The Mom Hour

Who has time to read these days? Let’s discuss how to keep your love of reading alive, even when it feels like there’s no time to pick up a book. We’ll share a few simple ways to stay connected to our bookish selves (even during the busiest seasons) as well as tips for developing your own sense of self as a reader that doesn’t have to participate in trends and goals that don’t serve you. Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Want to support an independent bookshop? Visit Meagan’s family business, Paper Mill Books, via Bookshop.org
• Want to buy our book? Click here.
• Episodes From The Archives About Books:
• Books & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445
• More Than Mom: Books Talk! (What & How We’re Reading Lately)
• Books We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVries
• Raising Readers & Our Favorite Holiday Books: Episode 186
• Cultivating A Reading Life: Voices 73 With Amy Clark
• More Than Mom: Podcast Listening & Book Reading Habits (Plus A Few We’re Loving Lately)
• Blog Posts About Reading and Books:
• Spring Into Summer Reading (How I Get Ready To Enjoy Great Books All Summer Long)
• 12 Picture Books About Starting School
• Exploring Nature Through Books: 7 Beautiful Nonfiction Nature Book Series For Kids
• Spring Into Summer Reading (How I Get Ready To Enjoy Great Books All Summer Long)
• 7 Picture Books To Spring Your Family Into Climate Action
• Hispanic Heritage Month Picture Books For Kids
• The Girl Next Door Podcast talks about books often. Check out the latest Fall Reading Roundup episode.
• Substack is a popular platform where writers can publish articles, newsletters and more!
• Laura Tremaine’s 20-minute reading timer trick
• Link up your kindle to your library’s Libby App.
• Neck Reading Lights help with reading at night.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
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• Sign up for our newsletter

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Self care sometimes looks a little like tough love – and it’s definitely not always glamorous. Whether it’s appointing that follow-up, making a lifestyle change, or hitting pause for some serious rest, today we’re talking about the ways we’re ‘treating ourselves’ to some actual – if rather boring – midlife lady self care. Join us!

This is Part 2 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check out Part 1 here!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• How To Take Yourself On A Date, And Why It Matters is the first episode in this three-part series.
• Episodes From The Archives Similar To This Episode:
• (Very Specific!) Self-Care Strategies For Stressful Seasons: Episode 253
• Self-Care As Self-Preservation: Episode 104
• Radical Self Care & Cultivating Creativity with Doña Bumgarner: Voices 08
• Rethinking Instagram: Episode 456
• Some of Meagan’s favorite Non-Alcoholic Beer
• HOP WTR
• Partake Brewing
• Athletic Brew
• FUL

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Turkey, traditions and lightning-round fun! In this festive episode, Meagan and Sarah banter through a series of Thanksgiving-themed questions, from favorite dishes to décor and more. We also reflect on how Thanksgiving has evolved for us over the years—sharing stories from childhood, family traditions, and how we make the holiday work for our families today. Join us for laughs, nostalgia, and all things Thanksgiving!

HELPFUL LINKS

• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437
• Tricky Family Dynamics: Episode 438
• Holiday Hills To Die On (And How To Let Go A Little): Episode 388
• Sane & Satisfying Holiday Entertaining: Episode 130
• Is Your Family Table Growing Or Shrinking?: Episode 481
• Family Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sign up for our newsletter
• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

In early motherhood the kitchen can be full chaos: sippy cups, art projects, and endless daily responsibilities. But as kids get older, there may be room for moms to reclaim this space for ourselves. Meagan and Sarah explore the physical changes our kitchens have undergone—decluttering countertops, creating inviting cooking spaces, and personalizing our surroundings. We also dive into the mental and emotional aspects of this journey and the small steps you can take to make it happen – even if you’re not quite done with the sippys. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Pre-Order Meagan’s book, The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Nest (This is an affiliate link.)
• Sarah loved IKEA’s kids tableware when her kids were little
• Sarah mentioned reading House Love by Patric Richardson, a joyful guide to cleaning, organizing and loving the home you’re in.(This is an affiliate link.)
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Is Your Family Table Growing Or Shrinking?: Episode 481
• The Muscle Memory Of Motherhood: Episode 363
• “Always In Rotation” Dinners: Episode 453
• Small Home Refreshes To Kick Off Summer: Episode 466
• Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 1: Episode 431 and Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 2: Episode 432

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

The world feels pretty heavy right now, and doom-scrolling doesn’t help. Today Meagan and Sarah talk about the tricky balance between staying informed as global citizens and not letting it all overwhelm us. We look at how overwhelm can lead to inaction and, on the flip side, how taking small actions – especially in our local communities – can provide a sense of purpose and even hope. Plus, we’ve got some practical ideas on how you can make a real difference in your community. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Interested in donating blood? Start here.
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Headlines, Heartache & Helping: Episode 124
• More Than Mom: Social Media
• Real Vs. Artificial (And How We Help Our Kids Tell The Difference)
• Rethinking Instagram: Episode 456

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Ever thought about treating yourself to a completely frivolous outing? What about a great meal in a restaurant – table for one? Meagan and Sarah are here to explore the benefits of solo activities! We chat about the joys and quirks of spending time alone—do we really love it, or is it a little scary? What types of outings feel restorative to do alone, and which ones would we rather buddy up for? Get ready for creative ideas to carve out some me-time in the midst of mom-life. Join us!

This is Part 1 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check back in mid-November for Part 2!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah is reading The Artist’s Way, at Meagan’s recommendation (affiliate link)
• Meagan and Sarah referenced the Treat Yo Self episode of Parks and Recreation.
• Getting There Is Half The Fun (Especially When You’re Flying Solo) (this More Than Mom episode pairs nicely with this one!)
• Meagan talked about taking a solo trip to her childhood hometown – read more about it here

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Are you responsible for nurturing close bonds, planning family togetherness, and preserving tradition across generations? You might be a kinkeeper (and you probably have feelings about it!). Today Meagan and Sarah unpack the concept of kinkeeping, share our personal feelings about the work of living in and raising a connected family (our thoughts might surprise you!), and look at patterns from our own families of origin that adhere to – or break from – traditional kinkeeping roles. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• The New York Times piece The Constant Work to Keep a Family Connected Has a Name by Danielle Friedman got us thinking about this topic (gift link – no need to have a subscription)
• Why Dad’s Side of the Family Tends to Miss Out by Chiara Dello Joio in The Atlantic (gift link – no need to have a subscription)
• The Plight of the Eldest Daughter by Sarah Sloat, also in The Atlantic (also a gift link)
• Meagan referenced the episode Fall Traditions With Tweens & Teens: Episode 487
• Episodes You May Enjoy From The Archives:
• Nurturing Grandparent-Grandkid Relationships: Episode 390
• Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVries
• Genealogy & Family History: Episode 441

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

What do happy moms do to keep stress, irritability, and dissatisfaction in check? While no mom feels joyful all the time, this classic episode from 2018 dives into ten habits of mostly-happy moms. Tune in to discover practical tips that can help you maintain perspective in the chaos of motherhood and bring more joy to your daily life. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Meagan’s 2011 book with Parenting Magazine is The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhood.(This is an affiliate link.)
• KJ Dell’Antonia is our friend and parenting writer wrote the book How To Be A Happier Parent. (This is an affiliate link.)
• Episodes You May Enjoy From The Archives:
• What Are Your Mom Superpowers? 
• Routines, Rituals & Traditions 
• More Than Mom: Small Habits That Make A Big Difference
• How To Be A Happier Parent with KJ Dell’Antonia: Voices 28

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

If your kids are outgrowing handprint turkeys and pumpkin patch bouncy castles – or if you’re curious about life beyond trunk-or-treat – this episode is for you! Today Sarah shares with Meagan what fall fun looks like in her house of teens and a preteen. From fantasy football to ugly pumpkin pranks, bake-offs and taste-tests and more, we’re finding new ways to enjoy the season together as our kids get older. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Learn more about Fantasy Football
• Samantha shared her countdown to halloween with our Facebook Community
• Listen to The Girl Next Door podcast’s Fall Extravaganza episode
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• BONUS: Six Strategies For A Fall Wardrobe Reboot
• More Than Mom: Tiny Habits For Making The Most Of Your Fall Mom Mojo
• More Than Mom: Fall Style Update
• On Our Tables This Fall: Episode 231
• Cozy Audiobooks For Fall
• More Than Mom: Fall!

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

“This too shall pass,” we’re told. But will it? More importantly, DID IT? Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on parenting challenges that once felt monumental, taking time to unpack whether those hard seasons did, in fact, pass, or whether they lingered and shape-shifted into something else. We also look at some (though not all!) bygone struggles through the lens of nostalgia, offering perspective to newer moms in the form of a 2000’s country song. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• More Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard Stuff
• On “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423
• On Reparenting Ourselves: Episode 475
• Regrets, We’ve Had A Few: Episode 440

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Today, we’re sharing an episode from another podcast we know you all are going to love. It’s called StrollerCoaster, and it was created by Munchkin, the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

StrollerCoaster is hosted by Lynn Smith – a mom and former news anchor for NBC – and co-hosted by an improv comedian. StrollerCoaster is a place to laugh over those crazy moments of parenting and learn something new. Together, Lynn and Justin talk about everything from practicing patience to kids snacks to making parent friends.

Follow StrollerCoaster on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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“How am I supposed to get it all done?” Fear not: The Lazy Genius, Kendra Adachi, is here to help. Join Catie Parish as she chats with Kendra about time management, knowing yourself, and her new book, The Plan: Manage Your Time Like A Lazy Genius. Kendra shares practical strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and embracing flexibility in our routines. She also takes questions from The Mom Hour listener community. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Kendra recommends Sam Kelly, a parenting expert who helps families teach their children how to “notice”
• Manage your time like the Lazy Genius and Preorder The Plan
• Everything Lazy Genius 
• Catie mentioned The Enneagram Test. Not sure what you are? Take the free assessment.
• Similar Episodes From The Archives:
• Time Management For The Season You’re In: Episode 483
• Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee Hawthorne
• Productivity & Time Management Tips For Moms: Episode 169
• Kendra first appeared on The Mom Hour in Finding & Embracing What Matters To YOU: Voices 58 With The Lazy Genius Kendra Adachi

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Knitting, sourdough starters, book clubs and more! As Meagan’s and Sarah’s lives continue to evolve with older kids and launched adults, we’re finding space for hobbies and interests that may sound surprisingly … cliché? Today we’re leaning all the way into our status as midlife ladies, and chat about the leisure activities we’re currently dabbling in, what we’re ready to elevate to the next level, and a few dreams we hope to incorporate into our lives. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• The Mom Hour contributor Jayme sent Sarah this beginner’s washcloth knitting pattern
• Both Meagan and Sarah love Karen Walrond, who shares ideas for art journaling on her Insta
• Meagan shares more about her sourdough bread-making journey in The Sunday Steep #6: The magic of developing a relationship with your kitchen
• Sarah purchased this candle-making starter kit from EarthTonix on Etsy (inspired by a purchase at Sunkissed Pantry!)
• Meagan enjoys watching A Farm Through Time show on the BBC about farming through 3 different periods of time.
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• More Than Mom: Creative Hobbies (Now … Soonish … Maybe Someday)
• More Than Mom: Hobbies
• Hobbies & Passions Outside Motherhood: Episode 43

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Getting things done in a way that fits your stage of life is a moving target – and rarely have we found ourselves with a Goldilocks ‘just right’ approach to productivity. Join Meagan and Sarah as we look back at six different time management approaches we’ve taken over our many years of motherhood, from time blocking and digital calendar mastery to the simplest pen-and-paper priorities list, and reflect on how they served us in the season we were in. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460
• Getting Things Done When Life Is…A Lot: Episode 452
• More Than Mom: 8 Calendar Planning Lessons We’ve Learned
• Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee Hawthorne
• Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius, will be on the podcast in two weeks talking about her new book The PLAN, a book on time management. (affiliate link)
• Technology we mention in this episode:
• Todoist
• Google Calendar
• Meagan recommended that Sarah read The Artist Way (affiliate link)

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Ready to fall head-over-heels for your wardrobe? Today Meagan and Sarah share our top strategies for a purposeful fall wardrobe reboot. We discuss how to tackle common wardrobe dilemmas, such as organizing your closet to really see what’s in it, and investing in versatile statement pieces. We also touch on the impact of fast fashion and how thoughtful purchases can make your fall style feel more cohesive and intentional. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah loves her jumpsuit from MeUndies
• Meagan enjoyed the book Laundry Love by Patric Richardson to learn how to care for her clothing (this is an affiliate link)
• Meagan loves this wrap sweater from WoolX, crew neck sweater from Paca, a sweater coat and a cotton cropped cardigan from Quince.
• Sarah’s standout cropped cardigan sweater is from Quince.
• Meagan and Sarah are both using ThredUp a second-hand clothing online store
• Episodes From The Archives On Wardrobe/Style/Fashion:
• What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450
• Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397
• More Than Mom: Fall Style Update
• More Than Mom: The State Of Our Style, One Year Into COVID
• How To Create A Mindful Closet (And Discover Clothes You Truly Love): Voices 53

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

As kids get older, what it looks like to stay connected to them changes. They may be less likely to share their innermost thoughts or snuggle up next to us on the couch; and by design, they're much more interested in friends, hobbies, and activities happening outside our direct sphere of influence. In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah share how we stay connected to our preteen, teen, and young adult children. From car ride convos and binge-watching shows to family group texts, we’re sharing tips and stories on staying connected. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives Like This One:
• 10 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449
• “Typical” Teen Milestones: They’re Not What You Think! Episode 464
• Motherly Love In Theory & Practice: Episode 451
• BONUS: Dr. Ken Ginsburg On Why Teens Need Their Parents More Than Ever
• Meagan Schools Sarah on Parenting Teens: Episode 310

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

From the first solid foods we stock for an infant to the shock of discovering that a half-loaf of bread will do for the week because another college-bound teen has flown the nest, there’s a poignant bell curve to feeding a family. Meal planning, shopping, and cooking ebb and flow depending on the stage of parenting we find ourselves in, and today, Meagan and Sarah reflect on the strategies that have served us in different stages, how we remember the years of the expanding family table, and what it’s like being on the downslope of that curve these days. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes from the archives on Meals and Family:
• Envisioning Your Week Of Ideal Meals: Episode 331
• Reclaiming Feeding Your Family For Fall: Episode 476
• “Always In Rotation” Dinners: Episode 453
• Feel-Good Foods & Feeding Ourselves Well: Episode 415

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Annalee wants to find a therapist but isn’t sure where to begin. Staci, a busy mom of five, is overwhelmed by the chaos of back-to-school and extracurricular activities and is seeking strategies to stay organized. Brandi wants to make her child’s senior year unforgettable and is looking for tips on navigating the “mom culture” that comes with it. Meanwhile, Lindsay is curious about the small steps we’re taking to ease the back-to-school transition. We’re back this week with MORE listener questions!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Joanna Martin’s blog post What Does “Going To Therapy” Really Look Like” offers advice on going into therapy, how to tell it is the right fit, and much more.
• Sarah recommended the book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
• Episodes from the archives focused on organizational strategies for busy times:
• Managing Kids’ Extracurriculars (What We’ve Learned & What’s On Tap This Fall): Episode 330
• More Than Mom: 8 Calendar Planning Lessons We’ve Learned
• Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460
• Episodes from the archives focused on high school seniors:
• Supporting Your College-Bound Kid: Episode 455
• Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419
• College Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376
• The Mom Hour Facebook Listening Community’s ideas for easing the transitioning back to school

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Brandi asks how we’re accomplishing (and modeling) exercise and healthy eating habits for ourselves and our kids. Lindsay is struggling with toys EVERYWHERE but wants to encourage creative play. Naomi is a podcast host and asks us about our process for brainstorming and creating outlines to become more efficient. Plus, we tackle a common dilemma: how to make sure younger siblings feel included and entertained during big-kid activities. In Episode 479, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Listener Question episodes from the archives
• Send us your listener questions at any time
• Episodes on working out and exercise:
• More Than Mom: Fall Fitness Pep Talk
• More Than Mom: Fall Fitness Update
• More Than Mom: Exercise & Fitness
• Stuff, Junk & Things: Episode 35 has lots of ideas for managing all the kid stuff in your home
• Here’s more on behind-the-scenes of our podcasting process
• Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460 is a good one for busy moms on the go

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Helping kids navigate social dynamics is one of the most commonly-requested topics from our listeners – and it’s top of mind for back to school each year. In this classic replay from 2017 Sarah taps into the expertise of Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an author, psychologist, and expert on children’s friendships. 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 more important than we might think. Dr. Eileen also answers questions submitted by our listener community. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS

• Dr. Eileen’s website
• Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends (affiliate link)
• When Your Child Says, “Nobody Likes Me!” (Growing Friendships blog, Psychology Today)
• The Growing Friendships blog on 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 kids

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Whether you have a slew of “friendlies,” just one or two besties, or are coming up short in the friendship department right now, this episode is for you. Meagan and Sarah dive deep into the world of friendships, focusing on our specific season of midlife as moms of older kids. We’ll explore the depth and dynamics of our connections and share how we stay in touch, whether through technology or old-fashioned meetups. We’ll also answer the questions posed by Jayme and Katie in Episode 474, which tackled friendship in the earlier years of parenting. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Listen to The Evolution Of Friendships In Motherhood, Part One: Episode 474
• Meagan and Sarah both use Voxer to communicate with friends

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Looking to optimize your lunch packing routine? In this classic replay from 2018, Meagan and Sarah share the gear we love, the stuff we pack and the “when” and the “how” we get it done. Whether you’re gearing up for the upcoming school year or simply looking to streamline your daily lunch prep, this episode is overflowing with practical tips, favorite gear, and real-life stories. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

Some of the products discussed in this episode are no longer available. We’ve done our best to link to the ones that are, and to provide alternatives where we can.

• Check out what our Mom Hour Facebook Community has recently discussed about school lunches, packing, bentos and more!
• Episode 151: Feeding A Family (Breakfast & Lunch)
• Laura Fuentes / Momables.com
• The Girl Next Door podcast episode about Home Efficiency, and Erica’s Instagram post about freezing sandwiches
• Sarah 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 Box
• Easy Lunch Boxes Bento Lunch Box Containers
• CVS Health Peas Hot or Cold Therapy Pack
• Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Reusable Ice Packs
• Sarah has this Thermos brand Funtainer and Meagan’s teens have larger thermoses like this one
• Sarah sends inexpensive stainless steel demitasse spoons like these to school for yogurt
• Meagan used the SCOUT Divide & Conquer Open-top Storage Bin on top of her fridge for school snacks for years

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

We're Back! Summer So Far, Grab Bag Chat: Episode 477

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Summertime meals can be complete chaos. Popsicles for lunch? Sure! Charcuterie board of fridge leftovers? Absolutely! But as we near the start of a new school year, we’re ready for just a *bit* more structure. Join Jayme and Joanna as we share our goals for meal planning this fall, some of our favorite products, and more. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make the transition from summertime chaos to a more structured family mealtime routine smooth and enjoyable. Join us!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Jayme Sherrod and Joanna Martin on Instagram
• Joanna serves her kids frozen Kodiak Waffles as they’re packed with protein
• Joanna enjoys a Daily Harvest Smoothie Cup or Egg Wrap from Target to fuel her body in the morning
• Joanna referenced this Viral Pandemic Breakfast Sandwich
• Both Joanna and Jayme follow Yummy Toddler Food Instagram for school lunch inspiration
• Jayme uses PlanetBox Rover, a stainless steel lunchbox for the kids
• Jayme utilizes Plastic Mason Jar Lids when prepping food for the week
• Joanna serves Weeknight meatballs and references Salad Platters for a few of her easy meals

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Today Joanna, Kia, and Sarah L. get vulnerable on the topics of reparenting ourselves, healing through therapy, and setting boundaries with extended family. We discuss our specific experiences with anxiety and depression in motherhood, the process of identifying patterns from our own childhoods we hope to break in raising our families, and how seeking help and healing through therapy has looked for us. We’ve also gathered actionable steps and helpful resources to support your journey toward self-care and emotional growth.

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Joanna Martin, Kia Hammond and Sarah Limberg on Instagram
• Reparenting in Therapy, by Jodi Clarke, MA, LPC/MHSP (VeryWellMind.com)
• The definition of boundary
• Our recommended books on boundaries (these include affiliate links):
• Set Boundaries Find Peace: Drawing The Right Lines by Joe Montgomery
• Good Boundaries And Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst
• Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber
• What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
• Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud
• Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
• Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
• Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents  by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD
• Listen to the podcast We Can Do Hard Things
• Katie Stricker Naptime Kitchen
• Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
• Similar episodes from our archives:
• Strong As A Mother With Kate Rope
• Real Stories About Postpartum Mental Health
• Black Motherhood & Mental Health
• Self-Improvement & Self-Acceptance In Motherhood

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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 mom needs her squad, 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. In this classic replay from 2018, Meagan and Sarah navigate 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!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives On Friendships:
• Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307
• Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308
• Female Friendships & Women We Admire (PLUS Picture Books with Katie): Episode 227
• Keeping Friendships Alive: Episode 78

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Forging, navigating and maintaining friendships in the whirlwind of motherhood isn’t easy. It’s hard work! Today, Jayme Sherrod is on the mic with Katie Gouldner as they candidly discuss how their friendships have evolved since becoming moms, the challenges of making “mom friends,” and the valuable lessons learned along the way. This episode focuses on the early years of friendships in motherhood, and we’ll also tee up Part Two (coming next month!) with questions for Meagan and Sarah to keep the conversation going. Enjoy!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Jayme Sherrod and Katie Gouldner on instagram
• Jayme chatted with Jennifer about kids in kindergarten in BONUS: Our First Year As Kindergarten Moms Is Done & Here’s What We Learned
• Jayme joined Fit4Moms Stroller Stride program to meet other moms
• Jayme and Katie referenced The Enneagram, which is a personality assessment. Meagan and Sarah talk about this in Personalities, Part 1 (Myers-Briggs, Enneagram & Introversion / Extroversion): Episode 57 and Personalities, Part 2 (Our Myers-Briggs & Enneagram Types & More): Episode 58
• Episodes from the archives on Friendship:
• Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307
• Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308
• Female Friendships & Women We Admire (PLUS Picture Books with Katie): Episode 227
• Keeping Friendships Alive: Episode 78

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Kathryn Whitaker is a mother of six and an advocate for NICU families, and today she joins contributor Joanna Martin to share her family’s story. Joanna and Kathryn discuss what to expect from a NICU stay, the impact of NICU experiences on a marriage and on older siblings, and how Kathryn’s family continues to navigate her son Luke’s medical needs and their own mental health. Kathryn also shares how she got involved with Hand To Hold, a national nonprofit offering personalized support, resources and community to NICU families. This episode is a must-listen for anyone experiencing a NICU stay, and for those who want to support them.

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Joanna Martin on Instagram
• Learn more about Kathryn Whitaker on her Website, Facebook or Instagram
• Hand To Hold podcast is a great resource for those experiencing, or have experienced, NICU stays
• Hand To Hold episodes you may be interested in:
• Episode 85: Just Landed in the NICU? Start Here!
• Episode 97: What You Need to Know About NICU Medical Billing & Insurance
• Episode 98: Should I Pay that Medical Bill?
• Episode 90: Chaplaincy and the NICU
• Episode 86: Did I Leave the NICU with PTSD?
• Episode 72: Mental Health: Why We Said Yes to Marriage Counseling (Part 3 of 4)
• Joanna recommended the book What Happened To You (affiliate link) for those who experienced childhood trauma.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

"Am I ready to go back to work?" It's a question we get a lot in this community. Today Jayme chats with regular contributor and working mom of four Kia Hammond, who made the choice to stay home full-time during the pandemic and has since returned to the career she loves. Jayme and Kia delve into the logistical challenges and big emotions that accompany reentering the workforce, and lean on Kia's recent experience to offer practical insights and tips for making it work. Enjoy!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they've prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Jayme Sherrod and Kia Hammond on instagram 
• Cozi App
• Employment Characteristics of Families In 2023
• Episodes From The Archives On Working Motherhood:
• Working Motherhood & Behind The Scenes At The Mom Hour: Voices 63 With Amanda Park
• Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee Hawthorne
• Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41
• Stretched Too Thin With Jessica Turner: Voices 29
• Stay at Home, Work Full-Time, Or Something In Between? [Classic Replay]
• Blog Posts On Working Motherhood
• How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money
• I Bought A Treadmill Desk And Yes, It’s As Life-Changing As The TikTok Influencers Claim

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

From e-readers to audiobooks, graphic novels to good ol' paperbacks, the methods may have changed, but the essence of reading remains timeless. Today Jayme and Joanna dive into the wonderful world of raising readers in 2024. We share personal anecdotes and insights into our own reading habits, those of our children, and offer valuable perspectives and actionable tips for raising readers. Join us!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they've prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!

HELPFUL LINKS

• Follow Jayme Sherrod on Instagram
• Follow Joanna Martin on Instagram
• The National Assessment of Educational Progress Survey that was referenced in the episode
• Joanna shared the phrase DEAR Time (Drop Everything And Read Time)
• Read Aloud Revival blog with booklists for kids of all ages
• @EverydayReading on instagram is a great resource for book recommedations for you and your children
• Simliar Episodes from the archives:
• Cultivating A Reading Life: Voices 73 With Amy Clark
• Reading & Literacy Tips by Age & Stage

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

With eight kids between us and so much to discuss on the podcast, we can go for long stretches without catching up about our own families. Join Meagan and Sarah in our last episode before our summer hiatus as we swap stories about our own kids and share what’s coming up for them this summer. Spanning tween through young adult, we think ‘our eight’ are pretty great, and we’re excited to share them with you today!

Curious about The Mom Hour’s summer podcast schedule? Listen to us chat about what’s ahead for the podcast here.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• This pairs well with last week’s episode On Motherly Pride: Episode 469
• Sarah mentioned the podcast episode Julia Gets Wise With Anne Lamott
• Episodes From The Archives Related To This One:
• Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not.: Episode 364
• On This Day In (Our Motherhood) History: Episode 366
• Baby Names & How We Chose Them: Episode 262
• Our Kids & Their Friendships: Episode 207
• What’s Great (And Less-Great) About Our Eight: Episode 152
• Real Talk About High School (With A Real Teen!): Voices 71 With Meagan’s Son Will

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Come behind the scenes and let’s chat about Summer 2024! Meagan and Sarah each share what’s on deck for their families this summer – from new business ventures to international travel, camps for kids and creative breaks for us. We also map out what you can expect from the podcast for the next several weeks, including some exciting new content and much-requested topics. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah mentioned the podcasts Holidays To Switzerland and Untold Italy
• You may enjoy Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448 about Sarah traveling out of the country with the family
• Meagan opened a bookstore in July 2023 and talked about it in Books & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445
• Meagan’s family bookstore (Paper Mill Books in Manistique, MI) can be found on Instagram @papermillbooks

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Sure, we’re PROUD of our kids. Isn’t every mom? When kids overcome an obstacle, crush a school project, score the winning goal, or graduate with honors, we feel that familiar swell. But feeling motherly pride is just the beginning, it seems. Expressing it to our kids and sharing it with others brings up a whole suite of other ‘stuff’, from bragging and comparison to ego and more. Join Meagan and Sarah as we navigate this emotional landscape together, in real time. It’s a fun one!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah referenced the episode from the archives Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419
• Read Meagan’s recent blog post The Complicated Reality of Parental Pride
• Send us your #proudmomma moments– we’d love to hear them!

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

From glitter explosions to squishy Play-Doh creations, epic blanket forts and paint-covered masterpieces, today we explore the joys and challenges of messy play with little ones. In this latest House Rules episode, Meagan and Sarah share tips from The Mom Hour community on how to set boundaries for messy fun, contain the chaos, and handle the inevitable cleanup. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• House Rules For Messy Fun ideas from our Facebook Community.
• Did you enjoy this House Rules episode? Here are a few more from the archives:
• House Rules For Easier Bedtimes: Episode 443
• House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413
• House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393
• House Rules For After School: Episode 380
• House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340
• You may enjoy the blog post On Messes And Motherhood written by Stacy Bronec, a Mom Hour Contributor.
• Sarah referenced this kid-friendly, handheld dustpan and broom.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Are you happy with your work-mom balance? This classic replay from 2017 is about finding satisfaction in your current situation and how to take small steps toward a different one (if that’s what you’re seeking). Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, working outside the home, freelancing or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Just know that no matter what your choice and how you feel about it, you’re definitely not alone. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• 10 Signs You Might Be a Work-Anywhere-Possible-Mom (WAPM) (Sarah’s tongue-in-cheek post for City Mom Collective)
• Click to see the Facebook conversation and Instagram conversation we reference in this episode.
• Similar Episodes From The Archives:
• Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee Hawthorne
• Inside the Lives of 3 Working Moms: Voices 02
• Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41
• Listener Questions (Working Mom / SAHM Edition): Episode 142
• Meagan & Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives: Episode 140
• Check out the blog post “How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money” by Jennifer Carroll.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Hot, cold, non-alcoholic, spirits: If we drink it, we’re chatting about it today. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss our go-to beverages, sipping vessels and drinking habits with a few product recommendations sprinkled throughout. We hope you’ll either be inspired to hydrate or mix up a yummy cocktail by the end of this episode (or, hey! maybe both!) Cheers!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Meagan’s Favs:
• Sparkling Waters– Liquid Death and Bubly Sparkling Water
• Non-Alcoholic Beer
• HOP WTR
• Partake Brewing
• Athletic Brew
• FUL
• Sparkel Beverage System for making sparkling water
• English Breakfast Tea to start the day
• Allulose Sweetener to sweeten drinks
• Rambler Yeti Water bottle
• Sarah’s Favs:
• Sparkling Waters: Spindrift Lime and Mint and LaCroix Sparkling Water
• Starts the day with Trader Joe’s Fairtrade Organic Five Country Blend
• 14 Oz. Ember Mug is the mug of choice for hot beverages
• OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker
• LMNT electrolyte drink mix (a current podcast sponsor!) and Nuun electrolyte mix
• Hydro Flask water bottle
• Fever Tree mixers
• Episodes that pair well with this one:
• More Than Mom: Beverages
• More Than Mom: Cheers!

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Does your space need a refresh? We’re here for the smallest investments that yield big satisfaction, from sprucing up your potted plants to adding a thrifted table lamp or swapping out the color of your napkins. Join Meagan and Sarah as we offer ideas for how to use your existing space in a new way, and share the tiny refreshes we’re doing this spring to get ready for summer. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• If you’re looking for more plant talk, check out The Girl Next Door Podcast episode Plant Lady Talk
• Sarah uses this Beeswax Base to treat wooden surfaces
• Create a Gallery Wall with Mixtiles
• Episodes from the archives on home decor:
• Home Décor & Dining Out: Episode 77
• More Than Mom: Spring Décor & Home Pick-Me-Ups
• Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVries
• More Than Mom: Outdoor Décor & Patio Style
• More Than Mom: Décor Nostalgia

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

First-time kindergarten moms Jennifer and Jayme pop in today to reflect on all things kindergarten. Being in the homestretch of the school year, we share some of the things that surprised us about our kids’ first year of elementary school. We also offer reassurance and advice for those heading into their kindergarten journey. Spoiler: the kids won’t be the only ones who learn and grow. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Get to know Jayme Sherrod and follow her on Instagram
• Get to know Jennifer Carol and follow her on Instagram
• Kindergarten Parent Primer: Podcast Episodes & Blog Posts from the archives

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

For Sarah this spring, it's the end of an era: elementary school parenting. The youngest of our combined eight kids is wrapping up fifth grade, so today Meagan asks Sarah to reflect back on the (long!) season of parenting in the grade school years. Our conversation is filled with reflections, emotions, gentle regrets, and laughs. Plus, a good-old-fashioned round of Would You Rather: Elementary School Mom Edition. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:
• Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419
• School Decisions Feel Like a LOT (Here’s What To Keep In Mind): Episode 298
• School Volunteering That Fits Your Personality: Episode 245
• Tips For Starting (Elementary & Middle) School: Episode 221
• Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Prom dates and driver’s licenses, football games and parties: did we get our ideas about teenagers and high school from the movies? Well, largely, yes, we did. (Our own experiences and memories, too, of course!) Today Meagan and Sarah – now parents to many teens between us – unpack stereotypical teen milestones and share whether they’ve matched up to our preconceptions – or not. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Playlist: 18 Podcast Episodes For Parents Of Teenagers
• Parent of Adults is a newsletter by our friend Asha Dornfest about life after kids grow up.
• Real Talk About High School (With A Real Teen!): Voices 71 With Meagan’s Son Will is a fun episode from the archives featuring the perspective of a teen.
• Meagan’s substack post Parenting Teens Always Feels A Hot Stove is a great companion to this episode.
• Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s an episodes from the archives in case you need it this year: Why Mother’s Day Is Hard (And How To Make It What You Want This Year): Episode 311

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

With A.I., social media, and virtual reality top of mind for many parents, we’re flipping the script today and looking at all that the physical, tangible, and tactile world have to offer our families. Acknowledging that it’s not a zero-sum proposition (we’re pro-technology in lots of ways!), Meagan and Sarah share specific ways in which we keep real, embodied, sensory experiences part of our own lives, and how we incorporate them into our family cultures. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Meagan mentioned a book about movement Grow Wild, by Katy Bowman
• Sarah shared her European Travels with her family in Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Sleeping with a watch on, tubing mascara and face razors make the list in this grab bag of new things we are trying lately. Some of them we love, some of them we really want to like but just don't, and others we need your feedback! Join us for an fun, honest chat about the some new things we're trying lately.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes from the archives on products we love:
• What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450
• More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)
• More Than Mom: Products We’re Loving Lately
• Home & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246
• Cleaning Products We Can’t Live Without: Episode 346
• Sarah's Products:
• Costco Sports Bra
• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• AutoSleep App
• Duolingo App
• Thrive Cosmetics Tubing Mascara is making a mess of Sarah's bathroom; any suggestions?
• Painless Learning Placemats
• Meagan's Products:
• Wool X Leggings
• Elf Primer
• Flamingo Face Razors
• Cubii Under The Desk Elliptical 
• Aveda Shampoo and Conditioner
• Sun Touchable White Glow
• Glossier Lip Colors
• Happy Feet Socks 
• Listeners! Anyone have an Oura Ring? Email us your thoughts!

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Joy wonders how parenting changes as kids hit new milestones. As Emily’s youngest approaches kindergarten, she wants to find purpose beyond motherhood. Chelsea struggles in a new remote work position and questions whether she made the right career move. And Dana asks when and how to start conversations with her kids about the expectations she has for them after high school. This week we’re back with MORE listener questions – enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Listener Question episodes from the archives.
• Emily and Chelsea mentioned working motherhood and purpose in their listener questions. Click here to find more episodes and blog posts on working motherhood.
• If you’re looking for more content about parenting teens, check out the playlist 18 podcast episodes from our archives.
• Meagan and Sarah mention the various jobs they’ve held in Living A Writerly Life: Episode 454

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Summer lets kids expand their experiences, gain new skills, and experience independence – but those opportunities can be scary, too! In this classic replay from 2022, Meagan and Sarah share stories about the times our kids seemed vulnerable when faced with more independence, how those nerves showed up in our children (and ourselves!), how we handled our nervous energy, and planned for major milestones with kids who were nervous to spread their wings. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• This playlist has over 30 episodes of The Mom Hour about planning for summer
• Sarah 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 Things
• Read our Contributor Joanne’s blog post, “This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard Things

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Rebekah struggles with a culture of “husband bashing” and negativity in her local mom circles. Ainsley wonders how she and her husband will handle being outnumbered once their third child arrives. Candice wants to feel seen in all she does for her family – prompting Meagan and Sarah to explore different kinds of invisible labor and unpack the work we sometimes assign ourselves. And Amanda asks us to give an update on our current food values. In Episode 461, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Listener Question episodes from the archives
• Do you relate to Rebekah’s mom friend question? Here’s more on friendships in motherhood from the archives: Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307 and Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308.
• Episodes from the archives on Mental Load and Invisible Labor
• Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285
• Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290
• Episodes from the archives on Food
• Family Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244 and Defining Your Family’s Food Values: Episode 113 references Meagan and Sarah’s food values from the past

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Baseball, Scouts, soccer, basketball….you name it, our kids are doing it! In this episode, Catie and Katie are back to discuss all the stuff, processes, and mindsets that help get our families through a busy season. Join us for some of our favorite products, meal strategies, plus where and how we delegate responsibilities out to family members. Plus, it’ll be summer before we know it, and have some thoughts on how to tackle that, too. Enjoy!

Meagan and Sarah are off for the first two weeks of April. Enjoy the Katie+Catie takeover, and we’ll be back soon!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on Instagram.
• Katie mentioned the BONUS: Navigating Youth Sports episode with contributors Jayme and Jennifer.
• Katie loves her lululemon clippable card pouch she can easily throw into whatever bag is needed for extracurriculars and attaches it to a bracelet to wear around her wrist.
• Catie uses these post-it dry erase whiteboard stickers.
• Our favorite water bottles include Yeti, Owala, and Gatorade water bottles for sports.
• Katie keeps her Vera Bradley Large Tote in the trunk to throw all the stuff in when going to sporting events.
• Catie and Katie both utilize Bentgo boxes and Easy Lunchboxes for dinners-on-the-go.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

With the cost of EVERYTHING at near record highs, many families want to be mindful about where all their hard-earned dollars go. In this episode, Catie Parrish and Katie Gouldner share some of their best tips and tricks for stretching those dollars (and even saving in the process!). While groceries and eating out are easy targets for slashing your monthly spending, you might be surprised at a few other tips for saving big – plus, Katie shares how her recent no-spend month went, and how much her family saved!

Meagan and Sarah are off for the first two weeks of April. Enjoy the Katie+Catie takeover, and we’ll be back soon!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on Instagram
• Katie mentioned an episode of The Frugal Friends podcast, No Spend January, that spurred her mindful spending month
• Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:
• Saving Money On Food And Groceries: Episode 351
• 7 Ways We’re Saving Money This Fall: Episode 277
• Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies: Episode 55
• Katie mentioned the family amusement park Hersheypark which is located in Central, Pennsylvania
• Catie mentioned this Arboretum outside of Chicago
• Katie chatted with Sarah about planning her 2023 Disney World Vacation in Disney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410
• Catie joined Meagan in the episodes Tips For Traveling With Small Kids (Catie’s Florida Family Vacation) and Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Nine years on the mic together and almost thirteen collaborating in some capacity: today we’re reflecting and celebrating! Whether you’re a longtime listener who feels like a friend (we see you!) or a newer community member still learning which one of us is blonde (it’s Meagan), this episode will bring fresh stories and familiar reminders of who we are and why we’re here. We hope you’ll join us!

HELPFUL LINKS

• Episodes from the archives that pair well with this one:
• How We’re The Same (And Also Different)
• Meagan & Sarah Interview Each Other
• What We’ve Learned From Each Other
• Traveling As Business Besties
• Our Childhood Crushes
• Ask Us Anything!
• Sarah mentioned this episode: Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not: Episode 364
• The Behind The Scenes of the Podcast Episodes:
• Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396
• More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes Of Our Partnership
• More Than Mom: Making The Podcast (Then vs. Now)
• More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes & Business Updates
• Behind The Scenes (How We Make The Podcast): Episode 91

Other Helpful Links:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

We’re revisiting a classic from the archives today: a ridiculous game of Would You Rather…? Meagan and Sarah recorded this one in person together on a hot summer day back in 2018 (almost six years ago!), and in it we challenge each other to pick between wildly impossible scenarios. Which one of us would rather deal with an insane diaper blowout while in public and which would rather have an end-of-the-world public tantrum? You’ll have to listen to find out!

HELPFUL LINKS

• A follow-up episode where we played even more Would You Rather…
• Meagan references acting in a local theater. Here’s more episodes from the archives on hobbies!

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Whether it’s a sick day, a snow day, or something else entirely, being stuck at home with kids is a natural opportunity to bend or flex your house rules to keep the kids entertained (and retain your sanity). In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share our community’s genius ideas for getting through long days spent at home. Join us for smart hacks for sick kids (and moms!), easy activities that help full long hours, and ways to make being stuck inside a little less awful. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Our Mother’s Gratitude Journal is out! (affiliate link)
• Meagan and Sarah mentioned longtime show sponsor Kiwi Crate as a great option for packaged crafts and experiments for various ages. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code THEMOMHOUR.
• These ideas came from our Facebook Community – answer the membership questions and request to join for more practical tips for making stuck-at-home days with kids less stressful and more fun!
• Episodes from the archives that pair nicely with this one:
• House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314
• OMG We’re Sick AGAIN?!: Episode 389
• Uggghhh…Sick Days: Episode 75
• Stuck At Home? Us Too. Here Are Some Ideas: Episode 252
• Check out the blog post, 8 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!)

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Today we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you might love: Pop Culture Moms.

Hosts Andie and Sabrina are toddler moms and best friends of 20 years. In this new podcast they’re taking their obsession with TV and movies to the next level by talking to celebrities, writers and fellow “scholars” of pop culture about what they can learn from the fictional moms they love most. In the excerpt you’ll hear today, former MTV News correspondent SuChin Pak talks about reparenting ourselves when we become parents.

Listen to Pop Culture Moms here!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it time to break up with Instagram? Or just hit pause on the relationship? Today Meagan and Sarah dive in to some of the reasons behind our personal absences from the social platform lately. Without judgment about anybody else’s online behavior, we reflect on what’s working and not working about our own. We own up to some icky-feeling habits, share observations about what it takes to change said habits, and how we envision our futures on the platform. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• We started to explore this topic recently in Episode 444: Do Today’s New Moms Have It Easier? Or Harder?
• Episodes from the archives related to this topic:
• #Influenced: Episode 436
• More Than Mom: #Influenced
• More Than Mom: Social Media
• Your Media Diet: Is It Healthy? Episode 03
• Meagan’s family bookstore (Paper Mill Books in Manistique, MI) can be found on Instagram @papermillbooks

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Parents of teens, listen up! (And parents of littles, join us for a preview!) Helping your teen figure out what’s next after graduation – and how to cover the cost – is a delicate dance. Today Meagan shares her current struggles navigating the parenting waters of college-bound teens; she reflects on how her fourth kid’s journey looks a bit different than that of his older brothers, what role she plays in the process, and ways it has challenged her as a mom – all while Sarah takes notes for herself! Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS

• Sarah referenced this PBS NewsHour article explaining this year’s FAFSA issues
• Episodes from the archives on College:
• College Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376
• BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College Level
• BONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting Culture
• Sarah mentioned Dr. Lisa Damour providing great advice for parenting teenagers. Here’s an episode from the archives you may enjoy: Bonus: Dr. Lisa Damour On Supporting Teens Through Big Emotions

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Join Meagan and Sarah for a peek behind the scenes of our writerly lives and an update on what we’re working on lately. We share how we got started (including our tips for others wanting to explore writing), how our writing has looked quite different over the years (including where and how we write) and what we’re currently working on. We also bring listeners up to speed on an exciting new collaboration that we’ve only hinted at in the past… Tune in to find out more!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Preorder our guided journal! The Mother’s Gratitude Journal: An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys and Milestone Moments
• Sarah mentioned the episode More Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard Stuff
• More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice is an episode from the archives that pairs nicely with this one.
• Read Meagan’s writing on Substack
• Blog Posts Related To Writing:
• How I Started Writing
• How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money
• Listen to The Tea’s Made podcast episode featuring Sarah discussing Our Cozy & Creative Spaces

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

New recipes can shake up cooking routines, but there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true meals, too. Today Meagan and Sarah share the family dinners that always make it into our current cooking rotations. They’re the meals we know how to shop for, prepare, and that the kids are comfortable eating as is (or know how to put their own twist on it). We also touch on “always in rotation” dinners from bygone eras, and what new recipes we’re hoping to try this year. Join us!

LINKS MENTIONED:

• We both have this rice cooker
• Meagan’s Pulled Pork, 5 Ways blog post
• Sarah’s family loves this Trader Joe’s Microwavable Spanish Rice
• Meagan mentioned her word of the year is “Beans” which is explained in this Substack post
• Meagan has her own personal take on this Moo Shu Pork Bowl recipe from Hello Fresh
• Episodes From The Archives On Feeding A Family:
• A Week Of Real-Life Dinners: Episode 336
• A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 305
• A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254
• A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196
• A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

Whether you have puppy fever or are overwhelmed by the idea of getting a dog, this episode will meet you where you are. Join regular contributors Joanna and Joanne as they check in about recent adventures adding furry family members to their homes. They offer advice for things to consider before getting a dog, chat about how a dog can impact your lifestyle, your budget, and your mental load, and offer tips for introducing a dog to a new baby and getting kids involved in pet care. Enjoy!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Joanna Martin on Instagram
• Follow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on Instagram
• Joanna trained her new dog at The Dog Wizard
• Here is a helpful article, Should I Get A Dog from the American Kennel Club
• Joanne’s custom dog bookmark from Etsy
• Joanne rescued her dog from Heavenly Angel’s Animal Rescue
• Joanna received this custom, search-and-find your dog book
• Joanna mentioned this rescue organization in Dallas, Texas
• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• More Than Mom: Pets!
• All About Family Pets: Episode 71
• Pandemic Puppies, Foster Kittens & A Small Animal Pet Debate: Episode 286
• Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

The kids are sick. Your spouse is traveling. The laundry is piling up. Motherhood can be A LOT, even in the best of times, but when normalcy is thrown off, the stakes get even higher. Today Meagan and Sarah share our best tips for surviving the day – and getting the bare minimum done – when it all just feels like too much. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah referenced this classic replay: How Do I Make Time For It All?
• Sarah uses Todoist to manage not just her work, but her chores and daily checklists.
• Episodes that pair nicely with this one:
• When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435
• On “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423
• Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 296
• 10 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449
• Have an episode idea? Email us!

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Woolx
• Lands’ End Pajama Sets
• Sarah mentioned…
• Cloudsurfer shoes from On Running
• TheraICE Headache Relief Cap paired with a heat neck wrap for headaches
• leaning 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 recommendations
• Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397
• More Than Mom: Fall Style Update

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 280
• 10 Things We Love About Raising Siblings: Episode 248
• 10 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243
• You can view the many reasons our listeners love teenagers in this post on our Mom Hour Listener Facebook Page.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 subscribe
• Do 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 productivity

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 76
• Real Moms Share Their Best Family Travel Advice: Episode 356
• House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 LINKS

• Follow Joanna Martin on Instagram
• Follow Sarah Limberg on Instagram
• Kate 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 370
• A Week Of Real-Life Housework (Part Two): Episode 371
• Chores & Household Responsibilities: Episode 434
• House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413
• Podcasts Joanna and Sarah enjoy for household hack inspiration
• The Lazy Genius
• The Girl Next Door

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 wrap
• Sarah loves ThredUp and Lululemon Like New for online secondhand shopping
• You 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 2024

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 reading
• Sarah 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 Campbell
• Unraveling What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World’s Ugliest Sweater by Peggy Orenstein
• Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy And The Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily Paulson
• Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
• Books We Have On Deck for 2024:
• The Art Of Gathering by Priya Parker
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Sharma Vikes
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchet
• Meagan’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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 LINKS

• We referenced your comments in this Facebook Post throughout the episode
• Sarah mentioned The Girl Next Door Podcast episode Online Behavior For Grown Ups
• You might also like What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVries
• Episodes from the archives about New Motherhood:
• Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms): Episode 19
• When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435
• Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Breastfeeding Edition): Episode 114

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

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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 LINKS

• Meagan 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 Moms
• Meagan 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 Moms
• Moms Deserve A Magical Holiday, Too
• #Influenced: Episode 436

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Links

• Click 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 413
• House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393
• House Rules For After School: Episode 380
• House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340
• For more on bedtimes check out Bedtime Routines at Every Stage: Episode 80

Other Helpful Links

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

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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 Minivan
• Meagan mentioned dating in this episode. For an update on her love life check out More Than Mom: Weddings
• Sarah’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 episode
• Meagan mentioned her love of blogging. You can view her current writing on Substack
• 6 Things You Can Do To Get Dreamy Holiday Photos On Your Smartphone

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 82
• Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341
• A Charcuterie Of Holiday Emotions
• We both welcome your petty holiday gripes at any time. Promise we will read them!

Other Helpful Links:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
• Sign up for our newsletter

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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 Links

• Meagan 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 Links

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
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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 Links

• The 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 Pink
• Our Worst #MomFail Moments: Episode 157

Other Helpful Links:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
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• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
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See 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 preschoolers
• Musical Episodes From The Archives
• More Than Mom: Musical Theater
• More Than Mom: Movie Musicals
• Stepping Into Your True Self with Musician Sarah Sample: Voices 24

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
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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 archives
• The Laundry Awards: Episode 398 was mentioned by listener Kassidy
• Cookbooks/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 Book
• Half Baked Harvest
• Melissa D’Arabian cookbook
• Didn’t I just Feed You (Podcast)
• The Lazy Genius Kitchen
• New York Times Cooking
• Meagan mentioned Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01, about traveling solo with young kids.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
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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 archives
• If 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
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See 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 Instagram
• Follow Jennifer Carrol from The Mom Hour team on Instagram
• Jennifer 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 225
• How To Be A Happier Sports Parent: Episode 117
• Let’s Discuss “Sports Parenting”: Episode 18
• Here is the Facebook Community post referenced in this episode about wanting to skip extracurriculars altogether.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
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• Follow us on Instagram
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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 post
• The 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 411
• Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part Two): Episode 412
• 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.
• 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
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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 ABLE
• Sarah’s loving Me Undies, thanks to podcast advertising
• We both love Olive & June (a sponsor!), and seeing everyone’s manis on Instagram influenced Sarah to consistently paint her nails
• Beth Kempton inspired Meagan to write a book and start writing on Substack
• Meagan loves her Hatch Clock (affiliate link)
• Sarah would be lost without Todoist (affiliate link)
• ThreadUp is Sarah’s favorite place to shop
• Meagan uses Bobbi Brown Miracle Balm
• Meagan is trying out Wool& dresses

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
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See 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 Instagram
• Follow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on Instagram
• Follow Emily Roark on Instagram
• Click 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 Support
• Sisters In Loss
• Return To Zero
• Episodes from the archives featuring more on this topic include:
• Loss, Hope & Healing: One Family’s Story Of Turning Grief Into Advocacy
• BONUS: A Conversation About Pregnancy Loss With Leeann Dearing

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Culture
• Parenting Outside The Lines: Voices 66 With Meghan Leahy
• Here’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 07
• Should I Get Pregnant Again? Episode 187
• What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230
• A 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Expert
• Sarah 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 315
• Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191
• Chores & Delegation: Episode 15

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Halloween
• Meagan’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 group
• Sarah’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 422
• House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413
• House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393
• House Rules For After School: Episode 380
• House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340
• House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332
• House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328
• House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 431
• Episodes that pair well with this one:
• Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312
• More Than Mom: Our Fantasy Kitchens
• Small Steps Toward Sustainability In The Kitchen
• Check out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog post.
• Beverage products we mentioned
• Burr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAid
• The Ember Mug (affiliate link)
• Sparkel
• We 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 beverages
• Berkey Water Filters
• Organization and cleaning products we mentioned
• OXO Herb Keeper
• Bristle Brush For Cleaning Bottles
• Beeswax 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 312
• More Than Mom: Our Fantasy Kitchens
• Small Steps Toward Sustainability In The Kitchen
• Check out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog post
• Sarah reluctantly now loves her Burr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAid
• Products we mentioned
• Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids
• Good Grips 5 LB. Food Scale
• KitchenAid Pasta Roller
• Meater Digital Thermometer
• Rice Cooker
• Caraway Saute Pan
• Caraway Baking Sheet
• Cuisinart Immersion Blender
• Small Silicone Spatulas

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Divorce
• Loving The Holidays As A Divorced Mom, Single Mom, Or Blended Family: 2018 Holiday Special #3
• More Than Mom: Weddings

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 15
• Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191
• Our Favorite Resources For An Inspired January: Episode 399
• Meagan’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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 haircut
• You may like these episodes from the archives:
• More Than Mom: Hair Styling & Hair Maintenance
• More Than Mom: Jewelry!
• Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397
• More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)
• More Than Mom: Fall Style Update
• Meagan’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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 episode
• MORE listener questions from the archives
• Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377
• Here are a few episodes/blogs on Morning Routines:
• Inside The Morning Hustle: Voices 64 With Lisa Payne & Ashley Schafluetzel
• House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328
• Morning Routines & Morning Makeovers: Episode 222
• Making Mornings Easier: Episode 67
• Is Your Preschooler Ready For The First Day? At-Home Routines To Practice Before School Starts
• Meagan’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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 382
• Our 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 archives
• Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377
• Meagan’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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Instagram
• Follow Lisa Payne on Instagram
• Enjoyed listening to Katherine and Lisa? Here are episodes from the archives featuring them:
• Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVries
• What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVries
• Books We’re Loving Lately: Voices 72 With Joanna Martin & Katherine DeVries
• Constantly Connected (The Joys & Challenges Of Parenting In The Smartphone Era): Voices 83

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Instagram
• Follow Emily Roark on Instagram
• A 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 DeVries
• Real Stories About Postpartum Mental Health: Voices 74 With Emily Roark And Kia Hammond
• Preparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 With Kia Hammond
• Teen Parents, Parenting Teens (Young Motherhood, Raising Teen Girls & More!): Episode 414
• Emily 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 301
• What 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Instagram
• Follow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on Instagram
• Joanna 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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
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See 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 Instagram
• Follow Jennifer Carrol from The Mom Hour team on Instagram
• Listen to the Stuff, Junk & Things episode that inspired this one
• Jayme mentioned loving these magnet clips to keep kid artwork organized
• Jennifer 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 & Artwork

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 episode
• Sarah’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 method
• We discussed the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing (affiliate link)

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 423
• Sarah made this playlist of #ClassicTMH episodes from 2016-2017
• Follow Meagan on Instagram
• Read Meagan on Substack
• Visit Meagan’s website to learn more about REINVENT (a community for midlife moms, with a retreat coming up in October 2023!)
• Follow Sarah on Instagram

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 [email protected].

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 396
• There’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 Casts
• Here’s a list of all The Mom Hour episodes

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 one
• A 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 263
• Simple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367
• More from our House Rules Series:
• House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413
• House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393
• House Rules For After School: Episode 380
• House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340
• House Rules For Halloween: Episode 335
• House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332
• House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328
• House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323
• House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319
• House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314
• Last call for our 2023 Listener Survey!

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 Parenting

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• Visit our website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.

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 website
• Check out deals from our partners
• Follow us on Instagram
• Join 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.