversations to their little-kid-selves peeking out around every corner of their nearly-adult bodies. Along the way we share some recent stories about our own teenagers and what makes them great. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:10 Things We Love…Episodes from the archives!10 Things We Love About The 4th Trimester: Episode 28010 Things We Love About Raising Siblings: Episode 24810 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243You can view the many reasons our listeners love teenagers in this post on our Mom Hour Listener Facebook Page.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overwhelmed? Tired of people suggesting you “just relax!” or “go easy on yourself!”? Wondering if you should be playing with your kids more? This episode is for you. In this classic replay from 2016, Meagan and Sarah answer a question from Sheena (mom to a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and an infant!) about how to make time for things that need to be done around the house AND still connect with her kids. We normalize feeling overwhelmed, offer concrete tips for staying reasonably caught up, and share our experience balancing expectations, reality, and good-enough productivity. Join us!“Hi Sarah and Meagan, this is Sheena from Oregon, and I have two questions that both relate to time management. I have a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old and I’m finding that I’m always behind, and I’m wondering if you have any tips for how to get ahead? Also, how do you find time in the day to play? I find that I’m always just trying to get the kids busy so I can get on to my next task, and I never have time to just sit down and play. Thanks for your advice!”HELPFUL LINKS:Do you listen to The Mom Hour on the Apple Podcasts app? Apple had an update and unsubscribed people (argh!), so please make sure to click the (+) sign follow and subscribeDo you have an idea for an episode topic? Email Meagan and Sarah directly! We love to hear from you.We referenced Episode 10: We Hate Fun!Sarah still loves The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey (this is an affiliate link)Other articles and episodes about time management and productivityOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah’s family (with kids ages 15, 13, and 10) recently returned from their first big overseas travel adventure, and today we’re reflecting on her lessons learned. Taking the family across multiple time zones and out of the comforts of routine comes with challenges, to be sure, but also with opportunities for clarifying and crystalizing family culture in a way that’s harder to do at home. Join us to get all of Meagan’s questions answered and hear Sarah’s takeaways on the parenting lessons she’ll carry forward even after returning home.HELPFUL LINKS:Call for Listener Questions! Do you have a question you’d like answered on the podcast? Email us or leave us a voicemail!Episodes That Pair Nicely With This One:Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)Family Travel Mishaps & Why We Go Anyway: Voices 76Real Moms Share Their Best Family Travel Advice: Episode 356House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keeping schedules aligned, staying on top of basic tidying, and managing endless loads of laundry are just a few of the household systems facing modern parents. In today’s episode, regular contributors Joanna and Sarah share their best hacks for keeping the household afloat during the little years. They talk everything from calendar systems to smart speakers, laundry shortcuts to robot vacuums – plus how to get kids to help around the house and where their systems could use a New Year reset. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKSFollow Joanna Martin on InstagramFollow Sarah Limberg on InstagramKate Strickler, The Home Reset is a 14-part audio course to help guide you to reset different spaces in your home.Sarah and Joanna both love their Roborock vacuum.Sarah uses Todoist to organize tasks and reminders.A few episodes that pair nicely with this one:A Week Of Real-Life Housework (Part One): Episode 370A Week Of Real-Life Housework (Part Two): Episode 371Chores & Household Responsibilities: Episode 434House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413Podcasts Joanna and Sarah enjoy for household hack inspirationThe Lazy GeniusThe Girl Next DoorOTHER HELPFUL LINKSVisit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a buzzword, and it’s not going anywhere, but what does “sustainability” even MEAN? Meagan and Sarah are here to discuss their personal interpretations, as well as the ways in which we’ve each moved toward more mindful consumption. We talk shopping, cleaner cleaning products, reducing consumables, simplifying how we eat, and more. We’re also very honest about the many ways we’re just not that sustainable – yet (or ever!). Happy New Year!HELPFUL LINKS:Shout-out to Sarah’s local zero-waste boutique, Sunkissed Pantry!Meagan uses Beeswax Cloth in lieu of plastic wrapSarah loves ThredUp and Lululemon Like New for online secondhand shoppingYou can find a Zero Waste Shop near you for household and personal items.We’d love to hear from you, on ways you plan to be sustainable in 2024OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab a warm beverage and settle in for an end-of-year books chat! Meagan and Sarah look back over our reading in 2023 to share what we’ve read, what stuck with us, and how our reading habits have continued to evolve. Meagan also shares an update about Paper Mill Books, the independent bookstore in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan that she helped open earlier this year. Join us – you may just find a new book or two to throw on your TBR pile for 2024!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan opened a bookstore in July 2023.Episodes from the archives about books and readingSarah uses Goodreads to keep track of the books she reads (we hear great things about and The StoryGraph, too!)Sarah mentioned:Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (highly recommend this interview with Kingsolver on The Ezra Klein Show after you finish the book!)Honor by Thrity Umrigar (Sarah previously loved The Space Between Us by the same author)We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman (whose writing on Substack is delightful and who IS, technically, our friend)The Emotional Lives Of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour (catch Dr. Damour’s chat with Meagan in this episode, and check out her podcast here)Meagan’s List of Books:Once Upon A River by Bonnie Jo CampbellUnraveling What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater by Peggy OrensteinHey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy And The Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily PaulsonMajor Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen SimonsonBooks We Have On Deck for 2024:The Art Of Gathering by Priya ParkerTomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Sharma VikesTom Lake by Ann PatchetMeagan’s hosting a book club in her private community The Tea Circle. In 2024, they are reading The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is new parenthood better or worse today than it was 10 years ago? Meagan and Sarah dive deep into this question today, unpacking nuanced issues like tech solutions for age-old problems, the availability of information and solutions for every struggle, and the benefits and drawbacks of connecting online. The consensus? It’s complicted. Join us!HELPFUL LINKSWe referenced your comments in this Facebook Post throughout the episodeSarah mentioned The Girl Next Door Podcast episode Online Behavior For Grown UpsYou might also like What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesEpisodes from the archives about New Motherhood:Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms): Episode 19When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Breastfeeding Edition): Episode 114OTHER HELPFUL LINKSVisit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tis’ the season to….feel the insane amount of pressure to be the “perfect” holiday mom. In this classic from the archives, Meagan and Sarah offer ever-relevant gut checks on some of the biggest pressures moms feel during the holiday season, and offer concrete tips for releasing yourself from expectations of perfection to enjoy what’s left of this holiday season. Join us!Our holiday episodes often make brief mention of magical night visitors. If you have curious ears about, you’ve been warned!HELPFUL LINKSMeagan referenced her embroidery hobby. Here are her tips for getting started.If making homemade teacher gifts really matter to you, check out How To Incorporate Handmade Gifts Into Your Holiday Giving and 6 Easy (We Promise!) Homemade Holiday Gifts You Can Make With Your Kids blogs are great for inspiration!The “What if I don’t?” question comes from Sarah’s conversation with Whitney Hawthorne in Time Management & Productivity Tips For Working MomsMeagan talked about her interview with Ashley Brown in this Voices episode.We referenced Meagan’s 25 day holiday pep talk blog from 2020.Episodes from the archives that pair well with this one:December Intentions For Busy MomsMoms Deserve A Magical Holiday, Too#Influenced: Episode 436OTHER HELPFUL LINKSVisit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s no time like bedtime to institute a few house rules that help diffuse power struggles, ease negotiation tensions, and shorten that long list of stalling techniques we’ve all come to know and fear. Today’s latest House Rules episode brings together our community’s best shortcuts and hacks for easier bedtimes, along with Meagan’s and Sarah’s personal experiences with evening shenanigans at every age and stage. Enjoy!Helpful LinksClick to see the Facebook Thread with all of your wonderful bedtime advice!Meagan uses her Hatch Clock to dim the lights before bed, helping to cue her to get sleepy.Did you enjoy this House Rules episode? Here are a few more from the archives:House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340For more on bedtimes check out Bedtime Routines at Every Stage: Episode 80Other Helpful LinksVisit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling overwhelmed, or like the season is passing too quickly? Let today’s episode – a classic from the archives – help you pause, reflect, and reset. Meagan and Sarah offer our thoughts on how memories really “get made,” why simply changing what we notice around us can shift our mood, and what busy moms can do to capture the fleeting season to look back upon later. Join us!This conversation originally aired as three separate mini-episodes, so you’ll hear us reference “yesterday” and “tomorrow” a few times – rest assured, that whole series has been edited into one full-length experience, all here for you today!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah’s essay about noticing holiday decorations with little kids: Comet, The Red-Nosed MinivanMeagan mentioned dating in this episode. For an update on her love life check out More Than Mom: WeddingsSarah’s calendar planning essay referenced in this episode.How To Take Better Photos of Your Kids: Episode 81 and Family Photography & Capturing Moments with Amy Tripple: Voices 19 pair nicely with this episodeMeagan mentioned her love of blogging. You can view her current writing on Substack6 Things You Can Do To Get Dreamy Holiday Photos On Your SmartphoneOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It feels good to complain once in a while – especially during the holidays. Today Meagan and Sarah laugh our way through a “vent sesh,” sharing mostly inconsequential gripes about what’s bugging us this year. While we often appreciate a positive reframe, we also know the cathartic power of airing a petty vent (or six). Plus, we share what’s new this holiday season for each of us. Join us!Helpful Links:Here’s a post on Meagan’s instagram more about holiday decorating in her new home.If you are struggling to find a decent store-bought pumpkin pie like Sarah is this season, check out Meagan’s pie-from-scratch Substack article.Email Sarah if you have advice for managing mice habitants in your holiday stuff!Episodes you may enjoy from the archives:Honoring Cultural & Faith Traditions At The Holidays: Voices 82Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341A Charcuterie Of Holiday EmotionsWe both welcome your petty holiday gripes at any time. Promise we will read them!Other Helpful Links:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who came before us, and what can we learn from them? We think there’s a reason that ancestry research, genealogy, and discovering family stories holds a special interest for midlife women, and we’re here to talk about it. Meagan shares her journey back through time (and up to the UP!) to better understand her family’s roots. She shares what resources she used, her process for uncovering the unknowns, and what she’s discovered so far. Sarah has less direct experience but lots of curiosity. Join us!Helpful LinksMeagan is utilizing 23andme and Ancestry for filling in some unknowns about her family.Megan mentioned the start of her ancestry journey over the summer in this episode.www.Newspapers.com is helpful to learn about homes, buildings, and other historical data.Sarah had her parents preserve meaningful stories and memories in a keepsake book for her children.Meagan wrote a few posts about her Genealogy Journey: I Found My Biological Grandfather. Now What? Family history, genealogy, and the complicated concept of “cycle-breaking”Other Helpful LinksVisit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we try not to kick ourselves when we’re down and generally avoid second-guessing our parenting choices, we are human. And sometimes that means we experience regret. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on some big and small choices we’ve made (or not made) throughout our parenting journeys, and why we’d do things differently if given the chance. We also reflect on regret as an emotion, and why sharing regrets can bring about connection with others. Join us!(You may not want to listen to this episode with little ears close by as we touch on some magic making topics.)Helpful LinksThe Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Dan Pink (affiliate link.)Sarah listened to this Dan Pink episode of Armchair Expert and loved it.This article summarizes the book and some of the research we mentioned: What Is the Power of Regret? A Conversation with Daniel PinkOur Worst #MomFail Moments: Episode 157Other Helpful Links:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have to identify as a musical person to nurture a love of music in your family? We think not. Meagan and Sarah look back at parenting babies, small kids, big kids and teens, reflecting on the role music has played in everything from bedtime to playtime, nurturing kids’ passions and finding shared interests as a family. We talk about what it means to “be musical,” how we thought our kids’ music learning would happen vs. how it actually played out, and what we’ve learned from our kids as their tastes and appreciation develop. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah loved Music Together classes when her kids were babies through preschoolersMusical Episodes From The ArchivesMore Than Mom: Musical TheaterMore Than Mom: Movie MusicalsStepping Into Your True Self with Musician Sarah Sample: Voices 24OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archivesThe Laundry Awards: Episode 398 was mentioned by listener KassidyCookbooks/Kitchen Books/ Podcasts mentioned (Bookshop.org links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase AND your purchases help support independent booksellers):The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (10th Anniversary Edition)Meagan and Sarah share foundational cookbooks they remember from growing up and young adulthood, which have pros and cons for the modern beginner: Joy Of Cooking and Better Homes & Gardens New Cook BookHalf Baked HarvestMelissa D’Arabian cookbookDidn’t I just Feed You (Podcast)The Lazy Genius KitchenNew York Times CookingMeagan mentioned Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01, about traveling solo with young kids.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spending time with extended family can bring on parenting challenges that don’t come up as often in our day-to-day routines. If you’re anticipating some uncomfortable situations this holiday season, don’t fret! Meagan and Sarah have your back with this episode’s round-up of some of your best listener questions and our advice, focused on traveling for the holidays (or not), surviving group events with different parenting styles, handling criticism (and unwanted advice) and much more. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener question episodes from the archivesIf we shared your listener question today, we’d love to hear from you about how things turned out!Meagan mentioned this episode about handling judgement.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At what age are kids ready for team sports? How do kids respond when parents volunteer to coach? (And what about the other parents?) How much is too much and what’s the deal with travel teams? The Mom Hour contributors Jayme and Jennifer share their experience as one-time competitive athletes who now have sporty kids. Listen to find out what they love, what gives them pause, and what they look forward to in the realm of youth sports. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Follow Jayme Sherrod from The Mom Hour team on InstagramFollow Jennifer Carrol from The Mom Hour team on InstagramJennifer wrote the blog post Yes, YOU Can Coach Youth Sports! which inspired this episode.Listen to the Stuff, Junk & Things, an episode from the archives featuring Jayme and Jennifer in July 2023.Here are more episodes about Sports from the archives:Sports Fandom & Family Culture: Episode 225How To Be A Happier Sports Parent: Episode 117Let’s Discuss “Sports Parenting”: Episode 18Here is the Facebook Community post referenced in this episode about wanting to skip extracurriculars altogether.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s that time–the run-up to winter holidays is officially HERE! While we’re still early in the season, Meagan and Sarah offer practical, do-able ideas for taking action now to relieve stress and pressure later in the year. We also share tips from The Mom Hour listener community on everything from making holiday meals easier to getting ahead on gift ideas for kids. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Our Facebook Community shared lots of great ideas for “Do This Now, Enjoy The Holidays Later” in this facebook postThe Mom Hour Holiday Headquarters is live for 2023! Check back often for updates and additions.Episodes similar to this one:Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One): Episode 411Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part Two): Episode 412Sarah listened to the audiobook Calm Christmas And A Happy New Year by Beth Kempton that includes a pdf for reflecting on the past year. There’s also a Calm Christmas Podcast if you want to take a listen. Beth’s motivational style is very gentle and cozy.The Lazy Genius has a Holiday Docket is a workbook with 7 practical steps to help you enjoy the holidays and celebrate the season well – our community highly recommends!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From wool underwear to fussy ice cubes, make-up fails to planners that don’t stick: we’ve been #Influenced and we’re hear to talk about it. (Technically, we’re talking about it again – we chatted on this topic in 2021 but these are all-new revelations!) Join Meagan and Sarah to hear what we’ve been #influenced to buy, to do, to make, and to consume recently. Plus, we touch upon what the algorithm gets right about us, AND what it gets wrong (Instagram thinks Meagan is a witch and Sarah is 70+ years old!). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:More Than Mom: #Influenced is an episode from the archives (2021)Sarah was influenced early on by bloggers who are still creating content like Kristen Howerton, Rebecca Woolf, and The Mom Edit.Meagan was influenced early on by bloggers who partnered with the socially-concious fashion brand ABLESarah’s loving Me Undies, thanks to podcast advertisingWe both love Olive & June (a sponsor!), and seeing everyone’s manis on Instagram influenced Sarah to consistently paint her nailsBeth Kempton inspired Meagan to write a book and start writing on SubstackMeagan loves her Hatch Clock (affiliate link)Sarah would be lost without Todoist (affiliate link)ThreadUp is Sarah’s favorite place to shopMeagan uses Bobbi Brown Miracle BalmMeagan is trying out Wool& dressesOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Today Emily, Joanne and Lisa come together in conversation about their personal experiences with miscarriage in an effort to help moms in our community feel less alone. If this topic is heavy for you, our hearts are with you. Thank you to our team members for sharing their stories, and to each of your for listening.HELPFUL LINKS:Get to know Lisa, Joanne and Emily from our contributor team.Follow Lisa Payne on InstagramFollow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on InstagramFollow Emily Roark on InstagramClick Here to find a therapist in your area. There’s a search bar that makes it really easy to search by issue and location. Resources on Loss & Grief In Pregnancy and Postpartum by Postpartum Support International.Additional resources:Share Pregnancy And Infant Loss SupportSisters In LossReturn To ZeroEpisodes from the archives featuring more on this topic include:Loss, Hope & Healing: One Family’s Story Of Turning Grief Into AdvocacyBONUS: A Conversation About Pregnancy Loss With Leeann DearingOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People tell me ‘oh, you’re in it’ or ‘don’t worry, it gets better,’ but as a mom of a two-year-old and a six-month-old, I’m like: ‘Okay, but…WHEN? When does that actually happen?”Good question. When DOES parenting start to get a little easier? Today Meagan and Sarah try our best to get specific with the above question, posed by Sarah Limberg from our contributor team. We chat about specific parenting milestones that felt like leveling-up when we were in the trenches, and offer hope and realism in equal measure to those of you in this season. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:The Mom Hour was featured in Real Simple‘s subscriber magazine Celebrate. If you subscribe to Real Simple, look for us, and check out the online version here (last page!).The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read is coming in 2025! Congratulations, Meagan!Meagan’s article about parenting teenagers was featured in The Washington Post.Sarah recommended following The Washington Post’s parenting section. Here’s a few episodes featuring The Washington Post parenting section experts:BONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureParenting Outside The Lines: Voices 66 With Meghan LeahyHere’s a link to Meghan Leahy’s On Parenting Advice Column with The Washington Post.Sarah has a piece in her local paper about family photo shoots. Link coming soon!Relevant Episodes From The Archives About Having More Babies (Or Not):Are You “Done” Having Babies?: Episode 07Should I Get Pregnant Again? Episode 187What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230A member of our team Sarah Limberg–who inspired this episode– is taking over our instagram stories this week. Follow Along!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting kids to do chores, pick up after themselves, and help around the house is not for the faint of heart. Meagan and Sarah are decades into parenting and can still settle in for a vent-session about dirty socks left on the floor. But we’ve acquired a little bit of wisdom along the way too, and today we’re here to smooth the path for moms who want to feel less frustrated when it comes to kids and chores. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah mentioned hearing Wendy Mogel talk about high-achieving kids and chores in this episode of Armchair ExpertSarah also mentioned learning an approach mentioned in the chores chapter KJ Dell’Antonia’s book, How to Be a Happier Parent (affiliate link)Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:A Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms Reset: Episode 315Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191Chores & Delegation: Episode 15OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Candy. Late bedtimes. Costumes. Halloween is a holiday that can easily throw kids’ schedules and moms’ sanity way off. Today’s episode is full of practical halloween parenting tips, including house rules for costume buying, trick-or-treating, candy consuming, and much more. Plus, Meagan and Sarah reminisce about 2021 Halloween v. today. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Check out all our episodes and blog posts about HalloweenMeagan’s essay “Yes, That Might Be My Teen At Your Door on Halloween”Most of the House Rules we collected for this episode were comments from 2021 on this post in our Facebook groupSarah’s family had fun in 2022 marbling pumpkins with nail polish.Did you enjoy this House Rules episode? Here are a few more from the archives:House Rules For Summer: Episode 422House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As busy moms and business owners we’re often on the go – and, cliché as it is, almost always with a beverage in hand! In part two of our conversation about kitchen gadgets and gear, Meagan and Sarah go deep into all of the beverage products that keep our drinks hot, cold, room-temp, fizzy, cute, and spill-proof. We also get into kitchen-adjacent gear that helps us clean and organize the space where we feed our families. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Kitchen Gadgets & Gear Part 1: Episode 431Episodes that pair well with this one:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Our Fantasy KitchensSmall Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenCheck out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog post.Beverage products we mentionedBurr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAidThe Ember Mug (affiliate link)SparkelWe both love Hydro Flask; Sarah recently upgraded to the 32-oz All Around Travel Tumbler for water drinking, and we both love their coffee tumblers for traveling with hot beveragesBerkey Water FiltersOrganization and cleaning products we mentionedOXO Herb KeeperBristle Brush For Cleaning BottlesBeeswax Wrap (affiliate link)One of us knew what a Salt Pig is – and the other does now! (affiliate link)Sarah has this Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum and loves it (affiliate link)Last Call for the Reinvent Retreat (registration closes October 2)OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kids are back in school and we’re back in our kitchens with a bit more pep in our steps – so let’s chat about gadets and gear! Join Meagan and Sarah today to hear about the Porch Microwave, the Mercedes-Benz of Coffee Grinders, how our partners’ personalities lead us to unwanted kitchen appliances, and more. We share our current favorite kitchen tools for food prep and cooking – with more to come next week, too. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes that pair well with this one:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Our Fantasy KitchensSmall Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenCheck out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog postSarah reluctantly now loves her Burr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAidProducts we mentionedMixing Bowls with Airtight LidsGood Grips 5 LB. Food ScaleKitchenAid Pasta RollerMeater Digital ThermometerRice CookerCaraway Saute PanCaraway Baking SheetCuisinart Immersion BlenderSmall Silicone SpatulasOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big transitions in family structure are never easy. When it comes to blending families, introducing a new romantic partner as a single parent, or stepping into step-parenting, there’s so much to think about. Today Meagan gets candid about her current blended family situation, following her wedding this summer and the integration of their families into a shared home. Sarah has lots of questions as Meagan shares what’s going well, a few tension points, what she would do differently, and how it’s going overall. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan’s hosting a retreat this October. It is the LAST CALL to use the code MOMHOUR and get 15% off your registration (through September 15).Meagan would love to hear your thoughts on blending your family.More Episodes On Meagan’s Blended Family Journey:More Than Mom: Finding Love After DivorceLoving The Holidays As A Divorced Mom, Single Mom, Or Blended Family: 2018 Holiday Special #3More Than Mom: WeddingsOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you a “Today’s The Day!” type, or do you prefer to ease gently into a new adventure, challenge, or season? Whether you get excited to dive into a slew of new initiatives with the turning over of that shiny, crisp edge of a calendar page (like Sarah!), or really prefer to transition on your own internal timeline (like Meagan!), this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the many upsides to a soft start (in motherhood, business, health, and more) in an effort to take the pressure off moms this fall. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah mentioned being an under-buyer usually, with a tendency to buy stuff as a new unknown approaches – here’s Gretchen Rubin’s explanation of under- vs over-buying.Meagan & Sarah spoke of soft starts around chores. Here are a few episodes featuring chores, delegation and home management you may like:Chores & Delegation: Episode 15Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191Our Favorite Resources For An Inspired January: Episode 399Meagan’s hosting a retreat this October. Today is the LAST CALL to use the code MOMHOUR and get 15% off your registration.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah had fun-filled travel in August before saying goodbye to summer. The Powers family traveled to the East Coast for a week of multigenerational state-hopping served with a side of bug bites and butt bruises! And Meagan officially opened a bookstore in Manistique, MI, right after surviving a 20-mile hike with her siblings and their spouses. Now we’re back, shifting from summer-mom to school-year-mom, and sharing our “laundry basket of hopes and aspirations for Fall 2023” with all of you. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Summer So Far (& More To Come!): Episode 424 is a companion episode to this one.Meagan officially opened a bookstore!Sarah visited a Zero Waste Store in Santa Barbara that’s inspiring her use of old jars for candles.Meagan’s hosting a retreat this October. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30. Registrations for in-person close Sept 10, 2023.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah stopped dyeing her hair and growing out her natural grays last fall – almost a year ago – and Meagan is contemplating a new style! Today Meagan asks Sarah ALL the gray grow-out questions to catch up on the progress, and talks about why she might be ready for a new look herself. We also share some hair wins and hair woes from this season of life, and how it’s different from early motherhood. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah has been enjoying Prose for her shampoo and conditioner.Meagan bought a Tyme curling iron and left it at her sister-in-law’s but she’s determined to try it again!Sarah bought this Hot Tools Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Tapered Curling Wand after her most recent haircutYou may like these episodes from the archives:More Than Mom: Hair Styling & Hair MaintenanceMore Than Mom: Jewelry!Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)More Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateMeagan’s hosting a retreat this October. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30.Click here to visit the slideshow of hair photos!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lizzie will have all three kids in full-time school for the first time and wonders how her identity as a stay-at-home mom will shift. Shelby, mom of three, is sending her oldest to kindergarten and struggles with the idea that the bell schedule and school calendar may dominate her family’s life. Helena’s 8-year-old has sensory issues and they battle over brushing hair and getting dressed; with the school year approaching, Helena looks for a happy medium between allowing her kid autonomy over how she looks and requiring a baseline of “clean and groomed.” Finally, Hannah asks Meagan and Sarah how to motivate kids to get out the door on time each day. Join us for more back-to-school listener questions!LINKS MENTIONED:Last week’s Back-To-School Listener Questions & Our Advice episodeMORE listener questions from the archivesGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377Here are a few episodes/blogs on Morning Routines:Inside The Morning Hustle: Voices 64 With Lisa Payne & Ashley SchafluetzelHouse Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328Morning Routines & Morning Makeovers: Episode 222Making Mornings Easier: Episode 67Is Your Preschooler Ready For The First Day? At-Home Routines To Practice Before School StartsMeagan’s hosting a retreat this October. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stephanie worries she didn’t “do enough” for her children this summer by way of plans, vacations, and educational activities. Sara asks if we have rituals for ourSELVES to mark the back-to-school season, and Caitlyn needs tips for encouraging a painfully shy kid to walk in the preschool door. Kaylee wonders how to transition from opting out of homework in the younger grades to helping an older elementary student learn to prioritize it. Finally, Melanie asks how to politely decline an invite to a party your child doesn’t want to attend (without lying). Join Meagan and Sarah as we provide reassurance and advice for this back to school season!HELPFUL LINKS:Separation Without (Quite So Much) Anxiety: Episode 382Our team member Chaunie wrote 10 Things I’m Looking Forward To Doing The Day My Kids Go Back To School.For more on Sarah’s homework mentality, check out Homework: At What Cost? Episode 45.MORE listener questions from the archivesGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377Meagan’s hosting a retreat in October for mid-life moms. You can attend virtually or in person. If you use the code MOMHOUR you can get 15% off now through August 30.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re Baaaack! It’s been about a month since you’ve heard from present-day Meagan and Sarah and we have lots to share. Find out where we’ve traveled this summer (so far), how Sarah has done some outdoor adventuring in spite of herself, what the status of Meagan’s small town bookstore venture is, and what else we have planned before the new school year begins. Join us for a friendly catch-up episode!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan started off the summer getting hitched! If you missed it, we discuss it in More Than Mom: Weddings.Meagan visited Oswald’s Bear Ranch in the Upper Peninsula with Clara.Sarah and her family enjoyed visiting the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland Oregon this summer.Meagan is utilizing 23andme and Ancestry for filling in some unknowns about her family.Meagan’s book store is opening in Upper Michigan late summer/early fall! Have a listen to learn more about it.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

News flash: even if it looks like other parents have all their you-know-what together when you feel like you don’t, that’s almost never the case. We’re all flying blind most of the time – and better off when we acknowledge it! In today’s episode, a response to Tuesday’s classic replay, regular contributors Katherine and Lisa discuss how no two children are the same and how they’ve accepting that it’s OKAY to parent each child differently has made life easier. Enjoy!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Katherine DeVries on InstagramFollow Lisa Payne on InstagramEnjoyed listening to Katherine and Lisa? Here are episodes from the archives featuring them:Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesWhat’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesBooks We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVriesConstantly Connected (The Joys & Challenges Of Parenting In The Smartphone Era): Voices 83MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes, you just need to hear that it’s all going to be OK. That you’re not alone. That what you’re doing matters. In this classic replay of Episode 100 from 2017, Meagan and Sarah offer some of our most oft-repeated pieces of advice and encouragement – because no matter where you are in your parenting journey, it never hurts to be reminded that you’re doing a good job. Join us!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan wrote the blog post: You Probably Won’t Remember This Later…And That’s OK.Meagan and Sarah reintroduced these “mom truths” in episode 369.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking walks, eating healthy and staying hydrated are just a few small things that can help save your sanity while coping with sleep deprivation. And while it sounds simple, it’s easier said than done. In today’s episode, regular contributors Kia and Emily discuss how they survive the long nights, early mornings and short stretches of sleep that are so common during the early stages of motherhood. Enjoy!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Kia Hammond on InstagramFollow Emily Roark on InstagramA few episodes from the archives featuring Kia and/or Emily:What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesReal Stories About Postpartum Mental Health: Voices 74 With Emily Roark And Kia HammondPreparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 With Kia HammondTeen Parents, Parenting Teens (Young Motherhood, Raising Teen Girls & More!): Episode 414Emily used a Hynobabies sleep track for her toddler to help her fall asleep (didn’t work for her toddler, but maybe it will for you!).MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not sleeping? You’re not alone. In today’s replay of 2017’s classic episode on sleep deprivation, Meagan and Sarah offer helpful tips for making it through the day when your nights are long and, uh, eventful. Whether you have a new baby, a kid with bad dreams, or a struggle with insomnia yourself, we’re here to help. (If we could bring coffee, we’d do that too.) Enjoy!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Coping Tips for Sleep-Deprived Moms (Sarah wrote this article that we follow along with in this episode.)If you enjoyed this episode, and on the struggle bus about sleep, you might like:More Than Mom: Sleep!Will I Ever Sleep Again?: Episode 301What our friend Kelsey from The Girl Next Door podcast learned from her sleep coach (rising*shining)Sarah recommended checking out Dr. Catherine Pearlman’s website, The Family Coach to help moms and dads with typical parenting issues like sleep.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When they’re tiny, babies and toddlers need us so much that “spending time” together is mostly about fulfilling their needs. But as kids get older and more independent, how do we prioritize time together in a way that naturally suits each kid’s (and each mom’s) personality and needs? In today’s episode, regular contributors Joanna and Joanne discuss how they approach one-on-one time with their kids (spoiler alert–it can be super simple) and how sometimes, WE can be our biggest road blocks to making it happen. Enjoy!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Joanna Martin on InstagramFollow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on InstagramJoanna mentioned Kathryn Whitaker, a blogger with six kids, who blogs about spending time with each child (here’s where Kathryn talks about 10 year old trips)Joanne mentioned doing anti-coloring books with her son.Interested in learning what Harry Potter House you’re in? Joanne and Joanna took the quiz to find out they are Huffelpuffs!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If the idea of “special time” feels impossible, impractical, and a little bit guilt-laden, you’re not alone. Spending one-on-one time with your kids is both valuable AND wildly difficult, and as moms of many kids, Meagan and Sarah are here to unpack why. In this classic replay of Episode 86 from 2017, we share why a good-enough approach to quality one-on-one time has helped our own relationships with our kids, and how (like, literally, HOW) we manage to make it work. Join us!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Access show notes from the original episode (includes links we mentioned!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The school art is coming in from every direction. The hand-me-down clothing complicates wardrobe systems. And the overwhelming gift-giving throws toy organization out of whack. In today’s episode, regular contributors Jayme and Jennifer speak to their tips and tricks for managing all of the clutter in the house that comes with having young children. Plus, an update on Marie Kondo’s status of a tidy home with children–and how we feel about it!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Jayme Sherrod from The Mom Hour team on InstagramFollow Jennifer Carrol from The Mom Hour team on InstagramListen to the Stuff, Junk & Things episode that inspired this oneJayme mentioned loving these magnet clips to keep kid artwork organizedJennifer recommends the book How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing.(This is an affiliate link)You may enjoy Stacy Bronec’s blog post Strategies For Sorting & Storing Kids’ School Papers & ArtworkMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Goody bag treasures, generous grandparent gifts in every shade of plastic, and inexplicably precious (to someone) “junk” – it’s the stuff of motherhood! In this replay of Episode 35, Meagan and Sarah share our strategies for minimizing the intake of “all the stuff,” ideas for reasonable purging, and how to organize the things you decide to keep. Enjoy!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s a link to the original episodeSarah’s Neato robot vaccuum is still going strong – 7 years later! (Here’s an affiliate link to an updated version)You can still read the Facebook thread Meagan talked about from 2016 about Marie Kondo’s methodWe discussed the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

July on The Mom Hour will look a bit different – and we’re excited to tell you about it. Meagan and Sarah pop in to share what’s ahead this month. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked more about our decision to take a break from new episodes in Episode 423Sarah made this playlist of #ClassicTMH episodes from 2016-2017Follow Meagan on InstagramRead Meagan on SubstackVisit Meagan’s website to learn more about REINVENT (a community for midlife moms, with a retreat coming up in October 2023!)Follow Sarah on InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to teenagers, how much do WE (as parents) matter? According to guest, parents matter A LOT (just maybe not in the way we might think). In this special bonus interview, Meagan talks with Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, on the importance of parents in teens’ lives. He shares how it is important to let your child make mistakes, how to be vulnerable and open about mistakes we make as parents, and to give them the space they need to learn who they are becoming. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Dr. Ken Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, FAAP, is a professor of pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. www.parentandteen.com offers parent resources for preparing children and teens to thrive through both good and challenging times.Congrats–You’re Having a Teen!: Strengthen Your Family and Raise a Good Person is Dr. Ginsburg’s latest book.Email Dr. Ginsburg at kgprograms@aol.com.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking a break” sounds simple, but for many moms (and people) it just isn’t. Who steps in to relieve mom when she needs a break from being everybody’s go-to? Is all the prep and planning needed to take a break even WORTH it? And does returning from a break automatically mean coming back to piles of stuff that didn’t get done while we were away? Join us as we discuss how declaring breaks of all different kinds can be useful AND why taking breaks feels hard, too. Plus, we share some data from our 2023 Listener Survey showing how many of you NEED a break!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan referenced the episode Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396There’s a FEW more days yet to take our listener survey.Wiser Than Me podcast with Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a favorite of Meagan and Sarah!The Savvy Working Mom podcast shares how to build time into your daily routine for breaks (and Whitnee was a guest on our show in Voices 54).Sarah uses the podcast app, Pocket CastsHere’s a list of all The Mom Hour episodesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Meagan settles into her newlywed home in a house her husband designed and built for himself, questions abound. And on the West Coast, Sarah is still perplexed by some of her home’s original design (or 90s remodel) quirks. Join us as we discuss home quirks of the past and present–everything from beautiful built-ins made for square, deep tv’s from the 90’s (and collections of DVDs) to bathroom windows that leave very little to neighbors’ imagination. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned the book The New Design Rules By Emily Henderson (This is an affiliate link).Here’s an article explaining The Kitchen Triangle that Meagan mentioned.Last call to Take our Survey!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From when and where popsicles may be eaten to what chores must be done before screen time, summer gives many of us a near-blank slate on which to write some new house rules. Join Meagan and Sarah as we highlight our community’s summer house rules for screens and snacking, water fun and bedtimes, neighborhood play and quiet time. Not much of a “rules mom”? That works, too – and we discuss why! Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s a link to the Facebook thread where you all provided your House Rules for Summer.Shout out to Kendra at The Lazy Genius, whose podcast episode #212 A Guide To Summer House Rules would make a great pairing with this oneA Just-Structured-Enough Summer Schedule For Kids is a post Sarah wrote almost 10 years ago and is one of our most popular posts!Here are a few episodes about summer, routines and fun rituals!(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263Simple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367More from our House Rules Series:House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340House Rules For Halloween: Episode 335House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314Last call for our 2023 Listener Survey!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s no secret that teenagers have BIG feelings. And it can be tricky navigating this stage of parenting without taking on their emotions as our own OR downplaying them so that we feel more comfortable. In this special bonus episode Meagan talks with Dr. Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, about how we can support our kids’ development during the teen years (and how to manage our own big feelings about their emotions!). Enjoy!Links Mentioned:Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. Listen to Dr. Damour on her podcast Ask Lisa, The Psychology of ParentingOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While darling flower girls and wee ring bearers are undeniably cute, parenting kids who are part of a wedding ceremony can be stressful. Even when kids are merely AT a wedding (versus IN it), all kinds of tricky situations crop up. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share stories from our own experiences as moms…with kids…at weddings. From breastfeeding in bridesmaid dresses to preschoolers throwing down during family photos, we’ve racked up a few harrowing tales to tell – and we also have thoughts on NOT bringing kids to weddings, either because they’re not invited or because you’ve decided to leave them home. Lots to discuss today!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan wrote “On (Not)Taking My New Husband’s Name”If you’re not familiar with the “Isaac at a wedding” (aka “the surfboard kid”) story that became an Internet meme, listen to this episode and watch this video!More Than Mom: Weddings (Sunday’s companion episode to this one)Meagan’s Wedding Photos Are Here!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan got married! On a raft! Today we talk all about it (and more)! Meagan shares the details of her Memorial Day wedding in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including how Sarah came to the rescue (from thousands of miles away) with one of the most important details. Plus, we reminisce about planning our weddings, and share what we love the most (and least) when attending others’ nuptials. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan got married at Palms Book State Park in the UP. On a cool raft!Sarah recorded a wedding message for Meagan on this episode of The Reinvention Podcast.In case you missed it, Meagan shared relationship and engagement stories in More Than Mom: Special Man Friend Gets Promoted!Meagan and Eric’s wedding photos!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Come run errands with Meagan and Sarah! Errands are an essential part of mom-life–but the running of them looks very different depending on where you live and your season of life. Today we chat about our preferences and personality quirks when it comes to errands, which ones we like and which ones we avoid, and how we make running around town more enjoyable. Join us as we romanticize (mostly) and vent (a little) about errands!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned the episode Mom Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard Stuff.Meagan would love to hear if someone listening owns an Ace Hardware Store!Sarah mentioned a shout out our recent episode, Field Trips, Little To Teen: Episode 416.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Being a mom in 2023 means having a device connecting you to the world, wherever you go. It isn’t all bad or all good – but it does impact our parenting lives at every turn. Join Kia and Jayme, moms of kids ages toddler to teen, as they chat about the good, the bad, and the ugly of being constantly connected – plus offer some tech-positive suggestions for managing smartphone use when things start to feel out of balance. Enjoy!The Mom Hour Voices is a special series on The Mom Hour, showcasing diverse voices from across the motherhood community. Click here to browse all past Voices episodes, which include conversations with and between members of our contributor team, plus expert interviews and conversations with moms from our community. Meagan and Sarah will be back on Tuesday!LINKS MENTIONED:Get to know Kia HammondGet to know Jayme Sherrod Interested in putting your screens down more? Read this article for tips!Episodes from the archives featuring Jayme or KiaGetting Outdoors With Kids: Voices 75 With Jayme Sherrod & Jennifer CarrollOMG We’re Sick AGAIN?!: Episode 389What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesReal Stories About Postpartum Mental Health: Voices 74 With Emily Roark And Kia HammondPreparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 With Kia HammondTeen Parents, Parenting Teens (Young Motherhood, Raising Teen Girls & More!): Episode 414OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Processionals, promotions, caps, gowns, and more! Today Meagan and Sarah dig into graduations of all kinds from our perspective as moms in the audience experiencing all the feels. We have some strong opinions about how promotion ceremonies can be incorporated thoughtfully (or not) into kids’ younger years, and very different experiences when it comes to high school graduations. Find out what brings tears to our eyes almost instantly, what makes us roll our eyes, and how our own kids are “leveling up” as this school year comes to a close. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We learned a few things about “Pomp and Circumstance” from this 2003 piece by Miles Hoffman on NPR’s Morning EditionWhat is typical in your area for graduation parties v. announcements? Email us!We’re bringing back The Mom Hour Voices this Friday, featuring two of our contributors. Don’t miss it!Please take our survey. Thanks!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Done having babies” and “Sad about the end of the little years” are two completely different mom-emotions, as Meagan and Sarah get into today, with the help of a thoughtful listener question. We look at how it’s possible to be at peace with your family size and still experience grief at the identity shift that happens as your last babe gets big (and your bigs get huge). We reflect on what pangs us most about small kids growing bigger, how to accept the unfamiliar role of being (slightly) less needed, and what it means to embrace the season you find yourself in – whatever it is. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Relevant Episodes From The Archives:Are You “Done” Having Babies?: Episode 07Should I Get Pregnant Again? Episode 187What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230Growing Families, Grown Kids, And The “Someday Family Dinner Table”: Episode 372The Muscle Memory Of Motherhood: Episode 363MORE Listener Question EpisodesIn case you missed it–Meagan’s Getting Married!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A parent of three is exhausted by dinnertime sillies and wants help steering conversation at the family table. A stay-at-home mom asks what to do when her child says, “don’t tell dad I got in trouble at school!”. And a parent of a tween who wants acrylic nails asks a bigger question about letting kids alter their appearance in general. Meagan and Sarah tackle tricky parenting challenges with our best attempts at nuance, compassion, and humor in today’s episode. Join us!LINKS WE MENTIONED:Listener Question Episodes From The ArchivesPretty please take our listener survey!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy Mother’s Day! Meagan thought it would be fun to surprise Sarah with an episode full of lightning-round-style “this or that” questions and “would you rather” head-scratchers. Join us for lots of laughs, silly questions and tons of fun! If you’ve been listening for a while you know that we’re chronically lightning-round-challenged. Find out if we answer all the questions before the buzzer goes off!Links Mentioned:Our list of This or That and Would You RathersPretty please take our survey! We almost have 1,000 responses and REALLY hoping for 1,500!Mother’s Day Episodes From The Archives:Why Mother’s Day Is Hard (And How To Make It What You Want This Year): Episode 311In Your Own Words (Our Mother’s Day Challenge Special): Episode 101More Than Mom: Marketing To Moms (We Have Thoughts)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan spent a soggy day helping eighth grade science students release salmon into a creek, and it inspired this conversation all about kids and field trips. From tiny toddlers at the fire station to teens on a red-eye flight to Washington, D.C., time outside the classroom requires a ton of flexibility from everyone; we're here to discuss the both/and nature of field trips bringing added hassle AND growth opportunities. We also hear from two teachers and a special needs parent about their thoughts on field trips and swap stories about California vs. Michigan excursions for school-aged kids. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Our thoughts on field trips from the archives:School Volunteering That Fits Your Personality: Episode 245How To Be The Parent That Teachers (And Schools) Love: Episode 174Debunking The Myth Of The “Good School Mom”: Episode 21New On The Blog! Exploring Nature Through Books: 7 Beautiful Nonfiction Nature Book Series For KidsLearn more about Mom Hour Contributor Ashley SchafluetzelTake Our 2023 Listener Survey!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SURPRISE! Popping in with a bonus episode we recorded together in real life (and, in the same bed!) on a recent trip to Dallas. Get a feel for what Meagan and Sarah are like on the road together, how we feel about various airport-adjacent accommodations in the DFW area, and what we watched on TV that made us both so happy. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s more on the Carol Burnett 90th Birthday Special!We weren’t kidding about the employee name tags at The Westin Hotel.While we had a great experience on this trip, we shared a really bad hospitality experience in More Than Mom: Hospitality & Customer Service.If you enjoyed this episode, check out a few other BONUS episodes from the archives:BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College LevelBONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureBONUS: The Story Behind The “Surfboard Kid” Viral Photo…BONUS: A Conversation About Pregnancy Loss With Leeann DearingBONUS: Teachers Respond To May MadnessMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From surfing lessons and sunset cruises, to training dolphins and learning about space…Meagan and her two teens, Clara and Owen, packed in so many unforgettable experiences during their Spring Break trip to Florida! In this episode Meagan shares more about her travels with teens to the Space Coast of Florida and St. Augustine/Florida’s Historic Coast, thanks to our sponsor VISIT FLORIDA. And while the activities may look a little bit different with teens vs. big kids and toddlers, find out why Meagan’s best tips and take-aways for traveling with teens aren’t actually that different from when they were toddlers. Enjoy!About Our SponsorThank you to VISIT FLORIDA for sponsoring this episode and making Meagan’s and Catie’s trips possible.Choosing where to go on a family vacation is easier than you think. Florida is filled with experiences you and your family will never forget. From 825 miles of beaches and 700 freshwater springs to over 1,300 trails with breathing room to run and play, there are so many reasons a Florida vacation is just, the best.Start planning YOUR best-ever vacation at VISIT FLORIDA today!Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:Meagan and her kids enjoyed a nice stay at The Holiday Inn in Titusville, and visited the Cocoa Beach area to enjoy a kayak tour at sunset.They visited the Kennedy Space Center and had a waterfront dinner at Shiloh’s restaurant.Meagan and her family loved their stay (especially the hot tub!) at The Hampton Inn & Suites St. Augustine/Vilano Beach.The Castillo de San Marcos is a must-visit, along with the Fountain of Youth Park.In St. Augustine, enjoy a trolley ride on Old Town Trolley Tours and be sure to stop into the Lightner MuseumMeehan’s Irish Pub and Seafood House, Aunt Kate’s, and Salt Life Food Shack are three great family-friendly restaurant options in and around St. Augustine.Enjoy the St. Augustine skyline and dolphin sightings on a sunset cruise with Florida Water Tours.Clara and Owen enjoyed surf lessons from Pit Surf Shop on St. Augustine Beach. Then it was off to Marineland for a Dolphin Encounter experience!If you have any alligator lovers in your life don’t miss St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoological Park.Looking for more travel tips? In last week’s episode, Catie Parrish shared details about her family of five’s vacation to Florida with ideas for traveling with younger kids.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With warming weather, meals, snacks and cravings shift too. Today Meagan and Sarah unpack what it means to us to feed ourselves well as moms, from taking time to assemble a sandwich to paying attention to the way food makes us feel – both physically and emotionally. We share some of our personal favorite feel-good foods, and also acknowledge the often inherent conflict in feeding ourselves well AND keeping our families fed. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Target links are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!Take our listener survey!Meagan’s special oatmeal recipeSarah loves Maldon Sea Salt FlakesSarah’s family doesn’t love sourdough but DOES love Trader Joe’s Stone Hearth Baked French Loaf for crispy toastWe both like Dave Killer’s BreadSarah likes the Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burger patties from Trader Joe’sSarah hydrates with Nuun tablets in her water and likes a Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter flavored Perfect Bar for a snackWe both love this Sparkel carbonator and this Rice CookerMeagan's Mother of Reinvention podcast is back for a new season!We love Didn’t I Just Feed You for thoughtful, nuanced conversations about both feeding yourself as a mom AND feeding a family. Check out these episodes to start:The Lasting Allure of Our favorite Nostalgic Snacks (Just for fun, we’re tasting testing some of our favorite childhood snacks including Wendy’s Frosty, Devil Dogs and Cosmic Brownies. Do these beloved nostalgic treats taste as good as we remember? Listen now to find out!)Empties (In which we share the new pantry products we’ve purchased and completely used up.)Why Are We All Obsessed with Protein (This macronutrient seems to be the obsession of wellness gurus, food media, and your two favorite podcast hosts. Ha! In this exclusive episode we’re talking about why we are currently obsessed with protein and how we’re getting more of it.)If you enjoyed this episode, check out a few from the archives:Snacks Or Ingredients? What’s Inside Our Pantries: Episode 403What’s In Our Fridge & Freezer Right Now: Episode 381Cooking Inspiration: Where We Get Our Best Ideas (And How To Re-Inspire Your Menus!)Envisioning Your Week Of Ideal Meals: Episode 331MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan has big news. Sarah has alllll the questions. Join us for a fun dive into all the plans and details!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned other episodes where we share personal news while couching it in a larger context, such as:Self Care As Self-Preservation: Episode 104Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not.: Episode 364Eric found a vintage wedding ring set from Gesner Estate Jewelry on EtsyFollow @meaganfrancis on Instagram or sign up for email updates at meaganfrancis.com to stay in the loop!Episodes from the archives about Meagan’s journey to finding love after divorce:More Than Mom: Finding Love After DivorceDating & Romance (For Single Moms & Married Ones, Too!): Voices 45More Than Mom: Dating As A Divorced MomMeagan’s Divorce Update (One Year Later): Episode 150Managing Stress and Uncertainty with Divorce Coach Jessica Ashley: Voices 15Meagan’s writings about finding love after divorceWhy I Bought A Camper Last Week (On Moving On After Divorce)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deciding where to go on a family vacation with littles can be overwhelming. How will the kids adjust to all the changes? Will the adults enjoy their time, too? In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan chats with team member Catie Parrish about her family’s spring break trip to Florida. Listen to hear all about Catie’s favorite things they did, as well as her top tips for happy travels with young kids. Catie also shares how she preps her house before a big trip, as well as how to make it easier to come home. Enjoy!About Our SponsorThank you to VISIT FLORIDA for sponsoring this episode and making Meagan’s and Catie’s trips possible.Choosing where to go on a family vacation is easier than you think. Florida is filled with experiences you and your family will never forget. From 825 miles of beaches and 700 freshwater springs to over 1,300 trails with breathing room to run and play, there are so many reasons a Florida vacation is just, the best.Start planning YOUR best-ever vacation at Visit Florida today!Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:Learn more about Catie Parrish a member of The Mom Hour Team.Dezerland Park is Orlando’s largest indoor attraction featuring 800,000 sq. feet of bowling, axe throwing, trampoline park, go karts and much more! Perfect for families of big and small kids!Museum of Illusions in Orlando is a collection of holograms, where you can look closely at each optical illusion, and observe each exhibit.Catie and her family spent time at Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort.Catie highly recommends dining at The Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar.Gatorland, located in Orlando, is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles with a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, mini water park and much more!The Orlando Science Center offers hundreds of exhibits, programs and labs, planetarium shows, cinedome, and 10 interactive halls with remarkable opportunities to explore, experiment and discover.Enjoy a dinner with sand between your toes in St. Pete’s/Clearwater Florida at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.Enjoy a dolphin cruise with the family on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise!Clearwater Marine Aquarium is where you and your family can see rescued dolphins, sea turtles and more!Catie couldn’t say enough great things about The Avalon Club Hotel, a boutique hotel located along Clearwater Beach Florida, offering guests a luxurious way to enjoy their vacation.Planning a trip to Disney World? Check out our episode on Disney Planning / Disney ParentingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Becoming a mom as a teen or young adult years comes with unique challenges (and also some sweet memories!). In today’s episode, Meagan and regular contributor Kia compare our personal experiences as young moms and explore how young motherhood shows up in parenting our own teens and young adults. We also compare notes on fourteen-year-old girls and share our love of big families and grown sibling dynamics. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Kia on InstagramEpisodes of The Mom Hour featuring Kia:What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesReal Stories About Postpartum Mental Health: Voices 74 With Emily Roark And Kia HammondPreparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 With Kia HammondKia wrote the following blog posts for The Mom Hour Community:How A Postpartum Nurse And 4th-Time Pregnant Mom Packs Her Hospital Bag.Preparing Your Preschooler For Big Kid School ExperiencesHow I’m Navigating This Sports Season With LittlesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From music and timers to one-touch rules and baskets for EVERYTHING, moms are beyond creative when it comes to getting kids to help clean up. In the latest episode in our House Rules series, Meagan and Sarah share dozens of smart ways moms in our community make tidying up with kids a little easier. Join us for this grab bag of tidying up strategies you can try with your family!LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s a link to the Facebook thread where you all provided your House Rules for Tidying Up.More from our House Rules Series:House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340House Rules For Halloween: Episode 335House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314Please take our 2023 Listener Survey!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring brings with it pretty flowers, warm sunshine and fresh scents…and also bugs, rain and mud. In today’s More Than Mom, Meagan and Sarah get in the mood for spring by comparing how our different climates show up for the season, how we lean into spring in our homes, and what our outdoor spaces have to show off this time of year. We also reflect on how spring is a full sensory experience and chat about bringing the outside IN to spruce up our homes. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We’d so appreciate it if you’d take our 2023 Listener Survey! And thanks to all who have done so already!Sarah enjoys an Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea in the springtime.Sarah mentioned the episode Getting Rid of Stuff: Episode 402.Don’t forget to listen to our episodes Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One) and Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part Two).Below is a list of episodes from the archives you might enjoy if you liked this one!More Than Mom: Outdoor Décor & Patio StyleMore Than Mom: Décor NostalgiaHome Décor & Dining Out: Episode 77Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Want to get ahead before the May madness sets in? Do these things now and set yourself up for a less stressful summer! In Episode 412 Meagan and Sarah return for the second in a two-part series with tips from our own lives and from The Mom Hour community, including identifying micro-seasons within your longer summer plans, anticipating shifts in kids’ sleep patterns, and saving money this summer by recognizing what you probably WON’T do this summer. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One): Episode 411Please take our Listener Survey! It’s really helpful for us to get a more holistic idea of what’s top of mind for all of you in parenting.Check out Kelly Hampton’s summer bucket lists!Episodes from the archives focused on summer:Simple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359Preparing Kids (And Ourselves!) For Summer IndependenceA Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms Reset: Episode 315(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263It’s Time To Plan For Summer: Episode 201Here’s a link to the Facebook and Instagram threads where you all provided your “do this now; enjoy summer later” suggestionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer has a funny way of sneaking up on us. Whether you’re a plan-it-all-out mom or a go-with-the-flow mama, there are things you can do now to set your summer up for more joy and less stress. Join us for the first episode in a two-part series as Meagan and Sarah share some of our well-earned experience and practical tips (plus some from The Mom Hour community!) for prepping for the upcoming summer season. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Please take our Listener Survey which we use to plan content, find brand partnerships that match up with your lifestyle, and continue to evolve our brand Thank you in advance for your support!Here’s a link to the Facebook and Instagram threads where you all provided your “do this now; enjoy summer later” suggestionsDon’t miss what’s new on the blog: 7 Picture Books To Spring Your Family Into Climate ActionA few episodes from the archives are great companions to today’s episode:Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359More Than Mom: 8 Calendar Planning Lessons We’ve LearnedA Just-Structured-Enough Summer Schedule For KidsSimple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking kids to Disney should be a magical experience, right? From meeting Mickey to flying on Dumbo, memory-making abounds. But LOTS of planning and strategizing goes into all that magic, and LOTS of parenting challenges present themselves inside the park gates. Today Sarah chats with Katie Gouldner from The Mom Hour team about the weeklong Disney trip she’s planning for later this spring. From rope-drop strategies to how to land the best dining reservations–it’s a lot! Katie then looks to Sarah for her best Disney parenting tips and advice for navigating long days at the parks with littles. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:You can get to know more about Katie Gouldner on instagram at @katiegouldner.We talked about how to use Genie+ for navigating long lines at various attractions at Disney. Learn more about this service in this article.Katie mentioned a few Disney-focused podcasts that’s helped her plan her family’s first trip.Rope Drop Radio (advice for which rides to use Genie+ for and what to rope drop in the parks)Addicted To The Mouse (great dining reviews)Here’s a link to all Dining at Disney World.Learn more about the four Disney World Parks and the two Disneyland Parks if you are on the fence about planning a trip to one or the other!Katie mentioned Hersheypark in this episode, which is a great amusement park for families.Disneyland With Littles: Where To Splurge, How To Save & How I Really Feel About Mouse Ears a blog post written by Katherine Devries has great info if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland.Meagan wrote About “Those Parents” At Disney in 2019. Check it out.Sarah recommends downloading the My Disney Experience App prior to your trip to get familiar with how to place food orders, average wait times, and more.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s go deep on the fluffiest of topics: personal adornment. In today’s More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our approaches to everyday jewelry, special gifts and heirloom pieces, jewelry trends and finding our personal styles. We also talk about where we like to buy jewelry, how motherhood seasons have intersected with accessorizing phases, and what our storage wins and woes are these days. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan referenced the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie with Julie AndrewsIf you enjoyed this episode, you may like these from the archives!Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateMore Than Mom: The State Of Our Style, One Year Into COVIDState Of The Style Situation, Head To Toe: Episode 139Sarah typically purchases earrings from Lucky Brand and has purchased dainty style jewelry from (past podcast advertiser) Ana LuisaMeagan loves Mata Traders, whose founder Meagan interviewed on Mother of ReinventionMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s our Podcastaversary (yep, we just made up a new word)! Today we are celebrating eight years of The Mom Hour by reflecting on some of your most-asked questions over the years. Beyond recurring queries like “should I have that third baby?” or “what’s the ideal spacing between kids?,” we’re digging into some deeper through-lines that point to the fears, insecurities, and hopes of our community. We also provide snapshots of the many places we have recorded our 640+ episodes (the floor, the bed, different states and more). Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:If you want to take it WAY back to March of 2015, you can listen to The Mom Hour’s Very First episode, Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01.Sarah mentioned the episode Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396.Sarah just finished reading Tiny, Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed which is a compilation of the author’s Dear Sugar articles over the years. Here is a great list of Dear Sugar’s quotes in one place.The Mom Hour Listener Community Page on Facebook is a helpful space to vent or to ask moms for advice. Meagan’s reading Laura Tremaine’s book Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First (this is an affiliate link) which encourages people to be open up and be vulnerable with others.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bowling. Bonfires. The mall (no, really.) And board games (maybe?). What’s fun for our families right now looks quite different than it did years ago, so today Meagan and Sarah revisit an oft-discussed hot topic on The Mom Hour: family “fun.” We share several ideas for ACTUALLY FUN family activities that work for our current seasons, as well as some gripes about things that feel like they should be fun but aren’t. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Other deep-dives on what’s fun and what’s absolutely not include:We Hate Fun! (Okay, Not All Fun) (Episode 10, which later re-ran with a fresh take as Episode 109)What We Do For Fun In 2021 (More Than Mom)“Supposed To Be Fun” Activities That Just Aren’t (And How To Have Fun On Your Terms) (Episode 342)We Love Fun Now! (Or Do We? (Episode 215)Don’t forget to check out what’s new on the blog!Fun & Practical Easter Basket Ideas Your Kids Will Love by Sandy HsuYes, YOU Can Coach Youth Sports! by Jennifer Carroll8 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!) by Emily RoarkHow To Survive (And Even Enjoy) Playing Board Games With Kids: Episode 112 pairs nicely with today’s episode as we talked a good bit about board games today!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It isn’t always easy to appreciate the mundane tasks of our daily lives, or to see the glass half-full when something goes awry. Inspired by yet another social media trend that had us scratching our heads at first (and then reflecting in spite of our forty-something selves), today Meagan and Sarah talk about situations from our own lives where we romanticized the hard stuff to get by. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah recommends reading this New York Times article to better understand the phrase “romanticize your life.”Meagan read a newsletter article by our friend Amy Clark of Mom Advice which inspired this episode.Meagan interviewed Melody Warnick about placemaking, and how making a commitment to communities helps romanticize the hard stuff. Listen to the MOR episode on this topic!Sarah is rereading the book How To Raise An Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haimes (This is an affiliate link)We’d love to hear from you about how you’re romanticizing the hard stuff in your life! Email us at hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Worrying as a mom is a universal experience (and, spoiler alert: it never REALLY goes away). Today Meagan and Sarah look back over the years on the worries that surface most often in our community. Going by the questions we get from listeners, moms worry a lot about safety (our kids’, our own, the state of the world); and we also worry about WORRY (are we worried about the “right” things? is our worry creating anxiety in our kids?). Join us as we revisit these questions and more with that well-worn reminder: it’s (probably) all going to be okay.LINKS MENTIONED:Janine asked how to deal with anxiety around kids staying physically safe in Episode 110 (2017) .If you find yourself worrying about the physical safety of your children, you may want to check out Episode 12: What Does ‘Free-Range Parenting’ Really Look Like? It can give you another perspective!Avery’s question “What things in the beginning of motherhood did you feel were super important, but as you had more children they became less important” was originally featured in Listener Questions: Episode 110.Sarah recommended the episode More Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About: Episode 265Theresa’s question about flying originally appeared in Listener Questions (Vol. 18): Episode 199.A mom who worries about her boys growing up and moving away first aired in Listener Questions (Vol. 30): Episode 303.April asks Meagan and Sarah how to stay updated with the news without over worrying in Listener Questions (Vol. 22): Episode 240.Shannon wonders how to best keep things moving along while she’s struggling with anxiety in Listener Questions (Vol. 33): Episode 318.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pitching, submitting, and financial uncertainty: the writerly life isn’t easy before kids come into the mix, but as a writer-mom it’s even trickier. In today’s episode, Meagan chats with contributor and full-time professional writer Joanne Ruelos Diaz to talk all things writing. We discuss how we each landed in this career, how we balance motherhood and writing, our hopes for the future and some advice about how to dive in to this creative outlet, whether it’s for personal or professional goals. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (this is an affiliate link).Meagan mentioned the book The Way Of The Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton.Want to learn more about Joanne? Follow her on Instagram, check out the work she’s done on her website, and order her book “The Little Book of Joy.” (This is an affiliate link)Check out some of the blog posts Joanne has written for The Mom Hour:How I’m Decluttering My Brain In 2023Emergency Room Visits With Kids: What I Wish I’d Known, Packed, Said & DoneFast Five: The Dinner-Table Game I Play To Connect With My Kids“This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard ThingsWatching My Friends’ Teenagers On Instagram Led To The Stuffed Animal OlympicsYou can find more on Meagan’s writing projects below:Read some of Meagan’s personal writing on her website.Catch up on some articles from Meagan’s magazine Reinvent.Meagan wrote the book “The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets To Enjoying Motherhood.”If you’re interested in reading more about midlife motherhood, you can purchase Meagan’s January/February Reinvent Magazine.If you’re looking for more information about writing, you may want to listen to More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice or read the blog post “How I Started Writing.”MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you ever find yourself dreaming of a creative outlet or pursuit outside of your day-to-day life? Maybe you've thought about becoming an artist, opening a coffee shop, or even starting your own podcast! In this episode, Meagan and Sarah are talking about some of our dream businesses--and we include some from our team of contributors, too! Plus, Meagan gives an update on her actual new business endeavor that started as a dream and is turning into reality this year. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:You heard from our contributors Emily, Joanne and Jayme in this episode. You can learn more about them on our contributor page. Meagan mentioned the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (this is an affiliate link). You can follow along with Meagan's journey of renovating a building and opening a book store at @papermillbooks or @themillmanistique on instagram. You can support Meagan's bookstore at this link.In this episode of Mother of Reinvention Meagan chats with her sister Kathreen about taking the leap to buy a building and open a book store (with their significant others).MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have "mom mission statements"? Pillars or values that guide your parenting and ground your confidence when its shaken? We didn't - but now we do! In Episode 405 Meagan and Sarah offer up our personal motherhood mission statements by finishing the sentence "As I mom I...". Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah loves the book Catastrophic Happiness by Catherine Newman, a memoir about the middle years of motherhood (this is an affiliate link). We are open to an episode about Family Mission Statements. If you have an idea for that, or an author or idea for it, send us an email!Don't miss our LIVE episode on Instagram in our subscriber community on February 22! What’s Helping Me Put My Phone Down (And Keep It Down) by our contributor Stacy Bronec is new on the blog (and a great read!).Loving this episode? Here are a few that pair nicely with today's topic:What REALLY Matters In Parenting? Episode 386Self-Improvement & Self-Acceptance In Motherhood: Episode 3738 Truths Every Mom Needs To Hear: Episode 369What Are Your “Mom Superpowers”?: Episode 44MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

UR Cute. Be Mine. XOXO. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone (and happy birthday to Sarah)! No better day than today to talk all things kids, crushes, and budding romance. Join us as we discuss parenting kids through crushes, romance, and relationships, how much our kids share with us about their love lives, what we think about adults projecting romance onto toddlers and preschoolers, and what we hope for future relationships with our kids’ partners. We also throw in a few of our childhood Valentine’s Day memories and have a VERY serious discussion about conversation hearts. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned reading L. M. Montgomery’s The Story Girl. (This is an affiliate link.)Meagan read about the history of Conversation Hearts in this article.Looking for more episodes on love, relationships and romance? Here are some of our faves from the archives:Dating & Romance (For Single Moms & Married Ones, Too!): Voices 45More Than Mom: Finding Love After DivorceMore Than Mom: Partners & PersonalitiesMore Than Mom: Our Childhood CrushesMeagan wrote Love, dating, and healing after divorce – Sunday Morning Tea if you’re looking for more Valentine-y content this week.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Accepting and embracing the body changes that come with motherhood and midlife isn’t easy – and it’s a challenge that listeners write to us about a lot. While the conversation is (and must!) be nuanced, and the prevailing wisdom on this topic constantly changing, today we’re taking it on the only way we know how: from personal experience. Join Meagan and Sarah for an honest exchange about what body confidence means to us (spoiler: it’s not all about weight or size), where we feel self-conscious and what we’ve let go of, and what we appreciate about our midlife bodies. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan and Sarah first visited this topic in Body Confidence As A Mom: Episode 99Sarah has shared her gray hair growout progress on InstaMeagan mentioned a book by Donna Fahri, a yoga instructor who wrote the book Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit where she talks about the importance of being able to do everyday movement with easeMeagan interviewed Zeena Dhalla (an IRL friend of Sarah’s, too) about Living in Alignment in episode two of The Mother Of Reinvention podcastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A peek into pantry cupboards reveals a lot about how a family lives and the season of life they’re in. Today Meagan and Sarah open our own pantry doors and chat about what we see: from dry goods staples to kid-approved snacks and some things that are “just for mom,” we’ve got small joys and pesky frustrations in the pantry – just like any other area of the house! We also discuss the “ingredient household” TikTok trend that has moms reflecting on how they grew up and how they’re feeding their families. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:This viral TikTok video made its way to Instagram and inspired this episode. Do you live in a snack household or an ingredient household?A great companion to this episode is What’s In Our Fridge and Freezer Right Now: Episode 381Meagan mentioned Burples which were popular in the 80sSarah remembered coveting other kids’ SqueezitzMeagan and Sarah love the OXO Pop Top Containers (affiliate link) for pantry essentialsSarah loves her bamboo tea box organizer, similar to this one (affiliate link)We both have this rice cookerMeagan mentioned this recipe for Chicken Tagine with Apricots and AlmondsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big black trash bag energy is in full effect over here! In this episode Sarah is joined by contributor Joanna Martin for a conversation about how, why and what we are getting rid of this January. We talk strategic home resets, major junk-hauling, and tips for ongoing clutter maintenance. And while on the surface this episode is about physical stuff, we also acknowledge the emotional complexity that surrounds getting rid of stuff. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Joanna’s 2023 home reset progress in this highlight on her InstagramJoanna follows Kathryn Whitaker on Instagram for inspiration for home declutteringJoanna enjoyed the book Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider (affiliate link)Sarah’s recent decluttering involved 1-800-Got-JunkWe discussed consignment stores like Once Upon A Child and Kid To Kid, which have locations in several states, as well as Thred Up for online consigningSarah liked using Pickupplease.org which is available in many cities to schedule a pickup donation.Joanna loves to follow Kate Strickler’s Naptime Kitchen account on instagram and enjoyed The Home Reset, a practical course by Naptime Kitchen created for decluttering and organizing a home.Both Sarah and Joanna use Buy Nothing to get rid of stuff.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does solitude come naturally to your kids, or are moments of solo play far and few between? Meagan and Sarah read some research recently that challenged us to think about the importance of alone time, and whether our kids get enough. In this episode, we dive into our own childhood memories, how our children embrace (or run from) solitude, and how challenging it is to find that just-right balance. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah and Meagan referenced the article in The Atlantic titled How Much Alone Time Do Kids Need? by Faith Hill, published in November 2022.Have you checked out our Merch Shop?! We’d love to see you with some Mom Hour gear. Please share photos of you with our merch and tag us on social!The best way not to miss a blog post is to sign up for our newsletter.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With all the day-to-day planning required to run a household, it’s easy to put longterm planning on the back burner. Today Meagan and Sarah share lessons we’ve learned (or are still learning) that help us look ahead at a whole year, quarter, or month at a time. From knowing ourselves and our seasonal rhythms to figuring out where they keep next year’s school calendar, we’ve picked up a few things over the years, and we’re ready to dive in for 2023. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:On Wednesday, we’ll be LIVE on instagram for our subscribers only. Go to our instagram page to subscribe to hang with us!Did you enjoy this episode and want more on planning? Here are episodes from the archives All About Planning:Oh Hey, It’s May. (End Of School Chaos): Episode 365How Planners Plan: Voices 68 With Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-UngerStaying Organized & Motivated As A Full-Time Working Mom: Voices 44 With Sarah Hart-UngerProductivity & Time Management Tips For Mom: Episode 169Episodes from the archives to help plan your summer:It’s Time To Plan For Summer: Episode 201(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e good times, come on! Today’s episode is number 400! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate hitting a big podcast milestone than talking about how we honor birthdays and milestone celebrations in our families – especially as kids get older. Join Meagan and Sarah as we offer insight into making birthdays special for big kids, tweens and teens; how kids getting older hits us differently as moms, too; and how honoring big kid milestones gets tricker, but still gives us all the feels. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Great News! You can now listen to all 630 Episodes of The Mom Hour in your favorite podcast app!This episode pairs well with EP 166: Last Firsts & First Lasts (Milestones We Notice, And A Bunch We Miss)Sarah referred to Episode 364: Talking About Our Own Kids Or Not which sheds some light about how we decide what to share (and not) about our kids on the podcast.Check out our latest blog where we share some of our Team’s Best of Oldies episode recommendations.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New year, new you…or, maybe just a bit of new energy? Every January we are bombarded with content about goal setting, resolutions, simplifying things and planning out our calendar in detail for the entire year. And while some years January finds us ready to dive in head first, other years we need a bit of inspiration before getting our New Year’s juices flowing. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share how we’re using the first weeks of 2023 to reflect on the past and gently start to look toward the future. We share what we are doing, thinking about and consuming to help us set the stage for a great year. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out the latest episode of the Mother of Reinvention podcast that’s all about Meagan and Sarah’s personalities and how our personalities impact the way we make plans and see the world. And if you want to listen to the extended conversation, consider joining Meagan’s community for midlife moms, REINVENT!For bullet journaling inspiration, Sarah loves Meghan Splawn’s “planner not planner” approach to creating her own notebook spreads, and loves looking at artistic weekly spreads like this one, this one, this one, and this one.Sarah was drawing super boring monthly calendar grids until she saw examples like this, this, this, this, and this.Meagan plans to work her way through organizing her home throughout the entire year. To hear more about how she plans to tackle her Laundry Room, listen to Episode 398: The Laundry Awards.Sarah listened to the audiobook Calm Christmas And A Happy New Year by Beth Kempton that includes a pdf for reflecting on the past year. There’s also a Calm Christmas Podcast if you want to take a listen. Beth’s motivational style is very gentle and cozy.Sarah always gets Big Life Journal’s Goal Setting printables for her kids each year – this year they even ASKED for them!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laundry is is a constant: it’s truly with us every day, week, and month of the year. In this first episode of 2023, Meagan and Sarah focus in on the laundry systems and strategies that are working (or not) in our homes, plus our favorite products, the grossest things we deal with, what’s great (and weird) about our laundry rooms, and how seasons of life change the challenges of keeping up with the laundry. If you wear clothes – or live with people who do – this episode is for you.LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan recommends the book Laundry Love: Finding Joy In A Common Chore for a great reference for changing up your laundry game in the new year. (This is an affiliate link.)Sarah gives her laundry product MVP award to this flexible laundry basket.Meagan’s MVP award goes to this square laundry basket.If you loved this episode, check out episode 167 from the archives “Loads And Loads (And Loads) Of Laundry!The holidays tend to make our minds go on overdrive. Our contributor Joanne Ruellos Diaz has a great blog post about how to declutter your brain in 2023!Next week’s episode will be all about goal planning for 2023. We hope you’ll join us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As work-from-home moms, we’re perpetually seeking comfort and warmth during the winter months – stopping JUST SHY of living in pajamas 24/7. If your cozy winter wardrobe needs an update or you’re itching to do some post-Christmas shopping, listen to Episode 397 for Meagan’s and Sarah’s cold-weather fashion faves. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s Cozy MentionsMeagan’s loving her Vuori pants in a wide-legged drawstring style, a jogger, and a harem pant.Sweater favs? This alpaca wool sweater and cashmere batwing sweaters from Quince!Meagan added this green sweater dress and this date-night dress to her wardrobe paired with Sheertex tights.The Gwen tall boot from Vionic has been Meagan’s ride-or-die this winter (Vionic is a sponsor – get free shipping with code THEMOMHOUR)Meagan got some new Land’s End jammies on recommendation from a friend.Harper Wilde Bliss BrasSarah’s Cozy MentionsFavorite pants right now are from Lululemon Like New and she manages to exit the home Old Navy jogger-style PJ pants and style them as if they are NOT pajamas.When in the house, she’s 100% in these J Crew Factory Slippers!Current shoe faves are the Breilin Sneaker in Vapor from Vionic (Vionic is a sponsor – get free shipping with code THEMOMHOUR), and the Ecco Women’s Soft 7 SneakerOne of her fav sweaters is close to this one from Lunya.Sarah also has the Cassie Knit Cardi from Jane (affiliate link)For layering purposes, Sarah has had good luck with Target’s Merona line or this Madewell Tank – but could use a few more recommendations!Don’t miss Chaunie’s new blog post Care For yourSELF In 2023 With These 9 Products To Manage AnxietyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Running a full-time independent podcast company keeps us busy – so busy that we don’t often pause to let listeners in to how it all works! As we approach the end of 2022, Meagan and Sarah share what’s up behind the scenes at The Mom Hour. We start with a lightning round of frequently asked questions (how’d we meet? do we fight? how does the podcast make money?) and move into bigger thoughts about our industry as a whole and the current economic landscape. We also take a look back at how we’ve grown over the years (particularly the past two), profess our love for fellow women podcasters whose names you’ll definitely recognize, and share what’s next for The Mom Hour. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah referenced this episode of Pantsuit Politics which provides some behind-the-scenes information about the state of the podcast industry.Meagan wrote a guide for supporting content creators during a recession that’s PACKED with ideasWe couldn’t do this without the support of our podcast people! We encourage you to check out their podcasts to support them!The Lazy GeniusSorta Awesome10 Things To Tell YouThe PopcastWhat Should I Read NextPantsuit PoliticsWhat Fresh Hell: Laughing In The Face Of MotherhoodThe Girl Next DoorEdit Your LifeDidn’t I Just Feed YouMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve got holiday parenting questions, and Meagan and Sarah have answers. In this very merry Listener Questions episode, we tackle things like how to make the magic happen for your littles while traveling and spending Christmas at grandparents, how to coordinate and facilitate sibling gift giving, how to keep a curious kitten (or two) out of the tree (this is our reality this year!) and suggestions for how to handle the post-holiday blues of packing away Christmas. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We have Gift Guides for just about anyone on our Blog this holiday season.Want more on the Cat V. Christmas Tree Topic? Our Facebook Community had lots of advice for handling a curious kitty interested in the tree.We have more Listener Questions, Holiday Edition Episodes! Check these out from the archives: Episode 79, Episode 134, and 2018 Holiday Edition.Sarah wrote an essay titled “Christmas Trees On The Curb” about the bittersweet feelings of putting away Christmas.Don’t miss our Instagram Live tomorrow!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Got resentment? Managing anxiety? Filled with hope? You’re not alone. The holidays provide a colorful snack platter of emotions – many of which we experience within a single day (or even moment!). Today it’s our honor to bring you the voices of eight moms, each of whom explores a different holiday feeling: anticipation, overwhelm, nostalgia, grief, anxiety, wonder, resentment and hope. In addition to our contributing voices, Meagan and Sarah also chat about our own hopes and feelings about Holiday Season 2022. Grab a cozy warm beverage and settle in!LINKS MENTIONED:We have Gift Guides for just about anyone on our Blog this holiday season! Don’t miss our Instagram live on Wednesday, December 14. It’s all about our fun, fluffy holiday habits!You can read the essay Sarah wrote for The Happiest Home Blog in 2012 (and published in The HuffPost in 2013) about the emotional experience of being a mom and feeling responsible for creating new, family traditions during the holidays. Or you can listen to it here. The following Mom Hour Contributors are featured in this episodeJennifer Carroll, mom to twins from Oklahoma, read her essay, AnticipationStacy Bronec, mom of 3 from Montana, read her essay, OverwhelmEmily Roark, mom of 3 from Indianapolis, read her essay about NostalgiaKia Hammond, mom of 4 from Central Pennsylvania, read her essay, GriefJoanne Ruelos Diaz, mom of 2 from New Jersey, read her essay, AnxietyChaunie Brusie, a mom of 5 from Michigan, read her essay, WonderJoanna Martin, mom of 3 from Dallas, read her essay, ResentmentSandy Hsu, mom of 2 from from LA, read her essay, HopeMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planning a festive, event-filled holiday season but worried about having the budget to make it all come together? Meagan and mom-of-four (and regular contributor) Lisa Payne join forces in today’s episode to share how we stretch our budgets in order to create all the behind-the-scenes magic that takes place in our divorced households with large broods. Join us for all our best tricks (and our Mom Hour Facebook Community’s tips) for hitting your food, travel, decor, entertainment and gift budgets this year. Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:We have Gift Guides for just about anyone on our Blog this holiday season!Meet Lisa Payne, mom of four, and Mom Hour Contributor. Meagan has used the Flashfood App to quickly and easily find food that saves her money while helping to reduce food waste. Meagan mentioned the Gift List App which keeps track of your gifts for each person and a running total of Christmas spending for you.Read all of our listener’s Best Holiday Budgeting Tips from our Facebook Community.You don’t want to miss Lisa’s recent blog post “Creating An Experience-Based “Kindness Advent” Tradition with Kids” on our website. Lisa and Meagan connected over being divorced moms of many children in Episode 341, Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Mom, is Santa Jesus’s grandpa?” If you’ve found yourself in the (somehow surprising?) position of Adult In Charge Of The Holidays, you too might be on the receiving end of kids’ questions about what’s going on, exactly, with all these rituals and traditions. The answers don’t always come easy, because even as adults it’s not always obvious how (or whether) to carry our own family of origin’s traditions into a new generation, how to merge faiths and cultures with our partners, and how to explain it all meaningfully to our kids.In today’s Voices episode, Sarah chats with three members of The Mom Hour team about bringing traditions forward from the past, creating new ones that feel right for right now, and navigating interfaith and intercultural dynamics. It’s a vulnerable, nuanced, and sometimes funny topic, and while we don’t pretend to have every aspect represented or covered today, we invite you to join us as we learn a little from one another!LINKS MENTIONED:We have Gift Guides for just about anyone on our Blog this holiday season!Meet our contributors featured in this episode: Catie Parrish, Joanne Ruelos Diaz and Katherine DeVries. Catie is a devout coffee drinker. She loves to ground EightO’Clock coffee beans each morning. Joanne shared how much she loves genmaicha tea! Here’s another link to one of her favorites. Catie shared how she incorporates activities in her home throughout the holidays including the Catholic traditions: The Advent Wreath and St. Nicholas Day.Katherine and Sarah both recommend attending The Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival if you live in Southern California Katherine suggests checking out this kid-friendly, jewish recipe website for all your holiday baking and cooking needs.Catie likes to incorporate this Chocolate Mousse and this Polish Cookie into her family holiday traditions.Joanne’s family and friends Eat 12 Grapes for good luck at midnight to ring in the New Year. Sarah’s family searches for the almond in this Danish Almond Rice Pudding recipe every year on Christmas Eve!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planning, shopping, wrapping…Oh My! Today we’re featuring YOUR genius House Rules for gifting and giving this holiday season. We chat creative ways for extending the fun on the big day (without more buying), self care for mom after a wrapping marathon, what Santa brings (and doesn’t), how to handle extended family gift giving, AND gifts from the cat (yep, you read that correctly). Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We have Gift Guides for just about anyone on our Blog this holiday season!10 Quality Puzzle Brands For The Little & Grown-Up Puzzle Lovers In Your Life8 Kitchen Gadget Gift Ideas For Home Cooks & Hobby BakersLet The Enneagram Guide Your Gifting This Holiday SeasonFacilitating Grandma and Grandpa “Thank-Yous” on Christmas Morning from afar can get tricky. We shared lots of ideas for this in a recent episode.We mentioned St. Nicholas Day a few times in this episode. Not familiar with this Day/Tradition? Learn more about it here. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can’t we all just get along? (Or maybe, more accurately: Can ANYONE, EVER, just get along?) From playground drama to cousin power dynamics, sibling bickering to neighborly awkwardness, there’s no avoiding relationship challenges as families grow, change, and evolve. Today’s episode brings together some of the common questions we’ve gotten from listeners over the years about helping kids learn to play well and fight fair. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:If you listen and one of the recordings was about your child we’d love to hear from you! Ashley asks for advice about how to handle the dynamics of elementary school friendships from Episode 52.Tessa asks how to help a girl trio of cousins get along without forcing inclusiveness or letting hurt feelings dominate from Episode 73.Rachel sent in a question asking how to help her 14-month-old and 4-year-old get along and play together from Episode 122.What’s a mom to do when the sibling bickering is NON STOP? Sarah, a mom from our listener community, looked to Meagan and Sarah for advice about this painful part of parenting from Episode 288.An anonymous mom looks for advice about how to extract your family from a sticky situation with neighbor friends whose parenting style makes you uncomfortable, which originally aired in Episode 175.Sign up for our email newsletter!Do you have a Listener Question about the Holidays for Meagan and Sarah? Don’t forget to send them in by December 5, 2022. (Voicemails are our favorite!!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The toy catalogs have arrived and the lists are being made! It’s normal for kids to wish and want all season long, and it’s ALSO normal for all those “gimmies” to get on parents’ nerves (or make us worry that we’re raising entitled kids!). In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah talk about what it looks like to help kids cultivate gratitude (it’s a long game, trust us), how to allow them to hope and wish while providing reasonable expectations, and how to model accepting gifts with gratitude and grace. Most of all we’re here to normalize this tension between greed and gratitude in kids: It’s not you. It’s not them. It’s just not YET. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode pairs well with an oldie but goodie from the archives: On Greed And GratitudeSarah’s family does “Appreciation, Aha, Apology” at family meetings. Here’s more on the activity (which she borrowed from an amazing first grade teacher!).Meagan mentioned Nancy Davis Kho’s The Thank You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter Of Gratitude At A Time. (This is an affiliate link.)The Little Book Of Joy: 365 Ways To Celebrate Every Day was written by our contributor Joanne Ruelos Diaz and focuses on small ways to notice what is good around you, day by day. (This is an affiliate link.)The recent blog post Creating An Experience-Based “Kindness Advent” Tradition With Kids pairs nicely with this episode. We have an Instagram-only episode on Wednesday, November 16, about just how basic we are, which pairs with Sunday’s More Than Mom: Are We Basic? Hope to see you then!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trader Joe’s. Yoga. Book Club. Cute boots and crunchy leaves. Today Meagan and Sarah just want to know: “Are we basic?” Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode with deep thoughts on this totally fluffy topic, including a look back at different eras in our lives when we’ve been trend-averse and other times when we’ve embraced mainstream culture. We talk about how it’s not as easy as it sounds to “like what we like” and leave it at that, why Midlife Lady Basic is different from youth culture (duh), and how, at the end of the day, we’re all just humans who like and dislike certain things, right? Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Are you dying to know how BASIC you are (according to Buzzfeed)? Take the quiz and let us know! Sarah shared a quote from Gretchen Rubin about how enthusiasm is a form of social courage. Sarah and Meagan will be talking this topic in the next subscriber-only community on instagram this month. To learn more about our subscriber community hop over to Instagram and click on our subscribe button on our profile page. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Being sandwiched between the littles and the grandparents who love them isn’t always easy – and there’s no one right way to do it! Today we’re tapping into the tips, advice and wisdom of our community on a topic we’ve had a lot of request for: facilitating and nurturing grandparent-grandkid relationships. In this Episode, Meagan and Sarah share practical things moms can do to facilitate the relationships we want our kids to have with their long-distance and in-person grandparents. We talk through your ideas for using modern technology to help kids connect with grandparents, making time with grandparents extra special, and how to encourage one-on-one bonding with less of a presence from mom and dad. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:You can see all the comments submitted for this episode in our Facebook Community.Are you ready to plan for this year’s Advent? Need a bit of inspiration? Check out these recent blog posts:13 Advent Calendar Ideas For 2022: Celebrating The Christmas Countdown With Kids Creating An Experience-Based “Kindness Advent” Tradition With KidsTrying to find the time to squeeze in a little exercise while working and mommying? Our contributor Chaunie shares how she does it all in the recent blog post, I Bought A Treadmill Desk And Yes, It’s As Life-Changing As The TikTok Influencers ClaimMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length of time you know that Meagan’s harbored some serious homesteader fantasies since her early 20s. Nearly 25 years after Meagan’s oldest was born, she’s finally living outside the city limits, and slowly making her “Little House on the Prairie homestead dreams” from long ago come true (well, sort of!). In this episode, Meagan interviews Kendra Martin from the Homesteady Podcast about how she lives off of 100 acres of land with her husband and six children. Kendra shares how she manages to homestead AND homeschool and what their family has in store for their future. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Want to learn more about Kendra and her family’s homesteading? Visit their website Homesteady, their Youtube channel, Instagram and podcast.Meagan referenced this Homesteady Podcast Episode with Kendra and Austin’s backstory to the homestead lifestyle.Episode 379, Lessons in Motherhood From Chickens and Kittens is a fun episode where both Meagan and Sarah weigh-in on the animals around their homes these days!Here’s a few photos of Kendra and her family below!We have a new subscriber community built right into Instagram! Listeners of the show can have more intimate conversations with us (and others), along with bonus content. Look for the Subscribe button here.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Million dollar sick-kid question: “are they going to school today, or not?”! After two fall seasons impacted by pandemic schooling in all kinds of ways, Fall 2022 appears to be The One Where The Children Are Sick ALL THE TIME. In today’s episode Sarah and regular contributor Jayme validate (and commiserate) about the plight of kids picking up every possible virus this fall, and offer practical tips for managing kids home with common childhood illnesses. (In addition to having a toddler and a preschooler, Jayme is also a nurse by training and a physician-spouse, so she comes with some legit background…and lots of real talk.) Hang in there, mamas! You are not alone in your wellness struggles, and hopefully next fall will be a little less hard!LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Jayme Sherrod on Instagram or learn more about her on our Contributor Page. Want to hear more from Jayme? Check out Voices 75, Getting Outdoors With Kids.Check out these episodes from the archives all about dealing with children and sick days:Sickness, Health & Motherhood: Episode 249Ugggggggh Sick Days: Episode 75Did you read the recent blog post Emergency Room Visits with Kids: What I Wish I’d Known, Packed, Said & Done? It includes a few things our contributor Joanne has learned from navigating ER visits with kids.Sarah and Jayme talked at length about how they prefer to treat fevers. Here are two great resources about how to treat fevers in children:Fever In Healthy ChildrenFever In Children (Beyond The Basics)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s no secret that Meagan and Sarah can both get pretty into personality tests, particularly the Enneagram. In this fun More Than Mom we have an in-depth conversation about personalities in general (not just the types and tests!), especially as they relates to our significant others (and how they do or do not mesh with ours at times). We discuss how our different personalities play out in our relationships, the ways we reframe our differences, and reflect on our own challenging personality traits. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Are you unfamiliar with the Enneagram? Here is a free version of the test, and we like the type descriptions and other resources hereWe have found the Type Combinations and Type Misidentification writeups super fascinatingMeagan mentioned the book The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery (affiliate link) Meagan also mentioned the book, The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey To Healthy Relationships, to take what you’ve learned about yourself and bring it into your relationship.Sarah turned Meagan onto these daily EnneaThought emails with a short message about your Enneagram type Meagan and Sarah referenced the Myers Briggs Personality Test at 16personalities.comSarah mentioned Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies. You can take that quiz here. Looking for more details on Meagan and Sarah’s personality types? You may enjoy these episodes from the archives:Personalities Part One: Episode 57Personalities Part Two: Episode 58Knowing Yourself As A Mom: Episode 203MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Halloween through New Year’s we’re given opportunities to create new traditions and fulfill holiday wishes – sometimes of our own design and, increasingly as kids get older, sometimes at our kids’ behest. This week Meagan and Sarah talk about the bell curve of holiday parenting: the early influence we have over just how things look and what fun is had, the middle dip as we learn to let go and kid-life dominates, and then the later years when we get to reclaim some control and design a season for our own desires. None of it is all-good or all-hard; but it changes over time and we’re here for your pre-holidays 2022 motherhood pep talk – wherever you find yourself on that curve. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan wrote on instagram about how shopping for Halloween looks different with older kids.In our Facebook community there was discussion about the elf on the shelf; want to know our thoughts on it? This episode from the archives tells it like it is.We have you covered with Advent Calendar ideas in a recent blog post. Snag them before they sell out! We have a new subscriber community built right into Instagram! Listeners of the show can have more intimate conversations with us (and others), along with bonus content. Look for the Subscribe button here.Check out Sarah’s front yard decorated for Halloween this year (complete with a skeleton in a pool)!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From bedtime fears to big kid bed transitions, nightwaking big kids and second thoughts about co-sleeping, we’ve covered a lot of sleep challenges over the years. Today we’re bringing together some of the most common pain points our listeners have brought to us about SLEEP, complete with updated commentary and a fresh take on what sleep challenges are like with tweens and teens. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We recorded this episode IRL! Check out this Instagram Live from our meetup!If you listen and one of the recordings was about your child we’d love to hear from you! Sarah mentioned her conversation with Dr. Catherine Pearlman on this recent episode. Laura asks for advice about strategies for helping her toddler who is afraid of ghosts and monsters at bedtime which originally aired in Episode 163.Brady asks about her six-year-old waking because he’s scared a few times a month which originally aired in Episode 242.Samantha asks for tips and tricks to make the transition to her one-year-old’s big girl bed easier which originally aired in Episode 111.New mom Amanda asks if Meagan or Sarah have experience co-sleeping and if they have advice on transitioning to a crib which originally aired in Episode 65.Meagan mentioned the books The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night by Elizabeth Pantley and The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Child’s Sleep by Elizabeth PantleyMore sleep challenges we’ve addressed over the years that we didn’t have time for today:In Episode 275, Sarah weighs in on a question about how to use an “okay to wake” clock with a clever three-year-old (skip to 34:00)In Episode 224, a new mom of twins helps us reminisce about infant nap schedules (skip to 30:30)In Episode 211, we discuss how (and whether) to stick to sleep routines while traveling or on vacation (skip to 28:30)In Episode 135 we help tackle the challenge of a toddler who won’t stay in his room at bedtime(skip to 06:50)Sign up for our email newsletter!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While there’s a lot of value in setting goals and intentions at the start of a new year (and in revisiting and tracking progress throughout the year), sometimes the intentions we set months ago aren’t serving us the way we had hoped. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah revisit what we said we wanted to do and ways we hoped to grow in 2022, reflect on how we’ve done so far, and share how some intentions shifted over time. We also realize that sometimes life surprises us with growth we hoped for…just not in the way we thought it might happen. And that is OKAY. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our first episode on our 2022 intentions and our first check-in earlier this year. Here is Meagan’s first post on instagram about her Less Boozin’ January.Interested in hearing more about Sarah’s reading habits? Here’s a recent More Than Mom: Books Talk!where she discusses just that.Sarah clearly hit the goal of fostering kittens in 2022 (or failed depending on how you look at it!).Meagan wrote a post Flowing Streams, Not Full Cups, about not needing to have a completely full cup to give back.Meagan’s Mother Of Reinvention Community will launch in a few short weeks.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When an article or study claims that a certain parenting approach is “best” or is “matters most,” how does that make you feel as a mom? Meagan and Sarah have thoughts, starting with this: assuming that every family defines “parenting success” the same way is a tricky proposition. In Episode 386 we dive deep into research-based parenting advice and, specifically, how parenting data as published in articles and studies impacts our day to day decision-making as well as our mom-confidence. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan and Sarah referenced both The One Parenting Decision That Really Matters by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz and How to Quit Intensive Parenting by Elliot Haspel articles during this episode.Sarah mentioned Emily Oster, a data scientist and parenting writer, who writes a newsletter called ParentData on data, pregnancy, child rearing and whatever else is on the mind of parents. She’s published a few books that analyze the data behind choices in pregnancy and parenting. Email us hello@themomhour.com if you want to keep going with this conversation! Meagan & Sarah are together in Dallas this week! Be sure to check-in with us on Instagram to catch a glimpse of us IRL. More Than Mom this coming Sunday is all about our 2022 Goals and Intentions! You can catch up on our last Goals and Intentions check-in here.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you love everything about Halloween or mildly dread some of the excess (sugar, stuff, events, oh my!), today’s episode is meant to give you permission to find the traditions and celebrations that work for your family. Regular contributor Joanna Martin is back on the show to interview Sarah about how the Powers family has done Halloween over the years. Later in the episode Sarah chats with Diane Boden, host of the Minimalist Moms podcast about how a scaled-back approach to harvest season works in her family. Happy October, friends! LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more about our contributor Joanna Martin and follow her on instagram. Sarah’s family reads Pumpkin Soup (affiliate link) by Helen Cooper every year, and then makes this recipe for Butternut Squash Soup with Apple & Bacon.Joanna Martin uses this Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe every year during pumpkin carving.Check out Meagan’s essay about Trick-or-Treating TeenagersSarah’s family loves the Disney Halloween Special Mickey’s House of VillainsSarah mentioned loving the big kid crafts stage, including How to Marble a Pumpkin with Nail Polish from Color Made HappyDiane Boden is the voice behind the top-rated podcast and community, Minimalist Moms, where talks about living a life in the pursuit of less. You can find Diane at her website, on Instagram, and on Facebook. Diane wrote the book Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity (affiliate link), full of on-the-go minimalist wisdom that teaches busy parents how to embrace simple living, focusing on what matters, and inner calm.Check out a few blog posts from the Halloween Archives:A Lesson Learned From A Costumeless HalloweenFive Festive Halloween Activities For Families With Little KidsBooks Talk: Our Favorite Halloween Picture BooksMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that school routines are underway, we’re going deep into the details of lunch packing – with the help of our team! In Episode 385 Meagan and Sarah call on the experience, perspective and real-life lunch packing advice of five moms from around the country, whose lunch-eating kids range in age from two to sixteen. We touch on lunch packing pain points, tried-and-true ideas for each food group, strategies for snacking, and some of our must-have lunch packing accessories. We hope that a peek inside the bento boxes of other families will both validate that you’re already doing a great job (yes, even if you send the same thing every day!) AND infuse your lunch packing with some easy new ideas. Take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Did you enjoy hearing from our contributors on this episode? You can learn more about them here or follow them on instagram to show them the love!Jayme SherrodLisa PayneMandy YangJoanne Ruelos DiazJennifer CarrollProducts our contributors just love and use to pack lunches daily.Jennifer uses the Pottery Barn Kids All-In-One Bento Boxes each day for her preschoolers.Mandy packs her daughter’s salad everyday in the Sistema Salad Containers.Lisa loves these Amazon Easy Lunchboxes for her four children.Jayme’s favorite product is the Planet Box Stainless Steal Lunchbox for her two young children.Joann uses Sistema Lunchboxes for her children.Sarah loves these 1 oz plastic containers for sauce or dressing.Meagan wrote a blog back in 2011 where she did a lunch-making challenge!Momables is a lunch-packing subscription service that gives you menu plans and ideas.Don’t forget to check out our Instagram this week to see some visuals that go along with the episode.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh, you bought THAT carseat? Your third grader has a cell phone? Wow, you really give your kids freedom! No moms we know are immune from feeling judged, or criticized, or called out by comments from others (even if it’s mostly in our heads!). In Episode 384 Meagan and Sarah discuss our own insecurities and vulnerabilities when it comes to parenting. We share our specific insecurity triggers, plus offer ideas for what to think about BEFORE your insecurities get activated, what to say IN THE MOMENT when someone makes a comment, and what to remember AFTER you’ve had an experience that makes you feel judged. We hope you find this conversation comforting; you are not alone!LINKS MENTIONED:If this episode was helpful to you and you want to help US out a little, share and tag us on social media! It helps us so much! Next week, we are covering a week of real-life lunch packing featuring our contributorsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you found some renewed energy now that the season is changing and the kids are back in school? Now is the perfect time to start some tiny habits to make the most of that fall mojo! Today, Meagan and Sarah share some of our small habits that are making a big difference for us this fall, along with the driving principles behind them. While some habits impact our morning and bedtime routines (like skin care, water before coffee and learning Finnish), others are woven into our busy weeks whenever we get the chance (like picking up and reading the local paper). And never forget: while we may seem like we have it figured out at times, some areas of our lives are still chaos, this fall and always. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We will have a final check-in in a few weeks of the goals and intentions we each set for 2022. Here’s our last check-in from earlier this year. Meagan uses the free version of Duolingo each morning to learn Finnish.Meagan shared her skincare routine in the post Why I’m Embracing Midlife Skincare Monogamy.Sarah can’t get enough of the Todoist app (affiliate link – get 2 months of Pro free!) for managing her to-do list (you can listen to her detail how she uses it in this episode of Best Laid Plans).Interested in gua sha (which Meagan talked about having an at-home routine similar to)? We learned a lot from this Good Housekeeping articleMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching kids life skills around money isn’t as straightforward as, say, teaching them how to order a pizza or do a load laundry. Not only are there different ways to approach each topic – from allowance and paying for chores to saving and charitable giving – but money is also incredibly emotionally-charged and often complicated by our own life experiences (ahem, baggage). Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on how our upbringings impacted our financial points of view, and the challenges we face when it comes to teaching our kids good money habits. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan read the book The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel which describes how everybody is emotional about money and nobody is rational about money. Here’s the recent College Plans & Family Culture episode where Meagan discussed how she talks about the cost of college with her children.Sarah interviewed a personal financial planner in Spending, Saving, and Living Your Values with Natalie Taylor: Voices 36.Meagan is launching a virtual community for midlife moms! Visit www.MORcommunity.com to learn more about Meagan’s private community for midlife moms coming soon!Sarah’s kids use Go Henry as a debit card and app to help them learn about money.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Separation anxiety – but make it for moms! Today we’re talking about the feelings and experiences that come up when we’re separated from our children, whether it’s for a couple of hours or many days. Meagan and Sarah look back on what separation felt like as new moms, how the tears at preschool drop-off years are sort of the worst, and why we both can go into “out of sight, out of mind” compartmentalization pretty easily when we’re not with our kids. We also discuss how much information we like to have about what our kids are up to when they’re away from us, and whether it helps or hurts to get a peek into their lives away from us. Whether you’re getting ready for your first caregiver handoff or sending an adult off to college, this episode is for you!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned the recent episode of Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379–If you didn’t listen yet, it’s a very entertaining one!New on the blog–Our contributor Stacy Bronec shares how to decide what to keep or to toss when all the papers start coming home from school.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a while since we talked about books and reading! These days Meagan identifies as a total bookworm and Sarah as more of a modest reader in terms of quantity – during other seasons of life we’ve been just the opposite. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share how our reading habits ebb and flow, where and how we find new books to read, and specific titles we’ve read so far in 2022. Cozy up on the couch as we dive into some of our weirdest, quickest, fluffiest, unfinished, most educational and inspirational books we’ve been reading lately. Whether you’re an avid reader yourself, or just want some books talk by osmosis, enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Books listed below are affiliate links at Bookshop.org. That means if you click through from this page and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you – and you’ll be helping to support indie bookstores around the country! We also love to hear when you support your local bookstores and public libraries, too!Meagan’s List of BooksOne’s Company by Ashley HutsonGood Husbandry & The Dirty Life both by Kristin KimballInto The Wilderness by Sara DonatiBreath by James NestorThe Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova BaileyAt Home by Bill Bryson (Sarah recommends How We Got To Now by Steven Johnson if you enjoyed At Home)Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall KimmererWintering by Katherine MayI Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shana NiequestSarah’s List of BooksBroken (in the Best Possible Way) by Jenny LawsonMaybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori GottleibThe Duke and I: Bridgerton by Julia QuinnThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der KolkDigital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal NewportJust Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan StevensonShakespeare by Bill BrysonCity of Girls by Elizabeth GilbertThe Vanishing Half by Brit BennettWant to listen to more episodes about books? You may enjoy the following past episodes:Books We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVriesBooks Talk: Summer Beach ReadsCozy Audiobooks For FallBooks Talk: Fiction For MomsOur friends at The Girl Next Door Podcast have lots of books talk. Check them out!Want to learn more about Meagan’s good friend Amy Clark’s Book Club? Click here to access her Book Club and here to check out her podcast (all about books!). Meagan interviewed Amy on the Mother Of Reinvention Podcast–Leaning (Back) In To What You Love with Amy Clark of the Mom Advice Book ClubMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your fridge neat and tidy inside with organized compartments, or is it more like a game of Tetris? Taking a peek into someone’s fridge can tell a lot about the season of life they’re in, and in today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are opening ours for you! We cover the things we love and hate about the fridge models themselves, the items inside that make us cringe, what see in the fridge that makes us feel proud, and much more! Plus, Meagan looks for advice about how to better utilize her garage fridge, Sarah shares a meal prep fail, and we play a fun game of “in the fridge or on the counter” for food staples in our homes. Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned a similar episode, More Than Mom: What’s In Our PursesSarah is loving Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coffee BagsSarah’s longtime go-to banana bread recipe that led to the prep-ahead failHere’s an easy recipe for pickled red onions (store and use on salads, tacos, and more!)Repurposing these Costco Olive Jars are a food storage staple in Sarah’s kitchen.Our contributors will be taking over our Instagram stories this week to share what’s in their fridge. Check it out!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fall is just around the corner and while some of us look to classic markers like crisp air, sweatshirts and chili, others – especially those in warm-weather climates – have to work a bit harder to make a mindful shift into a new season. In today’s Voices episode (and in a fun hot seat role-reversal!) our contributor Katherine DeVries interviews Meagan about seasonally-led parenting and homemaking. Meagan and Katherine share seasonal activities we enjoy with our kids (and some we avoid), tips for bringing seasonality into home decor (without breaking the budget), ways to change up your cooking routine depending on the time of year (we’re looking at you, farmer’s markets), and ideas for getting through long stretches of dreary weather. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meet Katherine DeVries, one of our contributors, featured in this episode and follow her on instagram @thepaperdart.If you haven’t seen it, here’s the infamous photo (and backstory) of Meagan carrying her son Issac “The surfboard kid” on her hip in 2003.Looking for other fall-themed content?What’s For Breakfast This Fall: Episode 3267 Ways We’re Saving Money This Fall: Episode 277Getting It “Right” For The Right-Now, blog by Meagan Cozy Audiobooks For FallMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Empty your lunch box! Wash your hands! No screens before homework! What non-negotiable rule do you enforce when the kids walk through the door after school gets out? In our latest “House Rules” episode, Meagan and Sarah tackle the time between when school-age kids get home and the onset of dinner and bedtime. We asked our community for rules, systems or routines that make the after-school time just a bit easier (having a rule can be pure magic because it takes the pressure off of mom!), as well as what small rituals help with reconnecting and decompressing after school. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:You can find all the House Rules For After School on this Facebook post or this Instagram post.Sarah mentioned learning the “two truths and a lie” tactic for asking kids about their school day from somewhere last year, and we dug up the source!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we WILL be talking all about motherhood today, we WON’T be talking about mothering any humans. In this one-of-a-kind episode, Meagan and Sarah talk motherhood through the lens of caring for chickens and kittens! If you’ve been following us on instagram, you know we’ve been busy welcoming 23 chickens (Meagan) and two newborn kittens plus their lactating mama (Sarah) into our lives. We share how similar (and different) animal babies and mamas are compared to our own families (and how we just can’t help but assume human thoughts are happening in these creatures’ minds). Join us to find out why Meagan compares her roosters to bad 80’s sitcom dads and why Sarah gets reprimanded by mama cat! Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s the article Meagan referenced about chickens and their behaviorPic of Sarah’s mama cat watching her kittens exploreDon’t forget to send us your House Rules For After School! The best places to add your comments are this Facebook post or this Instagram post (no need to comment on both) – that way we’ll be sure to see them before we record!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Got any empties? You know the ones–those products that you use down to the VERY last drop. In this super fun More than Mom, Meagan and Sarah share products that we simply can’t stop adding to our cart because they’re just THAT good. We cover all of our go-to skin care and makeup products, our can’t-live-without clothing essentials, candle obsessions and much more! Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned watching @jamiebgolden’s Empties stories on InstagramSarah’s List of EmptiesNeutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Body Gel Cream with Hyaluronic Acid (affiliate link)DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46DRMTLGY Retinol Complex 0.5%L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer (affiliate link)Gemmist Hair ProductsShampoo 6Conditioner 13Sheer StylerHarper Wilde bras – we discussed the Base, the Bliss, and the Bliss TriangleThe Gemini Boutique in Chicago where Sarah re-bought her favorite necklace, the Anna NecklaceNuun Hydration Tablets in Citrus Fruit flavor (affiliate link)Lulu Lemon Align Cropped Jogger Shop Lulu Lemon Like New (gently used gear for resale)Meagan’s List of EmptiesBurts Bees Lip Balm (affiliate link)OSEA Face Products (You can use code Meagan at checkout for 10% off):Advanced Protection CreamHyaluronic Sea SerumAtmosphere Protection CreamNative Lilac and White Tea Natural Deodorant (affiliate link)Sun Bum Tinted Mineral SunscreenGrove Co. Orange Rosemary Dish Soap (affiliate link)Flying Bird Botanicals TeaTJ Maxx CandlesVuori JoggersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re invited to our accidentally-annual-grab-bag chat! In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah have a good-old fashioned girl chat to catch up on all the things. We share our late summer moods (one of us is very ready for school to begin; one of us likes August to linger), our planned social media breaks (we’ll be back in September, promise!), trips we’ve taken this summer, creatures living on our properties (cute kittens and chickens) and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:2021’s Late Summer Grab Bag Chat Episode Need a few kitten videos in your life? Sarah’s got you covered with her foster kittens! Eeek, does it get any cuter than this?Take a glimpse into Meagan’s beautiful vacay in the Upper Peninsula!Sarah mentioned the Self-Improvement & Self-Acceptance In Motherhood: Episode 373 from earlier this summer being one of her all-time favorites!We love to hear from you! Send us an email or chat with us in our Facebook Group!If you’re still getting to know us, you might like other “grab bag” style episodes like these:Behind The Scenes & End Of Summer Catch-Up: Episode 276Grab Bag Catch-Up & Reading While Traveling: Episode 236More Than Mom: Late Summer Check-In & ProcrastinationLate-Summer Check-In & Managing Seasonal Transitions: Episode 168MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The back to school season brings that sense of routine that some of us crave–but it can also bring on a whole lot of anxiety (getting the right supplies, attending all the events, filling out paperwork…the list goes on!). In this Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done episode, Meagan and Sarah reflect on all the things we’re glad we did to ease the transition into this season and also some things we could have done differently (or that we plan to try this year!). We share what to do with all those school supplies from one year to the next (Meagan is genius, really!), our approach for communicating with teachers, our thoughts on homework, how we plan to hold onto summer JUST a little bit longer this year, and more. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Have a child entering kindergarten? Check out our Kinder Parent Primer filled with past episodes and blog posts all about kindergarten.Like this episode format? We’ve done episodes like this for Summer Planning and Tech & Devices.See a whole season at a glance with The Essential Calendar. You can save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR. (When you do, we’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)Check out some of our contributor’s blog posts from 2021 about Back to School:10 Things I’m Looking Forward To Doing The Day My Kids Go Back To SchoolThree Places To Declutter Before Back-To-SchoolPreparing Your Preschooler For Big Kid School ExperiencesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When to get kids their first cell phone brings up all kinds of questions: How do you know when your child is ready? How to talk to kids about safety? How to help kids develop a healthy relationship with their phone? Social Media? Phone etiquette? (The list goes on!) In today’s episode, Sarah welcomes back her friend Dr. Catherine Pearlman to talk about kids and technology–specifically the learning that happens when kids start to navigate their own personal devices, like phones.Dr. Catherine Pearlman is a social worker who has been helping kids and families navigate all kinds of challenges for the past 25 years. She recently published First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety & Etiquette, written for kids 8-14. Today Catherine helps us navigate the new and murky waters of personal devices for our kids and answers some of your burning questions about first phones. Plus, stick around for a short conversation Sarah had with her own 9- and 12 year-olds about what THEY think about this topic!LINKS MENTIONED:You can order a copy of Catherine’s book First Phone: A Child’s Guide To Digital Responsibility, Safety & Etiquette (This is an affiliate link.)Catherine first appeared on The Mom Hour in Voices 16Catherine’s website and coaching practice is The Family CoachYou can find Catherine @TheFamilyCoach on Twitter, @TheFamilyCoach on Facebook, and on instagram at both @catherinepearlman and @thefamilycoachsaysCatherine’s book Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction (This is an affiliate link.)Catherine was kind enough to provide us with her sample phone contract from her book (Thanks, Catherine!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

College decision-making is influenced by so many things–parents, peers, teachers, family members, your larger community and more. And as with everything else: all families approach this differently! While some bleed their alma mater colors, others don’t see college as the only option for helping launch kids after graduation. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah have an open-ended conversation about the role college played in our own stories, our family-of-origin culture, and the narrative we’re shaping for our kids now. We also give you a peek into our educational paths, how we made those decisions and how our eight kids perceive the idea of college today. This is a topic close to home for Meagan as she prepares to send Will off in the next few weeks to start his own journey. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Are you actively in the college preparation stage and have tips to share with us or our community? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Come back Friday for a Voices episode all about kids getting their first phone with our friend Catherine Pearlman.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are Meagan and Sarah’s best tips for getting kids started with their first phone? And with a new school year right around the corner, a mom asks how to prepare her child for the first day of kindergarten and looks for some fun traditions to help celebrate back to school. The “bigger kids, bigger problems” stage arrives early for one listener’s family, and she looks for strategies for maintaining her mental health and other relationships while they navigate tough times. Lastly, a mom of bickering siblings sets us up for a lively discussion about whether it’s mom’s job to prevent kids developing a complex or identity stemming from their birth order and sibling roles. In addition to our own thoughts, we tap the wisdom of our contributors as we tackle your listener questions in Episode 375. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah will be interviewing Meagan about midlife and reinvention this week on Meagan’s podcast Mother of Reinvention. Check it out as soon as it drops on July 28!Our Listener Sheri uses a GABB phone for her 11-year-old’s first go at a cell phone In our Glad I Did/Wish I’d Done Tech & Devices Episode, Sarah highlighted some life skills and communication skills her children learned by having their first cell phone. Check back next week for more on the first phone topic, when Sarah will be joined by Catherine Pearlman, author of First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and EtiquetteFor those interested in our past discussions about choosing a school for your kids, check out:School Decisions Feel Like a LOT (Here’s What To Keep In Mind)What Teachers & Educators Wish Parents Knew About Making School DecisionsChoosing The Right School (Not As Scary As It Seems)For those who want more about sending your kid to Kindergarten, check out:What To Expect When Your Child Starts KindergartenKindergarten Readiness & Parent-Teacher RelationshipsFreaking Out Less About Kindergarten, COVID Learning Loss & Elementary School AcademicsTips For Starting (Elementary & Middle) SchoolHouse Rules for Sibling Harmony and House Rules For Travel & Vacation include tips and tricks for supporting and fostering healthy sibling relationships.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s a mom to do when one kid feels left out of outings his younger sibling gets to do while he’s at school? A listener about to move to a new city for just one year wants tips for finding mom friends quickly, and another listener’s question about how common it is for moms to feel the need to keep spirits up in a family with moodier characters really gets Meagan and Sarah thinking about their own families. Finally, a newer listener is curious about Meagan’s backstory of young motherhood and journey to becoming a mom of five. In Episode 374 we take these questions from our community and – for the first time! – include words of wisdom from members of our contributor team in addition to our own advice. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan is struggling with a fly infestation in her sunroom! Has anyone dealt with this before? If so, Meagan would love to know how you solved it! Reach out to her on Instagram.If you’re struggling to find mom friends like our listener Annie, our contributor Catie recommended joining Meet Up and our Contributor Stacy recommended finding a MOPS groupHow To Make Mom Friends on the blog has some great ideas for finding mom friends, too!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re talking about advice: asking for it, giving it, and consuming it in general. Things have come a looong way since the days of Dear Abby (we’re looking at you, Facebook crowdsourcing!), and in this fun More Than Mom conversation, Meagan and Sarah share how we individually show up when it comes to receiving advice, whether we’re comfortable giving advice, and how it all has changed for us over the years. We also discuss our mutual fascination with advice-column culture and parse the difference between seeking wise counsel from trusted friends and looking for quick answers from the Internet hive mind. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:New York Times Ask the Ethicist is a current advice column that considers readers’ ethical quandaries.Here’s a link to Megan Leahy’s On Parenting Advice Column with The Washington Post.Our Facebook Mom Hour Listener Community is a supportive place to crowd source (if that is your thing!)More Than Mom: Meagan & Sarah As Kids And Teens is a good pair to today’s episode if you missed it earlier this summer.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We get dueling messages from our culture: On the one hand, come as you are! Accept yourself fully, imperfections and all. On the other hand, you deserve better! Here’s what to do (and buy) to sleep better, eat better, look better, and feel better. It can be confusing to navigate a genuine desire to live your best life alongside the necessary self-acceptance it takes to feel like you’re doing enough today. Do we have this figured out? We do not, but today we’re here to talk about it. Meagan and Sarah share what self-improvement AND self-acceptance look like for them in the reams of wellness, career, mental health, and leisure – plus we reflect on what this balance has looked like at different seasons of motherhood. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned her interview with Rachel Hughes on Mother Of Reinvention is an inspiration for this conversationMeagan is trying out Parsley Health for her own wellness curiositySarah mentioned our 2022 Goals & Intentions episode (and if you like that one, don’t miss the six-week check-in we did here)Sarah is reading Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s first baby shower was – wait for it – twenty-five years ago this summer. To bring her up to speed on how things are done nowadays and what’s new in baby gear, gifting, and registries, Meagan is joined by Kia and Katherine from our contributor team. Both are seasoned moms who have seen trends evolve, and both have had babies much (much) more recently. Join us as we talk about the pros and cons to today’s baby product landscape, what’s changed and what hasn’t, and what we’d do differently when registering for our very first baby shower. Kia and Katherine also share their must-have product recommendations and registry favorites while Meagan puts it all into context for us. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Read How To Make The Most Out Of Your Baby Registry by contributor Sarah LimbergKia and Katherine both mentioned Babylist as a go-to registry siteKia also loves Spearmint Love BoutiqueThe Snoo was discussed (as was the age-old conversation around automated baby-soothing)Meagan was blown away hearing about the Haakaa pumpThere was much talk about the utility of various slings and babywearing carriers; while the choices are overwhelming the choice is personal, Kia is currently loving the Ergo 360MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“How do you know when your family is complete?” is one of the most common listener questions we receive. Meagan and Sarah both now have several years of hindsight separating them from the baby and toddler years, and today we’re reflecting on the idea of a “complete” family unit. We acknowledge that it doesn’t necessarily look like what we imagined it would – and that for many moms there is uncertainty and even grief wrapped up in all of this – but we also find much to celebrate about the current and future states of our proverbial “family tables”. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:It’s that time again–to send us your Listener Questions! Email us at hello@themomhour.com and be sure to put Listener Question in the subject line. We can’t wait to hear from you.Sarah refers to the recent More Than Mom: Meagan and Sarah as Kids & Teens episode when she compares how her sibling relationships were throughout childhood to her kids’ sibling relationships. We reference the Muscle Memory of Motherhood, however, we’d need a crash course on babies again today being so far removed from having newborns!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not feeling like an expert in the housework realm? Turns out, very few of feel like we know what we are doing. Last week Meagan and Sarah talked about WHAT we do to keep our households in a state of "good enough," and this week's Part Two is all about the feelings that came up as we tracked a week of real-life housework. We dive into some of our insecurities as home managers, the difference between housework and mothering, and some of the really sticky aspects of finding your identity as a mom and homemaker in the 21st century. We have LOTs of thoughts - and we hope you'll join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What we remember from childhood helps build our narrative of who we were - even if those memories are fuzzy or slightly flawed. Today Meagan and Sarah get in the way-WAY-back machine and reflect on what we were like as kids and teens. As a child, Meagan was dreamy, imaginative, chatty, and obsessed with balloons (!!), while Sarah was studious, quiet-but-sociable, responsible, and circumstantially prone to tears. We touch on how our personalities developed as we grew up, whether we were “popular” or not, and if we felt clueless or confident come high school. Join us for this fun More Than Mom to get a glimpse into our growing up years (at least the way we remember it!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most of us enjoy having a clean and tidy home, but have you ever kept track of how much you do throughout the week to keep it that way? In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share what seven days of real-life housework looks like in our homes. We reflect on the tasks we knew went into running a home, and some surprising ones we never thought of as housework before (like picking plums and chasing chickens!). Whether you prioritize deep-cleaning on a regular schedule or tend to tidy as you go and hope for the best, it’s eye-opening and gratifying to acknowledge the work that goes into managing a home full of kids. Join us for Part One, and check back next week for Part Two!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned using this Keepsake Portfolio for all things kids’ artwork and school keepsakes.Like the style of the “Week of Real Life…” episodes? Here’s our Week of Real-Life Dinners series:A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 5): Episode 336A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 3058 Moms Share Their Family’s Real-Life Dinners For A WeekA Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you travel with kids, it’s just a matter of time before a trip goes off the rails in spectacular fashion. Maybe it’s a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, or an expensive vacation spent sick in a pricey hotel room. Today Sarah is joined by Catie, Stacy, Emily and Lisa – regular contributors to the show and seasoned travelers with a combined 13 kids – who share their most memorable travel mishap stories. (Full disclaimer: there will be puke-talk.) In sharing these stories, we hope to normalize that travel with kids doesn’t have to go perfectly to be “worth it” and remind you that you’re not alone if this summer’s adventures go awry. Plus, one of the only perks to surviving stories like these is that we get to laugh about them later. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out the Family Travel Hub where our contributors share their tips, how-to guides and all things family travelMeet The Mom Hour Contributor TeamFollow today’s guest co-hosts on InstagramCatie Parrish, Brand Partnerships Manager at The Mom HourStacy Bronec, contributorEmily Roark, contributorLisa Payne, contributorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As moms, we can be hard on ourselves…and sometimes we just need to hear the simplest, oft-repeated pieces of advice and encouragement to remind us that it is all going to be OK. Join Meagan and Sarah for a reflection on eight pieces of wisdom that have carried us through motherhood struggles at every age and stage. We are offering them to you, to ourselves, and to all of our future selves in Episode 369. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Don’t miss chicken content on Meagan’s InstagramIf you don’t know what we’re talking about when we mention toddler Isaac and the viral meme featuring Meagan and Isaac, read this or listen to this or watch thisWe mentioned answering a listener question about gentle parenting in this episodeSarah loved this conversation and mentioned it in the context of not being alone in whatever you’re going through: Jen Hatmaker: What We Win When We Lose It All (We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle)Meagan and Sarah originally introduced these “mom truths” in Episode 100. Meagan wrote the blog post “You Probably Won’t Remember This Later…And That’s OK”MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever fantasized about attending a camp-like environment for grown-ups? Much about the classic summer camp experience is appealing to us (though not EVERYTHING–we could certainly do without the bugs), and the idea of simply showing up for a perfectly curated experience without any responsibility, or planning, sounds AMAZING. Listen to this fun More Than Mom to hear all of our must-have activities (like food and wine tastings, yoga, personal style consults and more!), things that would be a hard no (like swimming in the gross, murky lake or participating in corny, guided crafts) and our daydreams about creating a Mom Hour Retreat (maybe someday?)! Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Do you have a fun idea for a Mom Hour Retreat? Share it with us–we’d love to hear from you!You might also like this episode: More Than Mom: Meagan And Sarah Get Stranded On A Deserted Island9 Perfect Strangers on Hulu is a worthwhile show to watch to give you that fantasy camp feel, it just turns a bit dark.Here are a few camp-like environments we shared in this episode:Chico Hot Springs in MontanaKripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts Esalen Lodge in Big Sur, California, for an off-the-grid experienceMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Among parents, technology and screen time can be a loaded topic. How much is too much? Is that movie too mature? And what’s the best age for a first phone? In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share the role technology played in our families when kids were little, and reflect on how things changed as they grew. We discuss the tech parenting choices we still stand behind today, and with hindsight, what we could have done differently. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:If you have topic suggestions for this Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done series, email us!If you enjoyed this episode check out Episode 359, Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer PlanningMeagan mentioned past show sponsor Gryphon, is a mesh wifi router system that was created by parents who wanted a better way to control their families’ internet. Check out our Family Travel HubThe blog post Making A Case For Video Games pairs nicely with this episodeMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are big benefits to getting kids outside as much as possible. But as a mom to young kids, it can feel intimidating to curate the perfect outside experience for them (and you)! In this Voices episode, Meagan chats with regular contributors Jayme Sherrod and Jennifer Carroll about ways to weave nature into your family’s routine. Both Jennifer and Jayme love the outdoors, but their approaches to getting outside with young kids are very different; listen to get their best tips and must-have gear for successful outdoor family adventures. Whether you are looking for encouragement to take baby steps to get kids outside regularly or some inspiration to try bigger adventures, you’ll love this conversation. Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:The Seek App identifies wildlife, plants and fungi so you can learn about the organisms all around you.Merlin Birding App helps you identify birdsThese Battery-Operated Spray Fans keep Meagan and her kids cool in the heat.Last Child In the Woods by Richard Louv is a good read according to Meagan.Jennifer recommends the Coleman Dark Room Tent to make it extra dark for little kids with bedtimes.Arrive Outdoors is the camping gear rental website Meagan mentioned.Trekking Poles are great to provide stability for moms carrying littles on a hike.This Hiking Carrier is perfect to carry kids on long hikes.That time when Meagan owned a camper.Check out some of Jennifer’s blog posts featuring the outdoors:Five Tips for Water Safety This SummerGift Guide For The Outdoor Adventuring Family Car camping with kidsFun episodes that pair well with this one:Meagan Goes Camping and Sarah Has QuestionsCamping With Kids (And Other Outdoor Adventures)Getting Outside With Kids: Episode 204Follow Jennifer Carroll on InstagramFollow Jayme Sherrod on InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the last day of May, which means that for many families it’s time to stow away backpacks, say ‘see ya later’ to early morning alarms, and settle in for a more laid-back (or at least DIFFERENT) routine. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah tap into the wisdom of our community and share your simple summer rituals and traditions for filling summer calendars with fun – without totally throwing structure out the window. Enjoy this mashup of sweet, family rituals along with clever house rules to help you prepare for summer days ahead!LINKS MENTIONED:The Facebook Mom Hour Listener Community Thread that inspired episode 367The Mom Hour Family Travel Hub is a great place to go for all things travel related like must-have travel gear, water safety tips, keeping kids entertained in the car, and much more! Past episodes that pair well with Episode 367A Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms ResetPreparing Kids (And Ourselves!) For Summer IndependenceGlad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning(Realistic) Summer Schedule IntentionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looking back at old photos is a quick way to feel ALL the feels: everything from “I can’t believe they were ever that little” to “What was I thinking with that haircut?” to “Oh riiiiiiiight, that was one exhausting season of life.” Looking back is also a great reminder of the value in documenting everyday life – whether we share it publicly or keep it tucked away for our future selves. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah take a stroll down motherhood memory lane as we look back at one day (May 24) in our motherhood lives over several years. Spoiler Alert—our kids are cute, we’ve had many life changes over the past ten years and Meagan will forever be paranoid about applying sunscreen (sorry Owen!). Enjoy!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Products. Just because. Yay! Meagan and Sarah pop into your Sunday feed with a light and fluffy chat about the products we are loving lately. From linen pants to fizzy beverage makers, pens for lefties and Very Many Opinions About Mugs, we cover our latest can’t-live-without products in this fun More Than Mom episode. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The Essential Calendar is perfect to help you get organized this summer (that’s our affiliate link – and you can see what the calendar looks like here)Did you snag The Mom Hour mug from our merch shop yet?Sarah’s loving the everyday mugs from this Etsy shop (the Powers family has the ones labeled “mug,” which are quiet large, and the ones labeled “medium mug,” which are smaller)Sarah bought Meagan this insulated mug for Christmas last yearSarah’s Hydroflask Coffee Mug is the 12oz version seen on this page, and the replacement lids are also listed on the same page. We think the new colors and the 6oz version are both adorable.Megan is loving the loose leaf teas from Good Medicine Tea, Justea, and Modestine TeaSarah enjoys the Ooly Seriously Fine Felt-Tip Markers and Stabilo Point 88 Fineliners for calendar color coding and suchThese pens are perfect for leftiesMeagan’s fav pen for everyday writing is the Pilot Precise V7 rt (affiliate link)Meagan is loving her Sparkel which makes anything fizzy!  Osea’s anti-aging body balm is a staple for MeaganThis Flamingo lotion (affiliate link) smells like a hotel that brings back happy memories for Meagan.Sarah’s loving Thrive Cosmetics’ overnight sensation brightening sleep maskThrive is a sponsor of The Mom Hour, but this mention was totally un-sponsored. If you do decide to shop Thrive, be sure to use our special URL thrivecausemetics.com/themomhour for 15% off your first purchase!Meagan uses her Infuse mop (affiliate link) from Casabella on the regular + her trusty old Libman and sometimes this Libman (affiliate link) tooSarah and Meagan both purchased the cabo linen wide-leg pants from Athleta Sarah chatted about these high-waisted crop linen-blend pants from Old NavyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between the raging hormones, sleep deprivation, and overstimulation that occurs on the daily, it’s no wonder most moms feel a little “off” for a few weeks after delivery. But how do we know when the baby blues develop into something more? In this episode, Sarah chats with contributors Emily Roark and Kia Hammond, who share their personal postpartum mental health journeys, including how they recognized signs of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, when and how they got help, and which coping strategies worked best. We also get into preparing for mental health support during subsequent pregnancies, how the COVID upended mitigation strategies for pandemic babies, and more. We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation. LINKS MENTIONED:If you’re struggling, you can speak to someone right now about how you’re feeling by reaching out to Postpartum Support International’s HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773. If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or your baby, text HOME to the National Crisis Text Line at 741741 for immediate support. You can also find a trained provider on their website here.Sarah interviewed Kate Rope in Voices 26 to talk about her journey through postpartum anxiety, and how moms can support each other during new motherhood. Kate Rope wrote Strong as a Mother: How to Be Happy, Healthy and (Most Importantly) Sane From Pregnancy to Parenthood: The Only Guide to Taking Care of YOU! (affiliate link), a book we highly recommendKate Rope also wrote an article with more about Why new moms have scary thoughts about their babiesKia and Emily were also featured in our episodes Pandemic Babies And The Moms Who Love Them, Part 1 and Part 2. Meagan interviewed Monique Dozier in Black Motherhood & Mental Health: Voices 69You can hear more from Kia in a conversation with Meagan about Preparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 Follow @kiamhammond and @Emilyeroark on Instagram Emily found the book The Postnatal Depletion Cure (affiliate link) by Oscar Serrallach very helpful throughout her postpartum journeyEmily and Kia recommend the following instagram accounts @biglittlefeelings, @pedsdoctalk, @psychedmommy, and @happyasamother. Kia recommends the book Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Performances. Plays. Graduations. The lusty month of May is upon us as we ditch our well-oiled, calendar-planning systems and enter our end-of-school-year survival mode. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah share strategies for tackling the extra-ness of this season (like death by a thousand emails), setting intentions for the next few weeks and the many lessons May tries to teach us year after year (maybe someday we will learn?). Enjoy this May madness roundup as you dream of the peaceful, calm days of summer ahead (Ha, wouldn’t that be great!). LINKS MENTIONED:Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not: Episode 364 pairs well with this episode. For more May madness, check out our Playlist: May Survival Guide for School ParentsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As moms, we are our kids’ biggest fans. But when it comes to deciding when, how and what to share about them with others, the struggle is real. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah discuss how talking about our own kids in a public forum gets tricky as they get older (think bigger kids, bigger problems) – and not just for the reasons you might think. Join us for a real conversation about navigating the ever-changing seasons of motherhood and how we think you can be honest and authentic without sharing *everything* going on inside your four walls. We wrap up with some updates on our specific kids (all eight!). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan interviewed Will in Real Talk About High School (With A Real Teen!): Voices 71You might also like this episode where we talk about “Sharenting”Here’s a link to additional episodes featuring conversations about our specific eight kidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms are savvy consumers, conscientious home managers, and discerning decision-makers. So why are we so often the target of hyper-generalized and cringey marketing efforts? In today’s More Than Mom episode – airing on Mother’s Day! – Meagan and Sarah keep it light (and a bit snarky ?) as we vent about the sloppy intent, terrible puns and ridiculous stereotypes advertisers use to market to us moms. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We’d love to hear your thoughts around opting out of Mother’s Day messaging. Have you ever found that to be helpful? Let us know in the comments below or on this episode’s Instagram post!Here’s the Mother’s Day Ad Spend Data Meagan referencedMeagan’s podcast, Mother Of Reinvention, recently featured an interview with Katie Keating about marketing to – and by – midlife womenFancy, a NYC advertising agency, surveyed 500 women over 40 about their feelings concerning advertising and marketing and highlighted their findings in this post.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has your reading life come to a screeching halt due to the responsibilities of motherhood? In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan welcomes back blogger, podcaster, and book club leader Amy Clark, to discuss how a busy mom can take small steps to create a readerly life. We discuss all the hacks for finding the time to dive back in (think TikTok’s #sundayreset for inspiration!) and a neat tool for finding the perfect book to match your mood. Amy also shares how reading can help you “find your people” during your current season of life. This episode is for anyone looking to fit more reading into their lives (in little and big ways). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Amy debuted on The Mom Hour in Living and Mothering with a Chronic Illness: Voices 39You can find Amy on her Blog, The Mom Advice Book Club, and on the Book Gang Podcast.Meagan mentioned stuffing The Flowers In the Attic series of books under her mattress as a teen. Wondering what it’s about? Find it here. Megan interviewed Amy on a recent Mother of Reinvention podcast about Leaning (Back) In To What You LoveThis Cup of Jo Article shares how an Articles Club can be a much easier commitment for busy moms than a book club. Here’s Amy’s tutorial for how to use Storygraph for a better reading life.Read about Amy’s diagnosis storyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crouching. Bending. Stooping. The magical, ninja-like way you lay a baby down in the crib without waking her up; the feeling of wet, sloppy gums on your knuckles as he teethes. In Episode 363, Sarah and Meagan reflect on the muscle memories associated with the repetitive motions of early motherhood. Some bring back all the warm fuzzies and others make us shudder (looking at you, nipple-biting babes), but we promise, this episode will bring the memories flooding back. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Interested in learning more about our Contributor Joanna who we mentioned inspired this episode? Here’s a link to her contributor page or listen to her on this recent Voices episodeMeagan’s detailed memories of breastfeeding included placing a soggy nipple back in her bra! She and Sarah could have used Kia’s recent roundup of her favorite breastfeeding products on our blog.We mentioned Jennifer’s blog post Five Tips for Water Safety This SummerMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between our kids’ school schedules, extracurricular activities, and social plans, we spend a lot of time driving them around. And when they get older and start driving themselves, a whole new world of independence (and issues) presents itself. In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah talk about how we use car time to connect with our kids and how we handle some of the challenges that crop up over time, from crying babies and sibling squabbles to sensory overload and car sickness. Buckle up!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to past episodes on Car Talk (Then, Now, Someday) as well as Minivans, Mom-Mobiles & Grownup CarsWe’ve shared a lot of advice on road trips and family travel!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sports and extracurriculars are picking up this spring, and two different listeners have questions about what age to start kids in activities and how to budget for this part of family life. We take a question about “gentle parenting” that leads into an in-depth discussion about discipline philosophies and finding the approach that works for your family. Finally, a busy mom of three has the chance to get help from neighborhood “mother’s helpers” and wants our guidance on how to make the most of the extra sets of hands. Meagan and Sarah offer validation, support, and encouragement in another Listener Questions episode this week – join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to all our Listener Questions episodesListen to Mother Of Reinvention, Meagan’s other podcast!Shop our merch collection! (And, follow the #MyMomHour hashtag on Instagram to catch our team reflecting on how they’d spend an hour to themselves … with mug-in-hand)Meagan interviewed Kelly Rippon about raising elite athletes in this Voices episodeOther episodes that speak to activities and extracurriculars: Let’s Talk About Sports Parenting, How To Be A Happier Sports Parent, Nurturing Kids’ Talents (And When To Let Them Quit), The Fall Sarah Quit EverythingPositive Discipline: The Classic Guide to Helping Children Develop Self-Discipline, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Problem-Solving Skill (affiliate link) by Jane Nelson was formative in Sarah’s childhood and early child-rearingDr. Becky Kennedy is popular in the positive parenting space right now; Sarah always got a ton of value out of Dr. Laura Markham’s work; Janet Lansbury’s work is popular with RIE (respectful parenting) advocatesWithout Spanking or Spoiling: A Practical Approach to Toddler and Preschool Guidance (affiliate link)Sarah mentioned this resource roundup: Go-To Resources For Parenting ToddlersNoelle, who asked the question about using teenage babysitters, might enjoy these episodes: Sitters & Caregivers Part 1 and Part 2MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

English cottages, sunny greenhouses, cozy cabins, and professors’ offices. What do these spaces have in common? They all evoke an essence we wish we could recreate in our own spaces. Join Meagan and Sarah as we reveal our twinkle-lit, midlife-lady dream spaces . . . even if we may never have them. We talk about our actual homes, too, and our romantic visions vs. reality. Plus we imagine nap rooms (yes, please) and opening The Mom Hour satellite offices in our favorite fantasy locales. This is a fun one; join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We find inspo on Instagram (Sarah mentioned @houseandgardenuk specifically), Rinky Dink Retro, Skoolie, In Her Studio Magazine, and Where Women Create MagazineCheck out these related episodes: City Lives, Country Lives (& Suburbia, Too!), Our Fantasy Kitchens, and The Lives We Didn’t LeadMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of big kids is going back to work full-time and wondering how to prepare her family. A toddler needs to brush his teeth and take vitamins, but hates it; should Mom force it? A lucky listener now has two pantries and is looking for tips on optimal organization for kitchen items and back stock storage. Finally, a teacher mom is stuck on how to balance school behavior and discipline at home. For today’s episode, we’re answering these questions from our community together in person (woohoo!) Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We enjoyed our time together at Hotel Vin in Grapevine, TX.Our Contributors Joanna and Katherine joined Sarah to chat about Books We’re Loving Lately.Let us know know about how you feel about a live event for The Mom Hour community!Read our Contributor Mandy’s blog post: “We Moved Twice Last Year: Here Are 10 Things I Wish I’d Known”Check out all our Listener Questions episodes.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Settle in for a books chat! Sarah is joined by two guest co-hosts from our contributor team today: Joanna and Katherine. Both are former educators and avid readers, here with lots to say about books. We touch on our reading lives as moms, what we're reading lately, and how and when we prefer to do our reading. Then we dive into book recommendations for kids - starting with babies and moving all the way up through teens. This episode is for anyone who loves to read or aspires to read more - grab a warm beverage and join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Watch Joanna's IG Takeover and read her blog postsWatch Katherine's IG Takeover and read her blog postsKatherine was part of Pandemic Babies seriesJoanna contributed to A Week Of Real-Life DinnersWe talked about Kindles:Joanna's eight-year-old got a Paperwhite Kids and she uses the OasisSarah's family has Paperwhites (affiliate link)Epic read-to-me books are great for pre-readersWe mentioned #bookstagram, Goodreads, and the Libby app as a way to discover and discuss book recsJoanna loves Laura Tremaine and Annie JonesKatherine listens to writing podcasts like Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing and The Happy Writer to discover new authors and new booksWe all love Kelsey and Erica from The Girl Next Door, who share about their reading lives regularly on the podcast and on their socials We love shopping at our local bookstores! Katherine's is Bel Canto Books and Sarah's is Chaucer's. Bookshop.org is a great online retailer that supports indie booksellers everywhere.Katherine loves the books for babies that come with Lovevery subscription boxes (For free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kit visit lovevery.com/themomhour)Joanna has had good luck with nonfiction titles published by UsborneMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we imagine the “refrains of motherhood,” poetic sweet-nothings of love and encouragement come to mind. In reality? The words that come out of moms’ mouths on repeat are a little more… normal. And that’s OK! We’re here to normalize being normal. In Episode 360 Meagan and Sarah highlight the best of our communities oft-repeated phrases–everything from clever quips to 1,001 different ways to say “No”. We love how universal mom-speak is in the end, and we’re marveling over the clever ways moms find to talk to their families. Get ready to take notes!LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s the Instagram post where our community shared their motherhood refrainsWe mentioned our House Rules For… seriesLast call for Listener Questions! Email us to have your question considered for an upcoming episode (please put Listener Question in the subject field!).We’ll be together in person this week! Follow along on Instagram.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calling all experts . . . OR at least those who have been there, done that, and are willing to share their thoughts. In this week’s More Than Mom episode, we’re flipping the script and sharing our own challenges in the hopes that our smart, skilled, and seasoned listeners have the solutions we need. We’re stuck when it comes to a variety of topics such as home organization, the care and keeping of living things, hair maintenance, and sibling bonding screen time. Can you help? Listen and let us know!LINKS MENTIONED:Got advice for us? Let us know in the comments on these posts on our Instagram feed or in our Facebook group (or comment on the show notes on our website)Are you a zoologist OR do you want our advice? Email us at hello@themomhour.com and if you have a query, please type “Listener Question” in the subject line. Our friend Amy Clark uses Madison Reed hair colorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we’re looking back on past summers and remembering the choices we appreciate and the ones we regret. This is a fantastic episode to listen to if you’re starting to plan your summer! We cover family traditions, camps, childcare, travel, and overall philosophies for fun (with boundaries). There’s a fine line between unstructured leisure time and going off the rails, and hopefully our reflections will help you find the right balance for your family. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The Lazy Genius talks about opening ceremoniesIf you have topic suggestions for this Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done series, email us!Sarah loves What Do We Do All Day for kids’ book lists by ages (and don’t forget she hosted a podcast all about kids’ books from 2018-2020: Kidliterate!)Check out our Family Travel HubListen to these related episodes: Preparing Kids (And Ourselves!) For Summer Independence, A Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms Reset, and It’s Time To Plan For SummerMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We know what it’s like to be a teen because we were all teenagers once, right? Well, not quite. In this month’s Voices episode, Meagan is joined by her son, affectionately nicknamed “Good Ol’ Reliable William” to discuss life as a teenager. As a 18-year-old wrapping up his senior year, Will walks us through the nuances of 9th-12th grade, shares some high school memories, and reveals what he’s looking forward to. He also schools us all on what adults don’t get about being a teen . . . and Meagan explains what balancing a checkbook is. Together, we bond over the universality of struggling to appreciate where you are in the moment. Listen ’til the end to hear Will’s message for moms who are (and will be!) raising teenagers. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to the other episodes in this series about Ages 2-8 and Ages 9-17Meagan’s IG essay on momming young adultsRead Will’s blogCheck out this related content: Managing Kids’ Extracurriculars, Winning, Losing, and That Moment When Your Kid Shows You The Door (an essay Meagan wrote about Will), and Raising Lifelong LearnersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tweens, teens, (and the parents who love them!) go through a lot between the ages of 9 through 17. There's growing societal pressure, shifting friendships, mounting responsibility, and body changes. Fun, right?! In Episode 358, Meagan and Sarah pick up where we left off last week's conversation, but this time it's all about the older kids. While acknowledging every child is different and being sensitive to our kids' privacy, we remember the sweetness of kids just-on-the-cusp of growing up and tell stories about adolescent awkwardness and attitudes. It can be a bit of a rocky journey, but every teen eventually comes into their own. Whether you're in the thick of it with us or want a fun peek ahead, this episode is a great reminder that kids--and motherhood--are ever-evolving. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shutdowns, re-openings, surges, and guidelines . . . so much has changed since the COVID-19 Pandemic crashed into our lives two years ago. And it's bringing up all feelings. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah have a lighter (but still honest!) look back on things like our final outings, strongest pandemic memories, and shared experiences. What do we really remember, and are our recollections even accurate? We also share what we're eager to get back to and what will never be the same. We'll all be processing these squiggly feelings for a long time, and we think this reflection--on both the surreal and the sweet--is a good start. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Language leaps, school milestones, growing bodies . . . a lot happens on the journey from toddler to big kid! Join Meagan and Sarah as we try to capture the true essence of ages two through eight. We’ll talk through each year, sharing memories of our own kids and observations from all the little ones we’ve known. There are ages that feel like major transition points and many times where kids’ skills don’t quite match up with their wants. If you’re parenting in the trenches, looking ahead at what’s to come, OR looking back with us, we think you’ll love this one. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We remembered this Brain, Child essay series-turned book when we were planning this episode – and we were able to dig up online versions of the essays from ages 2-8!“This Is Two”“This Is Three”“This Is Four”“This Is Five”“This Is Six”“This Is Seven”“This Is Eight”Email us if you’d like the idea of a The Mom Hour Magazine! Here is Sarah’s Voices interview with Meghan LeahyRead the intro to Now We Are SixWe’ve had some really fun Instagram takeovers by our Contributors, and there are more to come!Listen to these related episodes: Never Thought The Day Would Come, Things We Shouldn’t Have Stressed Out About, and Last Firsts & First LastsCheck out our Family Travel HubMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From day camps to sleep-away camps, playdates with new friends to sleepovers with grandparents, summer vacation can be a great time for your child to hone their independence skills. But it can be scary, too. Sometimes a health issue, disability or allergy can make our kids seem especially vulnerable. Sometimes we’re just not sure they’re ready to take that next significant step in self-sufficiency. So how do we balance guarding them from harm with encouraging their growth?In this special episode of The Mom Hour, we’ll talk about the tools you can use to help everyone feel ready for summer plans and the big adjustments that come along with the season. Meagan and Sarah share stories about times our kids seemed especially vulnerable, how those fears or nerves showed up in our kids (and us!), what we did to feel calm and confident, and how we plan for major milestones with kids who are content to stay tucked under our wings – or the ones we’d like to keep there longer than they want to stay.LINKS MENTIONED:For more resources about bee stings, check out our sponsor BeeAware AllergySarah has found the books The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey and How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims very motivating to encourage kids to get outside their comfort zones. Sarah heard Martha Beck talking about brain science on Glennon Doyle’s podcast We Can Do Hard ThingsRead our Contributor Joanne’s blog post, “This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard ThingsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From packing and organization to sleep arrangements and laundry, there are a million little things that can make or break a family trip. This latest episode in our travel series is a collection of our community’s best tips and cleverest hacks for traveling with kids of all ages. We cover what to bring, where to put everything (including your people!), efficient strategies, and how to stress less. Sarah talks about moving hotel furniture, and Meagan shares a surprising hideaway to sneak in some alone time. Whether you’re boarding a flight or loading up for a road trip, you’ll discover some brilliant, mom-tested ideas to try here. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Read all our listeners’ tips in this post from our Facebook communityRight before the pandemic, we aired this episode: Planning Travel and Family VacationsFor travel parenting tips, check out our House Rules for Travel & Vacation episodeWater Wow books are the best!Our community loves the ease of scheduling Shipt, Instacart, and other grocery pick-up/delivery services before arrivalBabyQuip is a popular baby equipment rental servicePacking cubes can be helpful for staying organizedGet more tips, how-to guides, and episodes in our Family Travel HubMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether for work or for fun, flying is a travel experience that’s full of details, decisions, and preferences that can have a major impact on how enjoyable (or not!) it is. In today’s More Than Mom episode, we’re continuing our travel conversation to chat about how we find the perfect balance between timing, cost, stress, and comfort. We spill on our baggage preferences, security line personalities, how our small regional airports impact everything, and more. Plus Meagan tells a story about running to her gate, and we also share our favorite travel snacks and accessories. Whether you miss flying, dread flying, or have never flown before, we think you’ll find this episode (and deeper peek into our personalities!) a fun ride. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah loves her carry-on and laptop backpackMeagan has this bag in the color terracotta, as well as the Metro duffle and backpack in mahoganyMeagan also likes to travel with her Hydro Flask and travel neck pillowMeagan dreams of traveling like George Clooney and Anna Kendrick in Up in the AirWe were chatting about the show Inventing AnnaMeagan likes to read magazines, such as Vanity Fair, Vogue, Fast Company, and Inc., while flyingCheck out tons of helpful travel blog posts and episodes in our Family Travel Hub at themomhour.com/travel22MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does it feel like everyone else (but you) is going on fancy vacations all the time? Will your spring break look more like a staycation than a sandy beach? Social media seems to make it worse, but the envy that arises when looking at someone else’s vacay pics is as old as time! In this episode, Meagan and Sarah are busting some common travel myths and talking about how to deal with the feelings that sometimes pop up when all your people are (seemingly) jetting off to one fun destination after another. We also chat about how to make memories closer to home and how being intentional about stepping outside your normal routine can matter way more than the dollars you spend. If you need some downtime–minus the guilt or a giant price tag–this episode is for you. LINKS MENTIONED:This article, “Other People’s Great Vacations Don’t Have to Get to You” is still super relevant. Sarah chatted about planning in this Voices episode with Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-Unger. Check out tons of helpful travel blog posts and episodes in our Family Travel Hub at themomhour.com/travel22MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

News flash: the babies born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are turning two! Their little lives have been marked with fear, stress, sadness . . . and, undeniably, also joy. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are joined by seven moms from our team sharing about their remarkable babies and this historic time they’ve entered the world. You’ll hear different perspectives on how real moms have handled situations like introducing their babies to other people, venturing out into the world, and the little moments that made them think, “Wow, this is a pandemic baby!” Even if you didn’t have a baby in the past two years, you’re sure to appreciate this reflective episode – the first in a two-part series – as we honor the hard and celebrate the specialness of pandemic babies. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our series on Pandemic Perspectives, and these related episodes: How Covid Complicates Parenting, Stage By Stage, and 10 Things We Love About ToddlersCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about toddlersRead our Contributor Stacy’s birth story about having Pandemic Baby Nora on the side of a gravel road in MontanaContributor Emily’s blog post: “She Only Knows Pandemic Mommy”It’s almost time for a check-in on Our 2022 IntentionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms of new babies have been through a lot the past two years - from tough career and childcare decisions to postpartum mental health struggles, and both the general and very specific grief that goes along with things not going to plan. In Episode 354, Meagan and Sarah continue last week's discussion, honoring the voices of nine moms from our team and community who had babies during the pandemic. While Part 1 focused on the babies, this episode is more about the moms and their pregnancy and postpartum experiences. It's raw, honest, and at times, emotional; it's also an important reminder that every family's "hard" was different, and that every mom's story worth hearing. Whether you had a pandemic baby, are pregnant now, or have older kids; if you've ever felt desperate as a mom, we hope this episode will remind you're not alone. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Meagan a yoga teacher now? Did she survive her alcohol break? How is her gut health and body hair? Did Sarah chill out when it comes to reading? Did she stick to her social media Sabbath? Is she a foster kitty mom and standing taller? In this More Than Mom episode, we're revisiting the intentions we set at the beginning of the new year. We share where we've aced it, what helped us be successful, and what's been surprisingly easy. On the flip side, we get honest about how things have fallen apart a little bit, how we're trying to stay level-headed about our habits, and the goals we've made zero progress toward. It's only been a couple months, so we haven't nailed every intention on our lists, but this chat was a productive reality check and helps us think about our paths forward for the rest of the year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

News flash: the babies born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are turning two! Their little lives have been marked with fear, stress, sadness . . . and, undeniably, also joy. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are joined by seven moms from our team sharing about their remarkable babies and this historic time they’ve entered the world. You’ll hear different perspectives on how real moms have handled situations like introducing their babies to other people, venturing out into the world, and the little moments that made them think, “Wow, this is a pandemic baby!” Even if you didn’t have a baby in the past two years, you’re sure to appreciate this reflective episode – the first in a two-part series – as we honor the hard and celebrate the specialness of pandemic babies. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our series on Pandemic Perspectives, and these related episodes: How Covid Complicates Parenting, Stage By Stage, and 10 Things We Love About ToddlersCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about toddlersRead our Contributor Stacy’s birth story about having Pandemic Baby Nora on the side of a gravel road in MontanaContributor Emily’s blog post: “She Only Knows Pandemic Mommy”It’s almost time for a check-in on Our 2022 IntentionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you’ve known them since they were babies or they’re part of a crew always hanging out at your house, there’s a special relationship that can form between you and kiddos that aren’t your own. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are chatting about the “mom vibe” we’re going for, little ways we adjust behavior (both kids’ AND ours), and what happens if a child isn’t a great fit for our fam. Meagan also shares what it’s like to cultivate meaningful connections with teenagers and grown nieces and nephews. So get comfy, and join us for this heartwarming episode . . . Meagan’s passing out blankies, and Sarah’s got the good snacks!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to these related episodes: Other People’s Babies, Other Adults In Our Kids’ Lives, For The Love Of Cousins, and House Rules For PlaydatesRead our Contributor Katherine DeVries’s blog post, How To Make Mom Friends & Build Community As A New ParentMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s current romance sitch is a topic we get questions about from curious listeners, so today we’re giving an update, beginning with the meet-cute to end all meet-cutes! Since then, it’s been more than a two-year journey (through Covid, no less!) as Eric has gone from a “Person You May Know” on Facebook to Meagan’s “Special Man Friend.” Sarah asks Meagan how they’re handling sticky stuff, like dating someone with kids, grown-up sleepovers, moving in together (or not), and sharing holidays. And Meagan shares what she loves about Eric and the common ground that connects them. Lest you think this episode is all about warm fuzzies, we also toss in a goodnatured Super Bowl rant and take a moment to figure out Meagan’s real age. This day-before-Valentine’s, More Than Mom episode is sure to put a smile on your face–and lend some hope and comfort to our dating-mom listeners. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to these related episodes: Dating As A Divorced Mom and Dating & Romance (For Single Moms & Married Ones, Too!)Meagan first shared her divorce news in this episode: Self Care As Self Preservation and did a one-year-out divorce update in this episode: Meagan’s Divorce UpdateMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you feel like your grocery bill has been creeping up, you’re not crazy. Food prices have been rising for a while, and unlike other areas of your budget, groceries definitely fall solidly into the “need, not want” category. So how DO you spend less money on food when you’re feeding a family? In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah get honest about the areas where our food spending starts to spiral out of control, as well as how we approach leftovers, generic products, pantry inventory, and family-favorite cheap-o dinners. We also share some smart tips from an actual budget expert (ahem, not us). Make sure you listen ’til the end to hear Meagan’s best tip! Join us. LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan references this article on food inflationWe mention these recent episodes: Money Saving Ideas, Room By Room, A Week of Real-Life Dinners, Small Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenSarah thought the June Grocery Haul Challenge from The Financial Diet was fascinatingSwipe through this IG post on food budgeting from @thebudgetmomThis is what generic packaging used to look like!Don’t miss these related blog posts: These Resources Helped Me Start Budgeting by Sarah Limberg and Navigating Finances With Your Partner by Joanna MartinCheck out all our episodes and blog posts on money and foodMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mothers, in general, are experiencing pandemic-related isolation and stress; Black women, in particular, are in crisis. From access to fertility treatments and pregnancy support to delivery complications and postpartum health, disparities around race impact Black mothers throughout their lives. In our latest Voices episode, Meagan speaks with Monique Dozier, licensed therapist and founder of Journey to Genesis Mental Health Services. Monique shares the questions we should all be asking ourselves AND the specific actions we can take to stand hand-in-hand with communities of color. She also reminds us that educating children is an important step in creating a legacy of inclusivity, and shares some of the many joys of being a Black mother. We hope you’ll listen to this important episode. LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more and connect with Monique Dozier at Journey to GenesisRead more about the challenges facing black mothers: Birthing While Black: Examining America’s Black Maternal Health Crisis, The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Women of Color, Why COVID-19 is Hitting Black Women So HardMonique mentioned how great representation is in entertainment such as Ada Twist, Scientist and Waffles + MochiListen to these related episodes: Loss, Hope & Healing: One Family’s Story Of Turning Grief Into Advocacy and Talking About Racism As A FamilyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With rising prices, many of us are looking for big and little ways to cut back on expenses and spend wisely in 2022. Being smart about when, where, and what you buy AND how you use it adds up to make a big difference in your bottom line. Meagan and Sarah are sharing their best, budget-friendly ideas for everything from clothing and toiletries to furniture and decor. Plus, they share a few times where taking the free advice of a professional helped them save big bucks . . . and Meagan talks about poopy laundry. (Gross, funny, but informative!) We’ll be chatting food and groceries next week, but for frugal tips on everything else, this is the episode for you. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan finds good deals at TJ Maxx and saves money working CVS ExtraBucksWe both genuinely love our pants from our sponsor BetabrandSarah is a big fan of the laundry pods from our sponsor Public Goods (Use code MOMHOUR for $15 off!)Listen to our Voices episode: Spending, Saving, and Living Your Values with Natalie TaylorRead our Contributor Sarah Limberg’s blog post: These Resources Helped Me Start BudgetingCheck out these custom podcast playlists Sarah created for our listeners: Carly’s Playlist (Family Values, Siblings, Routines & Hacks) and Jenny’s Playlist (Tweens, Teens, & Working Motherhood) Check out all our episodes and blog posts on moneyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of four seeks advice on siblings who are like oil and water. Another listener asks Meagan and Sarah how to manage preschool-age brothers who are possessive with their toys. An exasperated mom is desperate for the secret to unlocking peaceful car rides. (Aren’t we all?) And finally, a mom with a new baby has an inkling it’s time to reign in the screen time with her older kids, but wonders how she’ll get anything done without it . . . and if her kids can fight through the boredom. Sibling dynamics pop up again and again in this latest batch of listener questions. If you’re a mom of multiple kids, you’re sure to relate. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our most recent Listener Questions episode from last weekThese are some of our fave episodes about siblings from our archive: Raising Siblings Who Like Each Other, Birth Order, Siblings, and Families of Origin, 10 Things We Love About Raising SiblingsWe mention some smart solutions from our House Rules episodes on Sibling Harmony and Travel & Vacation. Check out our Screen Time Strategies Through the YearsAll of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Internet gets a bad rap – and sometimes (okay, a lot of the time), it’s justified. But as with most of the “controversial” topics we discuss, we think there’s room for complexity. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share some of the positive outcomes from our online experiences, and how we’ve evolved as grownups and moms as the Internet itself has changed. We talk about the skills we’ve learned, the real-life friends we’ve met, and the things we never would have discovered otherwise! Plus, Meagan shares a screenshot of a wackadoo product with Sarah in real-time–and her reaction will have you clicking that link in our show notes at warp speed. This reflective episode is a little bit sweet (thanks to a lovely listener voicemail!) and a little bit funny. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:In our episode on #Influenced, we share some of the online-inspired stuff we’ve tried. A cat tongue for humans actually exists. It’s called: LickiRead Sarah’s PSL-essay that was the impetus to connecting her with now-close friend Kelsey Wharton of the Girl Next Door PodcastCheck out the blog post Baby Steps by our Contributor Sarah Limberg.Listener Sarah (the one who left that sweet voicesmail) has a podcast coming out soon. Check it out! Bloom Box: Growing DeeperMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A young mom feels dismissed by older moms and authority figures, and also asks for our tips for managing a kid with a quirky obsession. A longtime listener asks Meagan and Sarah how to handle kids who have come to expect big fun all the time. A mom of a preschooler is stumped on how to respond to her little guy’s tall tales, fibs, and white lies–and how to sort fact from fiction. Finally, even though we haven’t been in her shoes, we encourage a twin mom who’s expecting triplets (yes, triplets!) and feeling nervous about about how she and her toddlers will cope. Join us for the latest installment of one of our favorite series–listener questions!LINKS MENTIONED:All of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereWe dig deeper into fibbing in this episodeAre you a mom of multiples who wants to reach out to Victoria with a note of encouragement? Email us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes, it’s the small things that have the greatest impact–like a wall hook precisely where your kid needs it or the exact right size and number of laundry baskets for your family. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are sharing easy home hacks and perfect products that are making their lives just a little bit less aggravating. As busy moms, too often, we just deal with the minor annoyances that seem trivial . . . until we’re grinding our teeth because the charger we need is missing (yet again!) We hope that listening to this episode will help you identify the persistent frustrations in your own home and inspire you to brainstorm some solutions. Yes, it might mean spending a few extra bucks or recruiting a helping hand, but we promise: The long-term satisfaction is so worth it. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our recent episode: Cleaning Products We Can’t Live WithoutMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that we’re officially IN the new year, we’re thinking about our hopes and goals for 2022. From physical health to mental health, habits to focus areas, heavy stuff to totally frivolous, Meagan and Sarah share the ways we want to challenge ourselves this year, ways we want to go easier on ourselves, and the ways we plan to invest both in our own growth and in others around us. We’ll be revisiting this topic to see how we’re doing in about six weeks, so be sure to check back in! Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked all things planning in this recent Voices episodeMeagan is reading Atomic Habits (affiliate link) by James Clear, a book that Sarah read two years ago, and that we talked more about in this episode: Small Habits That Make A Big DifferenceMeagan mentioned her recent interview with Amy Clark of MomAdvice.com, including mention of the Mom Advice Book ClubWe both follow @ZeenaDhalla, posture expert, on Instagram (Meagan also interviewed Zeena on Mother Of Reinvention)Meagan mentioned her local spa treatments during her divorce period, something she talked more about in this episode: Self Care As Self PreservationSarah has been giving to teachers and classrooms via DonorsChoose.orgMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Digital task mastery, pen and paper planning, and keeping the family organized: no two moms do this exactly alike – even those of us who love to plan and organize! In our first interview episode of 2022, Sarah Powers sits down with fellow planner people Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-Unger to discuss our favorite digital resources, pen-and-paper tools, and methods of staying organized at work, home, and school. We get into the nitty gritty of color coded everything, what works and what doesn’t for our personalities, and how we use planning tools to avoid over-scheduling and leave white space for joy and (gasp!) even spontaneity. Join us!Note: Sarah Powers chatted Kelsey Wharton from The Girl Next Door podcast for a companion conversation to this episode on Instagram Monday January 10. Watch the recorded video here.LINKS MENTIONED:Watch Sarah Powers and Kelsey Wharton in an Instagram companion to this episode here.Links mentioned by Sarah Hart-UngerFull Focus Planner (affiliate link – shopping here will support SHU!)SHU’s full planner stack for 2022Pentel EnerGel Clena Gel PensErin Condren Wall Organization CenterLinks mentioned by Christine KohTodoist (this is in affiliate link that’ll get you 2 months of PRO free!)Links mentioned by Kelsey Wharton (on Instagram)Google KeepApple Photo StreamWeekly Intentions Printable from @thehandwritingclubDaily Habit Tracker from @elisejoy (get it when you subscribe to her newsletter)Zebra F-301 pensMini highlightersOther things we mentioned and where to find our guests!The Essential CalendarSarah P uses simple laptop stand like this oneChristine’s websiteChristine’s socials: Insta Twitter FacebookSarah Hart-Unger’s websiteSarah Powers talked at length about Todoist on Best Laid PlansSarah Hart-Unger was on The Mom Hour in 2020 and 2021Christine Koh was on The Mom Hour in 2018, and on Meagan’s other show, Mother Of Reinvention more recentlySarah Powers was on Edit Your Life talking about working from home in 2019Sarah Powers on Best Of Both Worlds talking about evening routines and logistics in 2019Kelsey Wharton on The Mom Hour talking about working motherhood way back in 2016Kelsey’s podcast The Girl Next DoorKelsey’s blog Rising*Shining, and her accompanying podcast, the Rising*Shining Audio BlogMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re not experts…we’re two moms with lots of kids and dirty floors. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share our go-to products for keeping a clean-enough house, and feel better about your own dusty corners as we confess the aspects of housekeeping we’re just not great at. We share our favorite way to get dog pee out of the carpet, some tricks for keeping multi-use products like white vinegar and baking soda at the ready, and our shared habit of acquiring a LOT of devices for cleaning floors (and yet? the floors are still dirty). Welcome to 2022, friends. Come on in to our not-very-clean houses for Episode 346!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s can’t-live-without cleaning productsInexpensive microfiber dust mop, similar to this one (affiliate link)Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner (affiliate link)Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Surface Scrub and Scrubbing CreamGranite polish (affiliate link)Libman Freedom Spray Mop (affiliate link)Public Goods Glass Cleaner & Refill Kit (Public Goods is a show sponsor, but we pay for our own goods because we love them so much!) Sarah’s can’t-live-without cleaning productsThe entire Resolve line of carpet and upholstery cleaners (affiliate link)Public Goods Surface Cleaner & Refill Kit (Public Goods is a show sponsor, but we pay for our own goods because we love them so much!) An inexpensive broom/dustpan combo kit, similar to this one (affiliate link), and also open to your favorites!Warehouse-sized containers of bleach, baking soda, and white vinegar – stored somewhere handy!Glisten Dishwasher MagicThis is the exact shop vac we have – purchased at our local home improvement store (can’t vouch for this online retailer but wanted to share our make/model)Other things we mentioned in the episode:New listeners can email Sarah at sarah@themomhour.comMom’s Must-Have Cleaning Products (our team put together this great list on the blog)Meagan seconds contributor Emily’s love for Bar Keeper’s Friend (affiliate link)@gocleanco on InstagramWe’re celebrating 10 Million all-time downloads! Read more here, or watch this.Like episodes about home-life and cleaning? Try these:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Home & Personal Organization HelpWhere To Put All The STUFF (Part One): Episode 294Where To Put All The STUFF (Part Two): Episode 29510 Habits Of Happy Home ManagersHome & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246Home Management Systems That Work (For Now): Episode 220Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191More Than Mom: ClutterDirty Dishes In The Sink (No, It’s Not A Metaphor): Episode 172Loads And Loads (And Loads) Of Laundry: Episode 167Spring Cleaning & Entertaining Tips: Episode 98The Nitty-Gritty of Keeping a Clean-Enough House: Episode 64Stuff, Junk & Things: Episode 35Chores & Delegation: Episode 15MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A day at home with nothing on the calendar or the agenda: It’s the best of times . . . and it can be the worst of times. In this final episode of 2021, Meagan and Sarah are reminiscing about how they spent cuddled-up days at home pre-kids and with little ones, as well as what it looks like now that everyone is kinda doing their own thing. We remember games, baking, movie-watching, and puttering (plus lots of making and cleaning up messes). We talk about at-home activities that are fun with kids, the things that make it challenging, little ways to feel productive, and how to cultivate the “day off” vibe you crave. There’s a fine line between snuggly and stifling, and you might be feeling it this week between Christmas and New Year’s. Whatever the age of your kids or your family situation, this episode will give you ideas on how to take pleasure in the slowness. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan describes the movie “Dan in Real Life”Read our Contributor Emily’s blog post on Six Ways to Entertain Your Family Indoors This WinterListen to these related episodes: More Than Mom: Getting Cozy, Stocking Your House For Stuck-Inside Days, How To Survive (And Even Enjoy) Playing Board Games With KidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From feeling like time (or money) is running out to second-guessing gift choices and blaming ourselves for our kids’ behavior, there’s no shortage of ways for moms to feel crummy during the holidays. Even when everything miraculously gets done, you might wonder where the heck’s the magic or feel guilty wondering if you slowed down enough to actually enjoy it (and honestly, would it even be the holidays without a good, old-fashioned mom tantrum?). In this last episode before Christmas, Meagan and Sarah talk through the various ways moms tend to be hard on themselves this time of year, and some ways we’ve learned to reframe our messy feelings. We also chat about how we’re feeling this particular Christmas and how it compares to holidays of the past. Depending on when you listen to this episode, consider it your pre- or post-holiday pep talk–complete with a tasty detour into charcuterie board land. We promise it’s NOT too late to give yourself a little grace. We’re here for you, friends! Enjoy.LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s our recent episode on What Our Kids See In Us (For Better & For Worse)Read Meagan’s holiday help blogpost: No, You’re Not BehindWe loved this Girl Next Door podcast episode on Christmas Gone Wrong from our friends Kelsey and EricaOur Contributor Chaunie’s blogpost: Last Year I Skipped Christmas; Here’s What I LearnedListen to our episode on Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom PressureCheck out all our episodes and blogposts about the holidaysThere have been some very poignant conversations about the holidays and family in our Facebook GroupWhen you have time, it would mean so much if you left us a reviewWe have so many great ideas and lots of encouragement waiting for you in our Holiday HeadquartersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to parenting–and how we generally live our lives–actions speak louder than words. Our behaviors, priorities, emotions, and reactions are all things we’re modeling for our kids. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah try to see themselves through their kids’ eyes, reflecting on the qualities we feel good about and the ones we’re trying to be more conscious of. We talk about how we can’t control how our kids will think about us when they’re grown, but we CAN be thoughtful about the moms we want to be; and even though we’re opposites in lots of ways, we discover a superpower we have in common. This deep-thinky episode is a great one for wherever you are on your motherhood journey. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode was inspired in part by Sarah’s interview with Meghan LeahyWe recently talked about habits in this episode: Where We Nailed It (And Where We Didn’t) In 2021We’d love to hear from you. Email us, or connect with us on Facebook or InstagramHere’s how to leave us a review (pretty please!) Discover tons of holiday content and our Small Business Boutique over in our Holiday HeadquartersListen to our other episodes on our personalities: Getting (And Giving) Help During Hard Times, How We’re The Same (And Also Different), and Knowing Yourself As A MomMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As 2021 winds down, we’re looking at the habits we picked up – intentionally or accidentally – in the past year. Some habits we stuck with and feel great about; some didn’t serve us as much as we thought they might. We celebrate some areas where we totally nailed it this year and get real about the not-so-healthy habits that crept in, too. From self-care and big improvements, to tech use and baby steps, we look at the different ways our habits showed up in 2021, acknowledging that you don’t have to stick with something for 365 days for it to make an impact. We also laugh about the things Meagan does in bed . . . and the new things she wants to try (wink, wink). We end on a hopeful note, with some early thoughts on 2022 intentions (and lots more to come). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked about her planner / goal setting / Todoist (affiliate link) habits when she was a guest on this episode of Best Laid Plans with Sarah Hart-UngerBig fans of this Q&A a Day Journal for Kids and the 5-Year version for grownupsWe still love popping into our listener group on Facebook!We’re throwing it WAY back with this episode: Your Media Diet: Is It Healthy?This is how Sarah’s family does family meetingsWe’ve said it before: Decide Once is a Lazy Genius principle we can get behindMeagan dipped her toe into TV-watching with: The Queen’s Gambit, Ted Lasso, and The Shrink Next DoorThe episode where Meagan’s Voices interview on Running Marathons & Raising BoysMeagan’s Mother of Reinvention episode with Amy Clark about her book clubDiscover gift ideas and holiday inspiration over in our Holiday HeadquartersListen to our other episodes on habits: Podcast Listening and Book Reading Habits, 10 Habits of Happy Home Managers, and Small Habits That Make a Big DifferenceMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the years, we’ve developed a bit of a reputation for hating fun, but really we just want to give all moms permission to have actual opinions about what’s fun, what isn’t, and how they like to make memories with their kids. If you’re like us, cooking, crafting, outdoor activities, and Mommy-and-Me classes might strike you as are occasionally fun, never-ever fun, or not fun YET. In the spirit of keeping it real, Meagan and Sarah chat about how kids have special ways of tainting activities we normally love, plus we break down how to separate the fun YOU crave from feeling like you have to include your children. We also give real tips for how to make some of these ideas a better fit for your family (spoiler: It might not include you!). And to wrap it all up, we share some encouragement and suggestions for planning future “fun.” Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Our OG episode on hating fun and when we revisited the topic several years agoMeagan’s Instagram post about taking her kids to indoor waterparks Our Contributor Jayme’s blogpost: Baking With Kids This Holiday Season: A Strategy For The Hesitant MomDear Evan Hansen is a soundtrack Meagan normally (but doesn’t always!) love on family road trips Craving fun that’s just for you? Listen to our More Than Mom episode on Creative Hobbies (Now … Soonish … Maybe Someday) for inspiration.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matchy Christmas china, snuggly slippers, nice leather bags, and incredible concerts . . . these are a few of our favorite things! What makes a great gift AND how do you increase your odds of actually getting it? Today’s More Than Mom is all about the most memorable gifts of our Christmases Past–plus what’s on our wish lists (and shopping lists!) this year. We talk about gifts from childhood, experience gifts, weird gifts, and gifts that turn into traditions. We also discuss what really makes a gift feel thoughtful and personal, and some of our favorite gifts to give the women in our lives. As a bonus, Sarah also shares a decade-long Christmas gift mystery! This episode is full of inspiration. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Shop small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business BoutiqueAll our Contributor gift guides are in our Holiday HeadquartersSarah’s fave slippers she heard about from Ashlee GaddWe love shopping Etsy and MintedSarah’s travel mugMeagan’s show and tell embroidery video on InstagramMom’s 2021 Holiday WishlistIt’s true! We’ve talked about bags before: What’s In Our Purses and all about PursesMore episodes about gifting: Giving and Receiving Gifts, A Judgement-Free Conversation About Shopping More MindfullyCheck out all our episodes and blogposts about giftsMeagan’s essay It’s OK To Feel Disappointed In Your GiftsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most common questions we’re asked is how to get kids ready for a new sibling. In today’s Voices episode, Meagan chats with a seasoned mom from our Contributor team about how she’s doing just that! Kia is a former postpartum nurse and about to give birth to Baby #4. With kids ages 12, 4, and 1, she’s being super thoughtful about tailoring her approach for each child and stage. Find out how she’s dealing with everyone’s emotions (including her own), making changes to her home, and her favorite items for making it all go a little easier this time around. And with the holidays upon us, we talk about how having a newborn will impact her plans. (All the cute Christmas onesies, please!) Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Follow @kiamhammond on Instagram to stay up to date on baby news! Watch Kia pack her hospital bag here: How A Postpartum Nurse And 4th-Time Pregnant Mom Packs Her Hospital Bag Meet the Mom Hour Contributor teamKia loves the Hatch Baby app for tracking newborn feedingsKia thinks Audible credits, AirPods, and a Kindle make great gifts for new momsShe loves to gift high-contrast cards, baby feeders, personalized blankets, and Lovevery kits (Lovevery is a sponsor of the podcast, for free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kit visit Lovevery.com/themomhour)Some of Kia’s must-haves are this Baby Wrap Carrier, the Wildbird Ring Sling, the Ergobaby, and this felt diaper caddyListen to 10 Things We Love About The 4th TrimesterCheck out all our episodes and blogposts on Pregnancy and BabiesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s no shortage of IDEAS for making meaningful holidays with kids, but the reality is that time, money, and mama-energy are limited resources. If you’ve ever been curious about how REAL families do Christmas, join Meagan and Sarah as we sit down with two moms from our Contributor team for behind-the-scenes peeks at their holiday magic making, Advent traditions, and gift giving plans. Sarah chats with Jennifer, a mom of 4-year-old twins, who’s smack-dab in the middle of preschool holiday fun and finally experiencing the light at the end of the tunnel of parenting little twins. Then Meagan and Lisa connect over being divorced moms of many children–Lisa has four kids at home. They talk about coparenting, deciding who gives which presents, and how special it is to share the holiday magic with big kids. Listen and discover how other moms are making this season meaningful for their families. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our Holiday Headquarters for gift guides, holiday-themed blog posts, and podcast episodes to help inspire you this holiday season!Support our community of creative entrepreneurs by shopping the small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business Boutique Check out Jennifer’s Gift Guide for the Adventuring FamilyListen to the last time Lisa was on the podcast: Inside The Morning HustleLisa is giving her youngest daughter an American Girl doll that looks just like herMeet the Mom Hour Contributor teamMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From sharing toys to allowing screens, sleepovers to sibling dynamics, setting some expectations for playdates helps control the chaos (and the tears!). This latest episode in our “House Rules” series is a fascinating peek into how our listeners handle having kids over to play AND sending their kids to friends’ houses. Meagan reminds us there’s only so much moms can control–especially as kids get older, and Sarah shares her personal rule about a certain game that’s NOT allowed to be played in a specific place. Whether your family is just easing into playdates or you need some create some new guidelines, you’ll find some really smart ideas here. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our other episodes in the House Rules seriesCheck out these related episodes: Our Kids & Their Friendships and Kids & Friendships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-MooreWe recently talked all about How We Host and Being a Gracious GuestCheck out our Holiday Headquarters for gift guides, holiday-themed activities, and great stories to help inspire you this holiday season!Support our community of creative entrepreneurs by shopping the small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business Boutique MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who gets to claim the identity of Writer? In our humble opinions, there’s way more to it than whether your work is published or not. Meagan and Sarah have had writing careers that have run the gamut, including dealing with hangups, vulnerability, and rejection. Today’s More Than Mom episode paints a picture of our early writing days, touches on our current writing habits(spoiler alert: You’re probably already reading most of it!), and lets us fantasize a bit about our future writer selves. Plus, we decide once and for all to bring back the word “cool.” Writing not your thing? We share tips for diving more deeply into any creative pursuit. If you have any interest in how creativity connects to motherhood, this episode is for you! Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Read How I Started Writing by our contributor Stacey BronecA lot of our writing these days is for The Mom Hour on our website, newsletter, Instagram, and Facebook!We love Wendi Aarons‘s smart, humorous voiceShop small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business BoutiqueDiscover gift ideas and holiday inspiration over in our Holiday HeadquartersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal planning is one thing, but how do you build your recipe collection in the first place? And where do you go when you’re looking to make a change, such as trying a new technique, or cooking an unfamiliar food for the first time? In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah talk about both the challenges of feeding a family healthfully, as well as the sources of inspiration we look to when we find ourselves in a rut. From tearing recipes out of magazines (do people still do that?) to our favorite cookbooks and foodie websites, we’re sharing where, exactly, we get our best meal ideas. We also speak with Megan Lott, the Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research, who is sharing their latest recommendations on how families can work on healthy mealtime habits. LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more about our sponsor Healthy Eating Research and their new recommendations for kids healthy food habits Megan Lott recommends myplate.gov for great nutrition resources and New York Times Cooking for recipesThe Girl Next Door Podcast did a whole episode on their favorite cookbooksDidn’t I Just Feed You is a fave food podcast for parentsIt’s easy to find a ton of recipes on Instagram, Pinterest, Food Network, and AllrecipesMeagan and Sarah both love the special interest food publications from Better Homes and GardensSome of Sarah’s favorite cookbooks are America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, and Pascale Beale’s Salade: Recipes From The Market Table and Salade II: More Recipes From The Market TableSometimes, our go-to dishes are riffs on recipes from celebrity chefs or food personalities like Alton Brown, Ree Drummond, or Paula DeenEven if we don’t cook any of the dishes, it’s entertaining to watch food shows, such as “Taste The Nation” and “Searching For Italy”Check out all our episodes and blog posts on feeding a familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the etiquette to expectations, gatherings are a two-way relationship between the hosts and the guests. In this flip side of last week’s episode on hosting, Meagan and Sarah are talking about our favorite types of get-togethers, the ways we try to be “good guests,” and our strategies for surviving social events (including the ones that feel high-stakes) with little ones. We point out how thoughtful preparation and honest communication–with our hosts, kids, and even ourselves–tempers the stress for everyone involved. To wrap it up, Meagan shares an important reminder AND a mantra moms can repeat when everyone’s on edge. Whether you’re getting ready for holiday parties or looking for tips that apply to any event, you’ll find lots of reassurance here. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our episode on How We Host (And How We Don’t) As Moms Of Many KidsCheck out our gift guides, Small Business Boutique, and more in our Holiday Headquarters!“Decide Once” is a Lazy Genius principle that works great for things like hostess giftsHere’s the backstory behind Meagan’s meltdown photo that became a viral meme. Share your house rules for playdates in our Facebook group. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosting a gathering can feel like a huge burden, a creative outlet, a ton of fun, and everything in between. In our unofficial kickoff to the 2021 holiday season, Meagan and Sarah are here to look at how we host, how we don’t, and how opening our homes has changed over the years. We remind you – and ourselves – that there are many ways to be a gracious host and that nobody nails it in every category. Whether you’d like to organize a small friend gathering or you’re hosting the Big Meal for a dozen extended family members, this episode will serve as a gentle reminder that you can do it in a way that feels authentic, welcoming, and – yep – even fun. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our episode on Sane & Satisfying Holiday EntertainingThe viral “Company is Coming” video that still makes us crack upWe were channeling our inner Lazy Genius in the second half of this episode – here’s Kendra on hosting and entertainingJoanna (@cafedumartin) has a pre-hosting plan out on our blog later this week – stay tuned!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

City Mouse…Country Mouse…do we really have to choose? Not in our fantasy lives! Meagan and Sarah have both done stints as city dwellers and have some experience with rural life, but we’ve spent most of our kid-rearing years in suburbs or small towns. Today’s More Than Mom episode is a total indulgence in the fantasies of city living and country life – at their most extremes. We talk about how we’d dress and what we’d eat, what our homes would be like and how we’d spend our days. We also touch on the books, movies, and television that shaped our early understanding of city and country living (turns out we may need a part two JUST about television apartments). It’s a fun one, friends – join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Throughout our lives, our fantasy settings have been inspired by media, including: Harriet the Spy, Sex and the City, When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, the Little House books, All Creatures Great & Small, Anne of Green Gables, and Charlotte’s WebThis isn’t the first time we’ve talked about our alternate fantasy lives, check out these related episodes:Our Fantasy Kitchens, Meagan & Sarah Get Stranded On A Desert Island, The Lives We Didn’t LeadMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From toddler tantrums to big kid anxiety, parents feel so much pressure to tackle these challenges in the right way. Are we expecting too much from our kids . . . and ourselves? In our latest Voices interview episode, Sarah has a conversation with Meghan Leahy, parenting expert and author of a new book, Parenting Outside the Lines. In her signature honest and humorous tone, Meghan shares some valuable insights about what’s going on behind common kid behavior phases. She also reminds us all that WE are the best experts in our kids and that holding empathy for both our kids AND ourselves is the key to combatting perfectionism. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meghan’s new book is Parenting Outside the LinesYou can find information about Meghan’s online classes, coaching, and lots of parent resources on her websiteMeghan Leahy is the parenting expert in The Washington PostOn the topic of kids and tech Meghan recommends Adam Pletter‘s online class iParent 101Meghan also recommends books Screenwise by Devorah Heitner and Raising a Screen-Smart Kid by Juliana MinorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From taking a detailed phone message and sticking to a meeting plan to utilizing physical resources like paper maps, bus schedules, TV guides, and phone books, there are so many life skills children of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s were just expected to know. In today’s episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah chat about these once-essential abilities our kids lack simply because the world has changed. On the flip-side, we also reflect on the new skills that come so naturally to this crop of kids. In some cases, they’re teaching us! (Multiple remote controls drive anyone else bonkers?!) To wrap it up, we reflect on how to not become gripe-y or grumpy about these natural generational differences. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to related episodes: Life Skills We’re Glad Our Kids Have Right Now (And A Few They’re Still Working On) and Chores, Life Skills, & Household ResponsibilitiesCheck out all our episodes and blogposts about big kidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aspirational meal plans are ubiquitous, but drilling down to what families ACTUALLY eat in a given week is a lot harder to find. For that reason, we–and our listeners–love our ongoing series of “what really went down” at mealtime. Meagan and Sarah are sharing what we actually prepared and ate for dinner the week of October 4th, 2021. We also have fun bringing in seven of our contributors to share how they fed their families. This episode has a wide range of typical dinners (including chili all the ways!) from variety of families. You’re sure to find some dinner inspiration and validation that however you’re doing it, you’re not alone! Join us. LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to more of our Week of Real-Life Dinners episodes (we also referenced back to this recent episode: Envisioning A Week Of Ideal Meals)Get to know all of Our ContributorsMonday:Emily loves this Iowa Girl Eats’s Signature Smoky, Spicy, Sweet ChiliEmily’s favorite oatmeal-chocolate chip cookiesTuesday:Sarah’s Joie brand “roundy” silicone egg rings for perfectly round fried eggsThe tasty ground beef enchiladas recipe Stacy found last minuteJoanna’s favorite harvest salad WednesdayThe baked chicken wings the Powers family makes for “wings ‘n’ things”Sarah’s family usually gets their wings from ButcherBoxFridayFor a gluten-free teriyaki-inspired marinade, contributor Sarah Limberg likes this Nom Nom Paleo Stir-Fry Sauce recipeSaturdayEmily made this apple cobbler from their apple orchard bountySunday – check back soon for that herb/parmesan-crusted chicken recipe Sarah’s family ate at her parents’ house (we’re still tracking it down!)Check out all our food-related episodes and blog postsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve talked about fashion on the podcast before, but personal style is one of those things that’s always evolving. With today’s trends, cuts, colors, and various ways of shopping, there’s a fine balance between dressing up-to-date AND feeling like ourselves. In today’s More Than Mom episode, Sarah and Meagan chat about the state of our current wardrobes, the challenge of putting on “public-facing pants,” the pieces we’re surprised we like, the ones that aren’t for us, and share some outfits we looked–and felt–cute in. We also figure out what color, exactly, is “puce.” Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Last time we did a style check-in was in this February 2021 More Than Mom episodeMeagan’s chat with Dacy Gillespie on How To Create A Mindful Closet (And Discover Clothes You Truly Love)Sarah’s favorite travel pants (influenced by Kelle Hampton of @etst)We mentioned our More Than Mom episode #Influenced a couple of timesMeagan likes the brands prAna and Kuhl for outdoor-wearCute and durable tightsSome of our favorite leggings are from Spanx and LysseCheck out all our style episodes and blog postsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When do you decorate for Halloween or carve pumpkins? What costumes are allowed? And exactly how much candy do kids get to eat? As we’ve said before: You get to decide! And once you do, it cuts down on SO many battles and questions. In our latest “House Rules” episode, we’re sharing our listeners’ best arbitrary rules for trick-or-treating, choosing (and trying on) costumes, and more! Meagan and Sarah share how they’ve approached Halloween in their families, and talk about how some of their policies have evolved (or been eliminated!) as kids grow. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Apply to be included in our Small Business BoutiqueCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about HalloweenMeagan’s essay “Yes, That Might Be My Teen At Your Door on Halloween”Get to know Kia, and the rest of Our ContributorsMost of the House Rules we collected for this episode were comments on this post in our Facebook groupJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Listen to our other episodes in the House Rules seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do when your toddler has separation anxiety and being apart feels somewhat optional? A mom of a baby and a precocious toddler is looking for tools to help with emotional drop-offs at the church nursery. A mom with four young kids is desperate for a date night and looking for outside-the-box childcare solutions. Another mom whose age doesn't match up with her friends' wants help navigating the intersection of motherhood, friendship, and family planning. A part-time SAHM wonders if it's normal to feel bored during long days with her toddler. (Spoiler alert: YES!) Meagan and Sarah give advice for ditching the guilt. We also send our love to a longtime listener who is struggling with setting healthy boundaries with Grandma. We tackle a lot of tough stuff in this episode of Listener Questions. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Here's our episode on Getting (And Giving) Help During Hard TimesCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about toddlersListen to our series on Friendships in Motherhood: Part 1 and Part 2Listen to our series on Sitters & Caregivers: Part 1 and Part 2Can you relate to these questions? Pass along a note of support or commiseration by emailing hello@themomhourAll of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereOur House Rules for Halloween episode is coming soon! Get a sneak preview in the comments on this post in our Facebook groupMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A listener is curious about Meagan and Sarah’s Zodiac signs; she also wants to know if we could add any frivolous feature to our homes, what would it be? (Meagan recommends a llama to complement Sarah’s dreamy detail.) A longtime listener asks if we’ve had any show topics that didn’t make the cut. An aspiring blogger asks for writing tips. And finally, a new homeowner is looking for advice on landscaping a yard that looks nice, but is also low-maintenance. For this Sunday spin on listener questions, we’re stepping outside the realm of parenting to weigh in on a wider variety of topics. This was a fun one. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:More about Bookshop.orgExhale, Coffee and Crumbs’ online creative community#amwriting is a great hashtag and podcast to follow for writing support and inspirationAll of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you’re going through A Thing, what kind of help feels most…helpful? Is it practical stuff, like a delivered meal? Is it emotional support, or humor and distraction? And does the way you feel most supported influence the way you step up for your own friends? Meagan and Sarah tackle these questions and more in Episode 333, all about the ways we give and receive support during hard seasons of life and motherhood. We look at our own personalities, our relationship patterns, and how all of this has evolved over time. (We also have a couple of real-time on-air epiphanies!) Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Esther Perel talking about comparative suffering on Brene Brown’s podcast, Unlocking UsMeagan’s selfie and essay about caring for yourself on IGWe talk about our personality types in our Knowing Yourself As A Mom episodeListen to our discussion about Love LanguagesRing Theory is the “dump out, comfort in” concept that helps you know the right things to do and say in a crisisCheck out all our episodes on hard stuffMore Listener Questions episodes are just around the corner! Send your questions to hello@themomhour (please write “listener question” in the subject line)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From travel sports teams to competitive dance, elite kids’ activities and their impact on family life often get a bad rap. In this month’s Voices interview episode Meagan chats with Kelly Rippon, author of Parent Up: Inspire Your Child To Be Their Best Self and mother of former US champion figure skater Adam Rippon. Kelly shares a much more encouraging side of being an “opportunity creator” for your kids, including her unique perspective as a single mom of many now-grown kids, all of whom were accomplished and active in extracurriculars. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Buy Kelly’s book Parent Up: Inspire Your Child To Be Their Best Self (Bookshop.org affiliate link)Learn more about Kelly’s Parent Up workshops and more on her websiteKelly’s InstagramAdam’s InstagramListen to our episode on Managing Kids’ ExtracurricularsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From hand washing to changing undies, bath time to brushing teeth, staying on top of your kids’ hygiene is essential to keeping them healthy and not (too) stinky. In our latest “House Rules” episode, we’re sharing listeners’ hilarious, straightforward, and down-right-genius methods for taking the guesswork out of getting everyone clean. And in the spirit of keeping things VERY real, Meagan and Sarah both tell stories about times their kids seemed embarrassingly clueless about simple hygiene practices. Listen along for some ideas that might make YOUR family hygiene regimen less of a struggle. LINKS MENTIONED:Most of the House Rules we collected for this episode were comments from our Facebook pageJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Check out our other episodes in the House Rules seriesListen to our episode on Potty Training & Other Bathroom MattersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan is an experienced camper, while Sarah likes the IDEA of family nature time, but isn’t so sure. There’s sleeping on the ground, critters (both mild and wild), plus all the logistics. And with so many options for “roughing it,” from rustic backpacking to glamping, what even qualifies as camping these days? In today’s More Than Mom episode, Meagan’s breaking it all down for Sarah – and for our listeners! From packing to food prep, how to stay comfy and how to get clean(ish), follow along as Meagan shares her tips for figuring out what kind of camping might be right for you. Along the way, Meagan gets real about how she handles when nature calls, tells a funny story about a time she panicked about a snake getting too close for comfort, and talks about storing her gear. It’s an adventure–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Read the blog post “Yes You Can Take Your Kids Car Camping” by our Contributor, Jennifer Carroll. That time when Meagan owned a camperMeagan’s guide on Beginner Hiking and Camping Gear for WomenArrive Outdoors is the camping gear rental website Meagan’s sister recommendsHipcamp is like the Airbnb of camping. Meagan has had good experience booking rustic sites and small cabins through it.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Doing better by the planet is a lofty goal: but what does it REALLY look like in the homes of busy moms with lots of kids? Less plastic, no plastic, better plastic? Zero waste, composting, recycling? It’s objectively overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean it’s an all-or-nothing decision. As with any kind of improvement we talk about on The Mom Hour, we’re all about small, repeatable actions you can incorporate into your existing routine, and that add up to meaningful change over time–and in today’s special episode we’re applying that framework to sustainability in the kitchen. Meagan and Sarah share how we identify our personal values when it comes to kitchen sustainability, what small changes we’ve made (and stuck with!), and how we keep from getting lost in all the “shoulds” as we navigate doing just a little bit better for the planet, in ways that work for us.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our “Week Of Real-Life Dinners” is beloved around these parts, and we have another installment coming up next month! And while normalizing the pivots and misses (and hastily ordered pizzas) that characterize EVERY family’s real-life dinners is super important, we also know that revisiting the values and ideals that serve as your foundation can help re-energize the meal-planning process. In short: there’s nothing wrong with real-life dinners, but there’s also nothing wrong with shooting for an ideal plan. In Episode 331 Meagan and Sarah reflect on the what’s and why’s of our own week of ideal family meals, acknowledging the pain points we’re trying to avoid and the north star we’re shooting toward. We also look at the “ingredients” that go into a week of meals that nearly hits that elusive ideal. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all our episodes on Feeding a Family, including our series of “A Week of Real Life Dinners.”Listen to Envisioning Your Perfect Ordinary Day, to hear what WE would love to eat throughout the day.In Episode 327, we discuss our energy patterns and how they affect things like meal planning and cooking.Read how our Contributor Jayme Sherrod turned a simple treat into a ritual of connection with her son in The Magic of Porch PopsiclesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you’re trying to scale back to a simpler schedule or ramp up after a pandemic hiatus, adjusting to kids’ activities and extracurriculars is a huge part of settling into a fall routine. In Episode 330 Meagan and Sarah look at this topic with some hindsight (sharing what we learned about ourselves and our kids by trying different activities during the little years), and also through the lens of Fall 2021 (what our kids are playing and trying now, and how a year off has changed things in our families). We also reflect on how our own childhoods influence our family cultures around extracurriculars, and what has surprised us about how older kids and teens find their passions and pursuits. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Helping vs. Helicoptering? Part 1: Episode 194 and Part 2: Episode 195 where we talked about nurturing our kids’ independence. Look back on The Fall Sarah Quit Everything: Episode 233 to hear what happened when the Powers family was over-scheduled. Check out Nurturing Kids’ Talents (and When to Let Them Quit): Episode 164Season 2 of Mother of Reinvention is premiering this week!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our favorite foods and flavors are WELL-documented on the podcast, but what about the other four senses? Sights, smells, sounds, and textures can all contribute to a boosted mood OR a not-so-great sensory experience. In today’s More Than Mom episode – our first one back after a summer hiatus! – Sarah and Meagan chat about whether our sensory preferences change with the seasons, how our sensitivities have changed with age, and what specific textures, scents, and sounds we’re drawn to. We round out the episode by talking about how trends influence our favorite colors, and which ones we’ve loved our whole lives. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah is obsessed with the feeling of slipping into her sheets from our sponsor Cozy Earth. For 40% OFF go to cozyearth.com and enter promo code THEMOMHOURPODCASTListen to Speaking Our Kids’ Love Languages & Knowing Our Own: Episode 296 for more about how we feel about physical touch.In House Rules for Easier Mornings: Episode 328 we talk about being not being able to answer questions while backing out of the driveway.In Home Decor & Dining Out: Episode 77, we talk about our decorating styles and our favorite foods, drinks, and treats to order at restaurants.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every pregnancy, baby, and birth is unique–and between us we’ve had eight of them! From planned c-sections to hospital births that didn’t go as planned, birthing centers, home births, and water births: we haven’t experienced everything, but we’ve been through a lot! Coming off of Labor Day (wink wink), Meagan and Sarah are looking back on the births of our eight babies in Episode 329. We answer your questions about how we prepared, some funny and not-so-fun moments, and what we wish we had known about birth. Join us!We know birth stories can be hard to hear. If you’re struggling with infertility you might find encouragement in this episode; if you’ve experienced a pregnancy loss, we recommend this episode; if you’re going through a medically difficult pregnancy or difficult diagnosis, try this one or this one; if you’re experiencing infant loss or a tough NICU stay, this episode may help you feel less alone.LINKS MENTIONED:Email hello@themomhour.com with your topic suggestions for our More Than Mom episodesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Check out our other episodes about pregnancyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered how other moms get everybody up, ready, fed, and out the door with all their parts and pieces? We think it’s fascinating to peek behind the curtain at different families’ routines and rituals, so in today’s episode Sarah chats with two moms from our Contributor team. Lisa is a full-time working single mom of four kids (at three schools!) who has great ideas for keeping mornings calm, making time for herself, and giving kids increasing independence as they grow. Ashley is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two kids, one with Cerebral Palsy, so mornings present a different set of challenges in her house. Find out what’s working well so far this fall for Lisa’s and Ashley’s families, how they’re dealing with setbacks, and what they’ve learned works for them when it comes to morning routines. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to House Rules for Easier Mornings, Episode 328Get to know our Contributor team, including Lisa and Ashley!Learn more about Ashley’s family by listening to our conversation about Life & Motherhood After a High-Risk Pregnancy and Premature BirthRead Ashley’s blogpost: Eighteen Summers with My KidsGet a special email from us on the first Monday of the month by subscribing to our newsletter here. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stress out by mornings? You’re not alone. But good news: we found the source of all solutions for smoother mornings… THIS COMMUNITY. The latest episode in our House Rules For… series is full of our listeners’ genius ideas for prepping ahead, managing morning screen time, and how, when, and where Mom Signs All The Things. Whether you have early risers or slow-to-movers, listen to Episode 328 to hear how experienced parents in our community are setting boundaries, teaching responsibility, and taking the guesswork out of the morning hustle. Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:Most of the House Rules we collected for this episode are comments on this Instagram postMeagan mentioned last week’s episode about energy patternsJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Check out our other episodes in the House Rules seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Expectations these days feel like … a lot. When your energy is finite and the demands on you feel, well, INfinite, we find it helps to begin with self-awareness. What drains your energy as a mom? When are you naturally at your best? If you’re depleted, is it physical, mental, or emotional energy that’s in shortest supply? And if you’re in a low-energy season – whether it’s a day, a week, a month, or a year – can you reprioritize and reframe so that you’re not further weighed down by guilt or unrealistic expectations? Sarah and Meagan look at these questions and more in Episode 327. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For more episodes on productivity and time management, click hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every family’s breakfast routine looks different – and that’s OK. Whether you’re all about prep-ahead dishes that fill up hungry kids on weekday mornings, or are just trying to make it out the door in one piece with a cereal bar for the road, we’re here to validate that not every single breakfast needs to look perfect, or tick every nutritional box. Join Meagan and Sarah for Episode 326, a zoom in on the first meal of the day. We talk about our family cultures around breakfast, how weekends look (very) different from weekday mornings, and how things have shifted as kids have gotten older. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned our series on feeding toddlers including the episodes Feeding Toddlers, Part 1: Feeding A Toddler In Transition, Feeding Toddlers, Part 2: Help! I Have A Picky Eater., and Feeding Toddlers, Part 3: Toddler Eating Strategies, Meal By MealWe love the podcast Didn’t I Just Feed You for all things feeding a family (all their breakfast-themed episodes are here)For more episodes about feeding our families, head hereSarah mentioned loving her blender, popsicle molds and Hexclad pansMeagan mentioned her Kitchenaid Electric Kettle and her Pampered Chef Batter BowlsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah are inviting you in for a good old-fashioned catch-up sesh as we wind down Summer 2021. There’s a bit of everything in today’s episode: updates on our own kid and family milestones, reflections on the second pandemic summer (a few fails, some sweet moments, and everything in between), thoughts on the strange time of year that is mid-August, and some of what’s been keeping us entertained lately (books, TV, podcasts, and more!). Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan shared about Clara’s summer camp nervousness hereSarah talked about one of her kids’ inflexibility and penchant for extreme disappointment in this episodeIf you’re still getting to know us, you might like other “grab bag” style episodes like these:Behind The Scenes & End Of Summer Catch-Up: Episode 276Grab Bag Catch-Up & Reading While Traveling: Episode 236More Than Mom: Late Summer Check-In & ProcrastinationLate-Summer Check-In & Managing Seasonal Transitions: Episode 168What We’re Watching, Reading & Listening To, Summer Edition: Episode 59Overcoming Mid-Summer Malaise: Episode 14Sarah’s older two made this recipe for muffin tin pizza as part of Kids Cook Dinner night in the Powers house Sarah’s media picks (those mentioned, and a few we didn’t have time for) include:BOOKS | Dusk Night Dawn by Anne Lammott, Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano (affiliate links)PODCASTS | Your Own Backyard, Even The Rich Madonna Series, Toxic (The Britney Spears Story)TV | The Right Stuff, Ted Lasso, Top Chef, The Good Place DOCUMENTARIES | Penguin Town, The Last Man on the Moon, Biggest Little FarmMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s guest is a working mom with three kids under five, a career journey punctuated by curiosity and leaps of faith, and a brand new role as Content Manager for The Mom Hour! Please help us welcome Amanda Park to the team, and join us for a conversation that covers her working mom journey through several big industries, how she found The Mom Hour as a listener (and eventually joined our team), and what it’s been like working behind the scenes as we expand our content goals this summer. We also chat about personality stuff, Amanda’s current wins and challenges in the trenches of motherhood, and offer a sneak peek into what’s coming up this fall with our new team of contributors. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meet The Mom Hour Contributor Team!Meagan recommended that Amanda look at the Misidentifying articles at Enneagram Institute (Sarah benefitted from Misidentifying 1 and 6, for example; Meagan was helped by Misidentifying 2 and 7)Anytime we mention the Enneagram, we like to recommend this test, and the type descriptions found hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever fantasized about a week on a tropical island, a whole day in the spa, a winning lottery ticket, or – let’s be honest – even just a hot cup of coffee you get to finish in one sitting, you’re not alone. As busy, tired mamas it’s natural to dream about a life different from the one we’re living. But it’s also helpful, we think, to point those daydreams in a slightly more achieve-able direction, and that’s what Meagan and Sarah are doing in today’s episode. Join us as we each envision our version of a perfect, ordinary day: a day that exists within the actual framework of our current homes, jobs, cars, kids, and schedule, but where the stars align to leave us feeling especially happy and fulfilled. Play along at home and think about what key elements go into your own ideal ordinary day – it’s part fun fantasy and part food for thought. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Want to make notes or journal about your own perfect ordinary day? Use this free printable!Join our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)We like to fantasize on this show sometimes…check out our other fantasy themed episodes More Than Mom: Our Fantasy Kitchens and More Than Mom: Meagan And Sarah Get Stranded On A Deserted IslandMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From goody bags to party guest lists, opening gifts and blowing out candles, kid birthdays go deep into your personal family culture and traditions. We firmly believe that there’s no One Right Way to celebrate, but we do know that without some parameters those celebrations can get to be … a lot. In our latest House Rules For…episode, we’re highlighting our listeners’ smart tips and hacks for keeping birthdays manageable and meaningful. Take the ones that work for you and leave the rest – this is mom-crowdsourcing at its finest!LINKS MENTIONED:We received input for this episode from our Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Listen to our previous episodes in the house rules series: House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314 and House Rules For Travel & Vacation: Episode 319MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Annoyed. Irritated. Short-fused. Anyone else feeling low-level grumpy lately? When it’s not an actual crisis, deep exhaustion, crippling overwhelm, or another significantly hard season of motherhood, it can be tricky to identify the reasons behind–and the strategies to help with–a bad mood. But we know one thing for sure: sometimes it helps to vent a bit. In Episode 322 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah air some very petty gripes about what’s driving us bonkers lately, and then do a little self-reflection about what triggers our annoyance, how our personalities manifest it, and how to reframe it and reset our moods. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:New to Enneagram? We always recommend this free online test, and the type descriptions found here. Love the Enneagram and haven’t heard us talk about it? Try this episode, and this one, and this one.We mentioned the article Here’s What Makes You Angry, Based On Your Enneagram Type (Susan Storm, Psychology Junkie)Want to leave us a voicemail and vent about your own petty annoyances? Use Speakpipe!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From breakfast to snacks, lunch to dinner to even dessert, each day holds plenty of opportunity to introduce new flavors and textures, teach table skills, and introduce micro-doses of nutrition into your toddler’s tummy. Meagan and Sarah cover each meal and the specific strategies they used to keep them interesting, low-stress, and as nutritious as possible, even when a toddler has the attention span of a fruit fly. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series Your Toddler Feeding Challenges, Solved! Listen to Part 1 hereand Part 2 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more about our sponsor, Horizon Organic, and the Growing Years line of products for kids ages 1 to 5BabyCenter poll: On what sort of schedule does your toddler eat?BabyCenter community thread: How do you sneak nutrition into your toddler’s diet?MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Picky” and “toddler” – the two words go hand-in-hand, right? In this episode Meagan and Sarah tackle one of their listeners’ biggest mom-obstacles, sharing tips and tricks to help get those opinionated toddlers to eat more adventurously and healthfully while also offering reassurance that this stage won’t last forever and that there are things you can do to help even the choosiest toddler (occasionally) try new things while getting the nutrition they need. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series Your Toddler Feeding Challenges, Solved! Listen to yesterday’s Part 1 here, and check back for Part 3 tomorrow.LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more about our sponsor, Horizon Organic, and the Growing Years line of products for kids ages 1 to 5BabyCenter community thread: My toddler won’t eat ___________ but will eat ___________.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to toddlers, one thing is certain: just when you get used to a new stage or phase, it changes. And nowhere is this more true than when it comes to how a toddler eats: from introducing new textures and foods, to weaning, to attempting self-feeding and even learning how to use cups and utensils, toddlers are in a constant state of transition – and so is the way they eat. In this first episode in our three-part series on feeding toddlers, Meagan and Sarah offer solutions to the most common struggles moms face during those transitions, as well as a healthy dose of “it’s all gonna be okay” mom-confidence. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series Your Toddler Feeding Challenges, Solved! Check back for Part 1 tomorrow, and Part 2 on Friday.LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more about our sponsor, Horizon Organic, and the Growing Years line of products for kids ages 1 to 5BabyCenter poll: How often does your toddler change when, where, what, or how much they eat?BabyCenter community thread: How do you sneak nutrition into your toddler’s diet?MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Itty bitty overalls and doll-sized dresses make for adorable first outfits, but dressing babies (and toddlers, and kids) comfortably and stylishly throughout the ages and stages is no easy task. In Episode 321 Meagan and Sarah remember the joys and challenges of dressing our littles while they still let us (most of the time, anyway). Then we move into the realities of clothing our big kids, tweens and teens. From keeping up with sizes to choosing our battles over teen fashion that baffles our mom-brains, the refrain is familiar: it doesn’t get easier, it just gets…different. Join us for a fun conversation about kids and fashion!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked about loving this style of romper for babiesSarah likes these 4 pack athletic tees (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes; home emergencies, local disasters and national crises. These aren’t things we love to think about, but they do have one thing in common: having a plan and talking about it as a family can bring peace of mind and even save lives. In this month’s Voice interview Sarah chats with Jennifer Pipa, Vice President of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. With an emphasis on making disaster preparedness practical for busy families, applicable no matter where in the world you live or what risks your natural climate brings, and as un-scary as possible for little kids, Jennifer is full of tips and information to help you up your preparedness this summer. It’s an important conversation, and one we’ve had many requests for over the years; enjoy, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out this link for more information on how to prepare for emergenciesHead to this page to see many resources on preparing from The Red Cross MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It feels like it’ll be like this forever, but we’re here to tell you: it won’t. In today’s episode Meagan and Sarah take turns sharing big and small transformations our kids have undergone that leave us shaking our heads in total amazement because, at one point in time, we never thought we’d ever see this day. From an ultra-fearful preschooler who turned out to be a super confident kid, to the wild-toddler-turned-chill-teen, to the sibling pairs who fought like crazy and now are best friends, we’re talking about all the times we’ve been proven wrong by our own assumptions over the years. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked about the viral “surfboard kid” photo of Meagan, and this is the story behind itMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who needs RULES on vacation? Turns out, we do. And we’re not alone. The latest episode in our House Rules For… series is all about the rules that keep our families sane when we’re not at home. From road trip snack management to beach house screen time, treats on the airplane to getting out of the gift shop without a meltdown, listen to Episode 319 for hard-earned experience from parents in our community. As always, take what works for you and leave the rest – there’s something here for nearly every family. Enjoy, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out more of our travel related episodesListen to our first episode in the house rules series, House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314Join our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)For more House Rules for Travel & Vacation ideas from our listeners, check out this thread on Instagram, and this thread in our Facebook groupMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it EVER appropriate to correct another mom’s car seat buckling technique? A listener wants to hear Meagan and Sarah’s thoughts on whether we feel comfortable offering unsolicited safety tips to other parents. Another mom asks our thoughts on how you distribute your parenting energy evenly when one kid is really struggling and others are “just bopping along”. We also talk about how to get through the day as a mom when you’re the one struggling, and finish out the episode with advice for containing a super-creative kid’s projects and experiments. It’s another Listener Questions episode – enjoy, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:All of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereTo listen to all of our episodes all the way back to the beginning, check out the archivesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah both live in beach towns – but very different ones. Today’s More Than Mom episode invites you to come to our areas for a visit – and head to the beach! We talk about what it’s like to live in a beach area generally, and in our towns specifically, and offer tips for making a day at the beach fit with your idea of fun (yes, even with kids!). From parking to hotels, what to bring and when to go, we have locals-only insights that will help you think through your next trip to the beach – even if it’s not to Santa Barbara or Saint Joe. We finish up the episode by talking about the beach-related products we’re using currently, as well as some we have our eye on. Happy Summer, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s go-to beach flip flops are HavaianasSarah uses this Tommy Bahama umbrellaSarah loves this LL Bean Tote for the beach and also uses a mesh tote bag similar to this oneThese lightweight Turkish towels from Riviera Towel Company is a local favorite of Sarah’s (and they ship!)Sarah uses these EasyLunch boxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box and stacks up a few in a cheap insulated lunch bagThese Old Navy Sunglasses are great to take along to the beachMeagan loves these Vionic flip flops for the beachMeagan has these folding chairs, but is looking to upgrade to Tommy Bahama ChairsMeagan has a lightweight beach blanket and a straw beach bag similar to this oneMeagan brings along her UEBoom Speaker to play her beach playlistSome sunscreen recommendations from Meagan are the Sun Bum Face Stick and Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist, Hawaiian Tropic Spray, and Neutrogena Water Boost Hydro Gel Face SunscreenMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of tweens asks Meagan and Sarah whether we require our own kids to keep their rooms tidy (we have thoughts!); another listener dealing with cultural and generational divides in her family asks our thoughts on how to handle well-meaning grandparent advice. Finally, we coach a new-to-preschool mom on how to begin setting up playdates and social opportunities when you don’t know anyone at the school (and are emerging from a global pandemic). Join us for another installment of Listener Questions & Our Advice!LINKS MENTIONED:All of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereTo listen to all of our episodes all the way back to the beginning, check out the archivesWe referenced our episode A Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms Reset: Episode 315Meagan talked about our episode When You’re Feeling Criticized, Remember This: Episode 165MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By pure coincidence, BOTH Meagan and Sarah have kids with broken bones right now – so we’re here to talk about it! We discuss the current injury situation in each of our homes, and reflect back on other kid-injuries that have occupied that tricky space in between “rub some dirt on it” and “call the ambulance”. From stitches to sprains, bumps to the head and busted lips, we know raising kids involves a lot of injuries, and that it can be tough on parents to know what to do in the moment. Today’s stories all ended well – we promise! – but we’re here to validate that parenting an injured kid can be tough, both in the moment of decision as well as in the aftermath. Join us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From bad hair to failed friendships to terrible taste in music, there are some phases of our lives that, in hindsight, were just kind of the worst. Other eras we look back on fondly, whether it was because our social lives were dazzling or our fashion sense just worked. In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah look back at our lives – both before motherhood, and also since becoming a mom – and declare our Bests and Worsts in style, culture, and friendships. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We’re hiring! Check out our current job opportunitiesWe mentioned our recent More Than Mom Episode, More Than Mom: #InfluencedFor more on friendships in motherhood, check out Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307, and Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindsey Hein is a lifelong runner with more than 16 marathons to her name, including several Boston Marathon finishes. She’s also mom to four busy boys, ages two to eight, and host of a popular podcast for runners. In this month’s Voices episode Lindsey chats with Meagan about training for races with four little kids, how her podcasting side hustle grew into a network of shows (including a parenting podcast!), and why she made the tough decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy after finding out she was positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation when her oldest son was 16 months old. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Lindsey’s podcast network is  SandyBoy ProductionsConnect with Lindsey on Instagram or FacebookLindsey’s podcasts are I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein (highlighting pro & everyday runners) and Why Is Everyone Yelling (a parenting podcast)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve noticed something: the end of school and start of summer always makes it suddenly clear how dang much our kids have grown. They’re smarter, they’re taller, they’re more capable, and all that means…it’s time to level up! We think summer is a great time to teach new life skills, reset chores and responsibilities, and also grant expanded freedoms to growing kids. In Episode 315 Meagan and Sarah talk about summer resets generally, and Summer 2021 more specifically – what our kids are ready for, where they need some support in the independence department, and how we’re planning on expanding their worlds this summer. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:We’re hiring! Check out our current job opportunitiesRelated episodes on chores and responsibilities are Life Skills We’re Glad Our Kids Have Right Now (And A Few They’re Still Working On), Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions, and Chores & DelegationSarah did a deep dive on family meetings in the latest episode of KidliterateSarah loves Todoist (affiliate link – get 2 months of PRO free!) for task management and uses many of the more advanced features to share tasks, set up recurring tasks, etc. (Would you love a deep dive on this? Let us know!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a house rule gives parents a shorthand for handling the same small annoyance the same way, every time. Will it stop your kids from fighting over the coveted “fishy cup” or arguing over whose turn it is to set the table? It will not. But it WILL allow you to consistently apply the same judiciary process (and one that feels right to YOU) each time kids start to go at it, which can cut down on a lot of mental gymnastics for mom. The beauty of house rules is that they’re born from necessity and are unique to each family, so in today’s episode we’re including smart ideas from dozens of our community members, all in the pursuit of House Rules For Sibling Harmony. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius, who says wise things about house rules in her book The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff DoneOther episodes where we talk about raising siblings are collected hereJoin us in our Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So many firsts, so many outgrown outfits, so many unforgettable mom-moments, and so much MESS. Join Meagan and Sarah as we walk month-by-month through a baby’s first year of life, sharing our personal memories as well as general thoughts on what makes each month unique. If you’re beyond the infant years, we hope this will offer a little trip down your own nostalgic memory lane; if you’re in the middle of baby-land, we hope you feel seen and validated. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Share your baby’s first year memories with us in our Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!) or on our InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From swimsuits to fitness programs, nail polish to meal delivery, we admit: we’re influenceable. But there’s a lot to unpack about the concept of influencer marketing and influencer culture in general. In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah talk about about the silly stuff (like the kind of ads the algorithm INSISTS on delivering us) and also the more substantial (like the ways in which we’ve been positively influenced by friends, both IRL and on the Internet). Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah was influenced by her sister to get this L’Ange flat iron (affiliate link)Sarah shops Jane a lot, also influenced by her sister (affiliate link)Meagan loves SmartWool socks (influenced by a friend) and her Arc’teryx fleece (influenced by a very effective salesperson) – affiliate linksSarah loves following Instagrammers who authentically share product recs – and feels extra motivated to support their sponsored work because of the trust factor. Some favorites include Meghan Splawn, Stacie Billis, Erica Ladd, Kelsey Wharton, Kendra Adachi, Christine KohSarah has been influenced by goal-setting productivity friends like Kelsey Wharton, Christine Koh, and Sarah Hart-UngerMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve talked a lot about how little kids (and their parents) experienced schooling disruptions over the past year. But college students, their families, and their instructors also went through a major shift in how higher education is delivered and experienced. Today’s special bonus episode features a conversation with Hsiao-Yun Chu, Ph.D., a college professor, mom of two young children, and longtime listener of the podcast. She shares her thoughts with Sarah on how virtual learning and virtual teaching created some real positives in higher education this year, and even what she hopes will continue after the pandemic is behind us. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Interested in contributing your Voice to a future episode? Email us at hello@themomhour.com. We read every pitch we receive, and we love getting pitches from listeners. We cannot respond to every one, but if we’re interested we’ll be in touch! Sarah mentioned her conversation with kindergarten teacher Kelly Hiltz in last week’s Voices interviewepisodeAll our episodes about school and education can be found hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a functional kitchen relies on a number of factors, many of which are outside our control (funny floor plans, small spaces, or that weird area between where the open dishwasher blocks off access to that one cabinet? yeah, things like that). But as moms of many kids who have occupied at least as many kitchens in our combined histories, we’ve also realized there are some things we can do to use the space we have in ways that helps us enjoy being in the kitchen more. Today’s episode looks at what’s currently frustrating us about kitchen storage and organization (as always, we love your solutions sent by email or as comments on our social pages!), and also what’s working well. Come inside our kitchens, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:We recently did a More Than Mom episode on our Fantasy KitchensSarah’s under sink wire basket for linens is similar to this one (affiliate link)Sarah mentioned a stair step cabinet storage like this (affiliate link)We both love the OXO POP brand pop-top pantry storage (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As this incredibly strange and stressful school year winds to a close, parents are looking ahead to next fall and wondering: Should I send my 5-year-old to kindergarten, or wait a year? Will my first grader remember how to make friends since she’s been behind a screen all year? Will the struggle that was virtual learning mean my kid never learns to love school again? These are understandable worries, especially for those who are in the middle of their own first experience as school parents. This month’s Voices interview guest is Kelly Hiltz, kindergarten teacher who has seen it all this year – remote, hybrid, in-person – and mom to two boys in preschool and early elementary. Sarah and Kelly address the concerns parents have about kindergarten specifically, COVID learning loss generally, and what a 2021-2022 school year might look like for families. We also touch on “red-shirting” younger kinders, how to know what decision is right for your child, and what specific things families can do this summer to best prepare incoming kindergarteners for the fall. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Kelly’s first appearance on The Mom Hour is a deep-dive on kindergarten readiness – a must-listen if you haven’t already heard it!Find Kelly on Instagram @askateachermom, or at her blog, As A Teacher MomAll our school-related episodes are hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you have mixed feelings about Mother’s Day, you’re not alone. For some, it’s a reminder of loss or grief, unmet expectations or missing people we love. For others, the social media buildup and commercialized clichés create expectations that can lead to disappointment. And even for those who don’t completely dread Mother’s Day, it can be hard to articulate what we really want to the ones who want to spoil us. In short: it’s a lot. In this week’s Episode 311, Meagan and Sarah validate why Mother’s Day can be complicated, reflect on our own celebrations during different seasons of life, and offer ideas for how to celebrate in a way that feels right to you this year. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Celebrate sisterhood in motherhood with the Coffee + Crumbs Mother’s Day BrunchMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are we “car people”? Turns out, yes and no. After 25+ years of driving, Meagan and Sarah have many stories and a few opinions on what we want in our four-wheeled rides. From first cars to true lemons, minivans to post-divorce pre-mid-life-crisis splurges, this More Than Mom episode is an ode to our vehicles. We also chat about the process of procuring a new car, how much haggling at the dealer is a sport we do NOT enjoy, and what we hope for in our future cars. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We last talked about our cars way back in Episode 97 from 2017 (reminder: old episodes may no longer show up in your podcast apps because they limit archives to 300 episodes, but you can always listen from our website!)Meagan learned so much from this episode of This American Life, all about car dealership salesMeagan is very happy with this after-market Bluetooth adapter for her pre-Bluetooth carMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big news: Sarah is joining the Parents Of Teenagers club! In honor of Sarah’s oldest turning 13, Meagan taps into wisdom gained from over a decade of parenting teens and gives Sarah the real story. We unpack some stereotypes about teens (they’re moody! they’re smelly! they’re obsessed with their phones!) and find out what’s totally true, what’s sometimes true, and what might very much depend on the kid. We also explore some of the best and sweetest parts of parenting teens, validate that these are often very lonely years for moms, and compare teenage milestones to those reached earlier in childhood. Whether you’re a new mom or a mom of teens, we think you’ll enjoy this one!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan wrote an essay for our newsletter about a conversation with her son Will, and then also wrote this Insta-essay about a different moment with WillCheck out our episode Toddlers vs. Teenagers: Episode 192MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s a career pivot, a creative passion, a relationship change, or just one of life’s unexpected twists, most women find themselves in a season of reinvention at least once. Today Meagan and Sarah are here with a surprise bonus episode, chatting about the idea of reinvention, how it intersects with motherhood and raising young kids, and how Meagan’s new podcast celebrates women reinventing themselves in a variety of wonderful ways. Join us for a fun conversation, followed by an extended excerpt from Season 1 of the Mother of Reinvention show. Happy Friday!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Mother of Reinvention on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listenFind out more, and see all the episodes at motherofreinventionshow.comFollow @meaganfrancis on Instagram, and check out her blog at meaganfrancis.com to stay connected to Meagan’s personal reinventionMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s pulling out the puke bucket juuuuuussst in the nick of time, or speeding across the room while pregnant to save a toddler from a toppling accident, we all know that feeling of doing what needs to be done in the moment without so much as a conscious thought. Call it quick-thinking, mom-heroics, or just another day in the life of parenting young kids, but these are moments that deserve to be celebrated. In Episode 309 Meagan and Sarah share stories from our own in-the-trenches days — some truly life-or-death and others just, well, messy — as a reminder that sometimes you have no idea just how strong, quick, clever, or brave you are until you’re called into action. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Meagan’s new interview show Mother of Reinvention wherever you get your podcastsWe mentioned related episodes Our Worst #MomFail Moments: Episode 157 and Mom Milestones (By Popular Request!): Episode 257MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hobbies outside of everyday work, life, and parenting ebb and flow as your season of life changes, but it’s fun to think about what creative pursuits you’ll add back in as time opens up. In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah speak from the perspective of moms whose kids are getting older, and who are pursuing hobbies in our own (often very different) ways. We talk about what hobbies we’re enjoying now, which ones we could imagine trying, in theory, without needing a total life overhaul, and then some “maybe someday” hobbies we can see ourselves enjoying much later on. It’s a fun one – enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Love hobby talk? Here are some older episodes from our archives you might enjoy.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conversations about friendship in motherhood often center around those ride-or-die besties that you just can’t imagine life without (which, as we discussed last week, isn’t always helpful). But as pandemic life has shown us in all kinds of ways, regular interactions with acquaintances, co-workers, fellow school parents, neighbors, and other “friendlies” are also really important to feeling rooted in a community and fulfilled in the friendship space. Today Meagan and Sarah look at these outer-circle relationships and share what 2021 looks like for us, how our listeners feel about the changes brought about by the past year, and what we hope our friendship landscape will look like a year from now. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode is part of a two part series on friendships; listen to the first episode Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307Meagan mentioned this article about friendships during the pandemic from The AtlanticIf you want more on the topic of friendship, check out Female Friendships & Women We Admire (PLUS Picture Books with Katie): Episode 227 and Keeping Friendships Alive: Episode 78Check out our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a year that changed nearly everything about how humans connect and communicate, it’s no surprise that friendships in motherhood have changed. Some deepened over the past year, as the pandemic gave us new ways to bond (and hard stuff to get real about). Some fell away, strained by distance or differences. And pandemic or no pandemic, not every close friendship is created equal, and they all go through seasons of change. In today’s episode, part one of two all about friendships in motherhood, Meagan and Sarah look at “ride or die” friendships (including a critical look at what that even means). We talk about ways close friends can show up for each other when things are hard, how close friendships have adapted over the past year, and what to keep in mind if you’re missing or grieving close friendships in your life right now. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Meagan’s new interview show Mother of Reinvention wherever you get your podcastsYou can see all the public comments from which we drew our community feedback on this Instagram post and (if you’re in the group) this Facebook Group conversationYou might like this episode: The Myth Of The Mom TribeAnd this one: Female Friendships & Women We AdmireMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our habits around media consumption are as unique as each of us is–and, when you think about it, there are quite a few little details that go into how each of us decides when, how, and where to listen to a podcast or pick up a book–not to mention the actual what of the content itself. Today’s More Than Mom episode is a look at how Meagan and Sarah currently consume their listening and reading media, from bluetooth struggles to library holds. As we go, we’ll recommend some shows and titles we’ve enjoyed so far this year too. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s new podcast, Mother of Reinvention, just launched – check it out!We mentioned listening to podcasts on Pocketcasts and SpotifyPodcasts we mentionedRenegades: Born in the USAThe Ezra Klein ShowDare to Lead with Brene BrownUp FirstThe DailyDolly Parton’s AmericaMasters of ScaleHow I Built ThisOffice Ladies PodcastArmchair Expert with Dax ShepardBooks we mentionedThe Outlander Series (affiliate link)The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel(affiliate link)Keep Sharp: Build A Better Brain At Any Age by Sanja Gupta (affiliate link)Sarah uses Goodreads to track her booksMeagan mentioned Nora Jane Struthers, a listener who is a musicianMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine being 13, the daughter of an influential megachurch pastor…and pregnant. That’s how Sarah Jakes Roberts began her journey to motherhood – and she grappled with feelings of shame and questions surrounding her self-worth while wondering if she could ever afford to “dream big” again. Today, Sarah is a happily married mom of six kids, a pastor and sought-after speaker, and five-time book author. In today’s Voices episode, Sarah tells Meagan about her journey from scared teen mom to mentor and leader, why she encourages moms to seek “soul care” as well as self-care, and how to dig deep to work toward purpose in your life.LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Sarah’s new book, Woman Evolve, coming out April 6!Connect with Sarah on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterSarah has a podcast called The Woman Evolve PodcastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One year ago, springtime plans got canceled, Easter dinners and baby showers and birthday parties and all the rest vanished from our calendars one event after another. As we shake off winter and look at the spring of 2021, there’s something in the air. We know we’re not out of the pandemic woods, but there’s a feeling of optimism that was missing last year, and we’re leaning all the way into it. In Episode 306 Meagan and Sarah share spring memories from when our kids were little, favorite rituals and traditions that make the season special, and what specific springtime activities we’re embracing with extra gratitude this year in particular. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s new podcast, Mother of Reinvention, launched last week – check it out!Sarah loved this podcast episode and called it “science-backed optimism”: Finally, a Covid Conversation You Can Feel Good About (The Ezra Kline Show)Our 2019 episode about spring and Easter would pair nicely with this one! Spring Traditions & Spring Books For Kids: Episode 202Sarah always falls back on this lamb cake tutorial when making theirs every year, and also has a highlight saved on her personal Instagram @powersofmineMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Desiring a family culture of travel and adventure is one thing; pulling it off–and paying for it–is another thing altogether. But just because you’re not jetting off to international destinations doesn’t mean you and your family can’t cultivate that adventure spirit in meaningful ways. In today’s episode, Part Three in our series on family travel, Meagan looks back at many years of family adventures and meaningful memory-making. She offers validation for moms whose travel dreams don’t match up with their current reality, and makes a case for letting your kids see you handle travel’s ups, downs, and hassles with flexibility and a sense of humor. This is the pep talk we all need before hitting the road in 2021!This episode is part of our 3-part series Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Family Adventure (Whenever The Time Comes). Listen to the whole series from this page.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever dreamed of taking your family on the road? It’s tempting–especially with the changes to work and school many families have experienced this past year. Chelsey Christiansen is a full-time working mom, and she and her husband and toddler son currently work and travel full-time out of their fifth-wheel camper. In today’s episode, Part Two in our three-part series on family travel, Meagan and Sarah chat with Chelsey to find out what road-living is like with a toddler, what they’ve learned about sharing a small space with a growing family, and how learning to roll with the punches of family travel have helped her become a more confident mom in general.This episode is part of our 3-part series Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Family Adventure (Whenever The Time Comes). Listen to the whole series from this page.LINKS MENTIONED:All our travel archives are hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking small kids on a trip is daunting: Where and how will everyone sleep? Can a rental cottage be baby-proofed? How will little ones used to a schedule and the structure of home deal with time zone changes and grandparents whose house rules differ from what they’re used to? In Part One of our three-part series on family travel, Sarah looks back on her extensive experience traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids–especially trips to the grandparents’ and in-laws’–and shares what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently.This episode is part of our 3-part series Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Family Adventure (Whenever The Time Comes). Listen to the whole series from this page.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah has spoken at length about air travel with small kidsAll our travel archives are hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planning meals for the week is one thing; pulling them off is another altogether. In this fourth installment of our popular Week Of Real-Life Dinners series, Meagan and Sarah share what we served and ate the week of March 8, 2021. From springtime twitterpation that led to spontaneous fast-food tacos, to a reptilian kitchen squatter, things did not go as planned for us that week–which is part of the fun. We also share real-life meals served by listeners who wrote in with their own meal plans. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Read the real-life dinner menus submitted by our listeners in this blog postListen to more of our Week of Real-Life Dinners episodesMeagan’s recipe for Pork and Sweet Potato HashMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s always a toss-up: when discussing a new topic, will Meagan and Sarah be EXACTLY ALIKE (to the point that it’s almost weird) or TOTALLY OPPOSITE? Turns out when it comes to our fantasy kitchens, we have a lot in common. Join us for a fun More Than Mom deep dive into the kitchens we grew up watching on television and in movies, thoughts on current home design trends and how we feel about them, and what our dream kitchens would look like. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned this article when we talked about those gorgeous movie kitchens from the 90s and 00s: Nancy Meyers’s Kitchens: A Love Letter in 7 Photos (Olivia Hosken for Town & Country)Sarah found this article with more TV kitchens we remember, including Family Ties, The Cosby Show, and Mad About You: 15 TV Kitchens We d Love to Cook In (Kristin Appenbrink for People.com)Sarah has this book by Joanna Gaines: Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave(affiliate link)Sarah loves following @houseandgardenuk on InstagramSarah also loves the Living with Kids house tours on Design Mom and also the house tours on A Cup of JoMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A stay-at-home mom wonders how best to re-enter the workforce, and another listener has questions about how to talk about working motherhood with our young kids. A mom of big kids wants our opinions on when it’s OK to leave them home alone–and how best to get started. Listener voicemails about house rules around swearing and the conflicting emotions of motherhood round out another Listener Questions episode this week. It’s a fun one–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned our episode with Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41 with The Mom Project’s Colleen CurtisSarah referenced Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead Podcast, specifically the two-part episode with Susan DavidCheck out our other Listener Questions episodesYou can access all of our episodes in our archivesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of two littles is overwhelmed and yelling more than she wants to be; young adults at a family gathering forget that little ears are listening. Helping kids become more independent in the kitchen doesn’t always go smoothly; a preschool perfectionist is a head-scratcher for mom; and a mom of all boys wonders if they’ll all grow up and live far from home one day. Today’s episode takes on these questions from our listener community, and Meagan and Sarah offer a mix of validation, encouragement, and advice. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned this NYTimes article on parenting perfectionist kidsSarah also loves Meghan Leahy’s parenting advice, and found this post on perfectionist “quitters” and another article from The Washington PostCheck out our other Listener Questions episodesYou can access all of our episodes in our archivesEmail us or send a voicemail with a question for future Listener Questions episodes.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The real question is: are we still entertained by squirrels as much as we were last spring? You’ll have to listen to find out! In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah take a deep dive into diversions, 2021-style. We’re not as cooped up as last March, but things aren’t back to normal yet either. From this in-between place we talk about a little of everything: board games for adults, TV and books, home improvement and gardening, fitness, beauty, and more. (And squirrels, obvs.) Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked about our episode More Than Mom: COVID Made Us Do It (Weird Ways We’ve Changed Since March)Board Games mentioned:RummikubFarkleQuiddlerSkyJoSettlers of CatanBogglePictionary AirTV mentioned:Sarah mentioned: The Queen’s Gambit, All Creatures Great & Small, The Office, Survivor, Framing Britney Spears, and Mad MenMovies mentioned:Sarah watched The Dig and Irresistible recentlyBooks mentioned:Sarah read The Dutch House last fallSarah finished All Creatures Great & Small recently and is now reading UntamedLike books? You should listen to Kidliterate, which has a whole segment on what Sarah and her kids are reading at the end of every episode!Sarah has been loving the podcast Renegades: Born in the USASarah’s liquid eyeliner is L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Liquid Eyeliner Pen in BlackSarah bought this adorable IKEA Vattenkrasse Watering Can to make her growing plant collection even more funIf you didn’t catch our recent Voices Episode with Kendra Adachi, check out Finding & Embracing What Matters To YOU: Voices 58MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kendra Adachi is The Lazy Genius. Either you know and love her already, or you’re about to. Kendra’s principles for finding YOUR best middle ground between perfectionism and giving up are helping moms everywhere decide what matters, ditch what doesn’t, and get stuff done. In this month’s Voices interview Kendra joins Sarah to talk about how Lazy Genius principles got put to the test during the early months of the pandemic, how moms in the trenches can be gentler on themselves and still feel fulfilled, and why acknowledging the season you’re in just might be the key to enjoying it. PLUS, Kendra helps Sarah solve a frustrating home management issue using The Lazy Genius method in real time. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Connect with Kendra on Instagram, and check out her podcast The Lazy Genius wherever you listen to podcastsLearn more about Kendra on her website, The Lazy Genius CollectiveKendra has a new book out, The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff DoneMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether schools in your area are open in-person, on a hybrid model, or fully remote, chances are that March is looking different than September did. And believe it or not, we’re already looking toward the end of the year. In Episode 302 Meagan and Sarah share how our own kids are doing at this point in the year, what’s changed and how school has evolved in our respective communities. We also offer validation for those who worry about kids’ academic progress this year, and our hopes for finishing out the year on a positive trajectory. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked about our two recent episodes Advocating For Your Kids During A Crisis: Episode 297, and School Decisions Feel Like a LOT (Here’s What To Keep In Mind): Episode 298Our friend Christine Koh wrote this article, Parents Can Care About Education and Still Be Ok Writing This School Year OffPlease take our listener survey!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s for a weekend, a season, or a decade, parenting on your own introduces challenges and complications at every turn. Expanding on the conversation we began last week, today’s episode–part two in our This Is Solo Parenthood series–dives into practical tips from seasoned moms on how to survive solo parenting’s tougher moments. From bedtimes to me-time, routine changes to feelings of loneliness, Meagan and Sarah share some been-there-done-that tips from our own seasons of parenting solo, as well as tap into the wisdom of The Mom Hour community. LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to last week’s episode, part one in the This Is Solo Parenthood series hereCheck out our special landing page for the This Is Solo Parenthood series at themomhour.com/soloVisit the #ThisIsParenthood community page for more authentic and honest representations of the parenting experience, including this incredible videoMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of us co-slept throughout the baby and toddler stage, and let naps happen whenever and wherever. The other sleep trained and held tight to nap schedules even through the preschool years. While our differences in the realm of sleep are worth digging into, just as interesting are the shared feelings we experienced, even at opposite ends of the spectrum. We both felt judged at times; we both made choices around our social lives because of how our babies slept (or didn’t sleep). Among our combined eight kids we experienced good sleepers, terrible sleepers, and several in the middle–plus a host of “sleep surprises” that cropped up later on. Join Meagan and Sarah for Episode 301, a look at infant, toddler, and kid sleep through the comforting lens of hindsight with a healthy dose of “It’s all gonna be OK.” Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We did a listener episode question on baby and toddler sleep, Listener Questions (Vol. 21): Episode 224(listen around the 30 minute mark)Meagan liked The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley, and Sarah liked Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Without Leaving Them to Cry it Out by Kim West (both links are Amazon affiliates), but we BOTH offer the huge caveat that it wasn’t about any one individual book for us; it was about finding what worked for our familiesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah is wearing children’s sweatpants and leaving the house in her slippers. Meagan has cracked the code on being Zoom-face-ready AND workout-available with a single outfit. It may not look like the mom-style we aspired to you a few years ago, but it’s working for February 2021. Today’s More Than Mom episode is a (very) honest, semi-pantsless look at the state of our style situation right now. We share what we’re wearing, what’s working well, items we’re in search of, and where we need serious help as we look ahead to spring. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned Meagan’s Voices interview with Dacy How To Create A Mindful Closet (And Discover Clothes You Truly Love): Voices 53Sarah loves shopping Jane for inexpensive basics and has had some great luck, including (all links are affiliates):soft, everyday leggings 3/4-sleeve doman tops cute stud earringsextra-long layering camisSarah mentioned these basic briefs from Amazon (affiliate link)Sarah’s favorite lululemon joggersMeagan likes her Beta Brand dress pant yoga pantsBoth Meagan and Sarah still love their base bra from Harper WildeSarah mentioned liking these Girl’s Cozy Jogger Pants from the Target kids’ section (affiliate link)The Vionic boots that Meagan has are the Brynn, Bethany, and LoisThe Vionic shoes Sarah is loving are the Malibu slip on shoesSarah’s new favorite robe from a local shop Riviera TowelWe talked about this sweater blazer from J Crew factory that our friend Christine Koh recommendedMeagan wears low impact sports bras from FableticsOne of Meagan’s Amazon dress finds is this Zesica Sweater Dress (amazon affiliate)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s for a weekend, a season, or a decade, parenting on your own introduces challenges and complications at every turn. Expanding on the conversation we began last week, today’s episode–part two in our This Is Solo Parenthood series–dives into practical tips from seasoned moms on how to survive solo parenting’s tougher moments. From bedtimes to me-time, routine changes to feelings of loneliness, Meagan and Sarah share some been-there-done-that tips from our own seasons of parenting solo, as well as tap into the wisdom of The Mom Hour community. LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to last week’s episode, part one in the This Is Solo Parenthood series hereCheck out our special landing page for the This Is Solo Parenthood series at themomhour.com/soloVisit the #ThisIsParenthood community page for more authentic and honest representations of the parenting experience, including this incredible videoMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s episode is a party and YOU’re invited! Yes you, whether you’re a brand-new listener or have been with us from the very beginning. Ever the planner, Sarah surprises Meagan with a some fun facts and a pop quiz; ever the fun one, Meagan shows up ready for anything. We share some memories, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and reflections on the community that has grown around this podcast over the last 300 Tuesdays. Come on in, and enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Join our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners, where we have twice as many Sarahs as Meagans (make sure to answer the questions to be approved)!Our most popular episode by downloads is What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230Other episodes we mentioned in this episode:Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01We Hate Fun: Episode 109Mom Myths & Mom Truths: Episode 23410 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243Home Management Systems That Work (For Now): Episode 220Self-Care As Self-Preservation: Episode 104The Life-Changing Magic of Opting Out: Episode 161Are You “Done” Having Babies? Episode 07Staying Organized & Motivated As A Full-Time Working Mom: Voices 44Home & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246More Than Mom: The Search For The Perfect ThingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Early in the pandemic, takeout from local restaurants, pantry cleanouts, and epic baking marathons made a lot of sense for the crazy new world we were living in. An entire year in, however, and the lingering habits and longterm effects of feeding our families in survival-mode are more clear. Today Meagan and Sarah look at what’s changed about the way we snack, cook, shop, and serve in the last year – for better and for worse. We share the parts of feeding our families that are working well right now and also the parts where we need some help. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to more of our episodes on feeding a familyIf you haven’t listened to our recent Voices interview, check it out! The State Of Kids And Food In 2021MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s February, and everybody loves a deep dive into childhood crushes, right? For this week’s More Than Mom episode, Meagan has many questions for us both about our failed early attempts at love and relationships. From preschool through high school, from celebrities to real-life boys from days gone by, we’re laughing our way through this walk down a rose-petal-strewn memory lane. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned this article on the Mandela effectJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The pandemic has shaken everything up, and our kids’ diets and family’s eating habits are no exception. In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan talks to Julie Revelant, food and health writer, mom of two, and host of the new podcast Food Issues. Listen to Julie’s thoughts on how COVID-19 has affected everything from school lunches to snacking habits, the sneaky ways marketers are introducing junk food to children (including “kid influencers” and even online learning platforms!) and how you can give yourself a break and stay flexible while still helping your kids become “little foodies.”LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Food Issues wherever you get your podcastsVisit Julie at her website julierevelant.comConnect with Julie on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Register for kindergarten, or wait another year? Scrap the distance learning and opt into a homeschool program, or stick it out and hope campus opens in the fall? Stick with what your friends and neighbors are doing, or blaze your own trail when it comes to kids’ education? There is no end to the list of questions parents face when it comes to making school decisions – and many of them crop up around this time of year when applications and registrations come due. In Episode 298 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer seven guiding principles to consider when making any school decision, from preschool through high school. We can’t help you decide or tell you what to do, but today we’re here to validate the struggle and give you our experience. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned last week’s episode Advocating For Your Kids During A CrisisOur episode Kindergarten Readiness & Parent-Teacher Relationships with Kelly Hiltz pairs well with this conversationAll our school-related episodes (including those too old to appear in podcast apps!) can be found hereSarah referenced our Voices interview episode Kids & Friendships With Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore: Voices 18Sarah also referenced an episode about School Volunteering That Fits Your PersonalityCheck out all our Spotify playlists, including this one that combines more recent conversations about school and schoolingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting pregnant was relatively easy for Dani Kilgore and her husband William, who looked forward to growing a family after getting married in 2009. But for Dani, a former teacher and soccer coach who now serves as a pastor in a church, staying pregnant proved challenging. Through miscarriage and preterm labor, a premature birth and devastating infant loss, Dani and William leaned on one another, their faith, and their community even as they navigated a healthcare system that didn’t always appear to have their backs.In today’s special episode, Dani shares candidly with Meagan about the years that have led up to where she is today: the heartbreak and loss, the learning to trust her own voice as a patient, and the healing and hope that shines through her five-year-old daughter Harper.This episode contains sensitive topics, including miscarriage and infant loss. We believe it’s important to provide a platform for moms to share pregnancy and birth stories that, while difficult to hear, help all of us understand a fuller spectrum of the motherhood experience. We hope you’ll listen today, but if you cannot, we understand and send you our love.LINKS MENTIONED:March of DimesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)In 2020 we interviewed Ashley Schafluetzel about her daughter’s premature birth and cerebral palsy diagnosis, also in partnership with March of DimesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s a medical emergency, a surprise diagnosis, upheaval at school, or a mental health situation, most moms will at some point be called to fight hard for their kid’s health, safety, and best interests. And when that moment comes, you might be surprised at what’s most challenging and what’s most helpful. In Episode 297 Meagan shares publicly for the first time a recent family crisis that put her in a position where she had to quickly and fiercely advocate for one of her kids. She shares what she learned – and is still learning – and how the lessons apply to advocating for our kids, even when we’re not in crisis. HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Containing our kids’ chaos is one thing; keeping track of our OWN stuff is another altogether. To round out our recent series of episodes about where to put all the STUFF of family life, Meagan and Sarah chat about how we store and organize all the things that fall under “mom’s domain.” From our bathroom counters to our nightstand drawers, the kitchen “drop zone” to mask and mitten management, we’re here to share what works, what we’re working on, and where we need serious help. Join us!This rounds out a series of episodes on Where To Put All The STUFF. Listen to Part One here (it’s all about kids’ toys), and Part Two here (it’s about art supplies, board games, books and more).LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 294: Where To Put All The STUFF (LEGO, Tiny Toys, Dolls & More)Episode 295: Where To Put All The STUFF (Art Supplies, Books, Board Games & More)Meagan got an air fryer (affiliate link) for Christmas, which led to making some countertop space decisions (RIP pressure cooker)Sarah has this Spode Christmas Tree Dinnerware (affiliate link) and loves itWe went on a tangent about dinnerware materials, and this blog post does a good job of rounding up the differences between china, porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, etc.Sarah uses a pretty vanity tray to contain bathroom countertop clutter (she has an old pewter one, but aren’t these pretty?) (affiliate link)Sarah likes a clear plastic drawer organizer like this one (affiliate link) for her top bathroom drawerSarah uses this Madesmart Divided Tote (affiliate link) in a deep bathroom drawer to keep upright bottles from falling overGetting a paper shredder for their home office (affiliate link) helped Sarah and family manage paper pilesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love all of our kids – but does each of them FEEL our love in the same way? In Episode 296 Meagan and Sarah take on the famous five love languages as a framework for talking about how we most naturally show love to our kids–and also how they receive it. We talk about our own primary love languages and how they shape the ways we tend to show affection, and also look at the changing dynamics of parent-kid love through the growing-up years. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We referenced the books The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts and The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively both by Gary Chapman (affiliate links)Learn your love language, take the quiz!Sarah mentioned the book Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen (affiliate link)Join our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With nearly a year of “everything’s cancelled!” behind us, and facing down an early 2021 of “Who knows?”, we’ve all learned a couple things: Truth #1: We all need to set goals and make plans to stay on course and keep working toward our deepest priorities, especially when life is unpredictable. Truth #2: When life is unpredictable, it feels really hard to set goals. How do we make these two realities jive?The solution: goal setting with a big dose of self-awareness and self-empathy. As 2020 taught us, things aren’t always going to look exactly the way we plan, but that doesn’t mean goal-setting is cancelled! From our personal finances to family priorities; hobbies and household projects to travel (what?!) and extracurricular activities, Sarah and Meagan are here with a real-life conversation about goal-setting that will meet you where you are and help you plan what you can – while allowing a lot of flexibility for the things that may change along the way.LINKS MENTIONED:Earlier this month Sarah interviewed Sarah Hart-Unger about her process for setting goalsMeagan learned a lot about herself by following the FlyLady cleaning system back in the daySarah mentioned wanting to do a monthly review practice this year, and was inspired by this episode of Best-Laid Plans with Sarah Hart-UngerMeagan’s personal website/blog is up at meaganfrancis.comSee Meagan’s embroidery adventures in this postSarah talked about annual reading goals and slightly judgy Goodreads in this postMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Art supplies taking over your shared space? Losing library books under piles of what-even-IS-this-stuff? Ready for a January re-set of your home’s organization systems? You’re not alone. This week Meagan and Sarah continue the conversation about where to put all the STUFF of family life, covering arts and crafts, board games and puzzles, super-sized play stuff, and all those wonderful books. We also touch on ways to know if an organizational system will work for you and your family – because, as we’ve found, one size does NOT fit all. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to the first part of this two part episode, Where To Put All The STUFF (Part One): Episode 294Be sure to check out our InstagramJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holidays are behind us, but they’ve left their mark on our homes: mostly in the form of more STUFF to store. Meagan and Sarah have logged decades of toy sorting and stuff-storing and in this week’s episode share our experience finding just the right spot for all that brightly colored plastic. We talk about LEGO, we talk about stuffies and dolls; we remember the days of itty bitty sets and giant toddler ride-on toys. By the end of this episode we hope you’ll feel like you already have the space and sense required to store your kids’ stuff – no fancy bins required. Join us!Next week we’ll continue the conversation with board games, puzzles, arts & crafts, books, and more!LINKS MENTIONED:New? Check out our page just for new listenersSarah and Meagan both had something similar to this Delta Children Kids’ Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Plastic Bins from Target (affiliate link)Sarah likes large, flat bins for LEGO storage, like these Sterilite 41qt Under Bed Box With Lid from Target (affiliate link)Meagan has used food storage containers like Mason jars or these OXO POP Airtight Food Storage Containers (affiliate link) to contain super tiny parts to make believe sets like Littlest Pet ShopSarah has these stuffed animal bags from Jane (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For those who love to plan ahead, the past year has been a huge challenge–and the shiny promise of a brand new year feels a little lackluster as we look toward 2021. Is planning and goal-setting permanently on hold, shuttered just like schools and gyms and concerts? Sarah Hart-Unger says no.Our first Voices interview episode of 2021 features two Sarahs: host Sarah Powers chats with guest Sarah Hart-Unger about how to approach planning and goal-setting this year. We talk about the importance of reflecting on 2020, even though it didn’t go as planned, how to “pandemic-proof” your goals for 2021, and why the annual exercise of looking back and looking forward is still valuable. Sarah also answers your listener questions on the nitty-gritty of planning and goal setting. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Last year’s Voices 44 episode with Sarah Hart-Unger: Staying Organized & Motivated As A Full-Time Working MomSarah Hart-Unger’s blog and website: theshubox.comListen to Best Laid Plans (SHU’s planning podcast) wherever you get your podcasts (all the show notes are on her site here)Sarah Powers loved these episodes especially: Ep 6: Getting Started with Planning and Ep 17: Technique Spotlight: Monthly ReviewSHU referenced the 2021 Goals episode of Best Of Both WorldsShortening Your Gaze, For Now (we referenced this essay of Meagan’s)SHU’s recommendations for books and podcasts about planning and goal-setting:Books by Cal Newport: Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, Deep Work (Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World), and his podcast Deep Questions with Cal NewportAtomic Habits by James Clear168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura VanderkamOrganize 365 PodcastMichael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt Miller’s podcast Lead to WinAnne Bogel’s What Should I Read Next? PodcastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah tiptoe very cautiously into the waters of futurecasting in today’s episode, still through the hazy, cheese-filled lens of that strange week between Christmas and New Year’s. We talk about where our kids and home lives will be one year from now and what that means for the evolution of our family units. We meditate on all that was stripped away in 2020, and when and how it may start to return in the coming year. And we also share the things we’re MOST excited to return to post-pandemic, as well as a few things we don’t ever need to go back to the way they were. Join us for the final 2020 episode of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:In case you missed it, this is loosely the third part in a series that talked about Holidays Past and Holidays PresentIf you’re already getting excited for Friday’s Voices episode with Sarah Hart-Unger coming up on January 1, listen to the interview we did with her last yearMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week the ghost of holidays past took us on a tour of our past lives as moms of littles during the Christmas season. This week, as we continue the loosest of adaptations of A Christmas Carol, Meagan and Sarah sit with the reality of the present moment. We talk about how this holiday season will differ from the 2020-that-could-have-been, and about how things have changed as our kids have grown, with or without a global crisis. As we head into the final few days before Christmas, we also share some of the small details about what our homes and lives are like right now, in an effort to capture–and even be grateful for–the present moment. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We were both wearing leggings from Jane when we recorded! Sarah has these Slimming Fleece-Lined Leggings ($6.99!), and Meagan loves these jeggings in black (both affiliate links, and don’t forget you can click “Notify Me!” on any Jane deal and you’ll get an email when they’re back in stock!)Listen to our episode from last week on past holidays, Remembering Holidays PastBe sure to check out our blog, where Meagan is doing a 25 day holiday pep talkMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our very own motherhood-inspired take on A Christmas Carol, Meagan and Sarah are visited by the ghost of holidays past for today’s episode. Join us as we peek in at our younger-mom selves by sharing moments and memories from years gone by. There are gift mishaps, angry pregnant lady meltdowns, Christmas tree disasters, and convenience store dinners–all shared to help you remember that no matter what goes down this month, someday it will be but a memory. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Be sure to check out our blog, where Meagan is doing a 25 day holiday pep talkSign up for Meagan’s email list hereMeagan loved this version of A Christmas Carol growing up, and we both like the Muppets and DisneyversionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From spiced nuts to festive cocktails, traditional meat-and-sides dinners to nostalgic or cultural throwbacks, holiday menus are wide open for interpretation. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah chat about the holiday food memories we carry from childhood, how those patterns changed as we formed our own families, and what a typical Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meal looks like these days. We share favorites and recipes, along with family quirks and fuzzy memories; it’s a fun one–join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s family is obsessed with this pickled shrimp recipe Meagan makes this baked eggs recipe she found on Martha StewartMeagan has also made a French toast casserole like this one using day-old Jimmy John’s breadPeanut Butter BlossomsFrango Mints from Macy’sMeagan’s family has loved getting gift baskets from Wolferman’sRisamalande is a Danish rice pudding dessert–with a traditional Christmas Eve “game” of one lucky bowl containing a whole almond. You can read more about it here.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you feel the pressure to do, make, or be something this holiday season, pause and ask yourself three questions. Does this TRULY matter to me? Is the PROCESS joyful or meaningful (or is it that others make the product look so easy)? And–a big one–what if I DON’T? In Episode 290 Meagan and Sarah offer gut-checks on some of the biggest pressures moms feel during the holiday season–from magazine-worthy living rooms to the mental load of shopping for (and giving gift ideas to) a large extended family–and offer concrete tips for releasing yourself from expectations of perfection in pursuit of a peaceful season. Join us, friends!As always, our holiday episodes often make brief mention of magical night visitors. If you have curious ears about, you’ve been warned!LINKS MENTIONED:The “What if I don’t?” question comes from Sarah’s conversation with Whitney Hawthorne in our November Voices episodeMeagan talked about her interview with Ashley Brown for December’s Voices episodeJoin our special Facebook Community for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!) Be sure to check out our blog, where Meagan is doing a 25 day holiday pep talkPast episodes that are similar in tone to this one:December Intentions For Busy MomsMoms Deserve A Magical Holiday, TooMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obsessive nail-painting rituals, facial hair secrets, fussy skincare routines, and blame-it-on-COVID changes to our general beauty and personal grooming habits: today’s More Than Mom episode is 9 parts confessional, 1 part helpful…but oh, we think you’ll enjoy it. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share–sometimes sheepishly–the bizarre beauty rituals and personal grooming habits we just can’t quit. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:For more makeup talk, check out our episode Makeup & Mom LifeWe mentioned Sarah James’ Instagram, @whoorl for lip color inspirationMeagan interviewed her sister Kathreen in a voices episode, Surviving A Major Health ScareMeagan uses the Tinkle Razor on her face (affiliate link)Meagan and Sarah both like Essie nail polish, and mentioned the Essie Expressie Quick Dry Polish(affiliate link)We both love Voluminous Mascara, and the Voluminous Primer Mascara (affiliate links)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Routines: everyone has them, whether you’ve created them intentionally or fallen into them by chance. In today’s episode, Meagan talks with Ashley Brown, a full-time working mom of two girls ages 3 and 1, enthusiastic Enneagram 1, and the creator of Routine & Things. After leaving the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom to her oldest daughter, Ashley found herself depressed and struggling to stay afloat; creating intentional routines around everything from self-care to cleaning the kitchen proved to be the secret sauce that helped get her life back in order. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Ashley’s website Routine and Things is a site and shop dedicated to helping moms create effective, and flexible routines so they can manage their homes and lives with more freedom and funFollow Ashley on InstagramAshley mentioned her Enneagram Type. Check out this episode if you’re not familiar with the personality test!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A preschooler is obsessed with screen-time after some COVID-related relaxation of the rules; how can the family get back on track? Another mom wonders how to meet the very different needs of multiple kids at the same time, and still another wants to know: WHERE DO ALL THE SOCKS GO? Then we tackle indoor physical play for little kids, talking honestly about the death of a grandparent, and the weirdest holiday gifts our kids have ever asked for. It’s a jam-packed Listener Questions episode–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our other Listener Questions episodesYou can access all of our episodes in our archivesMeagan will be doing a 25 day blogging pep talk on our blog starting today!For more ideas on how to keep kids busy indoors, listen to Stuck At Home? Us Too. Here Are Some Ideas (Episode 252 from March 2020)Sarah mentioned resources for dealing with a death in the family:How to Help a Child Who Is Worrying About DeathBooks To Help You Explain Death To ChildrenTalking with a 3-year-old about deathTalking with a 6-year-old about deathMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When friendships are strained by politics and the pandemic, how can a lonely mom re-envision her social life? What ideas do we have for family bonding as kids get older? Can Meagan distill her best parenting advice into five minutes or less? And finally, the sibling bickering is non-stop–what’s a mom to do? Join us for Episode 288 of The Mom Hour where we take YOUR listener questions and offer our best solicited advice. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our other Listener Questions episodesIf you want to hear more on the topic of friendships, listen to Female Friendships & Women We Admire(Episode 227 from September 2019),  The Myth of the Mom Tribe (Episode 144 from February 2018), and Keeping Friendships Alive (Episode 78 from November 2016).MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s plenty to debate about the holidays in 2020 – and it doesn’t ALL have to be gloomy and stressful. We’re kicking off Thanksgiving week with very lively, mostly half-baked debates about holiday controversies that bear little consequence on anything. To find out whether we think eggnog is disgusting or delightful, who among us prefers multicolored exterior illumination, whether Baby, It’s Cold Outside is CANCELLED or actually feminist, and what we actually think of Love, Actually, join us for today’s silly and festive More Than Mom episode. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Follow us on social! We are on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterMeagan mentioned this article from Persophone: Listening While Feminist: In Defense of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”And there’s also this one: from Variety: End the War on ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’! It’s Feminist — ReallyAbout That Maligned Christmas Tree (and That Owl) at Rockefeller Center (Ed Shanahan, NYTimes)Meagan talked about the Christmas tree plastic removal bag/skirt thing; Sarah had no idea what this was. Here’s an example!Don’t forget to check out our sponsor Annie’s Kit ClubsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shopping mindfully or practicing conscious consumerism can be a powerful way to show our support to struggling or underrepresented businesses this holiday season. It can also be, to use a phrase we lean on more and more these days, A LOT. It’s a lot to think about, it can be overwhelming to navigate, and it definitely can put strain on your budget. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah discuss where we our in our own shopping priorities, what we’d like to do more of this holiday season, and how we’ve practiced mindful shopping recently. We also talk through some specific purchases we’ve made through small online retailers recently, as a way to get your creative wheels turning. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:If you want more episodes discussing Enneagram, check out Personalities, Part 1 (Myers-Briggs, Enneagram & Introversion / Extroversion), Personalities, Part 2 (Our Myers-Briggs & Enneagram Types & More), and Knowing Yourself As A MomSarah mentioned bookshop.org for shopping Indie bookstores onlineSarah’s recent Etsy purchases include this handcrafted leather valet tray, a hanging planter basket, these fun surprise mugs, and a pom-pom play canopySarah’s recent Minted purchases include a cute weekender tote, fabric napkin sets, and these beautiful mother/child prints by Kate AhnMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The animals in our lives have certainly had an interesting year, what with all the working and learning from home. Many families whose work/life situations previously caused them to hold off on pet-ownership took the plunge and got a pandemic puppy. And COVID or no COVID, our kids never stop asking to add to our respective menageries. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun look at life with family pets, especially through the lens of 2020. We’ll talk about pandemic puppies, the Powers family’s adventure in fostering a litter of kittens, and the merits and drawbacks of various small animal pets. Enjoy!(Listen all the way through for a very special cameo from the littlest of our combined eight kids, animal lover and guinea pig expert, Violet!)LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our past episodes about pets from 2016 and 2018Want to help us grow the podcast? Leave us a rating and review in Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We know that winter 2020-2021 will require all the tips and tricks to keep us going–and it’s not even mid-November yet! Today’s More Than Mom episode is all about the concept of COZY, and how Meagan and Sarah like to bring it into our wardrobes, menus, and homes. Join us for a fun chat about cozy clothes we’re eyeing, how we manage the temperature in our homes when it’s cold out, and what food and drinks sound best for a cozy mood. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah is loving crewneck pullover sweatshirts lately (this one from the Grayson Threads line at Target is similar to a Halloween one she bought and loved) – affiliate linkThese Women’s Long Sleeve Fitted T-Shirts from the A New Day line at Target are a good base layer (but we continue the search for the perfect long-sleeved tee!) – affiliate linkIs there such thing as a cozy bra? We think so. We’re eyeing this one. – affiliate linkThe famous Ashlee Gadd slippers (AKA J. Crew Factory’s suede faux-shearling moccasin slippers) are currently on sale for $24.50 (but sometimes drop down to $19!)We LOVE our Kyrgies from a past sponsor! We both wear the Kyrgies All Natural Molded Sole – Low Back style (sadly, it looks like our promo code is no longer valid)Sarah picked up this hooded throw blanket from Zulily – makes a great gift!Sarah still loves her Hydroflask 12-oz Coffee Mug for keeping tea warm (even without the lid) – affiliate linkSarah’s go-to herbal tea is Trader Joe’s Ginger Turmeric; Meagan likes a Lemon GingerMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Whitnee Hawthorne was a new mom working a full-time corporate job she had trouble finding resources for women in her position–so she set out to create them. Now a mom of two and still working full-time for a Fortune 500 company, Whitnee helps other moms find their joy and achieve their goals. In this month’s Voices interview, Sarah chats with Whitnee about the morning and evening routines that set each day up for success, the regular practices that can help busy moms reflect and remember their feeling of purpose, and the time management tips that every mom needs (whether or not she works outside the home). Whitnee is FULL of tips and insight–enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle (Episode 285)thesavvyworkingmom.com@thesavvyworkingmom on InstagramThe 10-Minute Reboot, Whitnee’s $7 self-care workbookMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all heard the terms ‘mental load’ and ’emotional labor,’ but it’s easy to toss them around without pausing to really understand what’s happening in our minds and bodies when we carry prolonged stress with us in our roles as mothers and household managers. Today Meagan and Sarah look at the different ways stress manifests in our own bodies (and psyches), and offer concrete tips for managing feelings of burnout in a particularly challenging season.This episode was inspired in part by a recent episode of Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast and an interview with authors Amelia and Emily Nagoski about their new book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.LINKS MENTIONED:How to Get Your Partner to Take on More Emotional Labor (Britni de la Cretaz, New York Times)Moms Do More Invisible Labor, But It’s Possible to Lighten the Load (Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping)This episode is inspired by an episode from Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us Podcast, Brené with Emily and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress CycleMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listener Alana wrote to us recently to ask if we have a handy list of medicine cabinet must-haves for cold and flu season. We do not have such a list, but we have much to say! In Episode 284 Meagan and Sarah talk through various ages, stages, and accompanying ailments we’ve been able to treat at home–we are VERY clear that we’re not doctors, but we are moms who have seen a lot, from owies to skin troubles, fevers to congestion. And if there’s ever a year to make sure your family’s medicine cabinet is stocked with the supplies that best support your home healthcare philosophy, 2020 is IT. Join us!As mentioned in the episode, we’re not providing any medical advice in this conversation. We both consult professionals before beginning any new home remedy approach for ourselves or our kids, and we hope you will, too!LINKS MENTIONED:Sign up for our monthly newsletter here!Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and Badger Balm diaper creams (affiliate links)Check out TruColor skin tone bandages (made by a local friend of Meagan’s)Meagan likes the book Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand (affiliate link)Dr. Jack Newman’s All-Purpose Nipple OintmentPeas brand ice packsThe More Than Mom episode we did about our Palm Springs hospitality disasterMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah have both experienced parenting in three different decades now, and it reminded us of those old magazine spreads that talked about fashion or makeup (or fill-in-the-blank) in your 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode where we look at both the benefits and challenges to having had kids when we did–with full recognition that there are upsides and downsides to any decade and any motherhood timeline. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode contains a story of pregnancy loss.October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and recently we’ve seen online and in celebrity culture a few examples of women talking must more openly about their loss experiences, even sharing very vulnerable photos with the world like Chrissy Teigan did earlier this month. Here at The Mom Hour, we are 100% on board with movements that make moms feel less alone in their experience, so we think it’s really important to continue sharing these stories.In today’s special bonus episode, Sarah talks with Leeann Dearing about her personal experience with pregnancy loss. Leeann is an actress, entrepreneur and proud homeschool mom, and she’s also co-founder of the funny mom duo and viral video company Leeann & Michelle, whose videos you have probably seen taking over the internet. We’re so grateful to Leeann for her time with us today. LINKS MENTIONED:Leeann’s story about losing baby Marian at 18 weeks, as shared on @leeannandmichelle’s Instagram pageChrissy Tiegan’s loss story, also shared on InstagramJaclyn Elizabeth Photography (the photographer friend of Leeann’s who took their hospital photos)Dearing Acting StudioLeeann & Michelle’s viral videosYou can see the letter from Joanna Gaines on this pageCold Coffee Comedy CrewLeeann & Michelle Think They’re Funny (brand new podcast, out NOW!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Older kids and teenagers are experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime event–and they’re old enough to have thoughts about it. As moms, watching our kids miss out on social interactions and developmental rites of passage is tough, as is finding new ways to support their independence and hold boundaries when they push back. In Episode 283 Meagan and Sarah continue last week’s discussion about the very specific parenting challenges brought about by COVID-19, this time with a focus on big kids, tweens, and teens. Join us!Note: Last week we started this series talking about infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Listen to Episode 282 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Part 1 in this series (Episode 282) aired last week and focused on infants, toddlers and preschoolersSarah mentioned our two episodes featuring psychologist Dr. Erin Lanphier: Removing The Stigma Of Kids In Therapy (Voices 42), and Supporting Kids’ Behavioral Health As The Pandemic Stretches On(Voices 50)We loved this interview with Jessica Lahey on What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood, all about fostering independence in older kids during the pandemicMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Separation anxiety. Potty training. Speech and language development. Socialization. These cornerstones of child development and the parenting experience can bring up questions or create bumps in the road in normal times–but we are not living in normal times, friends. We’re living in COVID times. In Episode 282 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah look at the really specific (and sometimes heartbreaking) ways that the last eight months have complicated the motherhood experience for parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Join us!Note: Part 2 in this series continues the conversation with big kids, tweens and teens, and young adults. Listen to Episode 283 here.LINKS MENTIONED:New York Times article about parents and mental health right nowNew York Times article about whether kids will be socially behind after all thisDo you have ways COVID is complicating your parenting life or making normal developmental hiccups harder on your kids? Send us an email to hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re all dreaming about getting away right now, but traditional travel and typical vacations don’t feel like they’re going to be a thing for, well, a while. So today Meagan and Sarah are dreaming BIG – stranded on a deserted island big. Join us for a silly–but somehow also theraputic in 2020?–exercise in hypothetical thinking. We discuss what we’d bring with us to an island escape, what our fantasy island dwelling would be like, and how we’d spend our time. Enjoy!PS – DESERT island or DESERTED island? We discuss in the episode and, after recording, learned this.LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned a couple of related More Than Mom episodes, Being Alone (September 2019),Would You Rather…? (July 2018) and Would You Rather…? (July 2019)Check out the details for our Virtual Retreat!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month kicks off the fall holiday season in the strangest year of all of our lives, and moms everywhere seem to be asking the same thing: what do we do about Halloween? From helping older kids deal with expectations-vs-COVID-reality, to finding safe ways for littler kids to celebrate, Meagan and Sarah unpack it all in Episode 281. We also touch on some tips for dealing with our own holiday disappointment as moms, and share some insight about holiday traditions in general to set the tone for the next few months. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode was inspired by the comments on this post in our Facebook groupThis post in the Facebook group also goes into listeners’ thoughts on trick-or-treating specificallyWe mentioned our episode Supporting Kids’ Behavioral Health As The Pandemic Stretches On: Voices 50Sarah used Primary.com as the base for Violet’s mostly-homemade deer costume last yearSarah’s family reads Pumpkin Soup (affiliate link) by Helen Cooper every year, and then makes this recipe for Butternut Squash Soup with Apple & BacontSarah mentioned that Oriental Trading is a great place for getting small toys kids loveMeagan mentioned an old (!!) episode about moms and pressure and holiday traditionsA listener suggested these skull eggs for a fun Halloween egg huntMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I’ve been looking through my closet and I just want to burn it all down and start over.” (Meagan, recently to Sarah)As moms, our bodies change a lot and we don’t always feel like we have permission to invest in our personal style, but what we wear makes a huge difference in how we feel. After Meagan said this to Sarah recently, she decided to call on personal stylist Dacy Gillespie for help…and you get to listen in!Dacy is creator of The Mindful Closet, where she offers both one-on-one personal styling and shopping services, as well as courses and information on editing your closet, shopping more mindfully and creating a look that is really you. And, as Dacy shows us in this episode, we don’t have to spend a lot of money to pare down our wardrobes and add new pieces more mindfully. Dacy also teaches us how to shop online more successfully and offers closet organization tips to make getting dressed easier.LINKS MENTIONED:mindfulcloset.com, Dacy’s website@mindfulcloset on InstagramDacy’s courses on Stress-Free Shopping, Finding Your Authentic Style, and Making SpaceMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve covered the hard stuff: leaky everything, blinding exhaustion, night sweats. But the fourth trimester, or postpartum period, has its perks as well. In Episode 280 Meagan and Sarah take turns sharing their favorite memories of postpartum life with a newborn–without glossing over what we ALL know to be true: it’s not easy. Join us for the latest in our “10 Things We Love About…” series! LINKS MENTIONED:Like this format? Check out 10 Things We Love About Toddlers and 10 Things We Love About Raising SiblingsMeagan originated the idea for the series in a holiday episode where she talked about very specific gratitude journaling about being single in DecemberOur episode Strong As A Mother with Kate Rope: Voices 26, all about postpartum mental health, is one of our most popular Voices interview episodes to dateWe talked about our episode Postpartum Symptoms & SurprisesYou might also like our LIVE Episode about how to REALLY help a new momMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We challenged you to ask us your most burning questions–but not about parenting for once! And wow, did you deliver. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun, silly, and sometimes serious More Than Mom episode featuring your questions about our perfect day, favorite Hamilton songs, thoughts on dating after divorce, and whether we consider ourselves religious. PLUS a big announcement at the top of the show that you won’t want to miss. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listener Allison is blogging about her BRCA2 journey at brca2mama.com (here’s a post about the great nipple debate!)Meagan talks about faith sometimes on her InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Zoom school” is in session in both our homes, although the programs and schedules are very different for our six school-aged kids, grades two through eleven. In this week’s episode we check in about how remote learning is going for our elementary, middle, and high schoolers, giving an honest assessment of the areas that are going better than expected (or worse…or just about the same). We also pool our experience to share some strategies for keeping kids motivated and engaged, and recommend some purchases to set up your home as a learning environment. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Our School Decisions for Fall 2020 series aired back in July – here’s Part 1 and Part 2Sarah did a blog post roundup of some of her recent home-learning must-have purchasesHere are all the products we mentioned in the second half of the episode, in the order we talked about them:Meagan’s whiteboardSarah’s laptop standMeagan’s new printerSarah’s desk padsMeagan’s WiFi extender (Sarah’s family uses this system)Sarah’s squishy toys for fidgetingMeagan’s Clever Fox plannersSarah’s chair cushions for comfy buttsMeagan’s fun markers, pens and more pensSarah’s kids have headphones like theseSarah’s pencil sharpenerWant more ideas for school supply purchases to support home learning? Kelsey and Erica from The Girl Next Door podcast have you COVERED.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s not if but when: losing your cool with your kids is part of motherhood (especially during a global pandemic). Sometimes we yell, sometimes we cry, and sometimes we stomp our feet like a toddler or sass-talk like a tween. If you do any of these things too, we can assure you you’re not alone–and it’s not too late to practice the art of recovery. In Episode 278 of The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah talk about the different types of mom-meltdowns we’re prone to, and what repair and recovery can look like when we’ve lost it with our families. Join us!Links Mentioned:Sarah mentioned the article by Tara Haelle Your ‘Surge Capacity’ Is Depleted — It’s Why You Feel AwfulIf you like this episode, you might also enjoy our episode Our worst #MomFail Moments, and other episodes in our Mom Confidence topicMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nothing feels the same as it did six months ago, and in today’s return of our More Than Mom series, Meagan and Sarah are looking at the weirdest ways we’ve changed since March. From some out-of-character purchases to new routines and habits, we’re here to discuss some of more idiosyncratic details of our strange new normal. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Email us or send a voicemail with a question for our Ask Us Anything episode coming up later this month!Both Meagan and Sarah use the Revlon Root Erase Hair Color (affiliate link)Sarah bought this Scotch Thermal Laminator (affiliate link)Sarah is getting back into reading with I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown and The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (affiliate links)Meagan likes the Belvoir Fruit Farms Elderflower and Rose Lemonade (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah are both refocusing on personal spending this fall, after a strange pandemic spring and summer brought about changes to the family budget. In today’s episode we look at the areas of our spending that have changed since March, and talk through tips and strategies we’re using to save money right now. From working with a financial planner to buying secondhand, reevaluating dinner delivery and doing an audit on those pesky auto-renew subscriptions, we’re here with seven strategies make a difference to our families’ bottom lines this fall. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Our interview from 2019 with Natalie Taylor has a ton of helpful information about hiring a personal financial plannerMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back-to-school season usually means a refreshing change of schedule and, for many parents, fewer hours with kids in the house. This year, the way we use our homes for school, work, and leisure look very different–but that doesn’t mean we can’t harness some of that familiar fall energy and tackle clutter in a new way for a new reality. Join Sarah and longtime listener/community member Mandy Yang for a look at how the Konmari method of decluttering can serve us as we set up our homes for one of the stranger seasons in memory. We talk about repurposing items you already own, how to help kids part with their “treasures,” and why the Konmari method is so often misunderstood. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!@amongallofthis is Mandy’s Instagram – check out these specific posts:How To DeclutterHow To Pocket-Fold TowelsHow To Fold Fitted SheetsAmong All Of This on Etsy (Mandy’s shop for labels and organizing products)Visit Mandy’s website to read more about her or hire her as a consultant: amongallofthis.comVisit konmari.com to find a consultant in your areaWe also discussed Mandy’s Instagram post showing her entry closet, and how the labeled bins inspired Sarah to find a solution for the same Target Threshold Y-Weave Baskets (affiliate link): View this post on InstagramSarah’s labels and bins, inspired by Mandy’s Instagram post featuring the same Target Threshold y-weave basketshttp://goto.target.com/GzGXV (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re kicking back for a casual chat this week, taking time to update listeners on some of the behind-the-scenes events in both our lives lately. From the details of Sarah’s move to what’s coming up this fall on the podcast, from Meagan’s annual end-of-summer malaise to her anticipation of a revamped time-blocking system for fall 2020, these are the little (and big) conversational rabbit holes we don’t always have time for on the podcast. Join us!Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like a peek behind the scenes, check out some of our similar episode hereLooking for an episode to send to a friend? Head to our page for new listeners and browse episodes by category!Our Spotify playlists are another great way to share the show with a friend (especially if you know they get all their audio on Spotify already!)Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An eight-year-old with a “can’t-do” attitude and a ten-year-old who struggles to bounce back after little setbacks (two more in an accidental series of questions that we’re affectionately calling “boys with bad attitudes”): Meagan and Sarah have thoughts–and personal experience–for the moms of these kids. Then Sarah weighs in on a question about how to use an “okay to wake” clock with a clever three-year-old, and Meagan validates a mom of a clingy preschooler with big feelings. Today’s episode brings you four more listener questions and our advice–check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all of our Listener Questions EpisodesSign up for our monthly newsletter (next one goes out September 7!) to be first to hear how you could win a pair of Sudio Ett earphonesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to make friends and cultivate community after a move; contemplating a third baby and wondering if the older two will ever play together nicely; answering questions about puberty and other growing-up topics; and dealing with a five-year-old who is never satisfied: Meagan and Sarah take four listener questions in this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all of our Listener Questions EpisodesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If we’ve learned anything since March, it’s that little things can make a big difference in our moods. In Episode 273 Meagan and Sarah revisit the idea of small comforts for unprecedented times, little pleasures that can’t solve a global pandemic but do offer a quick pick-me-up. From recent Etsy finds to a new fitness tracking gadget, pretty kitchen towels to a return to yoga, you’ll come away with ideas for bringing a little comfort into your days as we look ahead to fall. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For more ideas, listen to Small Comforts (Part One) and Small Comforts (Part Two), our episodes from early May on the same topicSend us your small comforts suggestions! Join our Facebook group to see Meagan’s shady deck photosand join the discussion about Sarah’s search for a body pillow. Or you can always email us at hello@themomhour.comMeagan bought the Garmin Vivoactive 4s fitness tracker (affiliate link)Sarah has been shopping Etsy more, including purchasing a hanging planter, replacement drawer handles, and Woven Macrame BasketsYou can use bookshop.org to order from Indie bookstores if you don’t have one near you (Sarah’s local bookstore is Chaucer’s)Meagan’s double hammock (affiliate link)Meagan bought these lightweight trail running shoes (affiliate link)Sarah is loving the turkish hand towels from Riviera Towel CompanyCheck our our page just for new listenersYou can access all of our episodes at themomhour.com/archivesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With schools across the country increasingly moving in the direction of online-only attendance in the fall, many moms are asking: “How do we make this work?” While homeschool pods, cutting back hours at work and other creative solutions may be a temporary solution for some families, there are many others for whom these options are not on the table. And there’s no doubt that moms are unfairly shouldering the brunt of this crisis (as we are so often expected to do).In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan talks with Anne Halsall, co-founder and CPO of online child-care directory Winnie; listen as they dig into issues around work, parenting, and inequality that this pandemic has uncovered—and discuss some reassuring news about the safety and availability of licensed daycare to fill some of those gaps.LINKS MENTIONED:Winnie.com, the company Anne co-founded @annekate on TwitterAnne and Meagan recently did a webinar together – check back here for a link when the recording is available to watch!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The messes start even before the baby is born, and they don’t stop…they just change form as the years progress. In Episode 272 Meagan and Sarah look back at some of the most epic messes of our mothering years–from diaper blowouts to parking lot puke, glitter explosions to stinky wadded up socks, we’re getting gross today, all in the name of making you laugh and feel like you’re not alone (whatever mess you’re facing today!). Enjoy!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After listening to moms around the country share their feelings about schools re-opening (or not), Meagan and Sarah continue the discussion we started last week by looking at the challenges facing families this fall. We touch on the core drivers of school decision-making–academics, childcare, kids’ social-emotional health, and community health–and talk through the pros and cons of some of the likely learning scenarios on the table for kids. Just like last week, this is an inclusive conversation meant to bring encouragement and understanding, no matter where you are in your school decision for Fall 2020. Join us!We recommend listening to Episode 270 before diving into this one!This episode was recorded on July 17, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Be sure to check out last week’s episode School Decisions For Fall 2020 (Part 1)We mentioned Episode 261 from May: Judgment, Criticism & Mom-Shaming In The Time Of COVID-19Email us your feedback to hello@themomhour.comListeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virtual, on campus, hybrid, or homeschool? For many families, it isn’t even a choice; it’s whatever the local district decides. For some families, opting out, changing schools, waiting an extra year, or enrolling in an independent study program are options that are still on the table. For everyone, it’s an extraordinarily confusing, stressful, and uncertain time to be looking ahead at Fall 2020.With inclusion, empathy, and nonjudgment leading the way, Meagan and Sarah kick off a two-part series unpacking the challenges of sending kids to school this fall. We talk from personal experience about our “plans” (ha!) for our own kids, and we also bring you the voices of more than a dozen listeners who share what things are like in their communities. Join us!This episode was recorded on July 17, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Email us your feedback to hello@themomhour.com. We love hearing from you!Listeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember makeup? And going places? We miss it. Join Meagan and Sarah for a light and fun more-than-mom-ish conversation about how our makeup style has changed from our teen and young adult years through today, which looks and trends from the past make us cringe, some products and techniques we’re playing with lately, whether and how staying at home has changed our daily makeup approach, and more. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like this topic, check out our Spotify playlist filled with light and fluffy More Than Mom topics!A few products we mentioned… (Target links are affiliates!)Clinique Black Honey Almost LipstickNUDESTIX line at Sephora (Sarah specifically owns this blush/bronzer in Naughty & Spice and Bondi Bae, this concealer, this lip glace, this two-sided brush applicator, and this eyebrow pencil)L’Oreal Voluminous mascaraL’Oreal True Match pressed powderCoty Airspun Loose PowderPrescriptives *Magic Liquid PowderMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Regression. Clinginess. Tantrums. Bedtime battles. Mood struggles. We’re hearing from moms all over the world about the toll that 2020 is taking on children, from toddlers up through teens. We’ve had so many posts and questions in our Facebook group that for this month’s Voices interview we decided to bring back Dr. Erin Lanphier, a child psychologist, therapist in private practice, and university professor. Dr. Erin chats with Sarah about these and other struggles kids are having right now, how to know when it’s time to act versus cut your kid a little slack, and what options are available for parents who want to seek outside support for behavioral or mental health struggles. Join us for an incredibly helpful conversation.LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Voices 42 with Dr. Erin Lanphier on Removing The Stigma Of Kids In TherapyListeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No matter what’s going on in the world around you, the people need to eat. In Episode 268 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah break down the process of feeding a family when you’re going through a major life transition (or, say, a global pandemic). We talk about why meal plans are even MORE crucial in chaotic times, how to get fruits and veggies into the kids even when you’re serving up convenience food more often than you’d like, and how to stick to your “food values” even as you let some of your standards slide for a season. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned the two episodes we did at the beginning of the pandemic, A Week Of Real Life Dinners (COVID 19 Edition) and Freezer Meals, Pantry Staples & The New Reality Of Food Prep With Stacie Billis: Voices 47Sarah mentioned our episode Family Food Values & What’s Working For UsMeagan’s recipe for her Pork & Sweet Potato HashCheck out all of our episodes on the topic of feeding a familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moving while momming is no small task–and we’ve been there, trust us. Meagan has mastered the art of the DIY cross-town move to a new home with a whole bunch of kids; Sarah’s moves have been fewer and farther between, but also farther in distance and bigger in scope. Join us as we continue last week’s discussion about big moves and get into the details of actually packing up and relocating your family. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode is a continuation of our episode on moving last week, Big Moves, Part One (Dreaming, Planning, Deciding)You might also like these episodes:Moving, Remodeling & Other Home Transitions: Episode 153Moving With Kids & Cultivating Community: Episode 56This Is Where You Belong with Melody Warnick: Voices 03Sarah ordered colored packing tape like this (affiliate link) to execute her color-coded boxes systemMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you dream of packing up the family and moving somewhere new? Or starting fresh in a different home or neighborhood? Maybe the idea of a move isn’t yours, but has been introduced by a job change or prompted by family circumstance. In this first of a two-part series on big moves, Meagan and Sarah talk about fantasy moves, aspirational moves, and making the decision to actually move our families. We also look at all the considerations we’ve made when planning a big move–from schools and neighborhoods to house features and commute times. Whether you’re dreaming of a move or happy where you are, this is a fun one. Join us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In hindsight, was the worry worth it? That’s the question Meagan and Sarah are looking at in this week’s episode, as we bring back a popular series all about things that stressed us out as less experienced moms. From nutrition and discipline to kids’ friendships and developmental milestones, we look at the worries that kept us up at night and how it all turned out in the end. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our other Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About episodesWe mentioned Meagan’s NBC News THINK piece Parenting kids over 18 is still parenting. You just get less control and the stakes are higher.Sarah recommended the book No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident and Compassionate Girls (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first time in generations, many of us are reexamining how often we shop, where we get our groceries, and what household essentials we might be able to make at home instead of running out to buy. But this month’s Voices guest Kris Bordessa has been teaching families how to live more sustainably for years. Hear Meagan get Kris’s take on the bake-your-own-bread craze, why so many adults feel like they never reallylearned to cook, and how growing your own food or making soap doesn’t have to be overwhelming. They also discuss Kris’s new book, Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Kris Bordessa’s book Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living (affiliate link)Learn more on Kris’ blog Attainable SustainableConnect with Kris on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We may be staying closer to home this summer, but we still want to feel good about the way we look! Join Meagan and Sarah for an update on our warm weather wardrobes, from which pieces have served us in past summers to what we’re eyeing for purchase this year. We talk about tops and bottoms, undergarments and swimwear, shoes and accessories. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:TopsSarah’s favorite t shirts are these Whisper cotton from MadewellWe both love dolman sleeve tops even in summertime, like this one from Jane (affiliate link) that Sarah has in three colorsBottomsWe both like linen shorts from Target with pockets, like these (affiliate link)Meagan wears her Fabletics Leggings most mornings (affiliate link)Sarah loves these Denim shorts from Jane (affiliate link)Sarah talked about her comfy pants in this episode, and again they are: Lululemon Align Jogger Crop, Fold Over Linen Pants from Jane (affiliate link), Lively Wide-Leg Lounge Pants for MadewellShoesSarah wears Havaiana Flip Flops all summer long (affiliate link)Kyrgies are still great for the summer! (We got ours as part of our sponsor relationship and both LOVE them. You can still use code THEMOMHOUR to get 15% off your order.)SwimMeagan just bought a few new swimsuits from Dokifans, and has had good luck in the past with Soma, MiracleSuit (that link gets you 20% off!), Modcloth (try code MODMOM), Urban Outfitters, and Victoria’s SecretSarah thinks these J. Crew boy short bikini bottoms are greatDresses/Rompers/UndergarmentsMeagan and Sarah both love their Harper Wilde Bras, particularly the Harper Wilde Base BraJersey swing dresses (like these from Old Navy) double as cover-ups, and THIS ONE has pockets!AccessoriesSarah bought this kimono from Jane (affiliate link)Email us your feedback and questions to hello@themomhour.com. We love hearing from you!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we’ve seen in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, there is still so much work to be done around racial injustice. For white people, that’s often accompanied by confusion and uncertainty that can keep us stuck in a loop of discomfort and defensiveness. But if we want things to change, we need to be part of the conversation – even if that means risking our own comfort and challenging the status quo.While books, documentaries and social media can be important catalysts for change on a large scale (and we have some to recommend below), one of the most impactful ways to learn and grow is through in-person conversations with real people in our lives.In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan talks to her niece Cecily and her nephew Mario about their experiences as young black people living in today’s world. The discussions are at times raw and may make you squirm, but we’re hoping they will also make you think, learn, and hopefully, continue the conversation in your own homes, families, and communities.Book lists and resource roundups:PICTURE BOOKS THAT TEACH KIDS TO COMBAT RACISMYou believe that Black Lives Matter. You are non-Black. You don’t know what to say or do. So start here. (Cool Mom Picks)This blog post from Karen Walrond’s Chookooloonks has books, documentaries, IG follows, and moreMOVING FROM OUTRAGE TO ACTION: TALKING RACIAL JUSTICE WITH LATASHA MORRISON (Selfie Podcast)How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids (Commonsense.org)How to Talk to Kids About Race with Amber Coleman-Mortley (Edit Your Life)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer 2020 isn’t going to be like any other summer in our memories–and it’s not going to look like whatever we’d dreamed up in midwinter before the pandemic hit. Still, Meagan and Sarah have ideas for how we’d like to set up ourselves and our families for healthy routines, regular self care, and (is it possible?) even some fun outings this summer. Join us for a look ahead at the next few months as we set our realistic intentions for summer 2020.This episode was recorded on May 31, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:We are both reading and thinking a lot lately about how to use our voices to be an ally for people of color. Here are just a few resources we’ve found helpful:Instagram accounts: @blackcoffeewithwhitefriends @beabridgebuilder @hereweeread@thegreatunlearn @theconsciouskid @callmedoctor_t @parentingwhileblk @beingblackatschool@ijeomaoluo @mireillecharperBook lists and resource roundups:PICTURE BOOKS THAT TEACH KIDS TO COMBAT RACISMYou believe that Black Lives Matter. You are non-Black. You don’t know what to say or do. So start here. (Cool Mom Picks)This blog post from Karen Walrond’s Chookooloonks has books, documentaries, IG follows, and moreMOVING FROM OUTRAGE TO ACTION: TALKING RACIAL JUSTICE WITH LATASHA MORRISON(Selfie Podcast)How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids (Commonsense.org)Meagan mentioned our episode Two White Moms Talk Awkwardly About Race (Episode 9 from June 2015)Meagan’s time blocking calendar was based on this post from Diane KinneyLeave us a comment on Instagram or in our Facebook group , or you can email us at hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Allison is a minister in a church, finding new ways to lead her congregation while awaiting her second baby; Alison deals with the guilt of laying off foodservice employees and permanently shutting down a location of her café business; Starlynn owns an in-home daycare serving front-line families while navigating changing rules and regulations. All three are also working moms with all the demands of mothering and living through a global pandemic. Find out what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like in our final (for now!) episode of Pandemic Perspectives. This episode was recorded on April 30, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With most of us staying at home for an unforeseen amount of time, managing our households to run efficiently and calmly is crucial to keeping the family machine plugging along and helping us create a positive mental space. From meal planning to cleaning schedules to keeping things organized, Meagan and Sarah will share 10 small habits that have the power to transform at-home life from frazzled, chaotic and marred by unmet expectations, to calm, reasonably-organized, and just-productive-enough.HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Naming a new human is a big task–and a fun one, we think! Looking back over our combined eight experiences naming babies, Meagan and Sarah talk about how we decided on names (and whether our partners agreed on our favorites!), what went into middle name decisions, and which names we left on the table. We also explore how our kids have grown into their names, including unexpected nicknames, trends we didn’t see coming, and more. Join us!This episode was recorded on May 22, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:New to the podcast? Start here.Listeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)Check out our Pandemic Perspectives seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Janice’s husband works in China and hasn’t been able to travel home to Australia since January; Kassidy and her partner have merged their combined five kids under the age of seven and are learning to live together while figuring out new ways to do their jobs; Stephanie returned from maternity leave just before the pandemic, resuming work as an ICU nurse in one of the country’s early hot spots. All three are also moms juggling the demands of caring for their families as the pandemic wears on. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Janice, Kassidy, and and Stephanie in Episode 07 of Pandemic Perspectives.This episode was recorded on April 30, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the country begins to open up–slowly, differently, uncertainly–one family’s decisions about how to re-enter the world will look different from the next. Can we have confidence in our own decisions while holding space for others to interpret guidelines differently? Are criticism and judgment online a symptom of quarantine fatigue, or the beginning of a toxic new norm? And can the experience of new motherhood provide lessons about empathy that apply in these unprecedented times? Meagan and Sarah dive deep into big questions about shame, guilt, criticism, and judgment in Episode 261 of The Mom Hour. Join us!This episode was recorded on May 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Our Pandemic Perspectives seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maddi works full-time in a warehouse picking product to be shipped for GAP while her three little boys try to make sense of the changes in their lives; Sarah is pregnant with her second child and working to meet the needs of vulnerable children in her community; Robyn is a 20-year elementary school teaching veteran learning the new ways of distance learning with her fourth grade class. All three are also moms whose home lives, work lives, and futures have been upended by COVID-19. Find out what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Maddi, Sarah, and Robyn in Episode 06 of Pandemic Perspectives.This episode was recorded on April 30, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. LINKS MENTIONED:Child welfare attorney Sarah recommends reaching out to the following agencies if you’re interested in helping support at-risk families during this time:Your local child welfare agency Your local juvenile or family courtYour local foster parent association Your local CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) programMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have MORE little pleasures to share this week! Continuing last week’s discussion, Meagan and Sarah offer ten more small things that are bringing us comfort these days. From minor tweaks to the morning routine to the comfiest pants we’ve found, these are a combination of comforts you can add to your online shopping cart and simple pleasures that don’t cost a thing. Join us!This episode was recorded on May 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Last week’s Episode 259 has 10 more small comforts!Check out our Pandemic Perspectives series if you haven’t alreadyMeagan has been listening to Dolly Parton’s America on her long walksSarah loves the InShot app for compiling video clipsSarah’s robe and mug:Robe is by Queen Maddyn and apparently is a maternity style! (I have this one, but Meagan loved the look of this one)Garden Party Monogram Mug (Rifle Paper Co. for Anthropologie)Revlon Root Erase Hair Color & Root Touch-Up ( Target affiliate link), also available on Amazon (affiliate link)Sarah’s comfy pants:Lululemon Align Jogger Crop (order 1-2 sizes up for true comfy pant status!)Fold Over Linen Pants from Jane (affiliate link / click “Notify Me” and you’ll get an email when they become available again)Lively Wide-Leg Lounge Pants for MadewellMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christina's brick and mortar fabric shop pivoted to mobilize mask-making for healthcare workers; Sarah facilitates distance learning for five kids while adjusting expectations for her own wedding celebration and plans to grow their blended family; Kati and her husband alternate day and night shifts at a steel mill and haven't experienced "staying at home" at all. All three are also moms dealing with the everyday challenges of busy toddlers, kids missing sports, and what to make for dinner. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Christina, Sarah, and Kati in Episode 05 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stressors right now loom large; but sometimes solace comes in the form of lots of little bright spots. Today Meagan and Sarah compare notes on the little things that bring comfort, humor, and moments of happiness when things are intense in the world. From the silly to the slightly-less-silly, Episode 259 is full of ideas for how to notice--or, let's be honest: purchase--small comforts in a chaotic time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura treats COVID-19 patients as a respiratory therapist during incredibly unstable times; Hilary supports the mental health of young adults and is adjusting to delivering services via telehealth; Carla is a social worker serving foster youth in Canada and bears the weight of her caseload while mothering three very young girls. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Laura, Hilary, and Carla in Episode 04 of Pandemic Perspectives.This episode was recorded on April 6-7, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Living a creative life with small children underfoot is a challenge in any circumstances; doing it while running a business during a global pandemic is another thing altogether. For this month’s Voices interview Sarah chats with her good friend, fellow podcaster, and all-around good human Ashlee Gadd, founder of the wildly popular Coffee + Crumbs community. Ashlee shares thoughts on quarantine parenting, social media connection AND social media breaks, adjusting expectations when you’re an Enneagram 3, and how her writing and photography practices change during different seasons of motherhood. We also chat about home decor, home-wrecking toddlers, and more. Join us!This episode was recorded on May 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Coffee + CrumbsThe Coffee + Crumbs 2020 Mother’s Day BrunchThe Magic of Motherhood bookCoffee + Crumbs Patreon Community (this is where the podcast is being published in 2020)Ashlee’s personal blogAshlee’s Instagraman example of Ashlee’s “experiment” with free-writing / poetry this yearMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve had lots of time to observe our kids in their natural habitats the last couple months…wherein their “natural habitat” is also OUR HOUSE. Turns out, we’re really glad we’ve passed on some basic life skills to these growing humans, because they’re doing pretty well in a lot of areas. It’s clear, however, that other life skills are still works-in-progress. In Episode 258 Meagan and Sarah take a lighter look at life skills–both the ones our kids have mastered as well as the ones that need improvement. Join us!This episode was recorded on May 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Our friend Christine Koh’s printable list of 100 Life Skills You Can Teach Your Kids In 5 Minutes or Less(be sure you’re listening to Edit Your Life and following Christine on Instagram @hellochristinekoh, because she’s FULL of great resources like this!)Sarah mentioned our friend Jessica Lahey’s interview on Armchair Expert with Dax ShepherdCheck out our new series Pandemic Perspectives, and if you’d like to share your story fill out this form and we’ll be in touchMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kathryn is mom to four small girls and an attorney representing the most vulnerable kids in her state; Robyn and her husband are both on the front lines as an Emergency Room RN and a firefighter/paramedic; Kyria teaches social studies at a Bay Area high school and now instructs students from home while the baby (hopefully!) naps. All three are also moms dealing with the everyday challenges of clingy toddlers, remote-learning kids, and work-from-home demands. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Kathryn, Robyn, and Kyria in Episode 03 of Pandemic Perspectives.This episode was recorded on April 6-7, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a month into safer at home, a day in the life of most moms looks nothing like it did before COVID-19. We’re living in close quarters with small humans (and big humans!) whom we love but may be used to getting an occasional break from. We’re parenting through a time of unprecedented stress. And we’re doing it all against a backdrop of Instagram-era expectations that can make us feel like we’re not measuring up.In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah take an honest look at the toll that nonstop-parenting in the time of COVID-19 takes on moms of young kids. We get real about the struggle, and then we dig into specific tips and strategies moms can employ in the name of building small breaks into long days. We offer tips for encouraging independent play, facilitating mixed-age sibling activities, and how we handle screen-time in our homes–all while helping moms lose the guilt and find small moments of joy during a stressful time. Join us!This episode was recorded on April 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned our episode on spending one-on-one time with our kidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From making our first “mom friend” to the first time all of our children could stay home alone, today’s episodes celebrates the milestones that mark new phases of motherhood. Inspired by a listener question and the enthusiastic response we received for a whole episode on this topic, in Episode 257 Sarah and Meagan share twelve mom milestones, moments where we felt like we’d unlocked next-level parenting skills or shifted our identity as moms in a small-but-significant way. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode was inspired by Geralis’ question, which we initially answered last week in Episode 256(our answer starts at 51:17)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessi watched the national shutdown play out from inside the PICU, where she and her husband were quarantined with their newborn twins (who are now home and doing great!); Gillian’s NYC-based medical practice undergoes huge changes while her family grieves a personal loss; Heather’s husband is on the front lines at the grocery store while she juggles working from home while parenting. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Jessi, Gillian, and Heather in Episode 02 of Pandemic Perspectives.This episode was recorded on April 6-7, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does a toddler “need” a formal preschool program if it isn’t necessary for childcare purposes? Did we think about kids’ birthday timing when we were planning (or not planning) our pregnancies? How can a physically active toddler channel his energy for good during stuck-inside days? And what are Meagan and Sarah’s most memorable “mom milestones”? In this week’s episode we answer these questions with our personal stories and (solicited!) advice. It’s a fun one–join us!This episode was recorded on May 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:You can find all of our listener questions episodes hereCheck out our new series Pandemic Perspectives, and if you’d like to share your story fill out this formand we’ll be in touchWe mentioned @busytoddlerWe mentioned some of the gross motor, larger indoor activities like this inflatable punching bag, or this indoor trampoline (affiliate links), and more of the suggestions we offered in this episodeIf you missed the story of Meagan getting stuck in a dress, it’s hereWe mentioned our episode about Other People’s BabiesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Casey is the director of an after-school program serving vulnerable communities; Megan teaches English online to students in China and watched their families experience COVID-19 before things got serious in the US; Jayme is weeks away from having her second baby and worries that being married to a hospital physician might separate their family. All three are also moms dealing with the everyday challenges of clingy toddlers, remote-learning kids, and work-from-home demands. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Casey, Megan, and Jayme in Episode 01 of Pandemic Perspectives.This episode was recorded on April 6-7, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities.AND ALSO: Our Pandemic Perspective guests are moms just like you, doing their best with the resources they have. Their opinions do not necessarily represent those of the podcast, and the information they offer should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for conversations with teachers, business owners, healthcare professionals, social workers, partners of first responders, and others who are living, working, and parenting their kids through the COVID-19 global pandemic in a unique or particularly challenging way.The goal of this series is to better understand what people’s lives are like in different industries, careers, and situations during the COVID-19 global pandemic. In each episode you’ll hear three short interviews with someone for whom this experience has a very specific and challenging impact on the way they live, work, and parent their kids.We hope these stories will offer a different view of this experience than the one you’re experiencing right now at home; or maybe you’ll see your own family’s situation reflected in these conversations in a way that doesn’t get talked about as much. We know that when we have a better understanding of what other people are going through, it makes us better and more compassionate parents. Look for the Pandemic Perspectives series dropping right here in The Mom Hour podcast feed on Sundays this spring. We hope you’ll join us!(And, of course, we’ll continue to bring you brand new episodes every Tuesday with the parenting and motherhood topics you’re used to hearing from us.)HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Working from home with little kids during COVID-19, moving a baby into a shared sibling bedroom, dealing with cancellation disappointment for both mom and kids, and finding small breaks in the long days of stay-at-home parenting: This week’s podcast episode is dedicated to your listener questions and our advice. Join us!This episode was recorded on April 5, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:You can find all of our listener questions episodes hereHave a question for Meagan and Sarah? Send us your question by email to hello@themomhour.com, or even better we love when you record your questions using Speakpipe!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal planning is hard enough for busy families; now families are eating nearly all their meals at home, it’s a next-level challenge. So for this month’s Voices interview we’re bringing back cookbook author and Didn’t I Just Feed You? co-host Stacie Billis to talk about grocery shopping, what freezes well and when to freeze it, how to minimize food waste while adjusting to a new normal, the best pantry staples, and more. It’s a helpful, upbeat, and encouraging episode–we hope you’ll join us!This episode was recorded on March 29, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Find out more about Stacie on her website, and while you’re there check out her other booksStacie’s newest cookbook, Winner Winner Chicken DinnerFind Stacie on InstagramListen to Stacie’s podcast with Meghan Splawn Didn’t I Just Feed You, a podcast about feeding familiesStacie is obsessed with this braiser in addition to the dutch ovenDutch ovens on Amazon (affiliate link)Check out Stacie demonstrating how to spatchcock a chickenInstant Pot (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plans vs. reality. Pretty menus vs. the aftermath of a spontaneous smörgåsbord. Now, more than ever, we find it fascinating to look back at what our families ate for dinner in a given week and how the reality of those meals departed from our best-laid plans. Meagan and Sarah (plus Kelsey from our team) each wrote down our dinners for the past week and we’re here to discuss what worked, what failed, and how we’re faring as we feed our families during a global pandemic. Join us!This episode was recorded on March 28, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s Pork & Sweet Potato HashCheck out our other episodes on the topic of feeding a familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tackling digital clutter means working toward a system where there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place—if that sounds daunting, we get it! Our desktops get messy, too. Join Meagan and Sarah for the final episode in our special series on digital spring cleaning as we talk about file storage, folder systems, that pesky-but-essential “cloud,” and more. Enjoy!This episode is Part 3 in our series on Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life. Listen to Part 1 by clicking here, and Part 2 by clicking here.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked about Google Backup & Sync, a desktop application for syncing to Google Drive (they have both Mac and PC versions)All the posts and notes from this series are collected on this pageMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week we’re busy spring cleaning…our digital space! In Part 2 of this special series, Meagan and Sarah discuss the state of our email inboxes. From whether we aim for “inbox zero” to how we find that email we know is in here somewhere, this is both a realistic and an aspirational look at managing information that comes at us via email. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life. Listen to Part 1 by clicking here, and look out for Part 3 tomorrow.LINKS MENTIONED:In the first episode in this series we talked about digital photo organizationIf you want a really detailed inbox-zero system, we’re big fans of The Girl Next Door podcast’s Kelsey Wharton, who wrote this one up on her blogOur friends at Spawned with Kristen & Liz have a podcast episode from 2019 with great expert advice on dealing with digital clutterMeagan had moderate success with Unroll.me; Sarah uses GMail filters to route deals to a separate label while skipping the inboxMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With lots of time spent at home these days, we’re motivated to do a little spring cleaning…and not only in our physical space. Join us for a special 3-part series this week, all about getting a better handle on our digital clutter. In Part 1, Meagan and Sarah tackle digital photos—from how we organize and back up the thousands on our phones right now, why on earth we end up with so many screen shots, and how we make use of new technology to do cool things with older photos. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life. Part 2 is here, and Part 3 comes out on Friday!LINKS MENTIONEDGoogle Photos, Photos for iOS, Amazon PhotoWe mentioned this More Than Mom: Apps episode where we share our favorite apps and app-organization strategies (or lack thereof) – see below for a photo of Sarah’s iPhone home screenChatbooksSkylight FrameMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a week of new reality, new schedules, and new opportunities to get to know ourselves as moms. Along with all the stress and changes brought about by current events, we’ve been thrust into a position of radical self-care, of ensuring we’re able to meet the needs of our families while navigating unprecedented times. Join Meagan and Sarah for a thoughtful—and even funny!—conversation about the specific things we’re doing to manage our time, energy, and moods at home these days. This episode was recorded on March 21, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned our bonus episode Homeschool Moms: “You’ve Got This. Here’s What’s Most ImportantOur Facebook group is growing, and full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)New to the show? Check out our page just for new listenersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parents everywhere are now the overseers of their kids’ remote learning–in other words: Apparently we’re all homeschooling now? In this special bonus episode, Sarah chats with two seasoned homeschooling moms about how they manage schedules, what home learning looks like during stressful seasons, when to add more structure and when to back off, and more. This is the episode you need to approach home learning calmly, without putting pressure on yourself, and even with an attitude of fun. Enjoy!This episode was recorded on March 18, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.Links Sarah mentioned:Sarah’s essay Parents: Let’s not making temporary homeschooling a competitive sport.Our listener Facebook groupOur page just for new listenersLinks Amy mentioned:Humility & Doxology, Amy’s blogFollow @humilityanddoxology on InstagramA Year of Memory Work, the poetry memorization project Amy documented on her blogSarah mentioned this book: Poems To Learn By HeartSarah also mentioned this book: The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction, by Meghan Cox Gurdon Links Joy mentioned:Joy’s Nature Study Hacking resourcesJoy uses the iNaturalist app (Apple | Google Play) and Sarah’s family loves Seek, made by the same company (Apple | Google Play)Joy’s YouTube channelFollow @joycherrick on InstagramArabian NightsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activities and products to keep kids busy? Got ’em. Some tips for setting the tone in your home during a stuck-inside season? Check. Updates on how COVID-19 has affected our communities in Southwest Michigan and Southern California? Yep (as of recording date, 3/13). We’re coming to you from a new reality this week, and we hope you’ll join us for some thoughtful discussion and helpful tips for managing time at home with kids.This episode was recorded on March 13, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Our Facebook group is growing, and full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)Some products we mentioned for when we are stuck insideMelissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books (affiliate link)Advent CalendarsBig brick cardboard blocks (affiliate link)Kinetic Sand (affiliate link)PaperToy (affiliate link)Make sure you are following us on Instagram and Facebook and look for some surprises this week as we celebrate our 5 year anniversary!Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyJoin our Facebook group for listeners, The Mom Hour Listeners Community (be sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you naturally match up with friends who share your individual quirks and preferences, or are your relationships more a case of opposites attract? In our years-long working relationship and close (but long-distance) friendship, we’ve got a little bit of both going on. Get to know Meagan, Sarah, and our partnership a little better in this fun More Than Mom episodes all about the little and not-so-little ways that we’re similar and different. Join us!Note: We know that COVID-19 is top-of-mind for everyone. Tuesday’s episode will focus on how to cope with stuck-inside days at home, and address the latest developments more directly. Today, enjoy a little escape with some fun and fluff.LINKS MENTIONED:Things We’ve Changed Our Minds About (a recent More Than Mom episode where Meagan *may* have admitted to once liking a pickle)What We’ve Learned From Each Other (our 200th episode, which pairs nicely with this one)Love personality tests and Enneagram stuff? Listen to this episode, and then this one. And also this one.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is everyone you know planning a family vacation, or does it sometimes just feel that way? In our experience, there are “vacations” that feel like a lot of work, and other ways to spend school holidays that feel more relaxing and don’t break the bank. In today’s episode (Part One of Two in a series all about planning family travel) we’re talking about what goes into planning a family vacation you’ll actually enjoy–from knowing yourself as a mom and being realistic about the ages of your kids, to finding the sweet spot between getting a break from the responsibilities of home and over-extending yourself on the road.We also have some frank talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and how its arrival on the scene has (or has not) impacted our own travel planning this spring. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah likes this NPR comic for helping lead conversations with kids about COVID-19, and a listener suggested this article from PBSOur Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! Our March playlists are Home, Life & Time Management, and For My Friend, About To Be A MomMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re parenting a child who walks through the world a little–or a lot–differently, or if you’re hoping to raise kids who see differences as opportunities instead of deficits, this conversation is for you. Sarah chats with Debbie Reber, mom of a 15-year-old “differently wired” son and leader of TiLT Parenting, a movement that both celebrates neurodiversity and recognizes the challenges that kids and parents face in navigating a world designed for one type of learner.Sarah and Debbie discuss why grouping differences like giftedness, anxiety, sensory processing issues, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder all together can give parents a sense of community and advocacy in a way that keeping them separate cannot, and what parents of differently wired kids can do to keep themselves afloat during stressful times. We also take a few questions from our listener community–take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Find more information about Debbie’s podcast- The TiLT Parenting Podcast, TiLT Education, and other resources on her website TiltParenting.comCheck out Debbie’s book, Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope (Amazon affiliate link)Debbie mentioned Jessica Lahey’s book The Gift of Failure (Amazon affiliate link)Debbie talked about the TiLT Together Facebook GroupFollow TiLT on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s great about our eight? Getting each of them ALONE once in a while. With big, busy families, we recognizing that connecting with each kid individually is important, but we also firmly believe it doesn’t have to be a fancy structured thing. In this installment in our (very loose) “What’s Great About Our Eight” series, Meagan and Sarah go kid-by-kid and talk about what solo time looks like in the stage they’re in right now, what we do together and whether feels like enough, and how we might be more intentional going forward. These episodes are a fun way to get to know our families and get a peek at what parenting looks like at a bunch of different ages and stages. We hope you’ll join us!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like this type of episode check out our other “what’s great about our eight” episodesJoin our Facebook group for listeners, The Mom Hour Listeners Community (be sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ashley Schafluetzel is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two who lives outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Ella, loves big hair bows and Frozen 2, is a great big sister, and is thriving in first grade. However, Ella’s start in life was anything but typical, and through a high-risk pregnancy, premature birth, and extended NICU stay with multiple complications, Ashley and her husband faced challenges that they never expected would come with parenthood.In this special bonus episode of The Mom Hour, Ashley shares an honest look back at her pregnancy, birth, NICU days, and early motherhood experience. From how she learned to advocate for herself and her baby, to growing into her role as a mom of a child with special needs, Ashley’s story is part of an important part conversation that we hope you’ll enjoy. LINKS MENTIONED:March of DimesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF)Books that Ashley personally found helpful include:Preemies – Second Edition: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature BabiesTeaching Motor Skills to Children With Cerebral Palsy And Similar Movement Disorders: A Guide for Parents And ProfessionalsPsalm 91 for Mothers: God’s Shield of Protection for Your ChildrenMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterFeatured image credit: Anna Hollister | Schafluetzel family photos credit: Simply Elizabeth PhotographySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Flu season 2020 ripped through both our houses recently, and we hear from many of you that this year really is as bad as they say. In this week’s episode Meagan and Sarah talk about the implications of being sick when you’re a mom, the challenges of sick days with little kids vs. older kids, and how we personally handle things like high fevers, consulting professionals, administering home remedies, and more. We’re not medical experts, but we’re definitely moms who have been there. Join us!As always, please seek medical advice directly from your providers–what we’re offering here are stories and personal experiences only. LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned our recent Listener Questions Episode where we answered a question about how we handle sick daysMeagan talked about Febrile SeizuresWe would love to hear from you! Email us hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah just hit the big 4-0 and we’re here to talk about it. Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode where we dive into how we feel about big birthdays in general, which milestone years from our past have made for big transitions or lasting memories, and what being in our forties means for fun stuff like comfy pants and skincare as well as more grown-uppy stuff like health screenings and eating well. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:YOUwill find many of the products we have recommended on the show! (affiliate link)Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyOur Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! February’s lists are the Toddler Parent Helpline and Episodes That Feel Like A HugMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The siblings in Sarah’s house are leaning in hard on the bickering right now, so for the latest in our “10 Things We Love About…” series we’re celebrating all the GOOD parts about raising siblings. We know it’s not all sunshine and roses, but when we choose to focus on the positives, even a really challenging season of parenting can be put back into perspective. Join us for 10 Things We Love About Raising Siblings!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our episode 10 Things We Love About ToddlersBe sure to check out The Mom Hour Amazon Store, where you will find many of the products we have recommended on the show! (affiliate link)Our Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! February’s lists are the Toddler Parent Helpline and Episodes That Feel Like A HugMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When your kids are tiny, it might feel like you have lots of time before their access to the internet requires you to have “the tech talk” – a conversation about online safety, citizenship, and digital well being. And if having that talk feels overwhelming to you, you’re not alone! Only 4 in 10 parents feel confident enough to talk to their family about online safety.But as moms of many kids in different age ranges, we know that just like with other big topics, it’s not one conversation you’ll have with your kids, it’s many small ones over time that will add up to your kids feeling capable and confident using the internet as safely as possible (and feeling comfortable coming to you when they need support).Join Meagan and Sarah for a little-to-grown rundown of how we talk about things like online online safety, social sharing and communicating responsibly, digital citizenship and more with our kids–plus specific tips for how to make the conversation accessible and fun for you as a parent, not something to stress over.LINKS MENTIONED:Play the interactive learning game Interland at g.co/interlandWe would love to hear from you! Email us hello@themomhour.com, and send us your tips for talking to kids about internet safetyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When something makes a huge splash and everyone is talking about it, we sometimes find reason to opt out, stay neutral, or even counter with the unpopular opinion. But not always! Sometimes we’re just excited about the latest hit thing as the rest of y’all. Promise. In today’s full-of-laughs More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our nominees for pop culture sensations we can get behind, the ones we can’t care about, and a whole bunch in between. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned our episode on the Royal Baby & Celebrity Parenting Culture from May 2019Head to our Amazon Store to check out some of the things we have mentioned on the show!Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyOur Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! February’s lists are the Toddler Parent Helpline and Episodes That Feel Like A HugMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making room in your life for romance can be really tricky for moms. We’re often busy and focused on other things, and if we’re single, maybe we’re burned out on the dating game. In today’s Voices episode, Meagan talks from her personal experienced as a divorced mom with love coach Casandra Henriquez about how to create a love vision, put yourself in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing a partner, and how to keep love alive in your current relationship. In the second half of the episode, Sarah joins Meagan to share an honest look at what love and dating as a married couple looks like after nearly fifteen years. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Find out more about Coach Cass on her websiteFor a free checklist on how to ace your next date, visit relationshipsforbusywomen.comConnect with Coach Cass on social on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterCoach Cass’ next Success In Love Summit is in MayCheck out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life just feels easier when we have the right gizmos, doo-dads, odds, and ends to take care of ourselves and our homes. Could we survive using the same broom for another 10 years. Definitely. But would we benefit from reading a few Amazon reviews and choosing a really great new broom? Also definitely. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun rundown of products that we’re loving lately the the arenas of home, beauty, life, and style. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan is loving her new broomuniversal bath tub stoppersthe high sided cat litter box that has been helping to contain cat littera bluetooth adapter for her older carthis folding box spring solved the problem of getting a traditional box spring up her stairs Tiles are going to help her find her keys! Sarah is loving she has found many uses for these magnetsthese slippers from J.Crew (h/t Ashlee Gadd for the original rec!)Small accent furniture on Amazon in general, including this round rug and round mirror she used in her entry way, and the desk, lamp, chair and nightstand she put in Reid’s room Brow pencil from SephoraCuisinart Coffee Center 12-Cup Coffeemaker and Single-Serve Brewerstuffed animal keeper bag from JaneYou can find many more of our product recommendations in our Amazon StoreJoin our Facebook group for listeners, The Mom Hour Listeners Community (be sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From August through January, life is action-packed: we’re on the go from back-to-school through the holidays, and we enter the new year with high aspirations. And then, in the face of that long stretch between mid-January and spring break, things get back to normal – really normal. It can be a relief to return to familiar rhythms, but how can we do that without slipping into autopilot and missing out on special moments with our kids?As the buzz of the new year fades into the comfort—and, sometimes, monotony—of our daily parenting routines without vacations and holidays to break them up, it’s a great opportunity to get intentional about what really matters to us, and to create those small simple moments of connection that are so important for family bonding (even if it means easing up on some of those loftier resolutions). In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah share our own memories and experiences of what can make a long stretch of “real life” both frustrating and special, and offer tips on how moms can connect with their kids and care for themselves by giving themselves permission to embrace the small and simple moments that add up to a meaningful life with kids.LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned our recent episode about habitsWe also mentioned our episode about playing board games with kidsEmail us at hello@themomhour.com!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The preschool and elementary school years provide lots of opportunities to be involved at your kids’ schools…but for many moms the process of finding their place in the school community takes some time. Sarah is deep into the school years now, and Meagan is in her seventeenth consecutive year as an elementary school mom (!!), so we’ve learned from experience how to show up for kids and teachers in a way that suits our skill sets, our personalities, and the season of life we’re in at the moment. In Episode 245 we look at the different approaches we’ve taken, what we’ve discovered about ourselves and our schools, and what’s next for us as school parents in the coming years. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned our episode on Toddlers vs. Teenagers, Episode 192 from January 2019Check out our January Spotify PlaylistsYou can sign up now for the Life, Listened course Make Money Podcasting. The deadline to sign up is January 31!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weather chat has a reputation for being what you talk about when you have nothing else to say…but we have LOTS to say, and we still love to talk about the weather. Climate and temperature has a big impact on our lives as moms—from the clothes we wear and how we dress our kids, to the activities we can enjoy as a family and even our seasonal moods. This More Than Mom episode isn’t small talk at all—it’s Meagan’s and Sarah’s big thoughts on the weather where we live, all year round, and how it impacts our lives. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our episodes on winter and summer gear: Must Have Gear For Winter, Kids’ Clothes, Shoes and Gear For Summer and Must Have Gear For The Beach & PoolYou can sign up now for the Life, Listened course Make Money Podcasting. The deadline to sign up is January 31!Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We take the long view when it comes to feeding a family: What kind of food experiences and memories do we want our kids to have? What’s the culture around the dishes we serve and the tone around the table? And what are the core values around food and eating that we strive for in our families? In Episode 244 Meagan and Sarah share some of the “food truths” we aim for in our homes, as well as some specific areas of feeding a family that are working well right now (and a few that could use a 2020 reset). Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan and Sarah’s aspirational food truths:We are grateful for the work that went into preparing every meal, whether or not we enjoy the food.We all have a part to play in making a successful family dinner We linger at the dinner table.We give everyone a chance to speak and be heardWe try new things.We celebrate old favorites.Check out more episodes on the topic of feeding a familyMeagan talked about her budget overhaul in Episode 205 from April 2019You can sign up now for the Life, Listened course Make Money PodcastingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toddlers get a bad rap – out in the world and even here on the podcast, where we’ve occasionally uttered the phrase: “One-year-olds are the worst.” But there’s so much to love about the toddler stage, too—from verbal explosion to hilarious antics. In Episode 243 Meagan and Sarah share stories from our own toddler-parenting years and offer, with the benefit of hindsight, ten things we love about toddlers. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s essays on toddlers: The World of Two and The Second YearYou can sign up now for the Life, Listened course Make Money Podcasting, and get $100 off when you sign up through that link until January 15Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overhauls and reinventions sound attractive, but they can be overwhelming and even cause us to crash and burn before we ever see results. We’re both interested in the role small habits and little improvements play in our daily rhythms, productivity, and overall happiness—we’re even reading books on the topic! Join Meagan and Sarah for a totally achievable approach to resetting our good habits and improving the ones that aren’t serving us as we head into the new year. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah is reading Atomic Habits by James ClearMeagan is reading Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy WoodSarah is documenting her #40daysto40 over on her InstagramYou can sign up now for the Life, Listened course Make Money Podcasting, and get $100 off when you sign up through that link until January 15MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A full-time physician with three young kids and a couple of side hustles, Sarah Hart-Unger relies on some time-tested systems to make sure she doesn’t miss a meeting, carves out space for her own creativity, and prioritizes date nights with her partner. She’s here to share tips and ideas with Sarah Powers as they chat all things planners, planning, goal-setting, and to-do list management in this month’s Voices interview episode. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah Hart-Unger is one of the hosts of the Best of Both Worlds PodcastThe planner Sarah Hart-Unger uses can be purchased straight from Japan, from Jetpens, or on AmazonOther planners recommended by Sarah are Erin Condren planners, Inkwell Press, Emily Ley Simplified Planner or Day Designer, Agendio, and The Plum Paper PlannerCheck out Sarah’s blog, theshubox.comSarah mentioned following the Instagram account PlannerismaMeagan and Sarah were both guests on the Best of Both Worlds Podcast! Listen to Meagan here, and Sarah here The Mom Hour’s Podcast Club has launched!You can sign up now for the Life, Listened course Make Money Podcasting, and get $100 off when you sign up through that link until January 15MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thoughts on how we handle sick days, encouragement for a mom of two-under-two struggling with accepting help when it’s offered, troubleshooting a six-year-old with a nightwaking habit, and commiserating with parents whose toddler only wants dad–Meagan and Sarah are here with advice, empathy, and our experience as we take on another round of your listener questions. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked about the voices episode with Colleen Curtis from The Mom Project on career challenges as moms, Voices 41You can find all of our listener questions episodes hereHave a question for Meagan and Sarah? Send us your question by email to hello@themomhour.com, or even better we love when you record your questions using Speakpipe!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re not quite ready to get all crazy-intentional about 2020, but we’re also over the holidays and feeling a little reflective. Episode 241 is a casual year-end fireside (we wish!) chat with Meagan and Sarah as we close out another year as moms, family managers, business owners, and humans. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The Spotify video that sums up our growth and stats for 2019Listen to the full archives of The Mom Hour hereCheck out our page for new listeners hereOur Podcast Club has launched!Our Word Of The Year discussion from early 2019Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyExpecting, our pregnancy podcast, launches in 2020You can sign up now for our course Make Money Podcasting, and get $100 off when you sign up through that link Meagan and Sarah discussed that they love Kyran Pittman’s Instagram (specifically her 50th project) and her book, Planting DandelionsMeagan wrote about her yoga challenge in this postLet us know your thoughts on live events with The Mom Hour – email us at hello@themomhour.comCheck us out on Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterBe sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom in the trenches wonders exactly when things will start to feel easier, playdates with school-aged boys whose house rules differ on video games, dealing with disappointment as a mom (especially around built-up big days like holidays), and a request for Sarah to share where she gets her news media and how to consume it without getting anxious. Such great questions sent in by our listeners this week! Join Meagan and Sarah for a pre-holiday helping of nuanced advice, gentle encouragement, and our signature “It’s all gonna be okay”.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned many of the ways she likes to consume news media, including the NPR One App, Pantsuit Politics Podcast, Up First Podcast, and InstapaperYou can find all of our listener questions episodes hereHave a question for Meagan and Sarah? Send us your question by email to hello@themomhour.com, or even better we love when you record your questions using Speakpipe!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When your baby comes home one with one of those hospital-issued fine-toothed combs, the nurses don’t warn you about awkward baby mullets, the heartache of cutting off toddler curls, or the volume of screeching elicited by soap in the eyes and combing out tangles. They also don’t mention lice, greasy tween hair, bad haircuts, getting slime stuck in long locks. In Episode 239 Meagan and Sarah discuss all things related to kids’ hair, from baby to teen. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Queue it up! Check out Sarah’s new podcast with her daughter, Kidliterate! Each episode they’ll discuss the, books, shows, podcasts, and music that their family enjoys.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Little kids have big needs when it comes to staying warm, comfortable, and happy in the winter, and even as the season returns again and again, growing kids seem to KEEP NEEDING WINTER STUFF. With Meagan’s decades of experience parenting five kids through Michigan winters plus the latest and greatest tips from our listener Facebook community, we’re rounding up all the footwear, apparel, car and stroller stuff, indoor and outdoor play, and miscellaneous products that will keep your whole family cozy all winter long. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Join our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)All the products we mentioned in the episode are listed by category in this blog post roundupCheck out The Mom Hour Amazon Store for curated product recommendations by categoryWant more ideas for getting through the winter? Check out our episode Stocking Your House For Stuck Inside Days (Episode 145 from February 2018)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Would it change your life to write thank you letters to the people who’ve helped you get to where you are? That’s what writer Nancy Davis Kho set out to do when she approached a milestone birthday while navigating a challenging series of family transitions and personal loss. In this month’s Voices interview Meagan chats with Nancy about the science behind gratitude and the connection to happiness, and what the thank-you project taught her. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Find out more about Nancy’s book The Thank-You Project: Cultivating Happiness One Letter of Gratitude at a TimeCheck out Nancy’s podcast Midlife MixtapeFind Nancy Davis Kho on Facebook, Twitter or InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s last three Christmases have played out like a sad country song (divorce! family emergency! breakup!), and this year she’s going ALL IN on festiveness in an effort to reset the tone for the season and find new ways to enjoy and embrace the holidays as a mom of older kids. There will be Nutcrackers, Messiahs, baking, multiple advent calendars, and even (teen-willing) some ambitious exterior illumination. Sarah’s asking the questions today and Meagan is here for all of us who want to kick off the season with maximum enthusiasm. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan talked with her sister about her medical emergency during the holidays in Surviving A Major Health Scare with Kathreen Francis: Voices 25 (from May 2018)Check out our blog post 6 Easy (We Promise!) Homemade Holiday Gifts You Can Make With Your Kids All of the advent calendars Meagan purchased for her kids this year can be found in our Amazon Store(affiliate links)Listen to our two holiday bonus series: Creating Holiday Memories (Noticing, Appreciating and Capturing), and Holiday Shopping (Organizing, Planning & Purchasing, Small Business, Maker & Handmade, and Storing, Wrapping & Opening)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We may seem set in our ways, but sometimes a change in persuasion comes later in motherhood–and life. This More Than Mom episode is all about the things we’ve changed our minds about, from the inconsequential (pickles?) to the highly controversial (decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving!). Join us as we confessing our changes of heart today! LINKS MENTIONED:Armchair Expert with Dax ShepherdSarah mentioned our More Than Mom episode all about hair, More Than Mom: Hair Styling & Hair MaintenanceThe Teachers Respond To May Madness bonus episode and Elizabeth Chapman (@samandscout) are what made Sarah think differently about school themed dress-up daysCheck our our two holiday bonus series: Creating Holiday Memories (Noticing, Appreciating and Capturing), and Holiday Shopping (Organizing, Planning & Purchasing, Small Business, Maker & Handmade, and Storing, Wrapping & Opening)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once the gifts have been purchased, what do we actually DO with them? Hide and hope? Box up and ship? Wrap and display? Stack in cardboard boxes until the eleventh hour? Turns out, it’s a little of all of the above in our houses. In the final installment in our Holiday Shopping series, Meagan and Sarah discuss the tricky time between when gifts are procured and when they are opened. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Holiday Shopping. You can listen to Part 1 here and Part 2 here!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love supporting artists, makers, and small businesses, but when it comes time to actually DO the holiday shopping, this can be easier said than done. In the second installment of our Holiday Shopping series, Meagan and Sarah offer specific sites, marketplaces, and buying tips for those who want to shop small and give handmade this holiday season. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Holiday Shopping. You can listen to Part 1 here, and check back tomorrow for Part 3!LINKS MENTIONED:EtsyMintedUncommon GoodsRedbubbleMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

List-making, idea-capturing, online-ordering, OH MY. It’s time to get serious about holiday shopping, and between us we’ve got multiple spreadsheets and very different tactics when it comes to organizing, planning, and buying holiday gifts. In the first part in our Holiday Shopping series, Meagan and Sarah tackle all the prep and that goes into our purchasing this time of year. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Holiday Shopping. You can listen to Part 2 here and Part 3 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s gift planning spreadsheetMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab your favorite beverage and cozy up for a catch-all catch-up with Meagan and Sarah! We talk about the season, the weather, our recent travels, and some fun updates from the business! Then Sarah is joined by our resident Books Talk contributor Katie Addiss to talk about holiday books, what we’ve been reading lately, and how we read while traveling–both to ourselves and to our kids. Happy Thanksgiving week, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:Kidliterate is live! Check out Sarah’s new podcast with her 11-year-old daughter, all about great media picks for the whole family, and THANK YOU for your support, shares, stars, reviews, and kind words.We talked about our recent hair episode, and Sarah’s discovery of the Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush (affiliate link)Singer-songwriters we hung out with in Nashville that you should check out: K.C. Clifford, Nora Jane StruthersPodcasters we hung out with at the Blissdom conference in Nashville that you should check out: Pantsuit Politics, ShePodcasts, The Popcast with Knox & Jamie, The Podcasting Party, Asking For A FriendGirl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel HollisAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James ClearFor Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World by Sasha SaganLess (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize) by Andrew Sean GreerSnow (Caldecott Honor Book) by Uri ShulevitzPick a Pine Tree by Patricia TohtNorman Rockwell’s Christmas Book by Molly RockwellLast year’s blog post roundup of Our Favorite Holiday Picture BooksMagazines from Cricket Media that Katie and Sarah both love: Baby Bug, Lady Bug, ASK (Arts & Sciences for Kids), Cobblestone, MuseDisney “Me Reader” Electronic Reader 8-Book LibraryMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re doing a deep dive into all things hair and hairstyling in this week’s More Than Mom episode! From how often we wash to whether we heat-style, covering grays, DIY color, cutting bangs, salon visits, favorite products and more, we have thoughts about it all. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan uses the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air BrushMeagan swears by the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Biotin Dry ShampooWe both really like the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant CrèmeSarah uses the L’ange Hair Aplatir Blush Tourmaline Ceramic Flat IronWe both love the Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair RepairMeagan’s Rose Gold hair dye is the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, and her color is the 7RB Dark Rose BlondeBetween hair appointments, Sarah touches up gray roots with the L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer SprayA couple of hits from our FabFitFun subscription have been the OUAI Leave In Conditioner and the ORLANO PITA Play Atmos-shield Hair Protectant Treatment SprayMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we capture sweet holiday moments even while they’re happening? What’s the balance between being the family documentarian and truly participating in the magic as it unfolds? In the final installment in our special series on Creating Holiday Memories, Meagan and Sarah offer easy ways to preserve those fleeting moments in writing, photography, video, and more–without stressing about perfection or performance. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Creating Holiday Memories. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 from earlier this week, and thanks for listening!LINKS MENTIONED:Download the Chatbooks appListen to Part 1 in this seriesListen to Part 2 in this seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From structured gratitude practices to spontaneous texts, this time of year provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the moments–and the people–in our lives. In this second part in our special series on Creating Holiday Memories, Meagan and Sarah talk about cultivating a habit of gratitude and appreciation–for ourselves as well as with our families. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Creating Holiday Memories. Check out Part 1 here, and Part 3 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Download the Chatbooks appListen to Part 1 in this seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms are great at planning the holidays. Check-listing the holidays. Executing the holidays. But for those of us who want to create lasting holiday memories for ourselves and our families, it starts a much simpler place: noticing small moments of connection, beauty, and magic all around us. In this kickoff to our special series on Creating Holiday Memories, Meagan and Sarah offer our thoughts on the importance of noticing, and how busy moms can incorporate it into their holiday season this year.This episode is part of our 3-part series on Creating Holiday Memories. You can listen to Part 2 here, and Part 3 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Download the Chatbooks appSarah’s essay about noticing holiday decorations with little kids: Comet, The Red-Nosed MinivanMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling distracted, forgetful, or just sorta fuzzy? We’ve been there. Listener Erin asked about “mom brain” and how we’ve handled it over the years, as well as how to keep your adult conversation skills from completely atrophying when you’re in a phase of life that doesn’t provide a lot of opportunity for intellectually stimulating discussions. We dive into small talk, how to navigate awkwardness in groups of adults where everyone seems to know each other, and how to nurture interesting conversations in mixed company. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heartburn in pregnancy means babies born with lots of hair; boys are harder when they’re little, girls are harder later on; third babies are super chill: These are just a few myths and supposed truths that beg to be tested by reality. We asked YOU, our listeners, to help us come up with as many mom myths as possible, and in Episode 234 Meagan and Sarah discuss whether they’ve held true for our combined eight kids. It’s a fun one–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The Mom Hour Podcast Club is going to be available in just a few days! Check it out at themomhour.com/clubYou can always reach us by email at hello@themomhour.comGet to know more about our sound engineer Brian Thomas at YokaiAudio.com.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah have been lifting weights this fall! After bemoaning our fitness situation back in late summer, we got (sorta) serious about doing trainer-led workouts–and we found a way to do it “together,” remotely! In today’s More Than Mom episode we’re full of updates, from how sore we are to what changes we’ve noticed after 6+ weeks of weight training. We also discuss where we want to go from here with our fitness routine, tips for working with a trainer or accountability group, how we feel about smartphone apps for fitness, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Kansas City, MO area listeners can check out Mark’s new gym Fit Street coming to the Crossroads neighborhood (20th & Washington St) in 2020Interested in training with Mark through the Train Heroic App? Contact Mark at fit30gym@gmail.com, or email us at hello@themomhour.com MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking your child to see a counselor, therapist, or psychologist feels heavy…but it doesn’t have to be. As our understanding of childhood mental health expands and the stigma associated with seeking help shrinks, the growth and support opportunities for our kids that exist with the help of a trained professional are worth approaching with curiosity, not fear or sadness.In this month’s Voices interview Sarah chats with child psychologist, professor, and therapist in private practice Dr. Erin Lanphier. Dr. Erin explains patiently, and with all the detail Sarah loves, what the process of finding and working with a therapist for your child is like. We also discuss anxiety and childhood fears, how to know whether it’s time to seek outside help, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:You can always get in touch with us by emailing hello@themomhour.com (let us know if you have a question for Dr. Erin or would like to hear her back on the show on a particular topic!)Phoenix area listeners can reach Dr. Erin at her private practice at (480) 222-1575MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The road to extracurricular insanity is paved with good intentions…or so the saying goes. Sarah has always resisted the pressure to sign her kids up for multiple sports, clubs, and activities, but somehow Fall 2019 landed the Powers family with a crazy after school schedule. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss how it happened, what it revealed, and how it’s all coming to an end this week. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:You can always get in touch with us by emailing hello@themomhour.comMeagan mentioned the episode Nurturing Kids’ Talents (And When To Let Them Quit) (Episode 164 from July 2018)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From gift giving to special meals, family gatherings and classroom celebrations, creating special birthday traditions for your kids is a multi-faceted affair. Even if you’re not into big parties, there is still plenty to think about–and to keep you busy when multiple kids have birthdays in the same season, as is the case for Meagan’s family. Join us for a thoughtful look at the family culture around kids’ birthdays in Episode 232 of The Mom Hour. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Want to hear more on the topic of kids’ birthdays? Check out Kid Birthdays, Part 1 (The Kids In Your Family (Episode 68 from September 2016), Kid Birthdays, Part 2 (Other People’s Parties) (Episode 69 from September 2016), and Birthday Parties The Easier Way (Episode 155 from May 2018)Queue It Up! Sarah is a guest on Best of Both Worlds with Laura Vanderkam and Sarah Hart-Unger this week, AND both of us chat with Alana Dawson on The Podcasting PartyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weirdest thing Meagan and Sarah are afraid of? You’ll never guess in a million years (and please tell us if you share our weird fears!). And then there are the more typical things that creep us out, from the minor heebie-jeebies to the big-time stuff that truly terrifies us. Join us for a fun, funny, not-at-all-scary More Than Mom episode all about the things that scare us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan is right about “heebie-jeebies”We talked about thrill-seeking personalities in our Adventure As A Family Value episode, and its More Than Mom counterpart: Adventures Great & Small, which is more about adventures in our own livesSarah once wrote about her scorpion encountersYou can always get in touch with us by emailing hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roasts, stews, gourd-shaped baked goods, and soups that pair with a storybook read-aloud–we are leaning in hard this fall to cozy seasonal cooking. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss what we’ve been feeding our families lately, what we aspire to make and bake this fall, and how we like to bring the season to our table in both the food and décor departments. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode was inspired by Sarah’s recent interview with the hosts of the Didn’t I Just Feed Youpodcast, Feeding Your Family Without The Guilt, and a recent episode about feeding families on the The Girl Next Door PodcastMeagan’s kids love her pork and sweet potato hash – here’s a step-by-step recipe as written for her young adult son IsaacBuy Meagan’s Nordic Ware Wheat & Pumpkin Loaf Pan on Amazon (affiliate link), and see the recipe on MomAdvice.com for Easy Homemade Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread that inspired the purchase!Sarah’s favorite chili recipe (originally from America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (affiliate link), modified by The Cake Chica here)Sarah’s butternut squash soup with apple, bacon and sage recipePumpkin Soup, by Helen Thomas (affiliate link)Queue It Up! Meagan suggested an episode from last year about Halloween Costumes and Halloween Picture Books (Episode 177)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From cars to houses to groceries to college, there are some functional elements to growing your family that give a lot of couples pause. We’re not here to convince you one way or the other, but we do have experience to share when it comes to going from two kids to three (and then, in Meagan’s case, to four… and five…). We also acknowledge the emotional and psychological implications of parenting a bigger brood, and we’re here to discuss it all in Episode 230. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Want more discussion about growing your family? You might like:Are You Done Having Babies? (Episode 7)Should I Get Pregnant Again? (Episode 87)Queue It Up! Sarah suggested Episode 213 from June, Adventure As A Family Value, as well as her recent voices interview Spending Saving, and Living Your Values with Natalie TaylorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Curious what it’s like to run a business with your good friend? Or how we navigate money conversations, time commitments, and growth tension while mothering a collective eight children? Today’s More Than Mom episode pulls back the curtain on our 4-year business partnership (and 7+ year working relationship) with an honest look at how we keep the love alive and what we’ve learned about partnership through it all. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out two similar behind the scenes type episodes, More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes & Business Updates (from August 2018) and Behind The Scenes: How We Make The Podcast (Episode 91 from February 2017)Sarah referenced the episode Knowing Yourself As A Mom (Episode 203)Join Meagan and Sarah at the Blissdom Conference in Nashville this November!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching manners and social graces is about so much more than pleases and thank-yous; it’s years of modeling and coaching with many shades of gray that bring together regional and cultural differences and expectations, and with a line of sight toward courtesy that’s much bigger than any one dinner party or social faux-pas. Join Meagan and Sarah as we confess the manners our kids are still struggling with, celebrate the areas where things are working well in our families, and take a big picture look at raising courteous humans.HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating traditional employment while mothering small children brings up so many questions–from negotiating flexible schedules to getting hired while pregnant, promotion challenges and where to pump. In this month’s Voices interview Meagan aims to answer the most common questions in a conversation with Colleen Curtis, head of community at The Mom Project, an organization dedicated to building better workplace environments for moms, and helping mothers remain active in the workplace, while acknowledging our need for flexibility and respect in their role as a mom, particularly in the early years of parenting. LINKS MENTIONED:Check out The Mom Project at there website for more about what they doInterested in learning more about The Mom Hour’s new Podcast Club? Sign up here and we’ll keep you posted!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do we set family rules that apply to everyone, or adjust our expectations for individual kids’ and their different strengths, struggles, and personalities? Yes. Both. And it’s complicated. We loved answering listener Hannah’s thoughtful question about parenting “fair” versus parenting to each kid’s individual needs, with Sarah discussing how it works with younger families and Meagan shining the light on how things look with teens and young adults. It’s a great conversation and we hope you’ll join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The Mom Hour Podcast Club is coming soon! Check this link for more info and to sign up to get notified when it’s available!Our episode on The Life-Changing Magic of Arbitrary Rules is a fan favoriteEpisodes on siblings and birth order you might like are on this pageQueue It Up! Sarah suggested Episode 86 from January 2017, How (And Why) To Spend One-On-One Time With Your KidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mom-friends are a true gift–but they’re just one type of female friendship we’ve benefitted from over the years. Today we’re talking about building relationships with women we admire – mentors, colleagues, fellow entrepreneurs, and just generally awesome ladies. From where we find them and how we initiate a first friend-date to what kinds of friendships we like to have in our professional circles, we’re unpacking all the benefits to surrounding yourself with women you admire.  PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for another Books Talk segment, where you’ll hear our list of picture books we’re never giving away – these are the keepers on our shelves that have been loved for years, and for good reason. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The Mom Hour Podcast Club is coming soon! Check this link for more info and to sign up to get notified when it’s available!We fangirled about Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest from Edit Your Life. If you love them as much as we do, check out these links:Asha on The Mom Hour in 2016 and 2019Christine on The Mom Hour in 2018Sarah on Edit Your Life in 2019Sarah and Katie have rounded up their favorite picture books in this blog postMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With kids back in school, we’re looking at taking care of our bodies through regular exercise. Meagan’s already established a new early morning workout routine with some accountability buddies, and Sarah’s ready to start. We talk about what’s worked in the past when committing to a new fitness routine, what obstacles we have to look out for, and how the reasons behind our desire to work out regularly has changed as we’ve gotten older. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Aaptiv is an audio-based training app with all kinds of workouts that we’ve both enjoyed in the pastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time-strapped, mom? You’re not alone. This week Meagan and Sarah look at time management through two different lenses: first, how to find pockets of time in your existing schedule to make small but meaningful improvements to your overall productivity, AND second, how to carve out larger blocks of time for big changes and important priorities, even during busy seasons of life. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan talked about Steven Covey’s book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fall means football, whether you care a little bit, a ton, or not at all. This inspired us to talk about the way sports fandom relates to family culture in a broader way–from bonding across generations over a favorite team, to navigating marital stress when one partner prioritizes game day over family time. We also look at the positive lessons (and potentially troublesome ones) that kids can learn from watching televised sports, and how even fair-weather fans can find teachable moments in sports culture. Join us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recently both Meagan and Sarah took trips where they spent significant time alone–like, alone-alone, not “5 minutes in the bathroom with a kid outside the door” alone. This got us thinking about alone-ness in motherhood: the quest to get some, how we feel about it when we do get it, and what types of activities we prefer to do alone vs. with others. This conversation also leads us into topics like anxiety, fear, loneliness, extroversion/introversion, and more. Join us for another More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan documented her solo trip in Northern Michigan through micro-essays on Instagram. Check them out on these topics:Heading Out, Alone (Bear Fears Notwithstanding)Gentle Nature & Surprise BlueberriesLake SuperiorWritten Somewhere In My MemorySehnsucht, or The Inconsolable LongingThe Forest FloorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From picky eaters to snacking tweens, independent lunch-packers to dinner woes, this month’s Voices interview episode is packed with tips for feeding your family nutritious meals without the guilt. Hosts of the popular podcast Didn’t I Just Feed You? Stacie Billis and Meghan Splawn join Sarah to talk about their measured, nonjudgmental, and totally do-able approaches to family meals. This is a can’t-miss episode–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Didn’tIJustFeedYou.com@DidntIJustFeedYou on InstagramStacieBillis.comStacie’s book: Make It Easy: 120 Mix-and-Match Recipes to Cook from Scratch–with Smart Store-Bought Shortcuts When You Need ThemMeghan Splawn’s articles and recipes for TheKitchn.com@meagan_splawn and @staciebillis on InstagramEpisodes of Didn’t I Just Feed You mentioned in our conversation:3-part series on Picky Eaters (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)Episode 36: The Invisible Work of Feeding a FamilyEpisode 7: Chop, Chop, Om — Real Life Meal Prep Tips as Self CareEpisode 13: Who’s Messing With Our Kids More: Sugar? Or Parents? (Interview with Jill Castle)Episode 44: It’s Okay If You Want to Lose Weight. And If You Don’t Too.Episode 27: Reclaiming Chicken Nuggets from the Kids’ MenuEpisode 39: How to Turn Hummus Into Legit Family DinnersEpisode 25: How to make nachos a legit family dinnerMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A listener wonders if she’s raising a mini-hoarder and we talk about kids who have a hard time parting with their stuff; a mom of elementary-aged kids asks us to talk about after-school grumpiness; a new mom of twins helps us reminisce about infant nap schedules; and a longtime listener asks about mass violence in the media and how we talk to our kids about it. It’s another episode inspired by your parenting challenges, and we’ve got stuff to say–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Amber’s question was in response to a discussion about donating used items that happened in Episode 220Got advice for new twin mom Victoria? Email us at hello@themomhour.com and we’ll pass it along!You can find all of our listener questions episodes hereWe love when you record your questions using Speakpipe!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preschoolers and violent pretend play, navigating changing relationships with grown children, advice for a mom whose 15-month-old is starting a preschool program, and thoughts on talking to our kids about inclusiveness and representation: We’re taking your questions and offering our advice in this week’s episode. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:You can find all of our listener questions episodes hereWe love when you record your questions using Speakpipe!Episode 62: Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Starting School Edition)Jayme referenced Episode 09: Two White Moms Talk Awkwardly About RaceMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It happens every year: Meagan and Sarah get to the end of summer and just feel the need to take a pause and check in. Today’s More Than Mom episode gives us that space to catch up about our summer travels, share some highlights (and also commiserate about end-of-summer woes), and reflect on the last couple months. We also respond to a listener suggestion to discuss procrastination and how it affects our work lives, personal lives, and kids’ lives. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Kaylee and Jayme both made their episode suggestions via Instagram. If you’re not following us there, what are you waiting for?MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That feeling when summer has all but killed your morning mojo and you’re BEGGING for a fresh start? Yep, we’re there. Sarah’s kids are newly back in school and Meagan’s are gearing up, so this episode is all about resetting our mornings. We talk about what has worked in the past, what needs a reset this year or will be changing completely, and offer our best tips for getting out the door on time, feeding yourself and your kids, and how to fit exercise in with it all. (Kidding. We haven’t figured that part out yet, but we have much to say about the challenge!) Join us for Episode 222!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s smoothies usually include: banana, kale OR spinach, assorted leftover fresh fruits/veggies that the kids won’t eat, Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Organic Açaí Purée Pack, assorted frozen fruit (berries, mango), flax seed OR hemp seed OR chia seeds, a scoop of almond butter OR half an avocado (for protein and smoothness), and as much almond milk as necessary to liquify it allWe also talk about morning routines in Making Mornings Easier (Episode 67)Meagan is reading Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin (affiliate link)Sarah is reading Educated by Tara WestoverMeagan also mentioned The Freedom Journal (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encouraging literacy and reading aloud to kids is something we all know we “should” do, and most of us do our best. But depending on your stage of motherhood and the age of your kids, this is easier said than done. In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer specific been-there-done-that tips for incorporating reading and literacy into home life for moms of kids at specific ages, including addressing specific challenges that come up during motherhood’s many seasons.We talk about making time for reading when you have a new baby and a toddler, dealing with little kids who don’t like to sit still for a story, tips for the managing bedtime reading with kids of different ages, encouraging reluctant readers, keeping up with voracious readers’ book consumption, and how family culture around literacy changes as kids grow up. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Save The Children’s #ChangeTheirStory campaignThe Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox GourdonSarah’s babies loved this particular board book: My First Words: Let’s Get Talking! (My First Tabbed Board BookHow To Raise A Reader, the online guide and book list from the New York TimesThe Complete Calvin & Hobbes and The Complete Far SideWhatDoWeDoAllDay.com is Sarah’s go-to resource for getting new book ideasWe both love Common Sense Media for checking the appropriateness (and getting specific information for parents) about certain titlesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah has a new middle schooler and needs all the tips, which Meagan is happy to share. And many of you are launching new kinders or early elementary kids this year, something the two of us have done a combined eight times (!!). In Episode 221 Sarah leads a pep talk with tips for parents with kids starting elementary school and Meagan takes a turn with advice about middle and high school. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All our back to school related episodes can be found hereSpecifically we talked about last year’s Episode 174, How To Be The Parent That Schools (& Teachers) Love MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you remember the libraries of your past? We do. In fact, we have enough to say about the transformative power of libraries to fill an entire More Than Mom episode! From our earliest library memories (grouchy Mrs. Young!), to junior high school library adventures (that book was NOT appropriate for 11-year-old Meagan), to an accidental nap in dreary old England, we look back at our lives through the stacks. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah read–and LOVED–The Library Book by Susan OrleanOther episodes of The Mom Hour that are reading-related:Katie Addiss joins Sarah for a Books Talk every few monthsAll our episodes and blog posts about books!Sarah’s childhood library photos below–enjoy!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donating used items, keeping track of library books, getting kids to put their own clean clothes away, and staying on top of the monthly budget: These are a few of the home management / life / adulting systems that are working well in our homes right now. In this episode we talk about what’s working and why, how these systems necessarily change (and how nothing works well forever), and which areas of our home lives are due for a system overhaul. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah uses pickupplease.org for donationsMeagan mentioned our recent episodes on family finance: Family Finance & Personal Budgets: Episode 205 and Spending, Saving, and Living Your Values with Natalie Taylor: Voices 36Meagan talked about You Need A Budget (YNAB), a popular option but not ultimately the one that worked for her; she’s currently using EveryDollarIn the laundry discussion we mentioned this episode: Loads & Loads (& Loads) Of Laundry: Episode 167Meagan still uses Shipt for grocery delivery and loves itSarah’s whiteboard command central is made up of the following Ubrand products from Target (affiliate links):Ubrands Black Wood Frame Dry Erase Board with Marker – 23″ x 35″Ubrands Magnetic Dry Erase Markers with Eraser Cap – 6 colorsMagnetic Locker Accessory Starter Kit Gold – Locker Style by UBrandsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine you’re a mom of two, successful entrepreneur, and self-confessed Type A personality…and then you find out that you have a chronic condition that will cause you to be in pain and sap your energy–daily–possibly for the rest of your life. How would you react? What would you let go of? And how would you re-adjust expectations of yourself and the world around you in order to continue to thrive in your new reality?That’s the journey that today’s guest, Amy Clark, faced. The founder of MomAdvice.com, Amy is a 16-year veteran of digital publishing, and for years really seemed to Do All The Things. Two and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a chronic condition that affects the connective tissue in her body, and everything changed. In this inspiring episode Amy shares how she’s dealt with her diagnosis and her “new normal” and how her condition has forced her to let go of things that don’t really matter and instead focus on her priorities – which include being a “good mom” in a totally different way than she might have once thought.LINKS MENTIONED:Amy’s website momadvice.comAmy’s book The Good Life for Less: Giving Your Family Great Meals, Good Times, and a Happy Home on a BudgetRead about Amy’s diagnosis storyInformation about the pain relieving medical device Amy referencedHow to host or join a reading retreatMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fear of missing out is real, and it preys on new moms in particular. Whether your FOMO flares up when you see other moms’ lives play out on Instagram, or you feel it most when it seems like everyone else’s kid is on a path to greatness, we can relate (and we’ve been there). In this episode, Meagan and Sarah look at the types of FOMO that come with motherhood, how we’ve personally experienced them, and how we’ve learned to manage the fear of missing out. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned our episode on personality types as a momNew listeners to the podcast can start hereFind The Mom Hour on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember Sliding Doors? Today’s episode asks the question: “Where would we be if…”. Meagan and Sarah talk about the points in our lives where different decisions might have led us down dramatically different paths, and imagine what life would be like in these hypothetical alternate realities. Buckle up, friends!LINKS MENTIONED:Like learning more about us, our personalities, and our pasts? Check out the time we interviewed each other.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Concerns over safety and privacy are one thing (and worth discussing), but what about the broader implications of kids growing up with a digital identity shaped by their parents long before they were old enough to have a say? This week Meagan and Sarah talk about how we make decisions about what to share online (and on the podcast) about our own kids and how things shift as kids get older and technology evolves; we also tackle a few listener questions on the topic of “sharenting” from moms of younger kids. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:One Day, All of This Will Be Embarrassing (Gabriel Snyder for The Atlantic)‘Sharenting’: Can Parents Post Too Much About Their Kids Online? (WBUR interview with Stacey Steinberg, associate director of the Center on Children and Families at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this day in history, where were we? One year Sarah was stuck inside with littles in 115-degree Arizona heat; another year Meagan was directing her kids in a play. One July day many years ago, Meagan’s four boys all fit on the same park swing; on another, more recent one Sarah sent a nervous kindergartener off to a full day of summer camp. Looking back at photos from the past, we reflect on the phases of motherhood we’ve survived through a series of ordinary July days. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:See all the photos we discussed in today’s episode on our Instagram pageMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today is pure fun–a game of Would You Rather…?, in which Meagan and Sarah challenge each other with choices between wildly impossible scenarios. Which one of us would rather have a permanent three-year-old and which would rather have a permanent 18-month old? You’ll have to listen to find out!LINKS MENTIONED:Last summer’s episode where we also played Would You Rather…Follow us on Instagram @TheMomHour and play along!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that our kids are getting older, we have the opportunity to ooh and ahh over other people’s babies, and we’re here to talk about it. From how we are with our nieces and nephews to whether holding babies really makes our ovaries twinge, we look at the role of auntie, experienced/helpful friend, and even future grandparent (!!) and how they differ from the way we were with our own babies. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 126 is For The Love Of CousinsEpisode 146 is about Other Adults in Our Kids’ LivesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When starting a family didn’t go as planned and money was tight, singer-songwriter K.C. Clifford felt like she had no choice but to surrender to the devastating possibility that she would never become a mom. Then, just days after finding this acceptance, she got a phone call that changed her life. Join Sarah and K.C. for a real and raw conversation about the heartbreak of infertility, the hope that followed, and the kids who were worth the wait.You’ll also hear the debut of K.C.’s brand new single “Worth The Wait”, as well as an excerpt from the beautiful “Broken Things” , songs written about her journey to becoming a mom via IUI and IVF.LINKS MENTIONED:Visit www.kcclifford.com for more about K.C. and her musicFind her on Spotify, Instagram, and FacebookMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re known by many as fun-haters (see Episode 10 for the backstory!), but does this still hold true four years later? We revisit the fun-list today–everything from pushing kids on the swings, to parades and carnivals, to craft projects–to see whether our opinions have changed. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah to talk about what we’ve been reading, what makes for a great beach read, and what’s on our book list for this summer. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode is a throwback to one of our earliest and most popular episodes, We Hate FunInspired by the blog post written by Meagan, For The Mom Who Hates The SwingsGet all the book recommendations from Sarah’s Books Talk with Katie hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve been to the beach and the pool with little kids…and survived! From what to take with you to how to carry it, from how to sit comfortably to the best ways to stay entertained, we’ve got you covered. Episode 214 is full of practical tips and our favorite products for beach days and pool trips with kids. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:What To Sit OnMeagan loves this beach chair and beach blanketSarah likes this JJ Cole Outdoor BlanketThese Summer and Rose towels from a FabFitFun box Meagan and Sarah got last yearSarah’s kids all have personalized towels from Pottery Barn Kids (which are also great for pool parties where kids get their towels mixed up!)What To Put All The Stuff InSarah uses this LL Bean Tote for the beach, storage, and weekend tripsSarah has this mesh tote bag for the beach and pool Meagan has a bag similar to this market basketA listener reminded Sarah about her love for these easy-to-pack and fast-drying Nylon rip stop reusable grocery bagsRecommended wagons from our Patreon CommunityWhat To Use for ShadeWe hear these portable protection shelters are popular for babies Sarah uses this Tommy Bahama umbrellaSportbrella recommended by one of our Patreon community members A listener suggested this shade shackHow To Stay EntertainedSarah said this was the best pool purchase everSarah mentioned this ball and catch mitt was a great toy for the pool or beachMeagan loved having this mommy and me floatFor lake life, Meagan’s kids had fun on a floating mat like the The Original Aqua Lily Pad (or this one from Rubber Dockie, which is about half the price)Sarah saw kids with these zoodle pool noodles Sarah used a puddle jumper flotation device for her youngest Other Stuff We MentionedMeagan uses this spray sunscreen for herself Meagan loves to take along this bluetooth speakerSarah uses these EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box and stacks up a few in a EasyLunchboxes Insulated Lunch Box Cooler BagMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan opens up about dating as a divorced mom after being partnered up for the better part of two decades, and Sarah has many questions. If you’ve ever wondered about dating apps, dating as a single parent, or starting a relationship with someone you’ve already Googled, this More Than Mom episode takes us all behind the scenes. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:I Swiped Right For Your Dog: Adventures In Dating Apps (Meagan’s PechaKucha talk from 2017)Bumble and TinderWe mentioned Enneagram personality tests, which we’ve discussed recently in Episode 203 and also in Episodes 57 and 58If you want to take the Enneagram test, we like this free one from eccelecticenergies.com and we prefer the 9 Type Descriptions found at enneagraminstitute.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It can be as small as trying a new food or as big as starring in the school play; helping our kids feel the thrill of adventure doesn’t have to mean putting them at risk or forcing an indoor-loving kid outside. In Episode 213 Meagan and Sarah talk about why creating a family culture around adventure is important to us AND tackle some of the obstacles to living a life of adventure when you have small children, including nudging anxious kids out of their shells and getting over our own hangups in the process. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our More Than Mom episode on adventureMeagan mentioned two movies about stories of adventure that are good to watch with kids; Big Fishand The Secret Life of Walter MittyWe mentioned our episodes on helicopter parenting, Episode 194 and Episode 195Sarah referenced the book The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing a new baby to a freshly-minted big sibling can be daunting, and it’s only the beginning of parenting siblings. Join Meagan and Edit Your Life’s Asha Dornfest, who are both now parenting teens and young adults, for a look back at how they managed new baby transitions with older siblings and how sibling relationships continue to evolve in new ways.This episode is part of a host swap with our friends Asha and Christine of the Edit Your Life podcast. Hear Sarah talk about work-from-home productivity hacks in Episode 167 of Edit Your Life, available wherever you get your podcasts.LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Sarah on Edit Your Life, chatting with Christine Koh about work-from-home productivityHear Asha talk with Meagan about parenting older kids in Voices 31Asha was also a guest on our VERY FIRST Voices episodeAsha referenced two books on parenting siblings, Siblings Without Rivalry, and How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, both by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (affiliate links)Check out Edit Your Life wherever you get your podcasts, or at edityourlifeshow.com. They’re also on Instagram and FacebookAsha’s website, ashadornfest.com and her book, Parent HacksMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That product you’ve been searching for to do just that thing you need? We found it. Okay, well, we found a few of them…and we’re still on the hunt for a few more. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share a few “perfect things” and a few more that we’d love to find. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode was inspired by an episode on the same topic on The Girl Next Door Podcast, who got the idea from this 2017 episode of FriendlierHydro Flask 12oz Coffee Travel Mug (affiliate link)J. Crew Classic Hair ClipNative Shoes, specifically the Jefferson style slip on (affiliate link)Madewell Medium Transport ToteMeagan’s Kitchenaid Electric Kettle (affiliate link)KTM Valley Rucksack from EST/WSTFabletics Devore Seamless Sports BraMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take a girl with a great eye for design and an entrepreneurial streak, add a just-out-of-high-school introduction to motherhood, and sprinkle with some good-old Midwestern pluck and determination, and you’ve got a great reinvention story.Our guest on today’s Voices episode is Emma Hicks, founder of Camp Climb, a gathering for women entrepreneurs and creatives. Emma and Meagan talk about their similar backgrounds (having babies really young and raising a business alongside a family), the unconventional career Emma launched when her kids were small, and how she continues to pivot her career while building a community of creative entrepreneurs. LINKS MENTIONED:The retreat Emma Hicks founded for female entrepreneurs, Camp ClimbEmma Hicks’ blog, Main + SecondErin Loechner will be speaking at Camp Climb, hear her interview on Voices 09Find Emma Hicks on Instagram at @hicks__emmaMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Creating family culture around vacations, whether we let our kids skip school for family trips, how to (and whether to) stick to sleep routines on the road, dealing with kid meltdowns while traveling, and budgeting tips for family travel–we’re taking your vacation-related listener questions in Episode 211. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All our Listener Questions episodes are on this pageJoin our Patreon group to get access to our The Mom Hour Patreon Facebook CommunityHear more about budgeting for vacation in Sarah’s interview with Natalie Taylor on Voices 36MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coping tips for a mom whose husband travels for several weeks at a time, our thoughts on whether traditional preschool is “necessary” when a four-year-old’s needs are being met at home, Sarah’s detailed response to a listener anticipating a planned Caesarian birth, and encouragement for a mom of three who wonders when her family will all be able to enjoy the same activities together. Join us for a jam-packed Listener Questions episode!LINKS MENTIONED: All our Listener Questions episodes are on this pageMeagan mentioned the conversations about sibling sets (in the context of friendships) we had recently in Episode 207MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes an experience an adventure, and how has motherhood changed our willingness to be up for it? Are Meagan and Sarah adventure-seekers, adventure-avoiders, or somewhere in the middle? And what types of adventures are our favorites? Join us for a More Than Mom episode all about living a life of adventure…even when (and especially if) you’re in the trenches of motherhood.LINKS MENTIONED:Why I Bought A Camper (On Moving On After Divorce)Becoming The Mom Who Does ThingsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you’re more structured like Sarah or intuitive like Meagan, your parenting decisions around screen media will likely evolve as kids get older, new tech emerges, and expert recommendations shift again (and again). Here’s a look at how our own feelings and approaches to screen time have changed over the years–and how you can lose the guilt and accept the journey for your own family. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Cool Mom Tech, from the ladies of CoolMomPicks.com, always has great app roundupsThe CMP ladies are also behind the Facebook group Out Tech Your Kids, where Sarah lurks to get a sneak peek at the screen time issues facing parents of tweens and teensAlthough much of the info is dated now, Sarah loves the book The Case for Make-Believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World by Susan Linn (affiliate link)Sarah also loves The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need From Grownups by Erika Christakis (affiliate link)Voices Episode 13: Becoming Screenwise with Devorah HeitnerDevorah Heitner’s book Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May is so crazy for parents that it has a new internet nickname: MAYcember (like December, without the presents). We covered the parenting side of things in Episode 206 (listen here if you missed it), and in this special bonus episode, we hear from three teachers about what it’s like from their perspective. Take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Elizabeth’s blog Teaching Sam and ScoutElizabeth is also a guest in our Voices Episode 2: Inside The Lives of 3 Working MomsKelly Hiltz is a guest in Voices Episode 23: Kindergarten Readiness & Parent-Teacher Relationships with Kelly HiltzKelly’s podcast The Chatty Sisters PodcastKelly’s blog Ask A Teacher MomMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Archie is seventh in line to the crown, and we have thoughts about it all: the royals, our cultural obsession with celebrity parents, and how becoming a new mom in the spotlight would be both harder and easier than for the rest of us. Sarah also shares her personal connection to the Duchess of Sussex (true story!), we talk about our celebrity pregnancy buddies, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Archie, the newest British royal family member, has no title. Here’s why (we think) – LA TimesJennifer Garner on InstagramOur episode about postpartum symptoms & surprisesWe talked about this adorable photo of the duchess and Archie surrounded by mom and familyMore information about moist wound healingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you love giving gifts or sometimes stress over the obligation? Are you more of a spontaneous giver or a planner? And where does Receiving Gifts fall in your Love Languages? Meagan and Sarah discuss our own gift-giving personalities and quirks in this fun More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We discussed The Five Love LanguagesMeagan gave Sarah a gift from Artsy Voice PrintSarah gave Meagan this heron print from Etsy shop MiaoMiaoDesignSarah used Google Voice to collect voicemails and used Audacity to edit them together into an audio giftMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between us we’ve seen it all: the shy kid, the sensitive empath, the loyal bestie, the social-savvy teen. In Episode 207 Meagan and Sarah look at our combined eight kids through the lens of friendships and social dynamics, unpacking their strengths and struggles and how they’ve changed over time.LINKS MENTIONEDKids & Friendships with Eileen Kennedy-Moore (Voices 18)No More Mean Girls, by Katie Hurley (affiliate link)Other episodes in this Our Eight seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Credit card debt, saving for college, working full-time vs. part-time, and planning for the long term: there are big questions that come up in personal finance, and they manage to overlap and intertwine in ways that can be hard to sort out. That’s why it’s so helpful to have the counsel of a trusted advisor.In Episode 36 of our Voices interview series, Sarah sits down with Certified Financial Planner and mom of two boys Natalie Taylor. We unpack some of the myths surrounding the process of getting unbiased financial advice, address specific listener questions about spending and saving, and dive into what it means to make financial decisions based around your values. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan and Sarah mentioned our conversation about the month of MAY (Episode 206) from earlier this weekWe also mentioned Episode 205, on family finances and budgets from our non-expert perspectiveSarah’s Voices interview on fitness and body confidence with Jenny Schatzle (coincidentally, Natalie’s workout of choice!)Natalie’s website: NatalieAnnTaylor.comNatalie on Instagram: @NatalieAnnTaylorMoneyNatalies Values ToolkitLetsMakeAPlan.org is the CFP Board’s resource for finding a local planner in your areaXY Planning Network is an association of planners who serve mostly GenX and GenY familiesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brace yourselves, school moms: May is here. In Episode 206 Meagan and Sarah share time-tested tips for surviving the end of school–from volunteering our time without going nuts to keeping track of the crazy calendar. Join us for laughs and commiseration; this is the pep talk you need before the final stretch.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s family has this Ubrands Black Wood Frame Dry Erase Board with Marker – 23″ x 35″ from Target (affiliate link) hanging in the kitchen6 Themed Dress-Up Days This Mom Can Get Behind (Sarah for Scary Mommy, circa 2014)Knowing Yourself As A Mom (Episode 203 where we talk about our personalitiesHow To Be The Parent That Teachers (And Schools) Love (Episode 174)The Life-Changing Magic Of Opting Out (Episode 161)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan recently did a budget overhaul and has some thoughts. From getting really clear about expenses to taking an honest look at emotionally-motivated money decisions from the past, we’re getting real about family finances in Episode 205. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Don’t miss our May 3 Voices interview with Natalie TaylorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From dream porches and fantasy backyards to the practical ways we currently enjoy our outdoor spaces, this More Than Mom episode is all about the homes outside our homes. We've got DIY (and hire-it-out) projects this spring, wish lists for updates, and thoughts on overgrown gardens. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We discussed Getting Outside With Kids in Episode 204AllModern and Wayfair are some of Sarah's favorite places to shop for décorMeagan likes Overstock.comTarget's throw pillows (affiliate link) are looking great a whole year later in Sarah's yardOur Amazon store includes a Spring Improvements list of products we loveMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you a total nature mama or more of an “indoor cat” (as Sarah calls herself)? Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there are big benefits that come with getting kids outdoors as much as possible…and there are also some tricky logistics. And bugs. In Episode 204 Meagan and Sarah discuss the why and the how of getting outside with kids. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder (affiliate link), by Richard LouvCamping With Kids (And Other Outdoor Adventures) (Episode 8–an oldie but goodie!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gimlet Media's new podcast for moms launches today! We're popping into your feed to air a special conversation between Julia, a mom grappling with her identity and family history after having her own kids, and Dr. Alexandra Sacks, a reproductive psychiatrist specializing in women's health and psychiatry.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Self-discovery doesn't always coincide with becoming a mom, but for many of us the identity shift that begins in new motherhood continues down a path of personal development through personality profiling, self-help books, and other modes of learning. In Episode 203 Meagan and Sarah look at our own interest in personality tests and self-discovery, and how knowing yourself as a mom can make you a more compassionate parent, partner and friend. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Enneagram resources:We like this free test from eccelecticenergies.comWe like the 9 Type Descriptions found at enneagraminstitute.comWe've both read The Road Back To You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery (affiliate link) by Ian Morgan Cron We recommend the full Myers-Briggs type descriptions found here, and a more in-depth explanation of the Myers-Briggs letters found hereTake the Five Love Languages quiz hereTake Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies QuizSarah mentioned Gift From The Sea (affiliate link) by Anne Morrow LindberghWe talked about books by Brene Brown and Rachel Macy Stafford (affiliate links)Meagan mentioned Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings (affiliate link) by Pema ChodronMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes for a memorable restaurant meal or hotel stay? What’s the secret sauce involved in great hospitality? (Hint: Pricy does not always equal excellence.) In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our own service industry experience working in restaurants and retail as we discuss great service, poor service, and everything in between. Join us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seeing our kids struggle is HARD–but the long game involves supporting them through mistakes and even failures in the pursuit of raising kids who take (appropriate) risks and can advocate for themselves competently and autonomously.In this month’s Voices interview Meagan chats with teacher, author, and mom Jessica Lahey about the connection between overparenting and academic learning, when the slippery slope of helicopter parenting really begins, and what parents can do at every stage to support kids’ tolerance for mistakes and the discomfort that necessarily accompanies growth and learning.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan wants to go lilac-hunting and Sarah might try something for Earth Day this year. Of course we're also dyeing eggs, hiding baskets, and sprucing up our homes and gardens for a new season. Join us as we discuss the rituals, routines, and traditions that Spring brings to our homes--plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah to talk Spring and Easter books for kids!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah uses this Nordic Ware Spring Lamb 3-D Cake Mold for their lamb cake traditionWe learned a ton of technical tips from this post on MidCenturyMenu.com: 10 Tips For The Perfect Retro Easter Lamb “Lambie” CakeOur Bonus Episode where Meagan interviewed Amy Joyce of The Washington Post's On Parenting section about the college admissions scandalThank you to new Patrons for your support of the show and for joining our community! Learn more at Patreon.com/TheMomHourKatie and Sarah discussed springtime books for kids plus what we're reading lately. It's all covered in this blog post.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s spring, which means we’re thinking about summer. Cobbling together childcare as a working mom, giving kids a chance to try new activities without over-scheduling them, and making time to enjoy a simpler schedule in your own backyard–we’ve got a lot to talk about. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:More episodes about SUMMERMore episodes about CALENDAR PLANNINGMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From microphones to sponsors, babysitters to sound engineers, the way we make The Mom Hour podcast has changed a ton in the last four years and 200+ episodes. In this fun look-back episode we laugh about what we’ve learned, what has changed, and what has stayed the same. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 200: What We’ve Learned From Each OtherCurious about what gear and services we use to record the podcast? Check out this page.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years to the day after dropping our very first episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah are here with our 200th show. Join us as we reflect on what we’ve learned from each other, our guests, and you: our community. We also play voicemails from listeners, team members, and fellow podcasters from around the world. It’s a four-year-old birthday party and a bicentennial all rolled into one…join us for the celebration!LINKS MENTIONED:Our friends from other podcasts left us such sweet messages. Go check out their shows at What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood, Edit Your Life, and Welcome HomeQueue It Up! Our very first episode is called Mom Meltdowns, Oh No!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Were you shocked – but, you know, not really all that surprised – to learn about this week’s widespread accusations of wealthy parents using cheating, bribing, fraud and other nefarious means to get their kids into elite colleges? In a special “breaking” episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan sits down with Amy Joyce, the On Parenting editor at The Washington Post, to find out more about this case, the high-stress culture many kids are growing up in, and how we parents can resist. LINKS MENTIONED:Consumed by competition, parents fuel a college admissions game that few can play (Amy Joyce and Caitlin Gibson, The Washington Post)The college admissions scandal is more proof that helicopter parenting hurts kids (Amy Joyce, The Washington Post)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping a little kid deal with big feelings about an out-of-state move, traveling as a nervous flyer, finding your groove as an at-home mom when kids are in school full-time, and getting dad involved when a toddler only wants mama–we’re taking more of your parenting challenges and listener questions in this week’s episode. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:More on helping kids adjust to a move in Episode 56 (Moving With Kids & Cultivating Community) and also in Episode 153 (Moving, Remodeling, & Other Home TransitionsKimberly’s question was responding to what Meagan shared in our 2018 recap episode about realizing she is more moody than she thoughtMore on productivity and calendar planning in Episode 83 (Calendar Planning & To-Do List Tips) and also in Episode 169 (Productivity & Time Management Tips For Moms)More on co-parenting and getting dads involved in Episode 141 (Busting Dad Stereotypes with Whit Honea) and Episode 178 (Co-Parenting In Real Life)All our Listener Questions episodes are on this pageSubmit your questions at speakpipe.com/themomhour OR by using your phone’s voice memo recorded and emailing the audio file to hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Those little squares on our phones are portals to a whole lot of essential–and nonessential–aspects of life. From navigation to shopping, social to fitness, mindless to productive, Meagan and Sarah break down the apps on our phones in today’s More Than Mom edition of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah uses Pocket Casts to listen to podcastsWe mentioned Voxer a few dozen times (and! fun fact! our sound editor helped us fox the unheard messages glitch!)Sarah struggles with Google Keep, but wants to love it; meanwhile, Evernote plugs along as a good-enough note-taking solutionSarah likes Accuweather for the radar and mapsHere’s how we figured out our most-used apps: Settings > Battery > “Last 10 Days” > “Show Activity”We talked about our mixed feelings for WazeSarah’s go-to photo editing app is Snapseed, which she learned to use even better after reading Jill Kraus’s eBook Picture PlayWe also talked about the photo of Meagan’s yoga studio that Sarah editedMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping school-age kids start to self-regulate around screens and sweets, navigating an awkward situation with a fellow preschool mom, and organizing the “drop zone” in our homes–we answer these great listener questions in Episode 198. PLUS Alison Thompson joins Sarah to answer more questions from listeners about her transition from one baby to two. We talk sleep, schedules, and getting ready to go back to work.LINKS MENTIONED:Other listener questions episodes are listed hereOur bonus audio classes are available at the Patreon Editor levelSarah’s interview with Eileen Kennedy-Moore (Voices 18)Listen to Alison every other Friday on the Crunchy Cocktail Hour podcastSubmit your listener questions via Speakpipe, or record yourself on your phone’s voice memo recorder and email the file to hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a mom of an only child who came home through adoption to a family already rich with diversity, Karen Walrond has thought a lot about what it means to develop a family culture under your own roof. Combining influences from their countries of origin and cultural backgrounds, she and her husband have intentionally set out to give their daughter an appreciation not only for her own diverse background but also for that of others.In this month’s Voices interview Sarah chats with Karen, a photographer, author, speaker, and host of the podcast Make Light, about loving the teenage years, being an one-kid family, and how the process of rebuilding her family’s hurricane-damaged home provided a surprising opportunity to further define their values and priorities. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Make Light, Karen’s podcasta full video tour of Karen’s new houseKarenWalrond.com@HeyChookooloonks on InstagramKaren Walrond, Leadership Consultant on FacebookMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That “surfboard kid” meme you’ve seen all over the internet? That’s a photo of Meagan and her son Isaac in 2003. We’re popping in with the full backstory on the photo, how the meme took off without our knowledge or Meagan’s permission, and what we’re doing to bring the focus back to the real story.Watch the video backstory here.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s a youngest, Sarah’s a firstborn, and between us we have eight kids (not to mention a bunch of grown siblings ourselves). In Episode 197 we share insights into sibling relationships from little to grown, what it’s like raising a kid whose personality is similar to yours, and how our families of origin continue to influence our parenting styles–PLUS some fun and little-known facts about us and our kids that we haven’t shared before!LINKS MENTIONED:What Fresh Hell podcast’s episodes on similar topics: Why Are Our Kids Such Total Opposites? Episode 68, Middle Kids – Episode 93, and Birth Order- Parenting Each Child Best (More or Less) – Episode 13MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Best purchase we’ve made recently? Product we can’t believe we lived so long without? Splurges that were worth it and cheapos we love? Meagan and Sarah talk STUFF in this fun more than mom — all about the products and purchases that have made our lives better recently. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s product mentions:Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & VolumizerBissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum CleanerKitchenAid KEK1222PT 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle – PistachioSafavieh Monaco Vintage Boho Multicolored Distressed RugSarah’s product mentions:L’Ange Aplatir Flat IronGoody Styling Essentials Start Style Finish Hair Brush, Ventjomparis Modern 12″ Battery Operated Silent & Non-Ticking Wall Clock (mine is no longer for sale, but this one is similar)Lifetime Folding Utility Table, 6 FeetPolar Products Unisex Kids Original Rain BootsArtemas Power Loomed Rust Area RugMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal plans are one thing; real life is another. Join Meagan and Sarah as we look back at a recent week in our lives, detailing the dinners we planned, the ones that came together as expected, and the curve balls that led to pizza ordered in. We also share cooking tips, modifications for picky eaters, recipes, and more. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:The first time we did A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Episode 72, from October 2016)Fellow podcasters at Friendlier and The Girl Next Door were inspired by this idea and did their own take on itMeagan’s son Will’s band’s first gigRecipes from Kelsey’s meal planBaked Creamy Chicken Cheesy Flautas with Guacamole (Jo Cooks)Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (eMeals) Sarah loves these Bibigo Chicken Vegetable Potstickers, available at CostcoTrader Joe’s items Sarah mentioned: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Cinnamon Swirl Bread (makes great french toast!), red lentil penne pasts, stir-fry vegetable mixMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From baby safety to impulsive toddlers, school projects to friendship struggles, as moms we’re given a ton of opportunities to get up in our kids’ business or let them figure it out on their own. This week on the podcast we continue our look at helicopter parenting and the challenge of raising confident, independent kids. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:How To Raise An Adult, by Julie Lythcott-Haims (affiliate link)The Gift of Failure, by Jessica Lahey (affiliate link)Sarah’s Go-To Resources for Parenting Toddlers (a roundup of some great websites and books)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two things always fun to reminisce about: former jobs (especially the crazy ones) and style evolutions (our own, and fashion in general). Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour wherein we share weird or embarrassing things we’ve done for money, the fashion decade we’d most like to travel back to, what our prom dresses looked like, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s prom dress, also worn by Elisabeth Shue hereThe Dream, a podcast about MLMs we’ve both been listening toa fun article from Fashionista.com about the costumes in Mary Poppins ReturnsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s not as simple as “helicopter” vs. “free range”. It never is, right? Most of us want to raise resilient, fulfilled, happy future-adults, but the trajectory from high-needs infant to self-assured teen is really murky. What distinguishes over-involved from just, um, involved? What about the cultural pressure to produce kids with impressive, well-rounded résumés? And how can we find that elusive sweet spot where we bear witness to our kids growth and change without trying to control every outcome? In Episode 194 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah start tackling these big questions, in particular looking at ages and stages from baby to teen for opportunities to stretch kids’ independence and let go of our own need for control. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for our first books talk of 2019–all about fiction for moms. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success (affiliate link), by Julie Lythcott-HaimsOur episode with maternal mental health expert Kate Rope: Strong As A Mother with Kate Rope: The Mom Hour Voices, Episode 26MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All moms know that parenting is full of hilarious moments…well, hilarious in the “someday you’ll look back and laugh” kind of way. Tracey Tee and Shayna Ferm – friends, moms, comedians and creators of the Pump & Dump show – have turned those funny (and frustrating) moments into a stage show that invites moms to get out of the house, laugh, commiserate and find community. In this interview they talk candidly with Meagan about what it’s really like to leave your kids behind and travel around the country for performances (hint: not as glamorous as it sounds), why they’re so passionate about creating a supportive and judgment-free experience for moms, and why they decided to quit the sport of competitive social media sharing. Also, listen to find out more about the Pump & Dump show and why Meagan can’t wait to see it in March!LINKS MENTIONED:Tour info and tickets for The Pump & Dump ShowThe Pump & Dump Podcast@ThePumpAndDumpShow on InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everybody is getting rid of stuff…and we’re holding on! At least we’d like to. Join Meagan and Sarah as we talk about the stuff of motherhood–the material things that may not spark joy, but do hold meaning and memories. We build imaginary time capsules as we talk through sippy cup lids and old Lansinoh tubes, plastic baby combs and LEGO creations: these are the things we’re holding onto, if only in our minds.LINKS MENTIONED:Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on NetflixThe Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (affiliate link)At Home, by Bill Bryson (affiliate link)Stuff, Junk, and Things, Episode 35 where we first talk about the Kondo crazy and our approach to keeping kid clutter in checkMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever have an inexplicably grumpy day? (Please say yes.) Meagan and Sarah chat all things grumpiness in this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. We laugh about our personal grumpiness triggers, how we survive grumpy days as a mom, and even how our personality types play into grumpiness. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The episodes where we talk about the Enneagram are Episodes 57 and 58These are the personality tests we’ve taken and talked about on the podcast before: MYERS-BRIGGS test from 16personalities.com and the ENNEAGRAM test from ecclecticenergies.com. After you take the tests, we recommend the full Myers-Briggs type descriptions found here, a more in-depth explanation of the Myers-Briggs letters found here, and the descriptions of the nine Enneagram types found here (scroll to bottom of the page).We talked about our words for the year in Episodes 189 and 190MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emotionally volatile, intellectually delightful (for the most part), overflowing bundles of growth and change: Toddlers and teens have a lot in common. Join Sarah and Meagan for a healthy debate about the trials and virtues of both stages, and how as moms we can support kids through their big feelings and changing worlds. It’s a fun one–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Go-To Resources For Parenting Toddlers (Sarah wrote this post for our blog at listeners’ requests)How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success, by Julie Lythcott-Haims (affiliate link)Center for Parent and Teen Communication (Meagan recommended this resource)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We know from research that kids who do chores become more successful adults…but we also know from experience that teaching kids to take on household responsibilities is challenging and often frustrating (and rarely results in less work for mom). In Episode 191 Meagan and Sarah share an honest look at where our combined eight kids are with their family contributions these days, what chores we wish we’d started kids on sooner, how to adapt for different kids’ personalities, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Happy Children Do Chores (KJ Dell’Antonia for NYTimes Sunday Review)Kids Who Do Chores Are More Successful Adults (Bill Murphy, Jr. for Inc.com)If you missed them, we did entire episodes on both dishes and laundry, both of which include discussions about how or whether our kids contribute to these choresHow to raise successful kids — without over-parenting (Julie Lythcott-Haims for TED Talks Live)Ask the Doctor: Frustration over getting kids to do chores without reminding and nagging (Dr. Laura Markham / AhaParenting.com)Episode 129 of the Edit Your Life Show: How to Teach Kids Life Skills (the printable list of 100 life skills you can teach kids in five minutes is linked up in their show notes – but the whole episode is a must-listen!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pillow quirks, perfect sheets, temperature preferences, and bedside clocks–we have a LOT to say about the role sleep plays in our lives. For this More Than Mom episode we’re not talking about kids’ sleep, we’re talking about our own: how we like it, how to get the best of it, and what happens when we’re short on it. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s bedside clock: Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Sunrise Simulation, White (affiliate link)Sarah’s bedside clock: Round Time Table Clock Gray – Capello (affiliate link)Our episode about Coping With Sleep Deprivation as a momMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With New Year energy buzzing, it’s easy to get excited about overhauling every area of your life from parenting to home to work and play. Continuing the conversation we started last week about choosing a word for the year, Meagan and Sarah tackle practical ways to keep your intentions, goals, and resolutions top of mind when real life resumes. Whether you resist goal-setting or love it, we’re looking at approachable ways to continue that January 1st mojo well into the year. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We’re Not “Word Of The Year” Types…Or Are We? Episode 189 from last weekAli Edwards’s One Little Word shopMantrabrand and MyIntent sell inspirational braceletsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your toddler ready to begin potty training? What about a preschooler with frequent accidents or a fear of pooping in the toilet? And how long is it normal for kids to be dry during the day and still struggle with staying dry at night? We get so many questions about potty training that we called in an expert to help sort out these and other typical potty training challenges. Join Meagan and Sarah as they share their own potty training experiences and seek the counsel of psychologist Dr. Heather Wittenberg, who weighs in on questions from our listeners.LINKS MENTIONED:Take the Potty Personality Quiz on Pull-Ups.comCheck out the Pull-Ups and GoodNites Facebook pagesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seems like everybody chooses a “word of the year” nowadays, and we’re conflicted. Both Meagan and Sarah can be trend-averse and skeptical of fads…but we’re also all-in on self-reflection and anything that gives moms a chance to prioritize their happiness and fulfillment. So in Episode 189, our first of the new year, we discuss the WOTY phenomenon and agree to give it a try in 2019. Listen to find out what words we’re considering and why!LINKS MENTIONED:Ali Edwards’s One Little Word projectComfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chödrön (affiliate link)New? Welcome! This page is just for you.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From confessing our #MomFail moments to airing our (literal) dirty laundry, Meagan and Sarah are looking back at the best moments on the podcast from 2018. Join us for a brand new episode and fresh commentary, plus throwback clips from some of our favorite moments. It’s the very last episode of 2018–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to the full episodes we discussed at these links:The Life-Changing Magic of Opting Out (ep161 / June 19)Strong As A Mother With Kate Rope (Voices 26 / June 8)The Myth Of The Mom Tribe (ep144 / February 20)Kindergarten Readiness With Kelly Hiltz (Voices 23 / March 9)Our Worst #MomFail Moments (ep157 / May 22)The Coffee + Crumbs Podcast did an episode called This Is How We Don’t, partially inspired by our opting out episodeMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From most embarrassing moments to favorite TV shows to what we learned about ourselves, Meagan and Sarah are taking a (mostly) fun and fluffy look back at 2018 for this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Spanx leggings (affiliate link)Meagan’s trash can (affiliate link)Sarah mentioned the following TV shows (listed by network or service):HBO: Godless, Silicon Valley, Last Week TonightNetflix: Love, Peaky Blinders, Mindhunter, Ozark, The CrownAmazon: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, HomecomingHulu: 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, Killing EveOther: The Daily Show (Comedy Central), Survivor (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo), Billions (Showtime)VoxerISH lip palette (affiliate link)Yokai Audio (our sound engineer)Sarah’s smoothies usually include: banana, kale OR spinach, assorted leftover fresh fruits/veggies that the kids won’t eat, Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Organic Açaí Purée Pack, assorted frozen fruit (berries, mango), flax seed OR hemp seed OR chia seeds, a scoop of almond butter OR half an avocado (for protein and smoothness), and as much almond milk as necessary to liquify it allMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the fence about adding another baby to the family? You are not alone. We hear this a TON from listeners, and it’s a favorite topic among mom friends in the family-growing years. In Episode 187 Meagan and Sarah share our own experiences growing our families (with a special focus on the transition from two to three), as well as some of our favorite and least favorite parts of pregnancy. We also share a special pregnancy-related announcement (no, it’s not what you think) that you won’t want to miss. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Are You “Done” Having Babies? (Episode 7)Pregnancy & Birth, In Hindsight (Episode 38)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gift ideas for a second baby who wants for nothing, managing holiday hosting stress as a mom with a clingy toddler, tips for staying organized during the holidays, and standing your ground when extended family lays on the guilt. We answer these listener questions in this week's holiday bonus episode. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All our holiday-related podcast episodes are hereSarah and Katie did a baby, toddler, and little kid gift guide last year, and all the links have been updated!Sarah loved Erica's self-care tips in The Girl Next Door podcast's Holiday Self-Care & Vegas Christmas LightsepisodeIn answering Eshana's question about holiday organization, we mentioned our episodes about to-do lists and calendar management and productivity and time management, and we also have an episode about getting organized before the holiday craziness hits (maybe too late for this year, but still some great tips!)Sarah talked about the internet memes around "Don't say 'sorry' when you mean 'thank you'". Here's an example from Bored Panda, and another from Hello SunshineMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love books, and we hope our kids grow up to love them too…but how do we get there? Meagan and Sarah break down the ways we encourage literacy and a love of reading in our homes–without piling on the pressure. We talk about reading aloud, reading for homework, encouraging reluctant readers, and modeling a book-loving life as adults. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for a fun segment all about holiday picture books! We share some favorites for babies through big kids–just in time for the coziest reading season!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah and Katie’s full list of holiday books is hereMeagan’s appearance on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast: RAR #34: Reading Aloud around a Traditional School Schedule, and RAR host Sarah Mackenzie’s appearance on Meagan’s podcast The Home Hour in 2014Magazines Sarah loves include ASK and Muse from Cricket Media, Highlights High Five, and National Geographic KidsSarah loves the book lists at What Do We Do All Day?, and specifically mentioned these three in her segment with Katie:Timeless Christmas BooksNew Christmas Picture BooksChristmas Chapter Book Read Alouds for FamiliesMeagan mentioned these books (affiliate links):Krampus: The Devil of ChristmasThe Night Before Christmas – Illustrated by Arthur RackhamA Christmas CarolOther episodes you might enjoy:Raising Lifelong Learners (Ep95)Bedtime Routines At Every Age (Ep80)Finding Kids’ Media That Isn’t Terrible (Ep46)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most families are touched by divorce in some way, and the holidays can bring up all kinds of questions and challenges for single or re-coupled parents, children of divorced parents (including adult children), and blended families. As Meagan enters her third holiday season post-separation, Sarah picks her brain about everything from the practical logistics of sharing the holidays with an ex, to the emotional landscape of the holidays as a divorced mom. PLUS we welcome the wise and witty voices of Kristen Chase and Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks and Spawned with Kristen and Liz. Listen for their advice, as well as a couple of listener questions, during the episode.LINKS MENTIONED:Last year Meagan talked about changing traditions mid-divorce (Episode 128)Don’t forget to check out Cool Mom Picks and the Spawned podcast, and thanks to Kristen and Liz for contributing to today’s show!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buckle up, mamas. We’re getting into the details of air travel AND car trips with babies, toddlers, and little kids. Meagan’s the expert on road trips, and Sarah has flown a ton with tiny kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether to buy an airplane seat for a one-year-old, how to plan stops on an 8-hour car ride, or what to pack in your carry-on, this episode is for you. Join us!PLUS Alison Thompson joins Sarah to share her baby #2 birth story and an update on the first two months of adjusting to life as a family of four. They reveal the baby’s name, discuss how big sister Claire is adjusting, and talk about a scary hospitalization that all turned out okay.LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes on kids and travel that you might have missed:Travel With Kids (Or, How To Enjoy Your Own Vacation)Smart Tech & Family TravelOver The River & Through The Woods (Holiday Travel & Visiting Family)Send in your holiday-themed listener questions! Email an audio file to hello@themomhour.com, or head to speakpipe.com/themomhour to record thereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year’s December doesn’t have to be like last year. Join Meagan and Sarah as we set intentions for the busy holiday month ahead, everything from little ways to find joy in the messes to bigger stuff about changing traditions. It’s another Holiday Bonus episode of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:All our holiday episodes of The Mom Hour are on this pageMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At twenty-one and ten years into motherhood respectively, Meagan and Sarah have the benefit of hindsight when it comes to parenting trends. In Episode 184 we talk about the things that have changed since we became moms–from the superficial stuff like trends in baby gear to the more significant ways that the digital age has shaped parenting culture over the years. PLUS, Sarah’s mom offers insight from the perspective of someone who has been a parent for nearly (but not yet) forty years. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:“Mommy Needs Wine” and Other Problematic Mom-Tropes (Episode 183)Meagan talked about Aidan Donnelly Rowley’s blog posts on the dry life, which we discussed in more detail last weekmore in this cute videoCheck out SpanglerScienceClub.com and use promo code MOMHOUR to save $10 on a 3-month subscription (more in this cute video)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our kids have made their holiday wish lists, and we’re popping into your podcast feed on Black Friday to chat about them! Join Meagan and Sarah as we review our own kids’ Christmas lists, what we have our eyes on as we kick off holiday shopping season, plus the ways we get around those “ain’t never gonna happen” wishes that kids love to put on their lists. Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s 10-year-old is interested in this 3D pen from Mindware.comMeagan’s 9-year-old has asked for a subscription to ScrawlrBoxOur 2017 Holiday Gift Guide includes 3 bonus podcast episodes and a whole bunch of great links–it’s all organized for you on this pageAll of our holiday-related podcast content is on this pageMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah both enjoy wine and cocktails, but coincidentally we both scaled back our drinking recently and have observations to share. We’re also wary of the pervasive “mommy needs a drink” trope and the way meme culture in general aims for cheap laughs with potentially harmful side-effects. Today’s episode gets into the gray area between carefree happy hour and full-blown addiction, and we talk honestly about the places alcohol and motherhood overlap. LINKS MENTIONED:Sunday’s More Than Mom epsiodeAidan Donnelly Rowley and her blog posts on the dry life, her regular Instagram feed (which Sarah loves), her @drybeclub community, and her podcast EDITParenting With a Buzz: When Does Alcohol as Self-Care Become a Problem? (Kristen Mascia for Parents)How Mommy Drinking Culture Has Normalized Alcoholism For Women In America (Sarah Cottrell for Babble)#Winemom culture is about SO much more than wine—and we need to talk about it (Emily Glover for Mother.ly)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heading into a holiday week, Meagan and Sarah are feeling festive and talking about our favorite adult beverages. We also talk about rituals and routines involving our favorite drinks, hangover cures, holiday drinking and more. Join us!Note: We know that alcohol is a tricky topic for a lot of people, and in this episode you’ll hear some honest thoughts about responsible–and irresponsible–consumption. This episode, intended to be light and fluffy, will be followed by a discussion on Tuesday’s show about the darker side of “Mommy Wine Culture” and other complicated pieces of this puzzle. LINKS MENTIONED:More Than Mom: Beverages!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s across town for dinner or cross-country for a week, visiting family comes with challenges–especially at the holidays. There are relationship dynamics to consider, plus germs, traditions, sleep schedules, and a lot of public parenting. In Episode 182, Meagan and Sarah sit down for a thoughtful discussion on how to make family visits and holiday travel less stressful for you and your family. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All our holiday-related podcast episodes are on this pageYou might also like the episodes we’ve done on dealing with criticism and things to remember when you feel criticizedWe’ve also done episodes on traveling with kids and smart tech and family travelMeagan mentioned our episode on greed and gratitudeWant to send in a question for our holiday-themed listener questions episode? Email us at hello@themomhour.com!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cupboards, cabinets, closets, and drawers: Meagan and Sarah are opening up and confessing what’s working and what isn’t when it comes to clutter and our homes. Join us for another fun More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie CondoDecluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff, by Dana K. White of A Slob Comes CleanStuff, Junk and Things, Episode 35, in which we discuss kid-related clutterOur laundry episode, and our dishes episodeMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can a wild toddler become mellow teen? A shy preschooler an outgoing tween? Or do our littles’ personalities predict their big kid identities? As usual, we’re saying it’s a little of both, or somewhere in the middle. In this week’s episode Meagan and Sarah break down our combined eight kids and how they were as babies and toddlers vs. what they’re like today. PLUS Alison Thompson joins Sarah to discuss postpartum recovery. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes where we talk about our eight kids:What’s Great (And Less-Great) About Our Eight (Episode 152)Awesome Things Our Kids Are Doing (Episode 103)Eight Kids, Toddler to Teen (Episode 61)Sarah and Alison discussedEpisode 88, Postpartum Symptoms & Surprises, as well the Voices interview Sarah did with Kate Rope about postpartum mental healthMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your kids are little, maybe you’ve wondered what it’s really like to send a child off to college. Or maybe you’ve pondered how your mom-life – and the way you relate to the world – might change as your children grow. In this episode, Meagan and the always warm, wise and wonderful Asha Dornfest discuss parenting older kids, “growing up” as a mom while and looking forward to what’s next, and even have a (totally non-partisan) conversation about politics, the importance of listening to each other, and how YOU can make a difference in your world – even if you’re still in the overwhelming baby and toddler stages. LINKS MENTIONED:Asha’s website, ashadornfest.comAsha’s book, Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids (affiliate link)Asha’s podcast, Edit Your LifeAsha and Christine’s co-authored book, Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less (affiliate link)Asha was our very first interview when we started the Voices series on The Mom Hour! Listen to her chat with Sarah here.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hiding under the exam table, screaming and flailing, flat-out refusing to open up for the dentist: Our kids have done it all in the name of avoiding the needle or the checkup (or even a haircut!).In Episode 180 we cover appointments of all kinds and how to survive them when your kids are fearful. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pets are fun, but they’re not easy. Meagan and Sarah both love animals, but we also keep it real about the times in our lives when pets have brought more trouble than delight to our busy homes. We also tell hilarious stories about the pets of our childhood and relive a few animal-related traumas. Join See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First babies get all our attention…but they have to endure our most rookie mistakes and newbie neuroses, too. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun flashback at how we planned for, fed, celebrated, and parented our firstborn kids in contrast to their younger siblings. Thanks to our Patreon Facebook community for chiming in with great suggestions on this topic, too!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan mentioned this videoMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Co-parenting is tough, and we’re here to talk about it. In Episode 178 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah talk about getting on the same page as your co-parent, how to handle personality differences and baggage from our backgrounds, and why we think kids benefit from different parenting styles (mostly). Plus, Alison Thompson joins Sarah for a fun chat about choosing baby names. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Our episode about How To Be The Parent Teachers (and Schools) LoveOur episodes about Routines, Rituals, and Traditions (Part 1 and Part 2)Queue It Up! Check out Traveling Spouses, Traveling Selves, Episode 36 and Episode 37 from February of 2016MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s an all-Broadway edition of More Than Mom! We talk about Meagan’s recent performing stint as Roxie Hart in Chicago!, the stage shows we’ve seen lately or want to see, and respond to listener response to our first installment in this conversation, the More Than Mom episode on Movie Musicals that we did back in June. Enjoy! LINKS MENTIONED:More Than Mom: Movie Musicals (the part one to this episode, from June 2018)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Halloween costumes come with parenting questions: Will baby keep the hat on? How scary is too scary? Can you figure out how to master that face painting technique your kid is dying for? When and how to veto a costume choice that isn’t your jam? How to help make costume dreams come true without spending a fortune? Meagan and Sarah chat all things Halloween costumes in Episode 177 of The Mom Hour–plus Katie joins Sarah for a roundup of our favorite Halloween picture books. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Violet wore this leopard costume last yearSarah’s and Katie’s favorite Halloween books are up on the blog!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All movement is good movement, according to mom of twins and fitness/motivation powerhouse Jenny Schatzle. It’s not about getting our bodies back after baby (wait until you hear Jenny’s response to that one!); it’s about choosing to live life in alignment with who we want to be. Jenny gets vulnerable about her transition to motherhood, her role as a leader and entrepreneur, and the tricky business of staying authentic AND positive online when you’re a public persona. Join Sarah and guest Jenny Schatzle for this month’s Voices interview–it’s a must-listen conversation. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Jenny on InstagramJenny’s Tedx Talk: Rewiring How You Look At YourselfJenny’s new online 14-day courseJenny’s blogSarah talked about the Instagram video where Jenny works out with two crawling babies–see below, or check it out here if you can’t see the embedded video MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parenting a strong-willed kid, handling criticism about your family size or kids’ spacing, the first signs of kid crushes and puppy love, and gift ideas for your kids’ grandparents. Meagan and Sarah take on these questions and offer our advice in Episode 176. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Last week’s Episode 175 was also a Listener Questions showAll our Listener Questions episodes are available on this pageParenting A Strong-Willed Child (Aha! Parenting from Dr. Laura Markham)Why it’s good to have a strong-willed child, and why you should let up on them (On Parenting from The Washington Post)In our discussion of grandparent gifts we talked about Canvas People canvases (text MOMHOUR to 484848 to get a free one), Chatbooks photo books and Storyworth (sponsor link!), the service that prompts your loved ones to write down family stories and memoriesOur 2017 Holiday Gift GuideMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Losing your cool and yelling at your kids (how it happens to us ALL, how to prevent it, and how to cope after it happens), dealing with a pinching/biting 19-month-old, and extracting your family from a sticky situation with neighbor friends whose parenting style makes you uncomfortable. These listener questions PLUS a chat with newly-minted mom of two Alison–join us for Episode 175 of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:Shout-out to the Hill Country Casitas and Prep Dish for hosting us at the Prep Dish Podcaster Retreat this week!Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! (the VERY FIRST episode of The Mom Hour)All our listener questions are collected hereOur Worst #MomFail Moments (episode 157)Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction, (affiliate link) by Catherine Pearlman (listen to the Voices interview Sarah did with Catherine Pearlman here)Aha! Parenting from Dr. Laura Markham, Sarah’s favorite site about behavior and disciplineToddler Biting article Sarah mentioned on the podcastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s officially fall, no matter what kind of whether you’re enjoying. Meagan and Sarah chat fall décor, fall wardrobes, experiencing fall in different parts of the country, and more in this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Fall Love, Fall Envy, Fall Favorites (an older episode on the same topic)An Open Letter To People Who Can’t Stop Talking About Pumpkin Spice Lattes (Sarah’s blog post gone viral from 2013)Butternut Squash Soup with Apple & Bacon (Sarah’s family makes this every year…eventually)Meagan’s beef stew is loosely based on Paula Deen’s Old-Time Beef StewMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Supporting your child’s school experience doesn’t have to look like tons of volunteer hours, chaperoning field trips, or organizing classroom parties. It CAN (and we salute those who do it!), but it doesn’t have to. In Episode 174 Meagan and Sarah offer simple ways to start the school year off right when it comes to helping teachers and supporting our schools. Plus, Katie Addiss joins Sarah to discuss life lately as a mom of two littles. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Other podcast episodes about starting school, and school-mom-life are collected hereKatie mentioned the magic of the Daiso store–find out if you have one in your area hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why? Because I said so. Has a nice ring to it, right? Even better, though (and more specific): because it’s a rule in our house. In Episode 173 Meagan and Sarah are talking about the beauty and hilarity of arbitrary rules, drawing from our own experience and some genius listener suggestions. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Our podcast episodes on Routines, Rituals, & Traditions pair nicely with this one. Here’s Part 1 (episode 128, more about traditions) and Part 2 (episode 129, more about routines and rituals)Our episode on How To Survive (And Even Enjoy) Playing Board Games (Episode 112)Meagan’s blog post For The Mom Who Hates The Swings, which inspired our fan-favorite episode, We Hate FunMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Best purchase we’ve made recently? Product we can’t believe we lived so long without? Splurges that were worth it and cheapos we love? Meagan and Sarah talk STUFF in this fun more than mom — all about the products and purchases that have made our lives better recently. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s product mentions:Revlon One Step Hair Dryer & VolumizerBissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum CleanerKitchenAid KEK1222PT 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle – PistachioSafavieh Monaco Vintage Boho Multicolored Distressed RugSarah’s product mentions:L’Ange Aplatir Flat IronGoody Styling Essentials Start Style Finish Hair Brush, Ventjomparis Modern 12″ Battery Operated Silent & Non-Ticking Wall Clock (mine is no longer for sale, but this one is similar)Lifetime Folding Utility Table, 6 FeetPolar Products Unisex Kids Original Rain BootsArtemas Power Loomed Rust Area RugMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Working moms: are you stressed, anxious, and tired of hearing about this mythical thing called “balance?” You aren’t alone, and you’ve come to the right place. In Episode 29 of The Mom Hour Voices, Meagan talks to Jessica Turner, full-time working mom and author of the new book Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose The Guilt, Work Smarter, and Thrive. This encouraging interview will help you move past the unreasonable idea of “work-life balance” and make choices that help you set priorities while still attending to the things in your life that matter.LINKS MENTIONED:Get pre-order bonuses before September 18, 2018–details at stretchedtoothinbook.comJessica’s first book, The Fringe HoursJessica and Meagan’s conversation on The Home Hour in 2015MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have dirty dishes in your sink right now? So do we, but instead of washing them we decided to podcast about it! Join Meagan and Sarah for a look at the products and practices that keep things moving in our kitchens, plus stories of faulty dishwashers, dishes pet peeves, what keeps us company while we do the dishes and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The episode we did about laundry: Loads & Loads (& Loads) Of Laundry (Episode 167)Sarah’s current dishwasher is this one: KitchenAid Top Control Dishwasher in Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel TubSome of our favorite dish soaps and detergents, available at Target (affiliate link)Sarah has this bamboo dish rack from Target and loves it (affiliate link)Sarah also uses these Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbing Pads (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're standing in the checkout line doing that familiar bounce-bounce-sway motion to soothe a fussy baby when suddenly you realize: you don't HAVE a baby. Ever been there? We're willing to be you have, and we're discussing a bunch more mom-habits that are hard to shake in Episode 171 of The Mom Hour.PLUS pregnant mama Alison Thompson joins Sarah to discuss first versus second pregnancies, staying comfortable in the third trimester, maternity clothes that fit and flatter, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Our episode about Mom Fails which, as Sarah mentions in the beginning of this show, includes a story about a stroller in the middle of a busy streetCheck us out on Spotify!Pregnant mama contributor Alison Thompson co-hosts the Crunchy Cocktail Hour podcastAlison's pregnancy must-haves includeSnoogle Pregnancy PillowAZMED Maternity BeltLeTote (Alison's referral link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all make choices about where and how we spend our money–so what areas of home, life, and style to Meagan and Sarah choose to save on, and which ones are our splurges? We discuss in this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour (suggested by listener Rachel!). Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listener Rachel Holland has a sweet Etsy shop called Faded WildflowerThe Mom Hour on SpotifySarah’s vacuum splurges include (these are Amazon Affiliate links): Dyson V7 handheld trigger vacuum, Neato Botvac, and Dyson Animal upright vacuumOur recent episodes on Lunch Packing and on Productivity and Time Management are good ones if you’re feeling motivated for the new school yearMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boxes, bags, and bentos–here we go, friends. We’re talking lunch-packing on this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. From the gear we love (or like well-enough), to the stuff we pack (no, it’s not pretty or perfect), to when and how we get lunches packed (and unpacked…ew), today’s episode is FULL of tips and stories to encourage you this school year. PLUS Sarah is joined by our newest new-mom contributor Alison Thompson at the end of the show. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 151: Feeding A Family (Breakfast & Lunch)Laura Fuentes / Momables.comThe Girl Next Door podcast episode about Home Efficiency, and Erica’s Instagram post about freezing sandwichesMeagan’s Lunch Box Challenge series on The Happiest Home (from 2011): Intro, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4Alison Thompson co-hosts the Crunchy Cocktail Hour podcast in our Life, Listened networkMeagan got the Classmate Printed Soft Sided Lunch Box from Lands’ EndSarah uses the Mackenzie Collection Classic Lunch Bags from Pottery Barn Kids and the Classic lunch bags from Pottery Barn Teen (slightly deeper but otherwise similar style)Pottery Barn Kids Spencer Bento BoxEasy Lunch Boxes Bento Lunch Box ContainersRubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Flat Lunch KitCVS Health Peas Hot or Cold Therapy PackFit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Reusable Ice PacksSarah has this Thermos brand Funtainer and Meagan’s teens have larger thermoses like this oneSarah sends inexpensive stainless steel demitasse spoons like these to school for yogurtMeagan used the SCOUT Divide & Conquer Open-top Storage Bin on top of her fridge for school snacks for yearsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do the things get done? Where does the time go? These are the questions we look at in today’s podcast episode. We’ve got tips for making the most of your time and prioritizing well so you feel your most productive (yes, even in those early baby days where it seems like NOTHING gets done). Whether you’re staying home full time, working outside the home, or somewhere in between, these tips are meant to encourage you. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end of the show for an update on toddler eczema, a donut discovery, and a good samaritan story. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:The tips we discuss came from Meagan’s 2010 blog post on The Happiest Home: 10 Ways To Manage Your TimeThe Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin (affiliate link)Take a quiz to find out your tendency hereOur episode about Calendar Tips & To-Do List Strategies (Episode 83)How Do I Make Time For It All? The Mom Hour (Episode 60)Our episode about Creating A Healthy Media Diet (i.e., less mindless phone-scrolling)Sarah was a guest on the Both Of Us podcast last week! Listen here.Katie found amazing vegan donuts at Whole Foods and share her other top vegan picks for toddlers in this blog postMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By listener-request we’re taking you behind the scenes! We discuss the making of The Mom Hour, our recording quirks, tips for aspiring podcasters, how we work with brands, and more. We also give a little back-story on how the show has grown, how the Life, Listened network started, evolved, and continues to change, and what our goals are for the podcast in the coming months. PLUS you’ll get to hear a couple of fun bloopers, including the now-classic line, “my dog is playing a maraca”. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For aspiring podcasters, we have all our gear recommendations on this pageMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah has one week left of summer and Meagan has a MONTH. We chat about late-summer malaise, seasonal energy slumps in general, how to (or whether to) get back to healthier habits and routines, and what (if anything) we’re doing to gear up for the impending school year. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:PickupPlease.org is the donation pickup service that Sarah is really happy with (they even took the car seat, guys!)Sarah’s accordion-style portfolios for kid-art are from Lakeshore LearningMeagan made this Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds from Epicurious.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happiness in parenting doesn’t mean mean skipping through fields of daisies with a brood of clean, cheerful, never-whining children who eat their veggies and always put their dirty clothes in the hamper. In reality, it’s a much messier–but totally attainable–thing.In this episode of The Mom Hour Voices, Sarah talks with writer KJ Dell’Antonia about cultivating happiness as a mom in the midst of sibling fighting, grumpy mornings, and endless screen-time negotiations. KJ’s new book, How To Be A Happier Parent, offers specific strategies from both parenting experts and real-life moms and dads for tackling some of the most common pain points that accompany modern parenting. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned Episode 167 of The Mom Hour, where she and Meagan talked about laundryhowtobeahappierparent.com is the place to go to find out more about KJ and her bookBooks KJ used in her research that were mentioned in the interviewHow To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk (by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish)Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too (by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish)Peaceful Parent, Happier Siblings (Dr. Laura Markham)#AmWriting with Jess & KJ (KJ’s podcast with friend and fellow author Jessica Lahey)IndieBound.com, a great source for finding indie bookstores or ordering books from independent sellersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve yet to meet a mom at any stage of parenthood who didn’t have to deal with laundry–it’s one of the great equalizers of the mothering experience, no? Today on The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah take you inside their homes and laundry rooms for a look at how we keep up with the piles, what our routines and rituals are, and how the whole clothes cycle works. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:On love, laundry, and finding satisfaction in the work of nurturing (Meagan for The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

High school bedrooms, college dorm rooms, first apartments, first homes. Meagan and Sarah describe their home décor style through the years in this More Than Mom episode. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last day of preschool is one thing–poignant, and easy to see coming–but what about the last time your toddler uses your favorite adorable mispronunciation? The last time you step on a LEGO? The last time a kid needs your help in the bath, crawls into your bed in the wee hours, or reaches for your hand on the sidewalk? Those lasts happen without our knowing, and motherhood his filled with them.LINKS MENTIONED:Listeners contributed so many great “lasts” that helped us shape this episode! Here are the Facebook post and the Instagram post where you can read all their comments.You Probably Won’t Remember This Later…And That’s OK (Meagan for The Happiest Home)The Last First Birthday (Sarah for Raising Arizona Kids magazine)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating decisions as a mom is hard enough; feeling judged, criticized, or shamed for those decisions? That feels like garbage. After years of practice, Meagan and Sarah have words of encouragement for dealing with criticism, including six things to keep in mind when you’re feeling judged by others about your parenting. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for an update on her life as a mom of two littles. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Dealing With Criticism (The Mom Hour, Episode 26)What’s your parenting Achilles’ heel? (Meagan for The Happiest Home, 2012)Pants On Fire Podcast from Gen-Z and PRXKatie mentioned this recipe for fish taco / tuna salad sauce from Simply GourmetKatie used a bin like this for memory keeping, and Sarah uses these Lakeshore Learning keepsake portfoliosKatie wrote up her memory-keeping strategy in a post on the blog!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re home alone on a rainy Saturday afternoon and that movie comes on that you just HAVE to watch. What is it? In this More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah confess the books, movies, songs, and TV that maybe don’t get points for artsy intellectualism, but that we just can’t resist. Much pop culture banter ensues… Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bianca Dottin’s second pregnancy was long-awaited and relatively drama-free. But when baby Tristan arrived at 34 weeks and was admitted to the NICU unable to breathe on his own, it was clear that her life was about to change. In this month’s Voices interview episode, Bianca shares her NICU story with Sarah, including how 6 months in the NICU inspired her to start a community and collection of resources to support other moms with babies in the NICU.A note from Sarah: This episode includes a beautiful and authentic story of infant loss, grief, and healing. We hope you’ll listen, but wanted to give a heads up so that those of you for whom hearing about traumatic birth experiences or infant loss will bring up feelings of anxiety or pain can make the decision of whether to listen or not. If you’re having feelings of anxiety about your pregnancy or your baby’s health, we recommend listening to this interview from last month, and speaking with your healthcare provider to get the support you deserve.  LINKS MENTIONED:Bianca’s website for NICU mamas and those who want to support them: mamasofthenicu.orgThe online support group we talked about happens in the Mamas of the NICU Facebook groupThe Mamas of the NICU Facebook pageBianca’s lifestyle blog is biancadottin.comMamas of the NICU on InstagramPurchase or donate items to a NICU Survival Kit for mamas herePurchase a NICU Mama journal here8 Emotions You Feel After Suffering The Loss Of A Child (BiancaDottin.com)6 Healthy Ways to Grieve (BiancaDottin.com)5 Things No One Tells You About Being a NICU Mom(BiancaDottin.com)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your kid shows an aptitude for something…now what? Meagan and Sarah discuss the sometimes tricky topic of how to nurture our kids’ natural abilities without pressuring or pushing. We also talk about when to support kids through an activity they may not be particularly talented at, the importance of dabbling, and when it’s OK to let kids quit. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED: Other episodes on kids’ sports and activities, or nurturing kids’ talents:How To Be A Happier Sports Parent (Episode 117)Let’s Discuss Sports Parenting (Episode 18)Raising Lifelong Learners (Episode 95) MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today is pure fun–a game of Would You Rather…?, in which Meagan and Sarah challenge each other with choices between wildly impossible scenarios. Which one of us would rather have a permanent three-year-old and which would rather have a permanent 18-month old? You’ll have to listen to find out!LINKS MENTIONED:Last summer’s episode where we also played Would You Rather…Follow us on Instagram @TheMomHour and play along!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping a toddler with nighttime fears, the logistics of taking a baby to the beach, the ideal age-spacing between siblings, and helping a two-year-old feel special when a new baby arrives. These are the listener questions we answer in this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Dr. Laura Markham of Aha! Parenting responds to a similar question to Laura’s about toddler sleep separation anxiety–long but worth the readMeagan’s beautiful essay at HuffPost Parents about older kids with nighttime fearsThe Opposite of Worry, by Lawrence J. Cohen (the book Sarah talked about)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching social graces to a shy preschooler, saving money on groceries and household supplies, and helping school-aged kids learn to deal with feelings of frustration. These are three topics brought to us by listeners that Meagan and Sarah tackle on this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Teaching Manners To Kids (Episode 5)Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies (Episode)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can learn a lot about a person by taking a peek inside their purse. (Also: it’s time we cleaned out our purses!) In this episode of More Than Mom from The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah do a deep dive into their bags, laughing as they go. We also challenge listeners to share the contents of their bags with US–leave us a comment or send us an email if you unearthed something more random than the top two finds from this episode (you have to listen to find out what they are!).LINKS MENTIONED:The More Than Mom episode where we talked about what kind of purses we likeAll the More Than Mom episodes are hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No one mom “does it all”–or so we’re told. But what exactly DON’T we do? In Episode 161 Meagan and Sarah share our experience finding ways to opt out of the little (and sometimes not-so-little) tasks and obligations that aren’t meaningful to us as moms, making room for more of what is. PLUS resident new mom Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end of the show to talk about a great swimsuit-saving strategy and other tales from the trenches. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Katie’s blog post about making rash guard swim suits more long-lastingBoon Pulp Silicone Feeder, the silicon baby feeder Sarah’s sister hasMagical Night Visitors (Bunnies, Elves, Fairies, and Jolly Fat Dudes) (Episode 96)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer fun isn’t just for kids! Meagan and Sarah chat about their hopes, dreams, and plans for this summer–everything from their favorite indulgent magazines to read to what kind of outdoor adventures their families are ready for. It’s a More Than Mom episode all about SUMMER. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Other summertime episodes you might enjoy:Getting Organized for SummerSummer Shortcuts: (Yes, We’re THAT Lazy)Travel With Kids (Or, How To Enjoy Your Own Vacation)Smart Tech & Family TravelCamping With Kids (And Other Outdoor Adventures)Summer Fashion Trends We Just Don’t Get (And A Few We Like)Kids’ Clothes, Shoes, and Gear for SummerOvercoming Mid-Summer MalaiseWhat We’re Watching, Reading & Listening To, Summer EditionMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you struggle with meal planning or dread the grocery store, you’re not alone. Today we tackle three more challenges to dinner-making success and offer our tips and solutions for overcoming them. This is a follow-up to last week’s episode, so be sure to catch that one as well (though you can listen in any order)!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s interview with Melissa D’Arabian on a really old podcast episodeListener Erin swears by this recipe for Easy Grilled Chicken on Damned DeliciousMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Having help and support is the way nature intended for us to make human beings”. So says journalist and author Kate Rope in her new book all about how moms can take better care of their mental, emotional, and physical selves from pregnancy through parenthood. Kate joins Sarah in Episode 26 in our Voices interview series to talk about her own journey through postpartum anxiety, and how moms can support each other during new motherhood. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Strong as a Mother: How to Be Happy, Healthy and (Most Importantly) Sane From Pregnancy to Parenthood: The Only Guide to Taking Care of YOU!KateRope.comPostpartum.net (Postpartum Support International)Kate recommends the LactMed app or infantrisk.com for information regarding medicines safe to take while breastfeedingMore from The Mom Hour on pregnancy, postpartum, and new motherhood:Postpartum Symptoms & SurprisesPregnancy & Birth, In HindsightGetting Ready for BabyThings We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms)Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Breastfeeding Edition)How To REALLY Help A New MomBaby Shower Gift IdeasMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No time to cook? Got picky eaters? Hate the “witching hour”? We’re with you. In this episode Meagan and Sarah tackle three common dinner-making obstacles and offer solutions and tips that help us in our own lives and kitchens. We’re not experts; we’re parents who’ve been there, remember?LINKS MENTIONED:We have a blog! Other podcast episodes you might enjoyThe Picky Eater Problem, Episode 39Wait, They Want To Eat Every DAY? (Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping), Episode 23MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Warning: this episode may make you want to ignore all responsibilities for an untold number of hours so that you can hole up and watch a movie musical marathon. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Join Meagan and Sarah for a More Than Mom minisode about our favorite movie musicals (and stay tuned for a part two, because this is a topic we could talk about for a WHILE). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Schedule of Upcoming Movie Musical Adaptations (Playbill)Where To Watch Broadway Online: The Theater Lover’s Guide To StreamingA January 2018 Roundup Of Netflix MusicalsThe 30 Best Movie Musicals For Teens (this article is from Teen Vogue but we love the list anyway)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The weather is warming up and everybody’s clothes are too small–time to talk summertime clothes, shoes, and gear for kids! Meagan and Sarah share our go-to tips and favorite brands for keeping kids comfy, cool, and affordably dressed during the summer. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s seasonal clothing and handmedown storage system is outlined in this blog postTarget products we’re lovingSarah’s daughter loves how soft the entire Grayson Social line isCat & Jack playtime basics are killing it as alwaysTerrycloth swim coverups like this one are awesomeSarah’s daughter swore by these Champion brand running shorts last summerAmazon products we’re loving are all collected at amazon.com/shop/themomhour, including some of our favorite brands and products mentioned in the episode, like Keen, Native, SeeKaiRun, UV Skinz, Lands’ End, i play, Flap Happy, Babiators, Carter’s, Crocs, and moreTea Collection sales are the bestSarah’s son has Hanna Andersson swim trunks and they’re the cutestOur listeners weighed in with their favorite products on Instagram (here) and Facebook (here). Many of the products mentioned are linked to above, but check out the full posts to make sure you didn’t miss any!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve hit a mid-year slump in our fitness mojo, friends. Have you? Meagan and Sarah address where we are with working out, what has worked for us in the past, and discuss strategies for getting back on the wagon this summer. We also talk frankly about WHY working out matters to us (and it may not be for the reasons you think). Join us for another More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:You might also like this episode: (Totally Not Overwhelming) Health & Wellness Advice (Episode 33)Aaptiv, the audio fitness app Sarah lovesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We aren’t perfect, we’re real. It’s the last line of our show intro and it’s the guiding principle of this episode. Buckle up, guys, as Meagan and Sarah confess some really cringe-worthy mom fails that keep us humble to this day. From a major faux pas at the school Thanksgiving feast to some near-death (or at least near-injury) experiences that still make us shudder, we’re serving up a whole lot of vulnerability in Episode 157 of The Mom Hour. Plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end of the podcast with a mom fail of her own plus a struggle, success, and discovery from her life as a mom of two little ones. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned this series: Sitters & Caregivers Part 1 and Sitters & Caregivers Part 2You might also like these episodes:Mom Superpowers & KryptoniteMom Meltdowns, Oh No!Katie mentioned speech services available for free through the Department of Developmental Services in CaliforniaMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By popular request we’re tackling potty training in Episode 156! But if your kids are well beyond diapers by now, stick around. We extend the conversation to include other bathroom messes and realities that come with raising kids. From privacy to hygiene to showering solo to (gasp!) man-boys who shave, this entire podcast episode takes place in the bathroom. Wash your hands!LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes that tackle potty trainingThings We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Toddler Years), Episode 24More Listener Questions & Our Advice, Episode 111Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Starting School Edition), Episode 62Sarah mentioned this BassPal Bluetooth Portable Wireless Waterproof Speaker for the shower (affiliate link)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between Meagan and Sarah we’ve celebrated our kids’ birthdays 95 times. NINETY-FIVE birthdays, guys. We share the lessons we’ve learned in scaling back while still keeping up some special traditions, make a case for opting out of birthday madness when it isn’t your jam, and confess some of our birthday party fails from over the years. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Earlier shows on birthday parties, episodes 68 and 69: Kid Birthdays, Part 1 (The Kids In Your Family)and Kid Birthdays, Part 2 (Other People’s Kids)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah recap their week at the Mom 2.0 conference in Pasadena, including that one time they lovingly accosted a breastfeeding mom in an evening gown, that other time Meagan had to be forcibly removed from a Rent The Runway dress, a sweet listener encounter, and more hijinks.LINKS MENTIONED:Mom 2.0Listener Jessica’s blog Little Joys of MineThe mystery breastfeeding mama turns out to be Pickett from Seasonal Memories. Check the post she shared on Instagram using the photo Meagan took here.Congrats to Amy and Margaret from What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood on their Iris award win!Other podcasts nominated in the category were: Hey Sis!, The Life of Dad Show, #AmWriting with Jess & KJ, and SelfieJane Maynard from This Week For DinnerOur fellow Life, Listened shows Make Light with Karen Walrond and The Home Hour with Graham and KirstenMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan sits down with her sister Kathreen to talk openly for the very first time about the major health crisis that rocked their family last December. This special episode in our Voices interview series is full of really practical ways to support families going through a health scare, plus a vulnerable inside look at a family coming together during a trying time.HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No one tells you when you become a parent that you’ll spend a significant portion of the rest of your life in conversations about snacks and sweets–but it’s true! Most kids would snack and indulge their sweet-tooths all day long we if we let them, and in this episode of The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah share our tips for keeping snacking and desserts in check without totally losing your mind. PLUS Sarah’s 10-year-old joins her at the end of the show for a reality check about how strict the Powers family snacking rules REALLY are. Busted!LINKS MENTIONED:Feeding A Family (Breakfast & Lunch) – Episode 151Earlier episodes of The Mom Hour on feeding a family:The Picky Eater Problem (Episode 39)Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping (Episode 23)A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Episode 72)Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies (Episode 55)Kids in the Kitchen (Episode 70)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moving, remodeling, and home renovations are never easy, but with kids in the mix the difficulty level goes up a notch…or twelve. Meagan is fresh off a cross-town move and Sarah has had several home improvement challenges in the last year. Join us for tips and tactics to minimize stress when your home in transition. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Moving With Kids & Cultivating Community (Episode 56)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can learn a lot about a person by taking a peek inside their purse. (Also: it’s time we cleaned out our purses!) In this episode of More Than Mom from The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah do a deep dive into their bags, laughing as they go. We also challenge listeners to share the contents of their bags with US–leave us a comment or send us an email if you unearthed something more random than the top two finds from this episode (you have to listen to find out what they are!).LINKS MENTIONED:The More Than Mom episode where we talked about what kind of purses we likeAll the More Than Mom episodes are hereMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part of the fun of having so many kids between us is that we never run out of things to talk about! Join Meagan and Sarah for a quick look at what each of our eight kids is going through these days–this lets cover the phases from preschool through teen in a way that’s personal, funny, and encouraging.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned the Calm app and its meditations for kids specificallyThe Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears (affiliate link) by Lawrence J. CohenWatch Isaac and Owen in a dueling floss-off on Meagan’s Instagram pageWatch Violet crack up after reading about a fat dog on Sarah’s Instagram pageCalm appMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Singer-songwriter and mom of two Sarah Sample joins The Mom Hour co-host Sarah Powers for a chat that feels like two old friends catching up. That’s because Sarah and Sarah ARE two old friends–of 25 years! Musician Sarah talks honestly about creativity in motherhood, being a traveling working mom, and making big career shifts in your mid-thirties, PLUS you’ll get a hilarious peek into what one of your favorite podcast co-hosts was like as a teenager.LINKS MENTIONED:REDWING, Sarah Sample’s 6th album (available April 2018), available at www.sarahsample.com and wherever you get your musicBird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (affiliate link) by Anne LamottBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (affiliate link) by Elizabeth Gilbert, and the podcast that goes with it, Magic LessonsFollow Sarah Sample on Instagram @SarahSample88MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah share what they feed their families for breakfast and lunch (and we’re keeping it VERY real here) in Episode 151 of The Mom Hour. We also take a look back and how we survived the breakfast and lunchtime challenges that come with early motherhood. This episode kicks off our new Feeding A Family series, so look for more episodes soon on dinnertime, sweets and snacks, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Earlier episodes of The Mom Hour on feeding a family:The Picky Eater Problem (Episode 39)Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping (Episode 23)A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Episode 72)Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies (Episode 55)Kids in the Kitchen (Episode 70)Meagan’s cast iron grill plan, the Le Creuset Bistro Grill L2085-32BP (affiliate link)Sarah uses Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Classic lunch bags and Spencer Bento Box insertsCheck out all the nominees (including us!) for the 2018 Iris Awards hereThe books Katie recommended are The Last Mrs. Parrish (Liz Constantine) and Behind Closed Doors (B. A. Paris)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beaches or big cities? Rental cars or public transport? Where have we been and where would we love to go? Join Meagan and Sarah for a More Than Mom episode all about TRAVEL!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan first shared that her marriage had ended last spring and we’ve heard from a lot of listeners that you guys would like an update on how things are going as she adjusts to life as a divorced mom. In Episode 150 Sarah checks in with Meagan on everything from how home life and work life have changed, to things like dating, friendships, parenting, health, and self-care–all of which have evolved over the last year and half.LINKS MENTIONED:Self-Care As Self-Preservation, Episode 104Meagan’s and Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives, Episode 140MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Setting up toddler playgroups, feeling overwhelmed by housework, and how to handle teachers who don’t see your kid the way you do. We got GREAT listener questions for this episode and do our best to answer this week! PLUS you’ll hear Meagan’s daughter Clara interviewed on Jonny & Meagan Mornings from 98.3 The Coast and it will just about make your week. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)Fit 4 Mom (formerly Stroller Strides, stroller fitness for moms, and a great way to meet people)The Myth of the Mom Tribe, Episode 14410 Habits of Happy Moms, Episodes 137 and 138Jonny and Meagan Mornings, 98.3 The CoastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If the mere thought of a tri-fold science project display board makes you want to run for the hills, we’re right there with you. But we’ve also come to accept that as kids move into upper elementary, middle, and high school, school projects and increased homework demands are par for the course.Join Meagan and Sarah for a frank discussion about how we find the balance between supporting the work that comes home from school without hovering or helicoptering. We share successes and failures from our own experience, plus offer ideas for navigating homework parenting without going crazy. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Homework: At What Cost? Episode 45, where we bemoaned homework in the younger elementary yearsMy kid has a “project” due. What’s ok to help with, and what’s not? Love this post by KJ Dell’AntoniaThe Gift of Failure by Jessica LaheyDid you like this episode? We have a roundup of all our school-related shows on this page.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hobbies outside of everyday work, life, and parenting ebb and flow as your season of life changes, but it’s fun to think about what creative pursuits you’ll add back in as time opens up. In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah speak from the perspective of moms whose kids are getting older, and who are pursuing hobbies in our own (often very different) ways. We talk about what hobbies we’re enjoying now, which ones we could imagine trying, in theory, without needing a total life overhaul, and then some “maybe someday” hobbies we can see ourselves enjoying much later on. It’s a fun one – enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Love hobby talk? Here are some older episodes from our archives you might enjoy.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you’re expecting a new baby or love showering friends with thoughtful baby gifts, this episode is for you. Meagan and Sarah enlist the help of some savvy new moms to get the latest product must-haves, plus rely on our own experience and the benefit of hindsight to dissect what’s really essential, what you can probably pass on, and which gifts go the distance. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All the product links are in their own lists below. Special thanks to our own Katie Addiss and the awesome focus group of new moms from Denver and Minneapolis for their contributions and ideas!Struggles, Successes & Discoveries (Episode 133 that contains the lengthy discussion about cleaning humidifiers)Gift Ideas For Babies, Toddlers & Little Kids (one of our holiday gift guide episodes that contains more great gift ideas for new babies, including some of our favorite books and toys for baby’s first year)Baby Shower Gift IdeasAmazon links are affiliates. That means if you click through and make a purchase you’ll be helping support The Mom Hour at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us continue to produce the podcast!Go-to gifts from moms who know what’s up:All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon – Sarah’s new favorite book to give as a new baby giftZutano Cozie Fleece Baby Booties With GrippersSoft moccasins for pre-walkers, like any made by Robeez or these from MinnetonkaWe both love Tea Collection for their soft cotton play clothes and jammiesBoppy Newborn LoungerLeachco Podster Sling-Style Infant Seat LoungerBoppy Nursing Pillow and PositionerMagnificent Baby Unisex Newborn FootieA pretty Chewbeads Necklace for momFisher-Price Deluxe Rock ‘n Play SleeperSkip Hop 3-Stage Activity CenterLittle Giraffe Luxe BlanketFisher-Price Bath TubWubbaNub Infant PacifierGifts and gadgets we scoffed at until we realized they really ARE that great:Fridababy NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator (aka “the snotsucker”)Windi the Gaspasser by FridababyBurp cloths shaped to stay on your shoulder, like theseBaby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs and much, much more! (recommended for moms who want to sort through what’s worth the extra money and what you can go cheaper on)Working moms in our focus group recommend registering for a LOT of pumping storage bags because you’ll go through them faster than you think!Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling N Seat Tub (because bathing baby in a sink is harder than you think!)Keekaroo Peanut Changer (so you never have to wash changing pad covers again)Katie’s new favorite humidifier is this one: Ultrasonic Cool Mist HumidifierSupposed “essentials” that some of us found over-rated (and others did not!)Teeny tiny newborn-sized dresses for baby girlsImpractical shoes for babies who can’t walkExpensive sound machines (that’s what electric fans are for!)Co-sleeper bassinets, or any pricey one-purpose place for baby to sleepSuper adorable but not-super-necessary diaper stackers, like this oneDockatotMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who knew we’d have so much to say about beverages? That’s the fun of our More-Than-Mom series–it’s a deep dive into the super superficial, with bits of nostalgia thrown in for fun. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss memories of our favorite childhood drinks, what kept us going in high school and college, and how we like to imbibe lately. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan & Sarah Interview Each Other (the episode where Meagan talks about detasseling corn)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We get a ton of listener questions on the topic of sending kids off to kindergarten–how to know if they’re ready, what to do about those tricky summer birthdays in terms of sending a kid or holding him back, and how to prepare kids to be successful as they transition into elementary school.Lucky for you all, this month’s Voices interview features kindergarten teacher and mom of two Kelly Hiltz, whose experience in the classroom and as a parent brings a calming voice of reason to this often amped-up topic. Join Sarah and Kelly as they discuss all things kindergarten, plus offer more general thoughts on how to develop a great relationship with your child’s teacher no matter what year of school they’re in.LINKS MENTIONED:Chatty Sisters Podcast, the show Kelly co-hosts with her sister Caroline@ChattySistersPodcast on InstagramAll school-related episodes of The Mom Hour are on this pageSarah highly recommends this book on early childhood education by Erika Christakis (affiliate link): The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from GrownupsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if “I can’t do it all” wasn’t a statement of parenting failure and instead an opportunity to expand our kids’ horizons and our own support system? What if instead of trying to be all things to each child, we recognized the importance of other role models in our kids’ lives?Meagan and Sarah look at these questions in Episode 146 of The Mom Hour as we discuss the importance of other adults in our kids’ lives and how to help kids cultivate these important extra-familial relationships. Plus, Katie Addiss joins Sarah for a struggle, success and discovery at the end of the show. Join us!LINKS MENTIONEDFor The Love of Cousins! (Episode 126)Tweens: Is This A Thing? (Episode 143)Free-Range Parenting, Part 1 and Part 2 (Episodes 12 and 13)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love it or hate it, social media is a part of our lives. Join Meagan and Sarah for a meandering chat about our favorite ways to be social online. This episode is part of our More Than Mom series, where we set aside the practical parenting tips (which you can still find in each new Tuesday episode!) in favor of a lighter topic unrelated to motherhood. Come on in–it’s funLINKS MENTIONED:Your Media Diet: Is It Healthy? (our third episode EVER)Follow us on social!Sarah is @PowersOfMine on Instagram and TwitterMeagan is @MeaganFrancis on Instagram and TwitterWe are @TheMomHour on Instagram and Twitter, and here’s our Facebook page@LifeListened is also on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookVoxer, Anchor.fmMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between sick days and snow days, new babies and school holidays, we know firsthand how hard it is to be stuck inside with kids for what feels like eternity. In Episode 145 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer tips for stocking your home so that when that stomach flupocalypse does strike, you’re prepared with enough staples to not only keep you alive, but also have a little fun. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s go-to Cream of Tartar Playdough RecipeHere’s a No Tartar Playdough Recipe, too (but we haven’t vetted this one)Play tent or play tunnel (Sarah has a castle play tent similar to this one)Smart Tech & Family Travel (Episode 106)Uggg…Sick Days (Episode 75)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you remember the skincare products and fragrance you swore by in middle school? How do you feel about clear mascara or yellow nail polish? Can you sing the Jhirmack shampoo jingle at full voice? (One of us can. Guess who.) Laugh along with Meagan and Sarah in a more-than-mom special episode all about beauty product nostalgia. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:32 Beauty products you probably used in the ’90s (SheKnows.com)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms need tribes, right? So we’re told. But what if friendships in motherhood are a little more dynamic, evolving, and complicated than just finding the right group and sliding on in. Join Meagan and Sarah for a thoughtful discussion about what it really means to “find your tribe” as a mom, PLUS we offer 10 kinds of friends we think every mom needs. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes we’ve done on this topic:Keeping Friendships Alive (Episode 78)Online Pals Turned Real-Life Friends (Episode 51)How To Make Mom-Friends (a super old episode of The Home Hour from when Meagan hosted it and Sarah was a guest)Podcast episodes on this topic from other shows in the Life, Listened familyThe Friendship Episode (Selfie, Episode 21)The Importance of Female Friendships (Crunchy Cocktail Hour, Episode 4)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tweens are not just overgrown little kids or mini-adolescents. Caught between the two, they really are in phase worthy of its own discussion–and its own podcast episode! Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss what makes 8-12-year-olds unique and how to up our parenting game to meet their needs as they grow.LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes of The Mom Hour you might enjoy:What To Expect From The Middle School YearsBecoming Screenwise with Devorah HeitnerKids & Friendships with Eileen Kennedy-MooreFree-Range Parenting – Part 1 and Part 2How (And Why) To Spend One-On-One Time With Your KidsPositive Parenting Your Tween (from Sarah’s favorite online parenting resource, AhaParenting.com)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Christine Koh started making t-shirts for herself as a creative release and weekend hobby, she had no idea that within a matter of months her designs would be seen on celebrities, in magazines, and as a meaningful part of social good movements around the country.Join Sarah as she chats with Christine (who is also a blogger, podcaster, and author) about the launch of Brave New World Designs after the 2016 election, what it’s like to go from being a digital creator to a maker of physical products, the cross-section of activism and creativity, and what it’s like to own a business with her husband.LINKS MENTIONED:ChristineKoh.comBraveNewWorldDesigns.comBrave New World Designs on EtsyBrave New World Designs on InstagramBostonMamas.comThe Teacher/Hero tee supporting Teach For AmericaEdit Your Life podcast (which Christine co-hosts with the wonderful Asha Dornfest, who chatted with Sarah in a 2016 episode of this podcast)Minimalist Parenting, the book Christine and Asha wrote togetherBostonMamas.com, Christine’s “Boston and beyond” lifestyle websiteMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re taking listener questions this week, all around the topics of working outside the home, staying at home full-time, and the tension the often exists no matter where you spend your days. (Spoiler alert: Two moms with totally opposite schedules both wrote in to say that 4:00pm is a totally brutal time of day.)Join Meagan and Sarah for a thoughtful follow-up to last week’s episode where we shared the details of our own work schedules (you can listen to that one here). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Want to leave us a recorded message like listener Sarah from Canada did? Use SpeakPipe, or email us an audio file to hello@themomhour.com!Book ideas for discovering your strengths, personality, and potential future job ideas:The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen RubinCure For The Common Life: Living In Your Sweet Spot by Max LucadoPlaying Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara MohrThe Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan CronHere’s the Facebook Live video we did after recording Episode 141MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The picture of fatherhood we see depicted in pop culture is fraught with stereotypes. From the bumbling dad who can’t fasten snaps on a onesie to the overly intense sports dad who pushes his kid on the ball field, the generalizations often don’t represent the truth and in many cases can be harmful to dads’ efforts to be involved and engaged in their kids’ lives. In Episode 141 of The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah chat with writer, blogger, and activist Whit Honea, who helps bust open some stereotypes about dads and instead craft a picture of fatherhood that is inclusive and inspiring.LINKS MENTIONED:Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org)Whit’s website (WhitHonea.com)#TalkEarly on TwitterMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah are both working more than we have in a long time–and our work schedules have changed recently. In Episode 140 we talk about what’s working (ha!), what isn’t, and how things have evolved since the drop-a-toddler-off-at-daycare years. We also talk about how working moms and stay-at-home moms can support one another, how nothing is forever, and what apps, shortcuts and hacks help us keep it together when work gets overwhelming. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s the state of our wardrobes? Glad you asked. In Episode 139 Meagan and Sarah go Head-Shoulders-Knees-and-Toes through what’s working and what isn’t when it comes to style for us lately.Find out what Meagan loves about having longish hair for the first time in a decade, why Sarah continues to struggle with leggings and can never find her socks, and hear our takes on two different popular online bra retailers. Plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end for a fashion-related struggle, discovery, and success. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Other “More-Than-Mom” episodesJane.com (affiliate link / Sarah’s new go-to for really inexpensive trendy pieces)Sarah’s summer hat (left, below) and winter hat (right below)Infiniti Pro by Conair Instant Heat 20 Ceramic Flocked Rollers (Meagan’s new hot rollers)True&Co (the online bra retailer Meagan tried)Third Love (the one Sarah tried)Meagan’s go-to socks by Point6 and SmartWoolSalomon Women’s Hime High Snow Boot (Meagan’s new boots)Fabletics ActivewearLucky Brand Women’s Basel Boot (Sarah has two variations on this ankle boot and loves them)Recent episodes about skincare, hair care, and beauty from our sister-podcasts in the Life, Listened networkHair Health on Crunchy Cocktail HourSkincare & Beauty with Kathleen Jennings on The Home HourHair + Body Positivity on SelfieMorning Skincare Routines and Evening Skincare Routines on Selfie Women’s Wide Leg Floral Flare Palazzo Loose Yoga Pants (Katie’s sister wore these)Racerback Shift Dress (Katie mentioned this as her go-to black dress)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What daily habits do happy moms practice? Our answers may surprise you. Join Meagan and Sarah for the second in our two-part series on cultivating happiness during motherhood.LINKS MENTIONED:10 Habits of Happy Moms, Part 1 (Episode 137)What Are Your Mom Superpowers? (Episode 44)Routines, Rituals & Traditions (Episode 129)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah R. Bagley mothers, writes, podcasts, teaches group fitness, and runs a local women’s entrepreneur group–all while keeping up with the demands and schedules of a toddler, a preschooler, and a first-grader. She’s the first to admit that this hybrid working/momming thing isn’t easy, but her philosophy is all about leaning in to both creative ambition AND the chaos of motherhood.Sarah (Powers!) interviews Sarah (Bagley!) in this episode of The Mom Hour Voices, our first of 2018. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah (Powers) on the Sarah R. Bagley PodcastMeagan on the Sarah R. Bagley PodcastLesley Miller (formerly of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast) on The Mom HourSarah’s one little word for 2018: SantoshaSarah’s website25% Friends, Sarah’s podcast with Kim Schoenauer@SarahRBagley on InstagramSarah R. Bagley on FacebookMYERS-BRIGGS test from 16personalities.comENNEAGRAM test from ecclecticenergies.comAfter you take the tests, we recommend the full Myers-Briggs type descriptions found here, a more in-depth explanation of the Myers-Briggs letters found here, and the descriptions of the nine Enneagram types found here (scroll to bottom of the page)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do happy moms do on a regular basis to stave off stress, grumpiness, and dissatisfaction? We know that no mom is happy ALL the time, but in Episode 137 we’re digging deep into five habits of mostly-happy moms. Next week we’ll share five more habits to round out this two-part series. Enjoy! Part 2 of See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year, friends! Before we launch headlong into 2018 we’re taking a quick look back at what happened for each of us–and the podcast–in 2017. Looking back at the year behind us is a helpful way to discover what we want to see more (or less) of in the coming year. Join us, and let us know what hopes and intentions you have for 2018!LINKS MENTIONED:Our look-back was inspired in part by this episode of The Girl Next Door Podcast: 2017 Wrap-Up & Skin Care Like A BossAlso this from Gretchen Rubin made us think: An Interesting and Useful Exercise: The Year-End Review with Myself.And Gretchen’s post led us to this article by Marci Alboher on the New York Times Shifting Careers blog: Year-End Review, With YourselfMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A toddler who won’t stay in his room at bedtime, a seven-year-old with a fibbing habit, and the age-old questions of “what do you do with a two-year-old while you put the baby to bed?” and “why do my kids have such a hard time occupying themselves?”. In Episode 135 of The Mom Hour, Sarah and Meagan offer empathy, encouragement, and a few helpful tips for these listener questions. Take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Meghan Leahy, Parent Coach and On Parenting from The Washington Times contributor on dealing with a toddler who won’t stay in bedKids and Lying, an excerpt from Positive Discipline A-Z by Jane Nelson, from positivediscipline.comWill a little girl’s lies become a lifelong bad habit? Meghan Leahy, Parent CoachOur Little Liars, an interview with Dr. Laura Markham on themotherco.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re answering a TON of your parenting questions in this week’s episode, and it’s all about navigating the holidays. From getting kids to thank grandma appropriately to keeping toddlers on a schedule, we weigh in on the topics you suggested in this Instagram post. Take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:The Instagram post where listeners asked these questionsAll our holiday-related podcast episodes are on this pageThe episode where we talked about teaching gratitudeThe episode where we talked about cousinsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve enjoyed Katie’s new mom segments over the past year, you’ll love this week’s episode. We listen to Katie highlight one struggle, one success, and one discovery from her life as a mom of two littles, then Meagan and Sarah weigh in with their thoughts PLUS share struggles, successes and discoveries of our own. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Katie’s go-to humidifier: Vicks Filter-free, Ultrasonic, Visible Cool Mist HumidifierMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parent Educator Alexandra Spitz is passionate about helping new moms feel calm and confident in their parenting abilities, and attachment theory is one of the cornerstones of her 10-week newborn class at The New Mom School in Newport Beach, CA. Join Sarah for as she interviews Alex about newborn attachment, what new moms can do See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and settle in for an entire episode of The Mom Hour that’s all about slowing down and catching up. We’ve been moving so fast this fall that we wanted to take time to update listeners on what’s been going on with us personally, some fun additions to our regular podcasting schedule, and more about the growth of the Life, Listened network. Along the way we allow time for digressions on everything from La Croix flavors to stress dreams. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED: The Mom Hour Voices 20 (Sarah’s interview with Alex Spitz)Our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide episodes are hereEpisode 130 (entertaining encouragement) and Episode 131 (hosting a big holiday meal)All our holiday-themed podcast episodes are here on one pageFollow Life, Listened on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Entertaining” sounds intimidating, but how about “open your doors and let people in”? Meagan and Sarah want you to feel like opening your home to guests is an opportunity, not a potential Pinterest-fail, and we’re here to offer some tips for scaling back the expectations and making entertaining fun, sane, and satisfying for everyone. Join us!LINKS MENTIONEDDid you catch our Gift Guide Specials? Listen to them (and see all the products) here!Past entertaining episodes of The Home Hour and The Mom HourHow To Organize A Neighborhood Kids Caroling Party (Sarah wrote this for TinyOranges.com a couple of years ago)5 Rules for Hosting a Crappy Dinner Party (and Seeing Your Friends More Often) – ran out of time to discuss this awesome article, but it’s worth reading if you haven’t seen it!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Need help with gift ideas for the teens and adults on your holiday shopping list? Meagan and Sarah are chatting about unique, surprising, and time-tested gifts for teens and adults in our third Cyber Monday Special Episode. Join us!Gift Ideas for Teens & AdultsAmazon and Target links are affiliates. That means if you click through and make a purchase you’ll be helping support The Mom Hour at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us continue to produce the podcast!Footie pajamas, like this fleece onesie with a hood from Alexander Del RossaHigh-end or interesting socks, like Stance or SmartWoolUkeleleCookbooks (Sarah loves this one, Meagan recommends baking cookbooks for teens)Supplies and accessories for whatever hobby they’re intoFun versions of everyday items, like these bearded ski hatsPrivate lessons, training, online courses (we like LinkedIn Learning or Creative Live), or a classDrone-building kits, like these from flitetest.comNew backpack, like this one from Lands’ EndCool room decor accents (Etsy is a great source for this!)“Roundie” beach throwSubscription box (we love FabFitFun for women and teen girls, and promo code THEMOMHOUR will save you $10)Handmade jewelry from indy sellers like BurnishTheater or concert ticketsBluetooth ear buds (our favorites are made by Sudio Sweden, and promo code THEMOMHOUR will save you 15%)Social good gifts (we’re huge fans of Brave New World Designs, co-created by our friend and fellow podcaster Christine Koh)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kids ages 6-12 can be hard to shop for, having outgrown the obvious little-kid toys but still young enough to enjoy creative play and good old fashioned fun. Meagan and Sarah offer suggestions for gift giving to big kids and tweens in this Cyber Monday Special Episode. Join us!Gift Ideas for Big Kids & TweensAmazon and Target links are affiliates. That means if you click through and make a purchase you’ll be helping support The Mom Hour at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us continue to produce the podcast!Slime-Making Kit (or whatever the ‘craft du jour’ is)Elenco Snap Circuits SC300 Electronic Discovery KitRaspberry Pi Starter Kit (small affordable computer designed to teach programming)Big book of weird facts, like National Geographic’s 5000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) or Ripley’s Believe It Or NotBlue Recluse Non Responsive Ball Bearing YoYo by KickFire ClassicsShrinky DinksFind a BLICK art store near you, or shop for fine art supplies at Target.comMagazine subscriptions (ASK from Cricket Media, Ranger Rick, Highlights and High Five)“Big kid” journal and good penMini LED FlashlightsCan’t go wrong with classic stuffed animalsClassic wristwatches, like this one from TimexSubscription box, like this one Owen LOVED: Wonderful Objects by Wonder and CompanyPerplexus Maze BallMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

hopping for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers? Sarah and Katie sit down in a Cyber Monday Gift Guide Special to brainstorm great gift ideas for ages 0-5. We share more than 40 ideas in about that many minutes–come along for the ride!LINKS MENTIONED:Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical ToyFisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym, Blue/GreenPlan Toys 50 Unit BlocksUncle Goose Classic ABC BlocksAlice in Wonderland: A BabyLit Colors PrimerThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A BabyLit Camping PrimerThe Nutcracker: A BabyLit Dancing PrimerFancy NancyAmelia Earhart (Little People, Big Dreams)Coco Chanel (Little People, Big Dreams)Disney Minnie Mouse 12 Board Book Block Library SetDoinshop Animal Tails Cloth Book (Pet’s Tails)Board book versions of classic stories like All The World and CorduroySmall Gifts & Stocking StuffersGirls’ Hair Bow Subscription Club from LittlePoppyCoWinter Wonderland LED Snowflake Spin WandMelissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity PadsActivity CentersLeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table Activity CenterLewo Large 8 in 1 Bead MAze Cube First Toddlers Learning Toy Wooden Activity CenterFisher-Price Laugh & Learn Around The Town Learning TableSomething To PushStep2 Little Helper’s Shopping Cart-PinkLittle Tykes Shopping CartBaby Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker by vTechSomething To RideRadio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N TrikeRadio Flyer 535 My 1St Scooter SportMicro Kickboard Micro Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe Kick ScooterKid-Sized FurnitureGift Mark Child’s Colonial Rocking Chair, WhitePottery Barn Kids Anywhere ChairMedium Luna Lounger Chair – Pillowfort™IKEA LÄTT Table & ChairsMake-Believe PlayBlack + Decker Junior Power Workbench Workshop with Realistic Action Lights & SoundsStep2 Lifestyle Custom Kitchen PlaysetPottery Barn Kids Retro Kitchen CollectionFirst Board GamesHi Ho Cherry-OCandy LandZingo!Something For The FamilyJj Cole Outdoor BlanketRadio Flyer EZ Fold 3-in-1 WagonPin Adventure MapGift Membership to Zoo, Children’s Museum, or Indoor Play PlaceMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Routines help us move through the day as busy moms, so what can we do to instill healthy ones, change up the ones we’ve outgrown, and add meaningful rituals into our family culture? Join Meagan and Sarah as they offer tips for using routines to make your life as a mom easier and more fun–have a listen to Episode 129!This is a continuation of our conversation from last week, which focused more on traditions, especially in times of change. You can listen to Episode 128 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Routines For A Happy Mom-Life (Episode 20)Sarah got her idea for using Sonos alarms to prompt routines from this post by Heather at RookieMoms.com: How I use Music to Get Us to School On TimeMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s divorce has shaken up the family schedule and plans for the holidays, and both she and Sarah are interested in exploring what happens to routines, rituals, and traditions in times of major change. Join us for a look at all this and more in Episode 128 (the first in a two-part series!) of The Mom Hour!Plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah to talk about leaky nighttime diapers, reusable baby food pouches, and the upsides to weaning. Listen all the way to the end of the show to catch Katie’s segment!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s dry-erase refrigerator weekly calendarOther episodes of The Mom Hour about holidays and traditionsMoms Deserve A Magical Holiday, Too: The Mom Hour, Episode 30Your Holiday Parenting Questions, Answered: The Mom Hour, Episode 79WeeSprout Double Zipper Reusable Food Pouch – 6 Pack – 5 fl oz (the pouches Katie mentions)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are all East Coast parents uptight traditionalists grooming their kids for the Ivy League? Are all West Coast moms drinking kale smoothies while practicing yoga on a paddleboard? Of course not, but in this special episode of The Mom Hour Sarah (of the West Coast) is joined by guest co-host Margaret Ables (a New Yorker) of the What Fresh Hell podcast to embrace the stereotypes for a bit and discuss regional parenting differences we’ve observed parenting kids on opposite coasts.This episode is part of a host-swap The Mom Hour is doing with What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. Catch Meagan in a companion episode to this one on November 8, when she chats with WFH’s Amy Wilson about Big City vs. Small Town Parenting.LINKS MENTIONED:What Fresh Hell Episode 11: Do Manners Still Matter?What Fresh Hell LIVE in Chappaqua, NY on December 1MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Tripple is a Chicago-based photographer who understands that it’s hard to get little ones dressed and out the door on a normal day–let alone for a family photo shoot. In Episode 19 of our Mom Hour Voices series Amy and Sarah talk about how to make the most of professional family photos, what to do when a photo session isn’t in the budget, ideas for improving your own photography, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Amy’s websiteShoot Along, the weekly online photography project for parentsPrime lenses Amy recommendsCanon EF 55mm f/1.8 STM LensNikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto FocusYONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture Auto Focus Lens For CanonYONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture Auto Manual Focus AF MF for NikonMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s family is full of cousins and Sarah’s more sparsely “cousined”, but we both have a lot to say about the cousins we grew up with as well as the cousins our kids have. Join us as we discuss these unique and meaningful extended family relationships, and how to make the most of them.PLUS, Meagan’s kids Owen and Clara appear in a special kid segment at the end of the show–take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Raising Siblings Who Like Each Other (Episode 29)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Too early to make meaningful progress on holiday to-do lists? Sarah says no, and Meagan is curious but skeptical. Whether you’re a plan-ahead type or not, we’ve got some practical tips for making December less hectic by doing a little planning right now. Join us! (For clarity’s sake, we are Team NO Decorations/Music Until After Thanksgiving…but that doesn’t mean we can’t make lists and plans, right?)LINKS MENTIONED:Chatbooks–one of our favorite photo book options (affiliate link)On Greed and Gratitude (Episode 76 where we talk about kids wanting all the things this time of year)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a rough few weeks and we want to talk about it. Join Meagan and Sarah for an honest discussion about how we manage our media intake when the headlines are heartbreaking, how to identify the feelings that come up when we’re triggered in some way by the news, and how to help when we feel totally helpless.This episode was inspired in part by fellow podcasters Asha and Christine of the Edit Your Life show, Kristen and Liz of Spawned, and Sarah and Kristen of Selfie, all of whom have tackled tough subjects related to the news in recent episodes.LINKS MENTIONED:Edit Your Life Show Ep97: Moving Forward Under StressSpawned Ep89: Harvey Weinstein and Sexual HarassmentSelfie Ep03: Self-Care in the Face of TragedyKaren Walrond of the Make Light podcast, who continues to bring light and even humor to the very personal issue of her family’s Harvey loss (here’s her Harvey story on the podcast)Other episodes of The Mom Hour on related topics:Your Media Diet: Is it Healthy? (Episode 03)Talking To Kids About Tragic Events (Sarah’s interview with Dr. Jennifer Freed)Motherhood, Politics & Nuance (Sarah’s interview with Sarah Stewart Holland)Self Care as Self Preservation (Episode 104)Radical Self Care & Cultivating Creativity (Sarah’s interview with Doña Bumgarner)Sarah mentioned the always-helpful “ways to help” posts from Cool Mom Picks, like this one about Puerto Rico relief effortsNPR’s Up First podcastMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When to start giving kids an allowance, paying for chores, getting mentally psyched up for baby #2, and dealing with kids’ annoying habits–these are the parenting challenges and motherhood topics we’re tackling in the latest Listener Questions episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 15 on Chores & Delegation (which has more discussion on allowances and paying for chores)The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Leiber, where Sarah’s husband got the Powers family spend/save/give systemEpisode 7 on How To Know When You’re Done Having BabiesIgnore It by Catherine PearlmanCrunchy Cocktail Hour, Life Listened’s newest podcast!WinCo (Katie’s new favorite grocery store) locationsSarah’s interview with teacher-mama Elizabeth Chapman of Teaching Sam & ScoutMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping kids navigate friendships and social dynamics is one of the most commonly-requested topics from our listeners. That’s why we’re so thrilled to welcome Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an author, psychologist, and expert on children’s friendships, to this special episode of The Mom Hour Voices series.Sarah asks Dr. Eileen about helping kids who feel left out a school, how to handle the emotional ups and downs of elementary school friendships, and why playdates are so much more important than we might think. Dr. Eileen also talks about the new book she co-authored, Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide To Making And Keeping Friends, and even answers questions submitted by our listener community. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Dr. Eileen’s websiteGrowing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends The Growing Friendships blog on Psychology TodayWhen Your Child Says, “Nobody Likes Me!” (Growing Friendships blog, Psychology Today)Can You Be Too Supportive of Your Child’s Negative Feelings? (Growing Friendships blog, Psychology Today)Dr. Friendtastic, Dr. Eileen’s site geared toward kidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Closely spaced babies, tips on room-sharing, helping siblings get along, and dealing with super-shy toddlers. These are the topics we cover in this week’s episode–all of which are inspired by listeners’ real lives and kids. Join us as we hear from YOU and then offer our advice (which is as usual, mostly “hang in there…it gets better…that’s totally normal…you’re doing great”). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Facebook thread about closely spaced babiesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah’s the Type-A, detailed one; Meagan’s the free spirit who’s super laid-back. Right? Or is there more? In Episode 121 we share the ways in which we break type from our typical molds–go figure! we’re not two-dimensional!–and challenge the idea that any one mom is either totally chill or totally stressed. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:CTFD? Dear Parents: it’s OK to care. (Meagan on The Happiest Home)Sometimes It’s OK To Be A Control Freak (Meagan on The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much do we pay our babysitters? (Yes, we get real about numbers.) Do we expect sitters to do the dishes? (One of us gets super weird about this.) And what’s the best way to get the potentially awkward conversations out of the way and start building great relationships with the people caring for your kids? (Early, often, and as clearly as possible.) Join Meagan and Sarah for Part 2 in our discussion about sitters and caregivers (Part 1 aired September 12 and you can listen right here).LINKS MENTIONED:Last week’s episode, Sitters & Caregivers, Part 1Choosing The Right School (Not As Scary As It Seems) (which may be helpful for those of you looking for a full-time daycare or childcare center)4 tips for creating a social media policy for your babysitter, nanny, or childcare provider (Cool Mom Tech)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve learned a lot from our own mistakes over the years about finding, hiring, and building relationships with non-family caregivers. In Episodes 119 and 120 we’ll go on a deep dive into this topic, starting with general tips today for finding great sitters and making sure your childcare needs are covered–even if you’re the primary parent at home. Next week we’ll get into the details of the parent-caregiver relationship–everything from how much we pay to how to communicate expectations. Check back for that episode on 9/19! PLUS Katie is back to talk with Sarah about a struggle, a success and a discovery in her life as a mom of two little ones. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:What Fresh Hell, Episode 24: Finding Good BabysittersThe Founder movie on Netflix (mentioned by Katie)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah sits down with fellow writer-turned-podcaster, mom of three, and California girl Lesley Miller in this month’s episode in our Mom Hour Voices series. Join them as they talk about their semi-parallel lives, the process of adjusting to life as a mom of school-aged kids, being a sorta-working/sorta-staying-home mom, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Choosing The Right School (Not As Scary As It Seems) (Episode 16)Sarah’s interview on The Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe Magic of Motherhood (the book!)Coffee + Crumbs blog, Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterLesley’s blog and InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Ma Ingalls to Claire Huxtable, Mrs. Pteranodon to Marmee March, we’re discussing our favorite moms from books, TV and movies this week on the podcast. We hope after listening you’ll be as nostalgic for classic literature as we are (and maybe that you’ll also want to binge-watch Arrested Development). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Blueberries For Sal (Robert McCloskey)No, David! (David Shannon)Make Way For Ducklings (Robert McCloskey)Little Golden Book: Mommy Stories (Jean Cushman, Margo Lundell, Eloise Wilkin, Paul Meisel)Nurse Nancy (Kathryn Jackson)These Happy Golden Years (Laura Ingalls Wilder)Harry Potter series (J. K. Rowling)Ramona Quimby series (Bevery Clearly)Trixie Belden series (Julie Campbell Tatham)A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)Little Women (1994 film version)Little Women (book)Almost Famous (movie)A Christmas Story (movie)A Wrinkle In Time (Madeline L’Engle)Beethoven (movie)Ivy & Bean series (Annie Barrows)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s your favorite way to help a new mom? In this very special episode–recorded LIVE at The New Mom School in Newport Beach–Meagan and Sarah offer some outside-the-box ideas for helping a new mom, PLUS our amazing live audience chimes in with stories and tips from their own new mom days. Enjoy!Links we mentioned (or should have!) in this episode:5 Unexpected Ways To Help A New Mom (Sarah’s blog post that inspired this topic)Other episodes of The Mom Hour for new moms:Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms)Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Breastfeeding Edition)Postpartum Symptoms & SurprisesPregnancy & Birth, In HindsightGetting Ready For BabyThe Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe conversation on The Mom Hour Facebook page where listeners chimed in with what would have helped them most as a new momMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sports and activities should add fun and fulfillment to your family culture–not suck the life out of it. And yet, between keeping wiggly babies occupied in the gymnastics waiting area and driving all over town for team sports commitments, it’s easy to feel like there’s a high cost to all that “fun”. Meagan and Sarah offer concrete tips for being a happier sports parent as we head into this new school year. From opting out of mommy-and-me classes to letting older kids dabble instead of specialize, we’re here to remind you that your happiness matters (and that your kid is probably not a future Olympian).LINKS MENTIONED:Let’s Discuss “Sports Parenting” (Episode 18)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you have kids heading back to the classroom or not, this time of year feels like an opportunity to renew routines, set some goals, and tackle some overdue projects. Back to school is like another New Year for moms, and in this episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah get specific about their own “resolutions” in the areas of work, creativity, health, home, food, and parenting.LINKS MENTIONED:Lask week’s episode about our own kids’ back-to-school season this yearAll our school-related episodes in ONE PLACEMeagan’s Mothers of Reinvention: Foundations course–sign up by September 6 (class starts September 12!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re looking ahead at the new school year and talking about what it means for each of our combined EIGHT kids, ages 4 through 19. Join Meagan and Sarah as we go age by age and discuss what the challenges, opportunities, and unique situations are for each grade level–everything from transitioning to middle school to hoping for a certain teacher to having to get up earlier in the morning. Enjoy! Looking for even more Back to School fun with Meagan and Sarah? We’ve collected all our previous episodes on this page for easy access. Binge-listen away!LINKS MENTIONED:The Make Light Show with Karen Walrond is up and running! Check it out, and if you’re so inclined, ratings and reviews are so appreciated.Meagan’s Mother’s of Reinvention: Foundations course starts September 12–registration closes on 9/6/17Our LIVE show is coming up August 23! Head to the Facebook Event page to stay up on announcements, even if you’re not able to attend in personMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Supply envy, pumping woes, and prop overload: These are just a few of the things that Meagan, Sarah, and resident-nursing-mom Katie realize in hindsight that we worried way too much about in our early breastfeeding days. Join us for a frank discussion about the things we wish we’d known about breastfeeding, plus our tips for worrying less and enjoying your nursing days more.LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes in our “Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About” series: New Mom edition, Toddler Years edition, Starting School editionThe conversation on our Facebook page on this topic:MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman has been helping parents with behavioral challenges and family dynamics for nearly 20 years through her private coaching practice and career as a social worker. Her new book is Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction, and in this special episode of The Mom Hour Voices, Catherine sits down with Sarah to talk about strategies moms can use to curb frustrating behavior patterns and enjoy parenting more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting SatisfactionCatherine’s website and coaching practice, The Family Coach@TheFamilyCoach on Twitter and The Family Coach on FacebookMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does “healthy” mean for your family? What are the behaviors and values around food you try to model for your kids? And what little things can we do as parents to show our kids a healthy relationship with food and eating that will (hopefully) create a lasting impression?These are the questions Meagan and Sarah take on in Episode 113 of The Mom Hour. It’s not about any one nutrition philosophy–it’s a big-picture look at our own families’ food culture and how we model sensible, mindful eating with our kids. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:What I Believe About Food (Meagan’s Food Manifesto)The Picky Eater Problem (Episode 39)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If one more game of Candy Land or Monopoly threatens to send you over sanity’s edge, this is the podcast episode for you. In Episode 112 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer practical tips for making game play as a family tolerable–and even fun.We talk about including little players who can’t quite keep up, modifying games to minimize hurt feelings, and how to help kids win and lose gracefully as they grow. Plus we share our favorite family games and tips for storing and organizing board games in your home. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:7 Ways To Survive Playing Board Games With Kids (Meagan’s 2013 blog post)Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence (Lawrence Cohen)Meagan’s new online course: Mothers of Reinvention: FoundationsPhrase Party! (Catchphrase mobile app, available in Apple’s App Store and Google Play)How to leave an iTunes review (our simple guide)Episode 110: We Hate Fun, RevistedMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maryanne asks if we’ve ever requested our kid change teachers at school, Danya hopes to find balance between accepting her postpartum body and sticking to a realistic fitness routine, and Janine shares that her safety worries are keeping her from getting out with her little ones. In Episode 110 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah tackle these three listener questions–listen to see what we have to say!LINKS MENTIONED:Like this episode? All our Listener Questions shows can be found here.Want to send us a question? Record yourself (or write it down) and email your question to hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anyone who’s been through a divorce or other major life change knows that stress, uncertainty, and feeling out of control are unavoidable. But you CAN find ways to quiet the chatter in your head, take care of yourself, and take steps toward creating the kind of life you want to live – no matter what circumstances you’re in. In episode 15 of The Mom Hour Voices, Meagan chats with Jessica Ashley, certified divorce coach and founder of Single Mom Nation, about managing stress and getting your feet back on solid ground during uncertain times.LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Jessica’s divorce coaching packages at a special rate reserved just for listeners of The Mom Hour!And if you’re facing a life “reinvention” like changing jobs, pursuing a creative passion, or just trying to make the pieces of your life fit together better, Meagan would love for you to take this survey indicating your interest in a new course she’s putting together. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do parades, pretend play, Dr. Seuss books, and playground swings have in common? If you’re a longtime listener, you already know the answer. They’re all things Meagan and Sarah kinda-sorta hate and aren’t ashamed to admit it.Episode 109 is an encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes to date–the one where we confess to hating fun. You’ll hear an update on how things have changed for us in the fun-hating department and lots of fresh commentary and new laughs on the subject, plus a re-airing of the best parts of the original gripe-session. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For The Mom Who Hates The Swings, It’s OK To Be A Boring Grownup, and Know Your Strengths – posts of Meagan’s on The Happiest HomeMeagan’s interview with Read Aloud Revival‘s Sarah MackenzieRaising joyful readers: It’s a family affair (Sharon Holbrook for The Washington Post)Sarah’s library uses the Overdrive app for free digital (audio and ebook) downloads – yours may use the same, or something similar!The Case For Make Believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World (book by Susan Linn)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can your preschooler unload the dishwasher? Can your 3rd grader walk the dog on her own? Can your middle schooler remember his sports gear before every practice? Or, maybe a better question: Can ours?Join Meagan and Sarah in Episode 108 of The Mom Hour for an honest look at how competent our kids are at completing household tasks and being independent out in the world. We confess that it’s so often easier for mom to do everything herself, and offer ideas for increasing your kids’ competence and independence as they grow.LINKS MENTIONED:The Gift of Failure, by Jessica LaheyChores and Delegation (Episode 15 where we talked about kids and chores)Delegate Like Downton: A Strategy For Managing Home Helpers (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Katie’s kimono (this one is sold out but there are others like it–great options from Target)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where have all the shoulders gone? Meagan needs to know. Sarah can’t figure out intentionally saggy boobs and is apologetically kind of over slogan tanks that reference coffee, wine, yoga, Jesus, or mascara. Join us for a fun discussion of fashion trends we just can’t get behind–plus a few we’re loving this summer.LINKS MENTIONED:A decision tree for wearing your butt-cheek-showing shorts this summer (Kristen Howerton / Rage Against the Minivan)“I Hate These G#@d!&m Tops” – Kara Brown for Jezebel (Warning: lots of swearing, lots of laughter, and we read this AFTER we recorded the podcast!)The elusive 4-inch inseam length! See all of Target’s 4″ shorts here.The “More That Mom” Episode 66 from Summer 2016 where we discuss shortsThe new Target line Meagan mentions is Knox RoseThat one time Meagan called out saggy 1970s boobs in a Vogue ad on InstagramAll of Target’s rompersThe Mom Edit’s favorite cute and comfy sweatsHigh neck swimsuitsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Going off the grid for vacation sounds great in theory, but most of us rely on technology to make family travel possible. From iPad-enabled airplane rides to road trip playlists for the whole family, both Sarah and Meagan see tech as a great enhancement to vacation parenting in the digital age.In Episode 106 we talk all things tech and travel, from how we keep devices charged and organized to how we manage screen time while on vacation. We’ve got tons of product recommendations and little hacks to make your next vacation easier and more fun–no matter how plugged-in you are. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:iPad MiniVerizon JetPackHow to set up a wireless hotspot for iOS devicesRemote charger (like this one)Sony Children’s HeadphonesBelkin Rockstar Headphone SplitterPocket CastsWhite Noise MachineOK To Wake clock/night-lightCool Mom TechCommon Sense MediaToca Boca appsSago Mini appsGeek MomSpotify Premium for FamilyOverdrive AppHoopla DigitalAudibleWhat Do We Do All Day? audiobook listsRead-Aloud Revival audiobook lists5 Simple Tech Tips for Travel With Kids (Cool Mom Tech)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jill Krause is a blogger, photographer, and digital storyteller whose busy life as a mom of four plays out in her honest writing, videos, and pictures of deliciously squishy babies every day. Until recently, the Krauses’ beautiful Texas home–and the projects and renovations they completed in it–provided the setting for these stories.In this latest episode of The Mom Hour Voices, listen to Meagan and Jill talk about the Krause family’s decision to sell their home, buy an RV, and embark on a family adventure that kicks off this fall. We also discuss raising large families, breaking outside of others’ expectations, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Happy Loud Life (for more on this, watch the video embedded below or linked here)@happy.loud.life on Instagram | @happyloudlife on Twitter | Happy Loud Life on FacebookBaby Rabies@BabyRabies on Instagram | @BabyRabies on Twitter | Baby Rabies on FacebookFulltime Families Facebook GroupDitching SuburbiaMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you totally satisfied with your work/mom balance? Turns out, a lot of you are. But when we asked listeners to weigh in on this question, two-thirds said they either wished they could be home more (or work in a more flexible way) OR that they were home but wished they could find some fulfillment or income outside the home. Episode 105 is about finding satisfaction in your situation, whatever it is, and also how to take baby steps toward a different one if it feels like it’s time. We cover staying at home full-time, working outside the home, freelancing and part-time work, and everything in between. And, as always, we’re here to tell you that no matter what your choice and how you feel about it, it’s totally okay.LINKS MENTIONED:Give the Life, Listened social channels some love! We’re on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram10 Signs You Might Be a Work-Anywhere-Possible-Mom (WAPM) (Sarah’s tongue-in-cheek post for City Mom Blog)Keep scrolling for the social media polls we mentioned (or click here to see the Facebook conversation, and here for the one on Instagram)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s everyday self-care, and then there’s survival mode: when taking care of yourself isn’t just a smart thing to do but also your only means of making it through the day. We’re talking about the kind of physical, mental, and emotional self-care that becomes especially crucial in a crisis, and we’re addressing it head-on in Episode 104. Join us.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s interview with Doña Bumgarner of Nurtured Mama (Voices Episode 8)Parenting Through Hard Times (Episode 42)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We talk about raising kids on this show all the time, but we don’t always spend time talking about OUR kids specifically. In Episode 103 Meagan and Sarah discuss why it’s sometimes hard to talk about your kids without sounding like you’re bragging, especially as they get older. We then take turns sharing a few awesome things all of our (eight!) kids are up to lately. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @TheMomHour for some fun photos and videos of our kids’ awesomeness over the next few days. We’d love if you shared your own “brags” and tagged us too so we can see what your kids are up to!Episodes you might also like:The Adults They’ll Be Someday (Episode 27)8 Milestones & When Our Kids Met Them (Episode 34)Eight Kids, Toddler To Teen (Episode 61)Why parents need a social media policy for babysitters and caregivers, and how to get started (Cool Mom Picks)4 tips for creating a social media policy for your babysitter, nanny, or childcare provider (Cool Mom Picks)Call Me Elmo (referenced in Coffee + Crumbs) – iPhone app / Android appHow to enable Guided Access (iPhone)Settings >> General >> Accessibility >>Guided Access (slide so “On” appears)Once you launch an app, enable Guided Access by triple clicking home screen button, and pushing “Start”End with fingerprint recognition or pass code entry on home screen buttonHow to enable Screen Pinning (Android)How to play your “Memories” movies in iOS PhotosOpen Photos appClick Memories on the bottom row of optionsClick on any titled event to playMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re looking for tips and tricks for nailing the end-of-school-year parenting thing, this might not be the podcast for you. If, however, you’re looking for shared misery in that long, slow crawl to the finish that is late May, WELCOME. Let’s commiserate. In Episode 102 Meagan and Sarah share what’s worst about their end-of-school lives and calendars, plus wander down a few bonus rabbit holes just for fun. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:End of School Year Fun (and a few gripes) – Episode 4Parents At The Beginning Of The School Year Vs. The End (Mike Spohr for BuzzFeed Parents)Worst End of School Year Mom Ever (Jen Hatmaker)6 Themed Dress-Up Days This Mom Can Get Behind (Sarah for Scary Mommy)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The relationship between kids and technology is often portrayed as something parents are supposed to fear, monitor, and and control as much as possible. But what if we approached it as an opportunity to mentor and connect with our kids instead? In The Mom Hour Voices Episode 13 Sarah interviews author and speaker Dr. Devorah Heitner about her book Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Screenwise: Helping Kids Survive (and Thrive) in Their Digital WorldRaising Digital Natives (Devorah’s website / blog)The free gift for listeners of The Mom HourGeek Mom BlogMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we invited listeners to send in handwritten cards and letters with encouraging words for fellow moms, we had no idea the response we’d get. Turns out, you have a lot to say–and we were truly blown away by your response. Join Meagan, Sarah, and fifteen very special guest readers for a special presentation of our Mother’s Day Challenge project where we read aloud some of our favorite letters. Happy Mother’s Day!LINKS MENTIONED:BabyRabies.com (Jill Krause)What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood (Amy Wilson)Edit Your Life (Asha Dornfest and Christine Koh)Coffee + Crumbs (Lesley Miller)SingleMom Nation (Jessica Ashley)The Girl Next Door (Erica Ladd and Kelsey Wharton)Pantsuit Politics (Sarah Stewart Holland)#AmWriting with Jess and KJ (Jessica Lahey and KJ DellAntonia)Spawned with Kristen and Liz (Kristen Chase and Liz Gumbinner)The Sarah R Bagley Podcast (Sarah Bagley)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes the words we need to hear most are the simplest, the most obvious, and even a little cliché: this too shall pass, all kids are different, there is no one right way. In a very special (at one point even teary!) Episode 100 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer some of their most oft-repeated pieces of advice and encouragement–because no matter where you are in your parenting journey, these are things moms need to hear again and again.LINKS MENTIONED:Our Soma leggings (be sure to visit soma.com/themomhour FIRST to grab your promo code before adding these or anything else to your cart!)Blocked Crop Leggings With Mesh in Prism Blue Sea (Sarah)X by Gottex Capri SPort Leggings in Olive (Meagan’s leggings–sold out as of this posting, but there are similar choices and hopefully they’ll come back!)You Probably Won’t Remember This Later…And That’s OK (Meagan for The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does the phrase ‘sex ed’ conjure up super awkward memories of the low-production-value videos you had to watch with your 5th grade classmates? If so, we’ve got great news for you. When it comes time to talk about puberty, growing up, and relationships with your kids, there’s a much better way.In this episode of our Mom Hour Voices, Meagan and Sarah talk with Nora Gelperin, Director of Sexuality Education and Training at Advocates for Youth. Nora’s calm, confident, and easy approach to talking about tough subjects with kids of all ages put our minds at ease, and even made us eager to open up dialogue with our kids. Take a listen!About Nora GelperinNora Gelperin is the Director of Sexuality Education and Training at Advocates for Youth. She has more than twenty years of experience providing sexuality education to youth and professional development to school health and education professionals. Prior to joining Advocates she was the Director of Training at Answer where she founded the Training Institute in Sexual Health Education (TISHE) and Answer’s online professional development workshops. Nora holds a Masters in School Health Education from Temple University and has been named a 2014 Fellow of the American School Health Association.LINKS MENTIONED:AMAZE.orgAMAZE Parents Facebook pageAMAZE.org on YouTubeBooks by Robie Harris: It’s Not the Stork, It’s So Amazing, and It’s Perfectly NormalBut How’d I Get in There in the First Place? By Deborah Roffman (recommended for young kids)Todd Parr’s The Family Book (for toddlers)Al Vernacchio’s For Goodness Sex (for parents of teens)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Popular media tells us we’re supposed to love our bodies (and then gives us 19 Ways To Bounce Back After Baby), but coming to terms with the changes that childbirth, breastfeeding, and plain ol’ aging bring to our bodies is complicated and sometimes really hard. Join Meagan and Sarah for a frank discussion about body confidence as a mom (including feeling not-so-confident and being okay with that) in Episode 99 of The Mom HourLINKS MENTIONED:Our tips came from this post Meagan wrote for The Happiest Home: A Mom’s Guide To Getting Naked (And Feeling Good About It)4th Trimester Bodies ProjectMeagan loves the Soma Bralette Lace Plunge (don’t forget to get your 20% off voucher before purchasing!)Sarah loves the Vanishing Back Wireless Bra (don’t forget to get your 20% off voucher before purchasing!)Sarah and Katie discussed the Playtex Diaper Genie and the Ubbi Steel Diaper PailKatie’s recipe for hazelnut milk / chia seed pudding: mix 1/4 cup chia seeds and 2 cups of hazelnut milk; whisk together well; let chill for at least 8 hoursMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does anybody really do a deep spring clean anymore? And what is it about the warmer weather that makes us want to open our doors–literally!–and have a few people over? In the latest in our More-Than-Mom Hour series we talk all about spring cleaning, spring home updates, and tips for casual entertaining. Join uLINKS MENTIONED:Mother’s Day Challenge! Send your letters to: 26895 Aliso Creek Road, Suite B-174 / Aliso Viejo, CA 92656The zone-by-zone deep cleaning challenge Meagan wrote up on The Happiest HomeCalifornia’s wildflower ‘super bloom’ is so massive you can see it from space (The Washington Post)Sarah’s favorite wine writer pens: Wine Glass Writer Metallic Color 3-Pack (Amazon)Meagan’s favorite traffic sign: Step2 Kid Alert Visual Warning Signal – 32-Inch Caution Go Slow Children At Play Signage (Amazon)Hosting A Gathering? How To Help Young Children Feel Included (Sarah’s post for The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Longterm financial planning can seem like a lofty goal when you’re faced with the immediate needs of a growing family: paying for childcare, putting food on the table, and maybe even springing for a date night once in a while. Thinking about retirement and college tuition is something grownups do, right? Not overwhelmed new parents?Not so, says Jason Silverberg, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, Vice President of Financial Planning for Financial Advantage Associates and our guest in this month’s special bonus interview episode. Jason is a father of two and author of several books who specializes in young families, new parents, and single moms. Join Jason and Sarah for a conversation about spending, saving, and thinking long-term, even when you’re in the early years of family life.LINKS MENTIONED:Picking Up The Pieces: A Divorcee’s Guide to Financial Freedom (free download!)…And Baby Makes Three: A New Parent’s Guide to Financial Planning (free download!)The Financial Planning Puzzle: Fitting Your Pieces Together to Create Financial Freedom (Jason’s new book, via Amazon)Mint.com and eMoney AdvisorMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s kids are getting older and car seats and boosters are a thing of the past. Sarah is still the thick of it with three young kids and lots of driving around town. Can you guess which of us a drives a brand new, “murdered out” crossover SUV and which of us is rocking a filthy, cluttered minivan? We had fun in Episode 97 talking all about our cars — what we drive, how clean is “clean enough” for us, and what we’ve learned over the years about keeping the car relatively organized and functional as it relates to family life. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To Elf or not to Elf? What’s the going rate for a tooth these days? And when did a St. Patrick’s Day visit from the leprechaun become a THING? In Episode 96 of The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah talk about how these magical night visitors–from St. Nick and the Easter Bunny to lesser-known myths like the pacifier fairy–work in our families. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Our St. Patrick’s Day meme about leprechaun fun being optional–not required–for momsSarah’s favorite Easter book: The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes, by Dubose HeywardKeeping Santa Magic Alive (Without Lying) (Sarah read this essay aloud on the podcast in December 2015)When The Littlest Still Believes (For Now) (Meagan reading this essay aloud on the podcast)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we raise curious kids who love to learn, and who discover and follow their own interests? How do we cultivate a home environment that supports kids’ intellectual development without going overboard and zapping the joy right out of learning? These are questions that Meagan and Sarah tackle in Episode 95. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Painless Learning Placemats – like these map versions from Amazon.comGoogle Home – what Meagan’s family uses for entertainment/learning5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) – Sarah’s kids love this series from National GeographicTeach Your Child to Love Learning: Keys to Kids’ Motivation (PBS Parents)How to Raise a Creative Child. Step One: Back Off (Adam Grant, NYTimes SundayReview)What the modern world has forgotten about children and learning (Carol Black, The Washington Post)The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups (Erika Christakis)The public school parent’s guide to learning at home (Megan Tietz for The Art of Simple)Other podcast episodes where we discuss kids and learning:Choosing The Right School (Not As Scary As It Seems) – Episode 18Finding Kids Media That Isn’t Terrible – Episode 46Sarah and Katie discussed @PlayingWithChanel on InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do we wish we’d worried about LESS in hindsight? What are we doing differently–and the same–than our parents’ generation did? And just what do we think about sending a seven-year-old to sleepaway camp? We’re taking on three more great listener questions in Episode 94, and offering our advice to moms Avery, Mandee, and Alicia. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 93 (last week!)Our “Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About” series: New Mom Edition (Episode 19), Toddler Edition (Episode 24), Starting School Edition (Episode 62)How Does Birth Order Impact How We Parent? (Episode 40)Lisa & Lottie, by Erich Kastner (the book that inspired The Parent Trap movie)Our two-part series on free-range parenting: What Does ‘Free-Range Parenting’ Really Look Like? (Episode 12) and Raising Confident, Independent Kids–Safely (Episode 13)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.