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 469Sarah mentioned the podcast episode Julia Gets Wise With Anne LamottEpisodes From The Archives Related To This One:Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not.: Episode 364On This Day In (Our Motherhood) History: Episode 366Baby Names & How We Chose Them: Episode 262Our Kids & Their Friendships: Episode 207What’s Great (And Less-Great) About Our Eight: Episode 152Real Talk About High School (With A Real Teen!): Voices 71 With Meagan’s Son WillOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Come 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 ItalyYou may enjoy Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448 about Sarah traveling out of the country with the familyMeagan opened a bookstore in July 2023 and talked about it in Books & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445Meagan’s family bookstore (Paper Mill Books in Manistique, MI) can be found on Instagram @papermillbooksOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 419Read Meagan’s recent blog post The Complicated Reality of Parental PrideSend us your #proudmomma moments– we’d love to hear them!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 443House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340You 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 websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you 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 HawthorneInside the Lives of 3 Working Moms: Voices 02Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41Listener Questions (Working Mom / SAHM Edition): Episode 142Meagan & Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives: Episode 140Check out the blog post “How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money” by Jennifer Carroll.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 WaterNon-Alcoholic BeerHOP WTRPartake BrewingAthletic BrewFULSparkel Beverage System for making sparkling waterEnglish Breakfast Tea to start the dayAllulose Sweetener to sweeten drinksRambler Yeti Water bottleSarah’s Favs:Sparkling Waters: Spindrift Lime and Mint and LaCroix Sparkling WaterStarts the day with Trader Joe’s Fairtrade Organic Five Country Blend14 Oz. Ember Mug is the mug of choice for hot beveragesOXO Cold Brew Coffee MakerLMNT electrolyte drink mix (a current podcast sponsor!) and Nuun electrolyte mixHydro Flask water bottleFever Tree mixersEpisodes that pair well with this one:More Than Mom: BeveragesMore Than Mom: Cheers!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 TalkSarah uses this Beeswax Base to treat wooden surfacesCreate a Gallery Wall with MixtilesEpisodes from the archives on home decor:Home Décor & Dining Out: Episode 77More Than Mom: Spring Décor & Home Pick-Me-UpsSeasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesMore Than Mom: Outdoor Décor & Patio StyleMore Than Mom: Décor NostalgiaOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 InstagramGet to know Jennifer Carol and follow her on InstagramKindergarten Parent Primer: Podcast Episodes & Blog Posts from the archivesOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For 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 419School Decisions Feel Like a LOT (Here’s What To Keep In Mind): Episode 298School Volunteering That Fits Your Personality: Episode 245Tips For Starting (Elementary & Middle) School: Episode 221Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 TeenagersParent 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 311OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With 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 BowmanSarah shared her European Travels with her family in Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 450More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)More Than Mom: Products We’re Loving LatelyHome & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246Cleaning Products We Can’t Live Without: Episode 346Sarah's Products:Costco Sports BraCeraVe Daily Moisturizing LotionAutoSleep AppDuolingo AppThrive Cosmetics Tubing Mascara is making a mess of Sarah's bathroom; any suggestions?Painless Learning PlacematsMeagan's Products:Wool X LeggingsElf PrimerFlamingo Face RazorsCubii Under The Desk Elliptical Aveda Shampoo and ConditionerSun Touchable White GlowGlossier Lip ColorsHappy Feet Socks Listeners! Anyone have an Oura Ring? Email us your thoughts!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 454OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer 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 summerSarah has found the books The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey and How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims very motivating to encourage kids to get outside their comfort zones. Sarah heard Martha Beck talking about brain science on Glennon Doyle’s podcast We Can Do Hard ThingsRead our Contributor Joanne’s blog post, “This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard ThingsOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 archivesDo 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 LaborEmotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290Episodes from the archives on FoodFamily 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 pastOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With 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 InstagramKatie mentioned an episode of The Frugal Friends podcast, No Spend January, that spurred her mindful spending monthEpisodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:Saving Money On Food And Groceries: Episode 3517 Ways We’re Saving Money This Fall: Episode 277Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies: Episode 55Katie mentioned the family amusement park Hersheypark which is located in Central, PennsylvaniaCatie mentioned this Arboretum outside of ChicagoKatie chatted with Sarah about planning her 2023 Disney World Vacation in Disney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410Catie 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 websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee 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 LINKSEpisodes from the archives that pair well with this one:How We’re The Same (And Also Different)Meagan & Sarah Interview Each OtherWhat We’ve Learned From Each OtherTraveling As Business BestiesOur Childhood CrushesAsk Us Anything!Sarah mentioned this episode: Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not: Episode 364The Behind The Scenes of the Podcast Episodes:Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes Of Our PartnershipMore Than Mom: Making The Podcast (Then vs. Now)More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes & Business UpdatesBehind The Scenes (How We Make The Podcast): Episode 91Other Helpful Links:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re 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 LINKSA 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 websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s a 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 314OMG We’re Sick AGAIN?!: Episode 389Uggghhh…Sick Days: Episode 75Stuck At Home? Us Too. Here Are Some Ideas: Episode 252Check out the blog post, 8 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!)OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 436More Than Mom: #InfluencedMore Than Mom: Social MediaYour Media Diet: Is It Healthy? Episode 03Meagan’s family bookstore (Paper Mill Books in Manistique, MI) can be found on Instagram @papermillbooksOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parents 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 LINKSSarah referenced this PBS NewsHour article explaining this year’s FAFSA issuesEpisodes from the archives on College:College Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College LevelBONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureSarah 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 EmotionsOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join 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 MomentsSarah mentioned the episode More Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard StuffMore Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice is an episode from the archives that pairs nicely with this one.Read Meagan’s writing on SubstackBlog Posts Related To Writing:How I Started WritingHow To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending MoneyListen to The Tea’s Made podcast episode featuring Sarah discussing Our Cozy & Creative SpacesOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New 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 cookerMeagan’s Pulled Pork, 5 Ways blog postSarah’s family loves this Trader Joe’s Microwavable Spanish RiceMeagan mentioned her word of the year is “Beans” which is explained in this Substack postMeagan has her own personal take on this Moo Shu Pork Bowl recipe from Hello FreshEpisodes From The Archives On Feeding A Family:A Week Of Real-Life Dinners: Episode 336A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 305A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you have 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 InstagramFollow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on InstagramJoanna trained her new dog at The Dog WizardHere is a helpful article, Should I Get A Dog from the American Kennel ClubJoanne’s custom dog bookmark from EtsyJoanne rescued her dog from Heavenly Angel’s Animal RescueJoanna received this custom, search-and-find your dog bookJoanna mentioned this rescue organization in Dallas, TexasEpisodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:More Than Mom: Pets!All About Family Pets: Episode 71Pandemic Puppies, Foster Kittens & A Small Animal Pet Debate: Episode 286Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 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 435On “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We talk about cooking a lot, but not always about the tools that make cooking easier or more fun. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Today, Meagan and Sarah are talking about the tools and gadgets we love the most (and which ones we could do without). Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes that pair well with this one:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Our Fantasy KitchensSmall Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenCheck out our new blog post which contains our Contributors favorite kitchen gadgets and gear!Sarah loves her Burr Coffee GrinderProducts That Have To Do With Food Prep:Mixing Bowls with Airtight LidsGood Grips 5 LB. Food ScaleKitchenaid Stand MixerKitchenAid Pasta RollerProducts We Cook WithDutch OvenMeater Digital ThermometerRice CookerCaraway Saute PanCaraway Baking SheetCuisinart Immersion BlenderSmall Silicone SpatulasOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meagan has big news. Sarah has alllll the questions. Join us for a fun dive into all the plans and details!About Our SponsorsFearless FinanceFearless Finance provides on-demand, comprehensive financial planning – it’s a new way to get financial advice without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors. Get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code MOMHOUR at fearlessfinance.comVionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going.  Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shippingLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeWe mentioned other episodes where we share personal news while couching it in a larger context, such as:Self Care As Self-Preservation: Episode 104Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not.: Episode 364Eric found a vintage wedding ring set from Gesner Estate Jewelry on EtsyFollow @meaganfrancis on Instagram or sign up for email updates at meaganfrancis.com to stay in the loop!Episodes from the archives about Meagan’s journey to finding love after divorce:More Than Mom: Finding Love After DivorceDating & Romance (For Single Moms & Married Ones, Too!): Voices 45More Than Mom: Dating As A Divorced MomMeagan’s Divorce Update (One Year Later): Episode 150Managing Stress and Uncertainty with Divorce Coach Jessica Ashley: Voices 15Meagan’s writings about finding love after divorceWhy I Bought A Camper Last Week (On Moving On After Divorce)Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Becoming a mom as a teen or young adult years comes with unique challenges (and also some sweet memories!). In today’s episode, Meagan and regular contributor Kia compare our personal experiences as young moms and explore how young motherhood shows up in parenting our own teens and young adults. We also compare notes on fourteen-year-old girls and share our love of big families and grown sibling dynamics. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything.  Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1Fearless FinanceFearless Finance provides on-demand, comprehensive financial planning – it’s a new way to get financial advice without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors. Get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code MOMHOUR at fearlessfinance.comLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:Follow Kia on InstagramEpisodes of The Mom Hour featuring Kia:What’s New In Baby Gear & Baby Shower Registries: Voices 77 with Kia Hammond and Katherine DeVriesReal Stories About Postpartum Mental Health: Voices 74 With Emily Roark And Kia HammondPreparing Kids (Of All Ages) For A New Baby: Voices 67 With Kia HammondKia wrote the following blog posts for The Mom Hour Community:How A Postpartum Nurse And 4th-Time Pregnant Mom Packs Her Hospital Bag.Preparing Your Preschooler For Big Kid School ExperiencesHow I’m Navigating This Sports Season With LittlesContinue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From music and timers to one-touch rules and baskets for EVERYTHING, moms are beyond creative when it comes to getting kids to help clean up. In the latest episode in our House Rules series, Meagan and Sarah share dozens of smart ways moms in our community make tidying up with kids a little easier. Join us for this grab bag of tidying up strategies you can try with your family!About Our SponsorsHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkout.VionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shipping.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:Here’s a link to the Facebook thread where you all provided your House Rules for Tidying Up.More from our House Rules Series:House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340House Rules For Halloween: Episode 335House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314Please take our 2023 Listener Survey!Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring brings with it pretty flowers, warm sunshine and fresh scents…and also bugs, rain and mud. In today’s More Than Mom, Meagan and Sarah get in the mood for spring by comparing how our different climates show up for the season, how we lean into spring in our homes, and what our outdoor spaces have to show off this time of year. We also reflect on how spring is a full sensory experience and chat about bringing the outside IN to spruce up our homes. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsVionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shipping.Hiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkout.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:We’d so appreciate it if you’d take our 2023 Listener Survey! And thanks to all who have done so already!Sarah enjoys an Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea in the springtime.Sarah mentioned the episode Getting Rid of Stuff: Episode 402.Don’t forget to listen to our episodes Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One) and Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part Two).Below is a list of episodes from the archives you might enjoy if you liked this one!More Than Mom: Outdoor Décor & Patio StyleMore Than Mom: Décor NostalgiaHome Décor & Dining Out: Episode 77Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesContinue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the memberSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Want to get ahead before the May madness sets in? Do these things now and set yourself up for a less stressful summer! In Episode 412 Meagan and Sarah return for the second in a two-part series with tips from our own lives and from The Mom Hour community, including identifying micro-seasons within your longer summer plans, anticipating shifts in kids’ sleep patterns, and saving money this summer by recognizing what you probably WON’T do this summer. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsScholastic, Inc.Best Wishes 2: The Sister Switch is the second book in the Best Wishes series, a humorous, heart-warming series about a magical wish-granting bracelet that gets mailed around the country to different girls. Learn more and order your copy today!RitualRitual is formulated with key nutrients, including Vitamin D3, to help fill gaps in the diet. Ritual is now available for women, men, and teens, scientifically developed to help support different life stages including their bestselling prenatal multivitamin. Get 10% off your first three months at ritual.com/THEMOMHOURLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One): Episode 411Please take our Listener Survey! It’s really helpful for us to get a more holistic idea of what’s top of mind for all of you in parenting.Check out Kelly Hampton’s summer bucket lists!Episodes from the archives focused on summer:Simple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359Preparing Kids (And Ourselves!) For Summer IndependenceA Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms Reset: Episode 315(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263It’s Time To Plan For Summer: Episode 201Here’s a link to the Facebook and Instagram threads where you all provided your “do this now; enjoy summer later” suggestionsContinue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer has a funny way of sneaking up on us. Whether you’re a plan-it-all-out mom or a go-with-the-flow mama, there are things you can do now to set your summer up for more joy and less stress. Join us for the first episode in a two-part series as Meagan and Sarah share some of our well-earned experience and practical tips (plus some from The Mom Hour community!) for prepping for the upcoming summer season. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1VionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shippingLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This Episode:Please take our Listener Survey which we use to plan content, find brand partnerships that match up with your lifestyle, and continue to evolve our brand Thank you in advance for your support!Here’s a link to the Facebook and Instagram threads where you all provided your “do this now; enjoy summer later” suggestionsDon’t miss what’s new on the blog: 7 Picture Books To Spring Your Family Into Climate ActionA few episodes from the archives are great companions to today’s episode:Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359More Than Mom: 8 Calendar Planning Lessons We’ve LearnedA Just-Structured-Enough Summer Schedule For KidsSimple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the member questions)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking kids to Disney should be a magical experience, right? From meeting Mickey to flying on Dumbo, memory-making abounds. But LOTS of planning and strategizing goes into all that magic, and LOTS of parenting challenges present themselves inside the park gates. Today Sarah chats with Katie Gouldner from The Mom Hour team about the weeklong Disney trip she’s planning for later this spring. From rope-drop strategies to how to land the best dining reservations–it’s a lot! Katie then looks to Sarah for her best Disney parenting tips and advice for navigating long days at the parks with littles. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsVionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shippingHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkoutPinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeYou can get to know more about Katie Gouldner on instagram at @katiegouldner.We talked about how to use Genie+ for navigating long lines at various attractions at Disney. Learn more about this service in this article.Katie mentioned a few Disney-focused podcasts that’s helped her plan her family’s first trip.Rope Drop Radio (advice for which rides to use Genie+ for and what to rope drop in the parks)Addicted To The Mouse (great dining reviews)Here’s a link to all Dining at Disney World.Learn more about the four Disney World Parks and the two Disneyland Parks if you are on the fence about planning a trip to one or the other!Katie mentioned Hersheypark in this episode, which is a great amusement park for families.Disneyland With Littles: Where To Splurge, How To Save & How I Really Feel About Mouse Ears a blog post written by Katherine Devries has great info if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland.Meagan wrote About “Those Parents” At Disney in 2019. Check it out.Sarah recommends downloading the My Disney Experience App prior to your trip to get familiar with how to place food orders, average wait times, and more.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s go deep on the fluffiest of topics: personal adornment. In today’s More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our approaches to everyday jewelry, special gifts and heirloom pieces, jewelry trends and finding our personal styles. We also talk about where we like to buy jewelry, how motherhood seasons have intersected with accessorizing phases, and what our storage wins and woes are these days. Join us!About Our SponsorsFearless FinanceFearless Finance provides on-demand, comprehensive financial planning – it’s a new way to get financial advice without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors.Get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code MOMHOUR at fearlessfinance.comAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1VionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shippingScholasticGeared toward tweens and early middle schoolers, Nat For Nothing is great for fans of The Babysitter’s Club, Smile, and Real Friends. It gets right to the heart of middle-school stuff: friends, frenemies, crushes, self-doubt, and figuring out who you really are. Check out Nat For Nothing by Maria Scrivan wherever books are soldLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeMeagan referenced the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie with Julie AndrewsIf you enjoyed this episode, you may like these from the archives!Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateMore Than Mom: The State Of Our Style, One Year Into COVIDState Of The Style Situation, Head To Toe: Episode 139Sarah typically purchases earrings from Lucky Brand and has purchased dainty style jewelry from (past podcast advertiser) Ana LuisaMeagan loves Mata Traders, whose founder Meagan interviewed on Mother of ReinventionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s our Podcastaversary (yep, we just made up a new word)! Today we are celebrating eight years of The Mom Hour by reflecting on some of your most-asked questions over the years. Beyond recurring queries like “should I have that third baby?” or “what’s the ideal spacing between kids?,” we’re digging into some deeper through-lines that point to the fears, insecurities, and hopes of our community. We also provide snapshots of the many places we have recorded our 640+ episodes (the floor, the bed, different states and more). Join us!About Our SponsorsFearless FinanceFearless Finance provides on-demand, comprehensive financial planning – it’s a new way to get financial advice without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors. Get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code MOMHOUR at fearlessfinance.comPinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentCare.comCare.com makes it easy to find local, experienced, and background-checked childcare to help manage your family’s ever-changing needs. Sign up at care.com/book and see why over 3 million families use this amazing platformHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkoutLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeIf you want to take it WAY back to March of 2015, you can listen to The Mom Hour’s Very First episode, Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01.Sarah mentioned the episode Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396.Sarah just finished reading Tiny, Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed which is a compilation of the author’s Dear Sugar articles over the years.Here is a great list of Dear Sugar’s quotes in one place.The Mom Hour Listener Community Page on Facebook is a helpful space to vent or to ask moms for advice.Meagan’s reading Laura Tremaine’s book Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First (this is an affiliate link) which encourages people to be open up and be vulnerable with others.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bowling. Bonfires. The mall (no, really.) And board games (maybe?). What’s fun for our families right now looks quite different than it did years ago, so today Meagan and Sarah revisit an oft-discussed hot topic on The Mom Hour: family “fun.” We share several ideas for ACTUALLY FUN family activities that work for our current seasons, as well as some gripes about things that feel like they should be fun but aren’t. Join us!About Our SponsorsPinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentFearless FinanceFearless Finance provides on-demand, comprehensive financial planning – it’s a new way to get financial advice without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors. Get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code MOMHOUR at fearlessfinance.comPrep DishPrep Dish is a mom-owned business, created by our friend Allison, who is a registered dietician and a chef. When you sign up, every week Allison will send you meal plans, shopping lists, and prep instructions that allow you to prep healthy meals ahead of time for the week. To get two weeks of meal plans FREE, go to PrepDish.com/themomhourScholasticWhen Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left is a collaboration between bestselling illustrator Peter H. Reynolds and debut author Marc Colagiovanni. It features beautiful art and creative wordplay that remind all of us readers of the power we have to direct our own path. When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left is available now wherever books are sold!Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeOther deep-dives on what’s fun and what’s absolutely not include:We Hate Fun! (Okay, Not All Fun) (Episode 10, which later re-ran with a fresh take as Episode 109)What We Do For Fun In 2021 (More Than Mom)“Supposed To Be Fun” Activities That Just Aren’t (And How To Have Fun On Your Terms) (Episode 342)We Love Fun Now! (Or Do We? (Episode 215)Don’t forget to check out what’s new on the blog!Fun & Practical Easter Basket Ideas Your Kids Will Love by Sandy HsuYes, YOU Can Coach Youth Sports! by Jennifer Carroll8 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!) by Emily RoarkHow To Survive (And Even Enjoy) Playing Board Games With Kids: Episode 112 pairs nicely with today’s episode as we talked a good bit about board games today!Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It isn’t always easy to appreciate the mundane tasks of our daily lives, or to see the glass half-full when something goes awry. Inspired by yet another social media trend that had us scratching our heads at first (and then reflecting in spite of our forty-something selves), today Meagan and Sarah talk about situations from our own lives where we romanticized the hard stuff to get by. Join us!About Our SponsorsAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1VionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shippingFearless FinanceFearless Finance provides on-demand, comprehensive financial planning – it’s a new way to get financial advice without all the headaches, high fees, and commitments that come with traditional financial advisors. Get $50 off your first planning meeting when you use the code MOMHOUR at fearlessfinance.comLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeSarah recommends reading this New York Times article to better understand the phrase “romanticize your life.”Meagan read a newsletter article by our friend Amy Clark of Mom Advice which inspired this episode.Meagan interviewed Melody Warnick about placemaking, and how making a commitment to communities helps romanticize the hard stuff. Listen to the MOR episode on this topic!Sarah is rereading the book How To Raise An Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haimes (This is an affiliate link)We’d love to hear from you about how you’re romanticizing the hard stuff in your life! Email us at [email protected] the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Worrying as a mom is a universal experience (and, spoiler alert: it never REALLY goes away). Today Meagan and Sarah look back over the years on the worries that surface most often in our community. Going by the questions we get from listeners, moms worry a lot about safety (our kids’, our own, the state of the world); and we also worry about WORRY (are we worried about the “right” things? is our worry creating anxiety in our kids?). Join us as we revisit these questions and more with that well-worn reminder: it’s (probably) all going to be okay.About Our SponsorsEveryPlateEveryPlate, is America’s best value meal kit and can be a great tool to help you save money and make mealtime easier. For just $1.49 per meal, go to everyplate.com/podcast and enter code themomhour149CarawayCaraway makes non-toxic pots and pans, bakeware, teakettles, and food storage containers – all in gorgeous colors. Visit Carawayhome.com/THEMOMHOUR to take advantage of this limited-time offer for 10% off your next purchaseVionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shippingPinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeJanine asked how to deal with anxiety around kids staying physically safe in Episode 110 (2017) .If you find yourself worrying about the physical safety of your children, you may want to check out Episode 12: What Does ‘Free-Range Parenting’ Really Look Like? It can give you another perspective!Avery’s question “What things in the beginning of motherhood did you feel were super important, but as you had more children they became less important” was originally featured in Listener Questions: Episode 110.Sarah recommended the episode More Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About: Episode 265Theresa’s question about flying originally appeared in Listener Questions (Vol. 18): Episode 199.A mom who worries about her boys growing up and moving away first aired in Listener Questions (Vol. 30): Episode 303.April asks Meagan and Sarah how to stay updated with the news without over worrying in Listener Questions (Vol. 22): Episode 240.Shannon wonders how to best keep things moving along while she’s struggling with anxiety in Listener Questions (Vol. 33): Episode 318.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pitching, submitting, and financial uncertainty: the writerly life isn’t easy before kids come into the mix, but as a writer-mom it’s even trickier. In today’s episode, Meagan chats with contributor and full-time professional writer Joanne Ruelos Diaz to talk all things writing. We discuss how we each landed in this career, how we balance motherhood and writing, our hopes for the future and some advice about how to dive in to this creative outlet, whether it’s for personal or professional goals. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsScholastic, Inc.Acorn books help build confident readers, and ultimately develop a lifelong love of reading. There’s a series for every reader, with themes like friendship, humor, magic, dragons and even horror-lite. Acorn books are available wherever books are sold!Care.comCare.com makes it easy to find local, experienced, and background-checked childcare to help manage your family’s ever-changing needs. Sign up at care.com/book and see why over 3 million families use this amazing platformPinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkoutLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeMeagan mentioned the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (this is an affiliate link).Meagan mentioned the book The Way Of The Fearless Writer by Beth Kempton.Want to learn more about Joanne? Follow her on Instagram, check out the work she’s done on her website, and order her book “The Little Book of Joy.” (This is an affiliate link)Check out some of the blog posts Joanne has written for The Mom Hour:How I’m Decluttering My Brain In 2023Emergency Room Visits With Kids: What I Wish I’d Known, Packed, Said & DoneFast Five: The Dinner-Table Game I Play To Connect With My Kids“This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard ThingsWatching My Friends’ Teenagers On Instagram Led To The Stuffed Animal OlympicsYou can find more on Meagan’s writing projects below:Read some of Meagan’s personal writing on her website.Catch up on some articles from Meagan’s magazine Reinvent.Meagan wrote the book “The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets To Enjoying Motherhood.”If you’re interested in reading more about midlife motherhood, you can purchase Meagan’s January/February Reinvent Magazine.If you’re looking for more information about writing, you may want to listen to More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice or read the blog post “How I Started Writing.”Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you ever find yourself dreaming of a creative outlet or pursuit outside of your day-to-day life? Maybe you've thought about becoming an artist, opening a coffee shop, or even starting your own podcast! In this episode, Meagan and Sarah are talking about some of our dream businesses--and we include some from our team of contributors, too! Plus, Meagan gives an update on her actual new business endeavor that started as a dream and is turning into reality this year. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1.VionicVionic has the most supportive shoes…ever. Their arch support technology is designed for all-day wear, so that your feet can be comfortable no matter where you are going. Go to vionicshoes.com/themomhour for free shipping.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeYou heard from our contributors Emily, Joanne and Jayme in this episode. You can learn more about them on our contributor page. Meagan mentioned the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (this is an affiliate link). You can follow along with Meagan's journey of renovating a building and opening a book store at @papermillbooks or @themillmanistique on instagram. You can support Meagan's bookstore at this link.In this episode of Mother of Reinvention Meagan chats with her sister Kathreen about taking the leap to buy a building and open a book store (with their significant others).Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have "mom mission statements"? Pillars or values that guide your parenting and ground your confidence when its shaken? We didn't - but now we do! In Episode 405 Meagan and Sarah offer up our personal motherhood mission statements by finishing the sentence "As I mom I...". Join us!About Our SponsorsHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkout.PinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentRitualRitual is formulated with key nutrients, including Vitamin D3, to help fill gaps in the diet. Ritual is now available for women, men, and teens, scientifically developed to help support different life stages including their bestselling prenatal multivitamin. Get 10% off your first three months at ritual.com/THEMOMHOURCare.comCare.com makes it easy to find local, experienced, and background-checked childcare to help manage your family's ever-changing needs. Sign up at care.com/book and see why over 3 million families use this amazing platform.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeSarah loves the book Catastrophic Happiness by Catherine Newman, a memoir about the middle years of motherhood (this is an affiliate link). We are open to an episode about Family Mission Statements. If you have an idea for that, or an author or idea for it, send us an email!Don't miss our LIVE episode on Instagram in our subscriber community on February 22! What’s Helping Me Put My Phone Down (And Keep It Down) by our contributor Stacy Bronec is new on the blog (and a great read!).Loving this episode? Here are a few that pair nicely with today's topic:What REALLY Matters In Parenting? Episode 386Self-Improvement & Self-Acceptance In Motherhood: Episode 3738 Truths Every Mom Needs To Hear: Episode 369What Are Your “Mom Superpowers”?: Episode 44Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

UR Cute. Be Mine. XOXO. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone (and happy birthday to Sarah)! No better day than today to talk all things kids, crushes, and budding romance. Join us as we discuss parenting kids through crushes, romance, and relationships, how much our kids share with us about their love lives, what we think about adults projecting romance onto toddlers and preschoolers, and what we hope for future relationships with our kids’ partners. We also throw in a few of our childhood Valentine’s Day memories and have a VERY serious discussion about conversation hearts. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsCozy EarthCozy Earth’s bath collection comes in a variety of soothing and serene colors and features ultra-absorbent and durable bamboo bath towels, mats, and washcloths. Save 35% with promo code THEMOMHOUR at cozyearth.comPinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentFutureThe Future app is a new way to do one-on-one personal training that’s all about custom workouts and unlimited support — whenever, wherever, and however you need it. Visit tryfuture.com/momhour to start your 30-day, risk-free trial of Future todayStitch FixStitch Fix makes shopping for clothes so easy. Take a style quiz, then Stitch Fix’s expert stylists will find items exclusively for you. Keep what you love and send back what you don’t. Go to stitchfix.com/themomhour to get $20 off your first purchaseLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeMeagan mentioned reading L. M. Montgomery’s The Story Girl. (This is an affiliate link.)Meagan read about the history of Conversation Hearts in this article.Looking for more episodes on love, relationships and romance? Here are some of our faves from the archives:Dating & Romance (For Single Moms & Married Ones, Too!): Voices 45More Than Mom: Finding Love After DivorceMore Than Mom: Partners & PersonalitiesMore Than Mom: Our Childhood CrushesMeagan wrote Love, dating, and healing after divorce – Sunday Morning Tea if you’re looking for more Valentine-y content this week.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Accepting and embracing the body changes that come with motherhood and midlife isn’t easy – and it’s a challenge that listeners write to us about a lot. While the conversation is (and must!) be nuanced, and the prevailing wisdom on this topic constantly changing, today we’re taking it on the only way we know how: from personal experience. Join Meagan and Sarah for an honest exchange about what body confidence means to us (spoiler: it’s not all about weight or size), where we feel self-conscious and what we’ve let go of, and what we appreciate about our midlife bodies. Join us!About Our SponsorsCozy EarthCozy Earth’s bath collection comes in a variety of soothing and serene colors and features ultra-absorbent and durable bamboo bath towels, mats, and washcloths. Save 35% with promo code THEMOMHOUR at cozyearth.comAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1PinnaPinna is the only audio on-demand streaming service for kids 3-12, with podcasts, audiobooks, and music all in one safe place with no ads, and no staring at a screen. Just listening. Go to pinna.fm/promo and use the promo code THEMOMHOUR for 50% off your first annual paymentEveryPlateEveryPlate, is America’s best value meal kit and can be a great tool to help you save money and make mealtime easier. For just $1.49 per meal, go to everyplate.com/podcast and enter code themomhour149Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeMeagan and Sarah first visited this topic in Body Confidence As A Mom: Episode 99Sarah has shared her gray hair growout progress on InstaMeagan mentioned a book by Donna Fahri, a yoga instructor who wrote the book Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit where she talks about the importance of being able to do everyday movement with easeMeagan interviewed Zeena Dhalla (an IRL friend of Sarah’s, too) about Living in Alignment in episode two of The Mother Of Reinvention podcastContinue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A peek into pantry cupboards reveals a lot about how a family lives and the season of life they’re in. Today Meagan and Sarah open our own pantry doors and chat about what we see: from dry goods staples to kid-approved snacks and some things that are “just for mom,” we’ve got small joys and pesky frustrations in the pantry – just like any other area of the house! We also discuss the “ingredient household” TikTok trend that has moms reflecting on how they grew up and how they’re feeding their families. Join us!About Our SponsorsPrep DishPrep Dish is a mom-owned business, created by our friend Allison, who is a registered dietician and a chef. When you sign up, every week Allison will send you meal plans, shopping lists, and prep instructions that allow you to prep healthy meals ahead of time for the week. To get two weeks of meal plans FREE, go to PrepDish.com/themomhourFutureThe Future app is a new way to do one-on-one personal training that’s all about custom workouts and unlimited support — whenever, wherever, and however you need it. Visit tryfuture.com/momhour to start your 30-day, risk-free trial of Future todayCarawayCaraway makes non-toxic pots and pans, bakeware, teakettles, and food storage containers – all in gorgeous colors. Visit Carawayhome.com/THEMOMHOUR to take advantage of this limited-time offer for 10% off your next purchaseCozy EarthCozy Earth’s bath collection comes in a variety of soothing and serene colors and features ultra-absorbent and durable bamboo bath towels, mats, and washcloths. Save 35% with promo code THEMOMHOUR at cozyearth.comLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeThis viral TikTok video made its way to Instagram and inspired this episode. Do you live in a snack household or an ingredient household?A great companion to this episode is What’s In Our Fridge and Freezer Right Now: Episode 381Meagan mentioned Burples which were popular in the 80sSarah remembered coveting other kids’ SqueezitzMeagan and Sarah love the OXO Pop Top Containers (affiliate link) for pantry essentialsSarah loves her bamboo tea box organizer, similar to this one (affiliate link)We both have this rice cookerMeagan mentioned this recipe for Chicken Tagine with Apricots and AlmondsContinue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big black trash bag energy is in full effect over here! In this episode Sarah is joined by contributor Joanna Martin for a conversation about how, why and what we are getting rid of this January. We talk strategic home resets, major junk-hauling, and tips for ongoing clutter maintenance. And while on the surface this episode is about physical stuff, we also acknowledge the emotional complexity that surrounds getting rid of stuff. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkout.FutureThe Future app is a new way to do one-on-one personal training that’s all about custom workouts and unlimited support — whenever, wherever, and however you need it. Visit tryfuture.com/momhour to start your 30-day, risk-free trial of Future todayAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeFollow Joanna’s 2023 home reset progress in this highlight on her InstagramJoanna follows Kathryn Whitaker on Instagram for inspiration for home declutteringJoanna enjoyed the book Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider (affiliate link)Sarah’s recent decluttering involved 1-800-Got-JunkWe discussed consignment stores like Once Upon A Child and Kid To Kid, which have locations in several states, as well as Thred Up for online consigningSarah liked using Pickupplease.org which is available in many cities to schedule a pickup donation.Joanna loves to follow Kate Strickler’s Naptime Kitchen account on instagram and enjoyed The Home Reset, a practical course by Naptime Kitchen created for decluttering and organizing a home.Both Sarah and Joanna use Buy Nothing to get rid of stuff.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does solitude come naturally to your kids, or are moments of solo play far and few between? Meagan and Sarah read some research recently that challenged us to think about the importance of alone time, and whether our kids get enough. In this episode, we dive into our own childhood memories, how our children embrace (or run from) solitude, and how challenging it is to find that just-right balance. Join us!About Our SponsorsStitch FixStitch Fix makes shopping for clothes so easy. Take a style quiz, then Stitch Fix’s expert stylists will find items exclusively for you. Keep what you love and send back what you don’t. Go to stitchfix.com/themomhour to get $20 off your first purchaseChatbooksChatbooks is the easiest way to make photo books! The books come in different sizes, with beautiful cover options and binding styles, and prices start at just $15. Head to themomhour.com/chatbooks for a special offerLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeSarah and Meagan referenced the article in The Atlantic titled How Much Alone Time Do Kids Need? by Faith Hill, published in November 2022.Have you checked out our Merch Shop?! We’d love to see you with some Mom Hour gear. Please share photos of you with our merch and tag us on social!The best way not to miss a blog post is to sign up for our newsletter.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With all the day-to-day planning required to run a household, it’s easy to put longterm planning on the back burner. Today Meagan and Sarah share lessons we’ve learned (or are still learning) that help us look ahead at a whole year, quarter, or month at a time. From knowing ourselves and our seasonal rhythms to figuring out where they keep next year’s school calendar, we’ve picked up a few things over the years, and we’re ready to dive in for 2023. Join us!About Our SponsorsFutureThe Future app is a new way to do one-on-one personal training that’s all about custom workouts and unlimited support — whenever, wherever, and however you need it. Visit tryfuture.com/momhour to start your 30-day, risk-free trial of Future todayMintedMinted is marketplace for independent artists who create all kinds of things: home decor, table linens, journals, stationary, and original art. Visit themomhour.com/minted to check out some Minted products we’re eyeing right now – plus some great deals just for youFableticsFabletics has the most stylish activewear, and a VIP subscription is a great way to re-build your workout wardrobe and stock up on cute, comfy basics. Head to themomhour.com/fabletics to get 2 bottoms for just $24Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeOn Wednesday, we’ll be LIVE on instagram for our subscribers only. Go to our instagram page to subscribe to hang with us!Did you enjoy this episode and want more on planning? Here are episodes from the archives All About Planning:Oh Hey, It’s May. (End Of School Chaos): Episode 365How Planners Plan: Voices 68 With Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-UngerStaying Organized & Motivated As A Full-Time Working Mom: Voices 44 With Sarah Hart-UngerProductivity & Time Management Tips For Mom: Episode 169Episodes from the archives to help plan your summer:It’s Time To Plan For Summer: Episode 201(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning: Episode 359Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e good times, come on! Today’s episode is number 400! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate hitting a big podcast milestone than talking about how we honor birthdays and milestone celebrations in our families – especially as kids get older. Join Meagan and Sarah as we offer insight into making birthdays special for big kids, tweens and teens; how kids getting older hits us differently as moms, too; and how honoring big kid milestones gets tricker, but still gives us all the feels. Enjoy!About Our SponsorsAthletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1.REINVENTThe new name for Meagan’s community for midlife moms is: REINVENT – and it also ties in with the name of her new bimonthly magazine! Go to meaganfrancis.com/bonus to get both a 20% discount on an annual membership to the REINVENT Community AND a free issue of REINVENT magazine.Hiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkout.The Essential CalendarSee a whole season at a glance in a stylish poster that hangs on your wall – AND help support a mom-owned business and our podcast at the same time! Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR or use this link: theessentialcalendar.com/themomhour. When you do, we’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeGreat News! You can now listen to all 630 Episodes of The Mom Hour in your favorite podcast app!This episode pairs well with EP 166: Last Firsts & First Lasts (Milestones We Notice, And A Bunch We Miss)Sarah referred to Episode 364: Talking About Our Own Kids Or Not which sheds some light about how we decide what to share (and not) about our kids on the podcast.Check out our latest blog where we share some of our Team’s Best of Oldies episode recommendations.Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New year, new you…or, maybe just a bit of new energy? Every January we are bombarded with content about goal setting, resolutions, simplifying things and planning out our calendar in detail for the entire year. And while some years January finds us ready to dive in head first, other years we need a bit of inspiration before getting our New Year’s juices flowing. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share how we’re using the first weeks of 2023 to reflect on the past and gently start to look toward the future. We share what we are doing, thinking about and consuming to help us set the stage for a great year. Join us!About Our SponsorsPrep DishPrep Dish is a mom-owned business, created by our friend Allison, who is a registered dietician and a chef. When you sign up, every week Allison will send you meal plans, shopping lists, and prep instructions that allow you to prep healthy meals ahead of time for the week. To get two weeks of meal plans FREE, go to PrepDish.com/themomhourFutureThe Future app is a new way to do one-on-one personal training that’s all about custom workouts and unlimited support — whenever, wherever, and however you need it. Visit tryfuture.com/momhour to start your 30-day, risk-free trial of Future todayCarawayCaraway makes non-toxic pots and pans, bakeware, teakettles, and food storage containers – all in gorgeous colors. Visit Carawayhome.com/THEMOMHOUR to take advantage of this limited-time offer for 10% off your next purchaseChatbooksChatbooks is the easiest way to make photo books! The books come in different sizes, with beautiful cover options and binding styles, and prices start at just $15. Head to themomhour.com/chatbooks for a special offerLinks We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeCheck out the latest episode of the Mother of Reinvention podcast that’s all about Meagan and Sarah’s personalities and how our personalities impact the way we make plans and see the world. And if you want to listen to the extended conversation, consider joining Meagan’s community for midlife moms, REINVENT!For bullet journaling inspiration, Sarah loves Meghan Splawn’s “planner not planner” approach to creating her own notebook spreads, and loves looking at artistic weekly spreads like this one, this one, this one, and this one.Sarah was drawing super boring monthly calendar grids until she saw examples like this, this, this, this, and this.Meagan plans to work her way through organizing her home throughout the entire year. To hear more about how she plans to tackle her Laundry Room, listen to Episode 398: The Laundry Awards.Sarah listened to the audiobook Calm Christmas And A Happy New Year by Beth Kempton that includes a pdf for reflecting on the past year. There’s also a Calm Christmas Podcast if you want to take a listen. Beth’s motivational style is very gentle and cozy.Sarah always gets Big Life Journal’s Goal Setting printables for her kids each year – this year they even ASKED for them!Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laundry is is a constant: it’s truly with us every day, week, and month of the year. In this first episode of 2023, Meagan and Sarah focus in on the laundry systems and strategies that are working (or not) in our homes, plus our favorite products, the grossest things we deal with, what’s great (and weird) about our laundry rooms, and how seasons of life change the challenges of keeping up with the laundry. If you wear clothes – or live with people who do – this episode is for you. About Our SponsorsThe Essential CalendarSee a whole season at a glance in a stylish poster that hangs on your wall – AND help support a mom-owned business and our podcast at the same time! Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR or use this link: theessentialcalendar.com/themomhour. When you do, we’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.REINVENTThe new name for Meagan’s community for midlife moms is: REINVENT – and it also ties in with the name of her new bimonthly magazine! Go to meaganfrancis.com/bonus to get both a 20% discount on an annual membership to the REINVENT Community AND a free issue of REINVENT magazine.Stitch FixStitch Fix makes shopping for clothes so easy. Take a style quiz, then Stitch Fix’s expert stylists will find items exclusively for you. Keep what you love and send back what you don’t. Go to stitchfix.com/themomhour to get $20 off your first purchase.FutureThe Future app is a new way to do one-on-one personal training that’s all about custom workouts and unlimited support — whenever, wherever, and however you need it. Visit tryfuture.com/momhour to start your 30-day, risk-free trial of Future today.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeMeagan recommends the book Laundry Love: Finding Joy In A Common Chore for a great reference for changing up your laundry game in the new year. (This is an affiliate link.)Sarah gives her laundry product MVP award to this flexible laundry basket.Meagan’s MVP award goes to this square laundry basket.If you loved this episode, check out episode 167 from the archives “Loads And Loads (And Loads) Of Laundry!The holidays tend to make our minds go on overdrive. Our contributor Joanne Ruellos Diaz has a great blog post about how to declutter your brain in 2023!Next week’s episode will be all about goal planning for 2023. We hope you’ll join us!Continue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As work-from-home moms, we’re perpetually seeking comfort and warmth during the winter months – stopping JUST SHY of living in pajamas 24/7. If your cozy winter wardrobe needs an update or you’re itching to do some post-Christmas shopping, listen to Episode 397 for Meagan’s and Sarah’s cold-weather fashion faves. Join us!About Our SponsorsHiya HealthHiya is a daily children’s vitamin that’s stronger, cleaner, and tastier — made from a blend of 12 farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and 15 essential vitamins. For 50% OFF your first order go to hiyahealth.com/MOMHOUR or enter code MOMHOUR at checkout.Athletic GreensAG1 by Athletic Greens is the category-leading superfood product, bringing comprehensive and convenient daily nutrition to every body. The AG1 powder from Athletic Greens is lifestyle-friendly whether you eat keto, paleo, vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free, and contains less than 1 gram of sugar, no GMOs, no nasty chemicals or artificial anything. Go to athleticgreens.com/momhour for a year’s supply of Vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase of AG1.MOR CommunityMeagan’s Mother of Reinvention Community is a private, members-only space designed to support and encourage midlife moms as they answer the question: What’s next? Get a 20% discount on an annual membership to the MOR Community at meaganfrancis.com/bonusThe Essential CalendarSee a whole season at a glance in a stylish poster that hangs on your wall – AND help support a mom-owned business and our podcast at the same time! Save 10% with code THEMOMHOUR or use this link: theessentialcalendar.com/themomhour. When you do, we’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have) In This EpisodeMeagan’s Cozy MentionsMeagan’s loving her Vuori pants in a wide-legged drawstring style, a jogger, and a harem pant.Sweater favs? This alpaca wool sweater and cashmere batwing sweaters from Quince!Meagan added this green sweater dress and this date-night dress to her wardrobe paired with Sheertex tights.The Gwen tall boot from Vionic has been Meagan’s ride-or-die this winter (Vionic is a sponsor – get free shipping with code THEMOMHOUR)Meagan got some new Land’s End jammies on recommendation from a friend.Harper Wilde Bliss BrasSarah’s Cozy MentionsFavorite pants right now are from Lululemon Like New and she manages to exit the home Old Navy jogger-style PJ pants and style them as if they are NOT pajamas.When in the house, she’s 100% in these J Crew Factory Slippers!Current shoe faves are the Breilin Sneaker in Vapor from Vionic (Vionic is a sponsor – get free shipping with code THEMOMHOUR), and the Ecco Women’s Soft 7 SneakerOne of her fav sweaters is close to this one from Lunya.Sarah also has the Cassie Knit Cardi from Jane (affiliate link)For layering purposes, Sarah has had good luck with Target’s Merona line or this Madewell Tank – but could use a few more recommendations!Don’t miss Chaunie’s new blog post Care For yourSELF In 2023 With These 9 Products To Manage AnxietyContinue the conversation:Instagram | Private Facebook Community (be sure to answer the membership questions!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

You've got holiday parenting questions, and Meagan and Sarah have answers. In this very merry Listener Questions episode, we tackle things like how to make the magic happen for your littles while traveling and spending Christmas at grandparents, how to coordinate and facilitate sibling gift giving, how to keep a curious kitten (or two) out of the tree (this is our reality this year!) and suggestions for how to handle the post-holiday blues of packing away Christmas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Got resentment? Managing anxiety? Filled with hope? You're not alone. The holidays provide a colorful snack platter of emotions - many of which we experience within a single day (or even moment!). Today it's our honor to bring you the voices of eight moms, each of whom explores a different holiday feeling: anticipation, overwhelm, nostalgia, grief, anxiety, wonder, resentment and hope. In addition to our contributing voices, Meagan and Sarah also chat about our own hopes and feelings about Holiday Season 2022. Grab a cozy warm beverage and settle in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planning a festive, event-filled holiday season but worried about having the budget to make it all come together? Meagan and regular contributor Lisa Payne join forces in today's episode to share how we stretch our budgets in order to create all the behind-the-scenes magic that takes place in our divorced households with large broods. Join us for all our best tricks (and our Mom Hour Facebook Community's tips) for hitting your food, travel, decor, entertainment and gift budgets this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Mom, is Santa Jesus's grandpa?" If you've found yourself in the (somehow surprising?) position of Adult In Charge Of The Holidays, you too might be on the receiving end of kids' questions about what's going on, exactly, with all these rituals and traditions. The answers don't always come easy, because even as adults it's not always obvious how (or whether) to carry our own family of origin's traditions into a new generation, how to merge faiths and cultures with our partners, and how to explain it all meaningfully to our kids. In today's Voices episode, Sarah chats with three members of The Mom Hour team about bringing traditions forward from the past, creating new ones that feel right for right now, and navigating interfaith and intercultural dynamics. It's a vulnerable, nuanced, and sometimes funny topic, and while we don’t pretend to have every aspect represented or covered today, we invite you to join us as we learn a little from one another! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planning, shopping, wrapping...Oh My! Today we're featuring YOUR genius House Rules for gifting and giving this holiday season. We chat creative ways for extending the fun on the big day (without more buying), self care for mom after a wrapping marathon, what Santa brings (and doesn't), how to handle extended family gift giving, AND gifts from the cat (yep, you read that correctly). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can't we all just get along? (Or maybe, more accurately: Can ANYONE, EVER, just get along?) From playground drama to cousin power dynamics, sibling bickering to neighborly awkwardness, there's no avoiding relationship challenges as families grow, change, and evolve. Today's episode brings together some of the common questions we've gotten from listeners over the years about helping kids learn to play well and fight fair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The toy catalogs have arrived and the lists are being made! It's normal for kids to wish and want all season long, and it's ALSO normal for all those "gimmes" to get on parents' nerves (or make us worry that we're raising entitled kids!). In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah talk about what it looks like to help kids cultivate gratitude (it's a long game, trust us), how to allow them to hope and wish while providing reasonable expectations, and how to model accepting gifts with gratitude and grace. Most of all we're here to normalize this tension between greed and gratitude in kids: It's not you. It's not them. It's just not YET. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trader Joe’s. Yoga. Book Club. Cute boots and crunchy leaves. Today Meagan and Sarah just want to know: “Are we basic?” Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode with deep thoughts on this totally fluffy topic, including a look back at different eras in our lives when we’ve been trend-averse and other times when we’ve embraced mainstream culture. We talk about how it’s not as easy as it sounds to “like what we like” and leave it at that, why Midlife Lady Basic is different from youth culture (duh), and how, at the end of the day, we’re all just humans who like and dislike certain things, right? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Being sandwiched between the littles and the grandparents who love them isn't always easy - and there's no one right way to do it! Today we're tapping into the tips, advice and wisdom of our community on a topic we've had a lot of request for: facilitating and nurturing grandparent-grandkid relationships. In this Episode, Meagan and Sarah share practical things moms can do to facilitate the relationships we want our kids to have with their long-distance and in-person grandparents. We talk through your ideas for using modern technology to help kids connect with grandparents, making time with grandparents extra special, and how to encourage the one-on-one bonding with less of a presence from mom and dad. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length of time you know that Meagan’s harbored some serious homesteader fantasies since her early 20s. Nearly 25 years after Meagan’s oldest was born, she’s finally living outside the city limits, and slowly making her “Little House on the Prairie homestead dreams” from long ago come true (well, sort of!). In this episode, Meagan interviews Kendra Martin from the Homesteady Podcast about how she lives off of 100 acres of land with her husband and six children. Kendra shares how she manages to homestead AND homeschool and what their family has in store for their future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Million dollar sick-kid question: "are they going to school today, or not?"! After two fall seasons impacted by pandemic schooling in all kinds of ways, Fall 2022 appears to be The One Where The Children Are Sick ALL THE TIME. In today's episode Sarah and regular contributor Jayme validate (and commiserate) about the plight of kids picking up every possible virus this fall, and offer practical tips for managing kids home with common childhood illnesses. (In addition to having a toddler and a preschooler, Jayme is also a nurse by training and a physician-spouse, so she comes with some legit background...and lots of real talk.) Hang in there, mamas! You are not alone in your wellness struggles, and hopefully next fall will be a little less hard! 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 Meagan and Sarah can both get pretty into personality tests, particularly the Enneagram. In this fun More Than Mom we have an in-depth conversation about personalities in general (not just the types and tests!), especially as they relates to our significant others (and how they do or do not mesh with ours at times). We discuss how our different personalities play out in our relationships, the ways we reframe our differences, and reflect on our own challenging personality traits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Halloween through New Year's we're given opportunities to create new traditions and fulfill holiday wishes - sometimes of our own design and, increasingly as kids get older, sometimes at our kids' behest. This week Meagan and Sarah talk about the bell curve of holiday parenting: the early influence we have over just how things look and what fun is had, the middle dip as we learn to let go and kid-life dominates, and then the later years when we get to reclaim some control and design a season for our own desires. None of it is all-good or all-hard; but it changes over time and we're here for your pre-holidays 2022 motherhood pep talk - wherever you find yourself on that curve. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From bedtime fears to big kid bed transitions, nightwaking big kids and second thoughts about co-sleeping, we've covered a lot of sleep challenges over the years. Today we're bringing together some of the most common pain points our listeners have brought to us about SLEEP, complete with updated commentary and a fresh take on what sleep challenges are like with tweens and teens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While there's a lot of value in setting goals and intentions at the start of a new year (and in revisiting and tracking progress throughout the year), sometimes the intentions we set months ago aren't serving us the way we had hoped. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah revisit what we said we wanted to do and ways we hoped to grow in 2022, reflect on how we've done so far, and share how some intentions shifted over time. We also realize that sometimes life surprises us with growth we hoped for...just not in the way we thought it might happen. And that is OKAY. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When an article or study claims that a certain parenting approach is "best" or is "matters most," how does that make you feel as a mom? Meagan and Sarah have thoughts, starting with this: assuming that every family defines "parenting success" the same way is a tricky proposition. In Episode 386 we dive deep into research-based parenting advice and, specifically, how parenting data as published in articles and studies impacts our day to day decision-making as well as our mom-confidence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you love everything about Halloween or mildly dread some of the excess (sugar, stuff, events, oh my!), today's episode is meant to give you permission to find the traditions and celebrations that work for your family. Regular contributor Joanna Martin is back on the show to interview Sarah about how the Powers family has done Halloween over the years. Later in the episode Sarah chats with Diane Boden, host of the Minimalist Moms podcast about how a scaled-back approach to harvest season works in her family. Happy October, friends! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that school routines are underway, we're going deep into the details of lunch packing - with the help of our team! In Episode 385 Meagan and Sarah call on the experience, perspective and real-life lunch packing advice of five moms from around the country, whose lunch-eating kids range in age from two to sixteen. We touch on lunch packing pain points, tried-and-true ideas for each food group, and some of our must-have lunch packing accessories. We hope that a peek inside the bento boxes of other families will both validate that you're already doing a great job (yes, even if you send the same thing every day!) AND infuse your lunch packing with some easy new ideas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh, you bought THAT carseat? Your third grader has a cell phone? Wow, you really give your kids freedom! No moms we know are immune from feeling judged, or criticized, or called out by comments from others (even if it's mostly in our heads!). In Episode 384 Meagan and Sarah discuss our own insecurities and vulnerabilities when it comes to parenting. We share our specific insecurity triggers, plus offer ideas for what to think about BEFORE your insecurities get activated, what to say IN THE MOMENT when someone makes a comment, and what to remember AFTER you’ve had an experience that makes you feel judged. We hope you find this conversation comforting; you are not alone! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you found some renewed energy now that the season is changing and the kids are back in school? Now is the perfect time to start some tiny habits to make the most of that fall mojo! Today, Meagan and Sarah share some of our small habits that are making a big difference for us this fall, along with the driving principles behind them. While some habits impact our morning and bedtime routines (like skin care, water before coffee and learning Finnish), others are woven into our busy weeks whenever we get the chance (like picking up and reading the local paper). And never forget: while we may seem like we have it figured out at times, some areas of our lives are still chaos, this fall and always. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching kids life skills around money isn't as straightforward as, say, teaching them how to order a pizza or do a load laundry. Not only are there different ways to approach each topic - from allowance and paying for chores to saving and charitable giving - but money is also incredibly emotionally-charged and often complicated by our own life experiences (ahem, baggage). Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on how our upbringings impacted our financial points of view, and the challenges we face when it comes to teaching our kids good money habits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Separation anxiety - but make it for moms! Today we're talking about the feelings and experiences that come up when we're separated from our children, whether it's for a couple of hours or many days. Meagan and Sarah look back on what separation felt like as new moms, how the tears at preschool drop-off years are sort of the worst, and why we both can go into "out of sight, out of mind" compartmentalization pretty easily when we're not with our kids. We also discuss how much information we like to have about what our kids are up to when they're away from us, and whether it helps or hurts to get a peek into their lives away from us. Whether you're getting ready for your first caregiver handoff or sending an adult off to college, this episode is for you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been a while since we talked about books and reading! These days Meagan identifies as a total bookworm and Sarah as more of a modest reader in terms of quantity - during other seasons of life we've been just the opposite. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share how our reading habits ebb and flow, where and how we find new books to read, and specific titles we've read so far in 2022. Cozy up on the couch as we dive into some of our weirdest, quickest, fluffiest, unfinished, most educational and inspirational books we've been reading lately. Whether you're an avid reader yourself, or just want some books talk by osmosis, enjoy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your fridge neat and tidy inside with organized compartments, or is it more like a game of Tetris? Taking a peek into someone's fridge can tell a lot about the season of life they're in, and in today's episode, Meagan and Sarah are opening ours for you! We cover the things we love and hate about the fridge models themselves, the items inside that make us cringe, what see in the fridge that makes us feel proud, and much more! Plus, Meagan looks for advice about how to better utilize her garage fridge, Sarah shares a meal prep fail, and we play a fun game of "in the fridge or on the counter" for food staples in our homes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fall is just around the corner and while some of us look to classic markers like crisp air, sweatshirts and chili, others - especially those in warm-weather climates - have to work a bit harder to make a mindful shift into a new season. In today's Voices episode (and in a fun hot seat role-reversal!) our contributor Katherine DeVries interviews Meagan about seasonally-led parenting and homemaking. Meagan and Katherine share seasonal activities we enjoy with our kids (and some we avoid), tips for bringing seasonality into home decor (without breaking the budget), ways to change up your cooking routine depending on the time of year (we're looking at you, farmer's markets), and ideas for getting through long stretches of dreary weather. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Empty your lunch box! Wash your hands! No screens before homework! What non-negotiable rule do you enforce when the kids walk through the door after school gets out? In our latest "House Rules" episode, Meagan and Sarah tackle the time between when school-age kids get home and the onset of dinner and bedtime. We asked our community for rules, systems or routines that make the after-school time just a bit easier (having a rule can be pure magic because it takes the pressure off of mom!), as well as what small rituals help with reconnecting and decompressing after school. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we WILL be talking all about motherhood today, we WON’T be talking about mothering any humans. In this one-of-a-kind episode, Meagan and Sarah talk motherhood through the lens of caring for chickens and kittens! If you've been following us on instagram, you know we've been busy welcoming 23 chickens (Meagan) and two newborn kittens plus their lactating mama (Sarah) into our lives. We share how similar (and different) animal babies and mamas are compared to our own families (and how we just can’t help but assume human thoughts are happening in these creatures' minds). Join us to find out why Meagan compares her roosters to bad 80’s sitcom dads and why Sarah gets reprimanded by mama cat! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Got any empties? You know the ones–those products that you use down to the VERY last drop. In this super fun More than Mom, Meagan and Sarah share products that we simply can't stop adding to our cart because they’re just THAT good. We cover all of our go-to skin care and makeup products, our can't-live-without clothing essentials, candle obsessions and much more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're invited to our accidentally-annual-grab-bag chat! In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah have a good-old fashioned girl chat to catch up on all the things. We share our late summer moods (one of us is very ready for school to begin; one of us likes August to linger), our planned social media breaks (we'll be back in September, promise!), trips we've taken this summer, creatures living on our properties (cute kittens and chickens) and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The back to school season brings that sense of routine that some of us crave–but it can also bring on a whole lot of anxiety (getting the right supplies, attending all the events, filling out paperwork…the list goes on!). In this Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done episode, Meagan and Sarah reflect on all the things we’re glad we did to ease the transition into this season and also some things we could have done differently (or that we plan to try this year!). We share what to do with all those school supplies from one year to the next (Meagan is genius, really!), our approach for communicating with teachers, our thoughts on homework, how we plan to hold onto summer JUST a little bit longer this year, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When to get kids their first cell phone brings up all kinds of questions: How do you know when your child is ready? How to talk to kids about safety? How to help kids develop a healthy relationship with their phone? Social Media? Phone etiquette? (The list goes on!) In today's episode, Sarah welcomes back her friend Dr. Catherine Pearlman to talk about kids and technology--specifically the learning that happens when kids start to navigate their own personal devices, like phones. Today Catherine helps us navigate the new and murky waters of personal devices for our kids and answers some of your burning questions about first phones. Plus, stick around for a short conversation Sarah had with her own 9- and 12 year-olds about what THEY think about this topic! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

College decision-making is influenced by so many things--parents, peers, teachers, family members, your larger community and more. And as with everything else: all families approach this differently! While some bleed their alma mater colors, others don't see college as the only option for helping launch kids after graduation. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah have an open-ended conversation about the role college played in our own stories, our family-of-origin culture, and the narrative we're shaping for our kids now. We also give you a peek into our educational paths, how we made those decisions and how our eight kids perceive the idea of college today. This is a topic close to home for Meagan as she prepares to send Will off in the next few weeks to start his own journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are Meagan and Sarah’s best tips for getting kids started with their first phone? And with a new school year right around the corner, a mom asks how to prepare her child for the first day of kindergarten and looks for some fun traditions to help celebrate back to school. The “bigger kids, bigger problems” stage arrives early for one listener’s family, and she looks for strategies for maintaining her mental health and other relationships while they navigate tough times. Lastly, a mom of bickering siblings sets us up for a lively discussion about whether it’s mom’s job to prevent kids developing a complex or identity stemming from their birth order and sibling roles. In addition to our own thoughts, we tap the wisdom of our contributors as we tackle your listener questions in Episode 375. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s a mom to do when one kid feels left out of outings his younger sibling gets to do while he’s at school? A listener about to move to a new city for just one year wants tips for finding mom friends quickly, and another listener’s question about how common it is for moms to feel the need to keep spirits up in a family with moodier characters really gets Meagan and Sarah thinking about their own families. Finally, a newer listener is curious about Meagan’s backstory of young motherhood and journey to becoming a mom of five. In Episode 374 we take these questions from our community and – for the first time! – include words of wisdom from members of our contributor team in addition to our own advice. 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 talking about advice: asking for it, giving it, and consuming it in general. Things have come a looong way since the days of Dear Abby (we're looking at you, Facebook crowdsourcing!), and in this fun More Than Mom conversation, Meagan and Sarah share how we individually show up when it comes to receiving advice, whether we're comfortable giving advice, and how it all has changed for us over the years. We also discuss our mutual fascination with advice-column culture and parse the difference between seeking wise counsel from trusted friends and looking for quick answers from the Internet hive mind. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We get dueling messages from our culture: On the one hand, come as you are! Accept yourself fully, imperfections and all. On the other hand, you deserve better! Here's what to do (and buy) to sleep better, eat better, look better, and feel better. It can be confusing to navigate a genuine desire to live your best life alongside the necessary self-acceptance it takes to feel like you're doing enough today. Do we have this figured out? We do not, but today we're here to talk about it. Meagan and Sarah share what self-improvement AND self-acceptance look like for them in the reams of wellness, career, mental health, and leisure - plus we reflect on what this balance has looked like at different seasons of motherhood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan's first baby shower was - wait for it - twenty-five years ago this summer. To bring her up to speed on how things are done nowadays and what's new in baby gear, gifting, and registries, Meagan is joined by Kia and Katherine from our contributor team. Both are seasoned moms who have seen trends evolve, and both have had babies much (much) more recently. Join us as we talk about the pros and cons to today's baby product landscape, what's changed and what hasn't, and what we'd do differently when registering for our very first baby shower. Kia and Katherine also share their must-have product recommendations and registry favorites while Meagan puts it all into context for us. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"How do you know when your family is complete?" is one of the most common listener questions we receive. Meagan and Sarah both now have several years of hindsight separating them from the baby and toddler years, and today we're reflecting on the idea of a "complete" family unit. We acknowledge that it doesn't necessarily look like what we imagined it would - and that for many moms there is uncertainty and even grief wrapped up in all of this - but we also find much to celebrate about the current and future states of our proverbial "family tables". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

Most of us enjoy having a clean and tidy home, but have you ever kept track of how much you do throughout the week to keep it that way? In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share what seven days of real-life housework looks like in our homes. We reflect on the tasks we knew went into running a home, and some surprising ones we thought of as housework before (like picking plums and chasing chickens!). Whether you prioritize deep-cleaning on a regular schedule or tend to tidy as you go and hope for the best, it’s eye-opening and gratifying to acknowledge the work that goes into managing a home full of kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you travel with kids, it’s just a matter of time before a trip goes off the rails in spectacular fashion. Maybe it’s a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, or an expensive vacation spent sick in a pricey hotel room. Today Sarah is joined by Catie, Stacy, Emily and Lisa – regular contributors to the show and seasoned travelers with a combined 13 kids – who share their most memorable travel mishap stories. (Full disclaimer: there will be puke-talk.) In sharing these stories, we hope to normalize that travel with kids doesn’t have to go perfectly to be “worth it” and remind you that you’re not alone if this summer’s adventures go awry. Plus, one of the only perks to surviving stories like these is that we get to laugh about them later. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As moms, we can be hard on ourselves…and sometimes we just need to hear the simplest, oft-repeated pieces of advice and encouragement to remind us that it is all going to be OK. Join Meagan and Sarah for a reflection on eight pieces of wisdom that have carried us through motherhood struggles at every age and stage. We are offering them to you, to ourselves, and to all of our future selves in Episode 369. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever fantasized about attending a camp-like environment for grown-ups? Much about the classic summer camp experience is appealing to us (though not EVERYTHING--we could certainly do without the bugs), and the idea of simply showing up for a perfectly curated experience without any responsibility, or planning, sounds AMAZING. Listen to this fun More Than Mom to hear all of our must-have activities (like food and wine tastings, yoga, personal style consults and more!), things that would be a hard no (like swimming in the gross, murky lake or participating in corny, guided crafts) and our daydreams about creating a Mom Hour Retreat (maybe someday?)! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Among parents, technology and screen time can be a loaded topic. How much is too much? Is that movie too mature? And what's the best age for a first phone? In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share the role technology played in our families when kids were little, and reflect on how things changed as they grew. We discuss the tech parenting choices we still stand behind today, and with hindsight, what we could have done differently. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are big benefits to getting kids outside as much as possible. But as a mom to young kids, it can feel intimidating to curate the perfect outside experience for them (and you)! In this Voices episode, Meagan chats with regular contributors Jayme Sherrod and Jennifer Carroll about ways to weave nature into your family's routine. Both Jennifer and Jayme love the outdoors, but their approaches to getting outside with young kids are very different; listen to get their best tips and must-have gear for successful outdoor family adventures. Whether you are looking for encouragement to take baby steps to get kids outside regularly or some inspiration to try bigger adventures, you’ll love this conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the last day of May, which means that for many families it's time to stow away backpacks, say 'see ya later' to early morning alarms, and settle in for a more laid-back (or at least DIFFERENT) routine. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah tap into the wisdom of our community and share your simple summer rituals and traditions for filling summer calendars with fun - without totally throwing structure out the window. Enjoy this mashup of sweet, family rituals along with clever house rules to help you prepare for summer days ahead! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Products. Just because. Yay! Meagan and Sarah pop into your Sunday feed with a light and fluffy chat about the products we are loving lately. From linen pants to fizzy beverage makers, pens for lefties and Very Many Opinions About Mugs, we cover our latest can’t-live-without products in this fun More Than Mom episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between the raging hormones, sleep deprivation, and overstimulation that occurs on the daily, it's no wonder most moms feel a little "off" for a few weeks after delivery. But how do we know when the baby blues develop into something more? In this episode, Sarah chats with contributors Emily Roark and Kia Hammond, who share their personal postpartum mental health journeys, including how they recognized signs of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, when and how they got help, and which coping strategies worked best. We also get into preparing for mental health support during subsequent pregnancies, how the COVID upended mitigation strategies for pandemic babies, and more. We hope you'll join us for this important conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Performances. Plays. Graduations. The lusty month of May is upon us as we ditch our well-oiled, calendar-planning systems and enter our end-of-school-year survival mode. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah share strategies for tackling the extra-ness of this season (like death by a thousand emails), setting intentions for the next few weeks and the many lessons May tries to teach us year after year (maybe someday we will learn?). Enjoy this May madness roundup as you dream of the peaceful, calm days of summer ahead (Ha, wouldn't that be great!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As moms, we are our kids' biggest fans. But when it comes to deciding when, how and what to share about them with others, the struggle is real. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah discuss how talking about our own kids in a public forum gets tricky as they get older (think bigger kids, bigger problems) - and not just for the reasons you might think. Join us for a real conversation about navigating the ever-changing seasons of motherhood and how we think you can be honest and authentic without sharing *everything* going on inside your four walls. We wrap up with some updates on our specific kids (all eight!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms are savvy consumers, conscientious home managers, and discerning decision-makers. So why are we so often the target of hyper-generalized and cringey marketing efforts? In today’s More Than Mom episode - airing on Mother's Day! - Meagan and Sarah keep it light (and a bit snarky ?) as we vent about the sloppy intent, terrible puns and ridiculous stereotypes advertisers use to market to us moms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has your reading life come to a screeching halt due to the responsibilities of motherhood? In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan welcomes back blogger, podcaster, and book club leader Amy Clark, to discuss how a busy mom can take small steps to create a readerly life. We discuss all the hacks for finding the time to dive back in (think TikTok’s #sundayreset for inspiration!) and a neat tool for finding the perfect book to match your mood. Amy also shares how reading can help you "find your people" during your current season of life. This episode is for anyone looking to fit more reading into their lives (in little and big ways). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crouching. Bending. Stooping. The magical, ninja-like way you lay a baby down in the crib without waking her up; the feeling of wet, sloppy gums on your knuckles as he teethes. In Episode 363, Sarah and Meagan reflect on the muscle memories associated with the repetitive motions of early motherhood. Some bring back all the warm fuzzies and others make us shudder (looking at you, nipple-biting babes), but we promise, this episode will bring the memories flooding back. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between our kids’ school schedules, extracurricular activities, and social plans, we spend a lot of time driving them around. And when they get older and start driving themselves, a whole new world of independence (and issues) presents itself. In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah talk about how we use car time to connect with our kids and how we handle some of the challenges that crop up over time, from crying babies and sibling squabbles to sensory overload and car sickness. Buckle up! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sports and extracurriculars are picking up this spring, and two different listeners have questions about what age to start kids in activities and how to budget for this part of family life. We take a question about “gentle parenting” that leads into an in-depth discussion about discipline philosophies and finding the approach that works for your family. Finally, a busy mom of three has the chance to get help from neighborhood “mother’s helpers” and wants our guidance on how to make the most of the extra sets of hands. Meagan and Sarah offer validation, support, and encouragement in another Listener Questions episode this week – join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

English cottages, sunny greenhouses, cozy cabins, and professors’ offices. What do these spaces have in common? They all evoke an essence we wish we could recreate in our own spaces. Join Meagan and Sarah as we reveal our twinkle-lit, midlife-lady dream spaces . . . even if we may never have them. We talk about our actual homes, too, and our romantic visions vs. reality. Plus we imagine nap rooms (yes, please) and opening The Mom Hour satellite offices in our favorite fantasy locales. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of big kids is going back to work full-time and wondering how to prepare her family. A toddler needs to brush his teeth and take vitamins, but hates it; should Mom force it? A lucky listener now has two pantries and is looking for tips on optimal organization for kitchen items and back stock storage. Finally, a teacher mom is stuck on how to balance school behavior and discipline at home. For today’s episode, we’re answering these questions from our community together in person (woohoo!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Settle in for a books chat! Sarah is joined by two guest co-hosts from our contributor team today: Joanna and Katherine. Both are former educators and avid readers, here with lots to say about books. We touch on our reading lives as moms, what we’re reading lately, and how and when we prefer to do our reading. Then we dive into book recommendations for kids – starting with babies and moving all the way up through teens. This episode is for anyone who loves to read or aspires to read more – grab a warm beverage and join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we imagine the "refrains of motherhood," poetic sweet-nothings of love and encouragement come to mind. In reality? The words that come out of moms' mouths on repeat are a little more... normal. And that's OK! We're here to normalize being normal. In Episode 360 Meagan and Sarah highlight the best of our communities oft-repeated phrases--everything from clever quips to 1,001 different ways to say "No". We love how universal mom-speak is in the end, and we're marveling over the clever ways moms find to talk to their families. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calling all experts . . . OR at least those who have been there, done that, and are willing to share their thoughts. In this week's More Than Mom episode, we're flipping the script and sharing our own challenges in the hopes that our smart, skilled, and seasoned listeners have the solutions we need. We're stuck when it comes to a variety of topics such as home organization, the care and keeping of living things, hair maintenance, and sibling bonding screen time. Can you help? Listen and let us know! 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 looking back on past summers and remembering the choices we appreciate and the ones we regret. This is a fantastic episode to listen to if you're starting to plan your summer! We cover family traditions, camps, childcare, travel, and overall philosophies for fun (with boundaries). There's a fine line between unstructured leisure time and going off the rails, and hopefully our reflections will help you find the right balance for your family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We know what it's like to be a teen because we were all teenagers once, right? Well, not quite. In this month's Voices episode, Meagan is joined by her son, affectionately nicknamed "Good Ol' Reliable William" to discuss life as a teenager. As a 18-year-old wrapping up his senior year, Will walks us through the nuances of 9th-12th grade, shares some high school memories, and reveals what he's looking forward to. He also schools us all on what adults don't get about being a teen . . . and Meagan explains what balancing a checkbook is. Together, we bond over the universality of struggling to appreciate where you are in the moment. Listen 'til the end to hear Will's message for moms who are (and will be!) raising teenagers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

Language leaps, school milestones, growing bodies . . . a lot happens on the journey from toddler to big kid! Join Meagan and Sarah as we try to capture the true essence of ages two through eight. We'll talk through each year, sharing memories of our own kids and observations from all the little ones we've known. There are ages that feel like major transition points and many times where kids' skills don't quite match up with their wants. If you're parenting in the trenches, looking ahead at what's to come, OR looking back with us, we think you'll love this one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From day camps to sleep-away camps, playdates with new friends to sleepovers with grandparents, summer vacation can be a great time for your child to hone their independence skills. But it can be scary, too. Sometimes a health issue, disability or allergy can make our kids seem especially vulnerable. Sometimes we’re just not sure they’re ready to take that next significant step in self-sufficiency. So how do we balance guarding them from harm with encouraging their growth? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From packing and organization to sleep arrangements and laundry, there are a million little things that can make or break a family trip. This latest episode in our travel series is a collection of our community's best tips and cleverest hacks for traveling with kids of all ages. We cover what to bring, where to put everything (including your people!), efficient strategies, and how to stress less. Sarah talks about moving hotel furniture, and Meagan shares a surprising hideaway to sneak in some alone time. Whether you're See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether for work or for fun, flying is a travel experience that's full of details, decisions, and preferences that can have a major impact on how enjoyable (or not!) it is. In today's More Than Mom episode, we're continuing our travel conversation to chat about how we find the perfect balance between timing, cost, stress, and comfort. We spill on our baggage preferences, security line personalities, how our small regional airports impact everything, and more. Plus Meagan tells a story about running to her gate, and we also share our favorite travel snacks and accessories. Whether you miss flying, dread flying, or have never flown before, we think you'll find this episode (and deeper peek into our personalities!) a fun ride. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does it feel like everyone else (but you) is going on fancy vacations all the time? Will your spring break look more like a staycation than a sandy beach? Social media seems to make it worse, but the envy that arises when looking at someone else's vacay pics is as old as time! In this episode, Meagan and Sarah are busting some common travel myths and talking about how to deal with the feelings that sometimes pop up when all your people are (seemingly) jetting off to one fun destination after another. We also chat about how to make memories closer to home and how being intentional about stepping outside your normal routine can matter way more than the dollars you spend. If you need some downtime--minus the guilt or a giant price tag--this episode is for you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We hear about the benefits of movement and exercise for our own physical and mental health - but kids are just ... NATURALLY active, right? Turns out the answer is a bit of a Yes, AND.... In this month's Voices interview Sarah chats with former professional beach volleyball player, personal trainer, coach, and mom of three Larissa Maloney about the physical and mental benefits to keeping kids active throughout the day. We talk about the difference between traditional organized sports and a more holistic approach to active lifestyle, the brain and body benefits to moving our bodies, and how fun games and activities can get the whole family moving without feeling like an obligatory "workout." Larissa also shares how growing up a competitive athlete and natural risk-taker led her to take big risks in sports, business and life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

News flash: the babies born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are turning two! Their little lives have been marked with fear, stress, sadness . . . and, undeniably, also joy. In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah are joined by seven moms from our team sharing about their remarkable babies and this historic time they've entered the world. You'll hear different perspectives on how real moms have handled situations like introducing their babies to other people, venturing out into the world, and the little moments that made them think, "Wow, this is a pandemic baby!" Even if you didn't have a baby in the past two years, you're sure to appreciate this reflective episode - the first in a two-part series - as we honor the hard and celebrate the specialness of pandemic babies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you've known them since they were babies or they're part of a crew always hanging out at your house, there's a special relationship that can form between you and kiddos that aren't your own. In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah are chatting about the "mom vibe" we're going for, little ways we adjust behavior (both kids' AND ours), and what happens if a child isn't a great fit for our fam. Meagan also shares what it's like to cultivate meaningful connections with teenagers and grown nieces and nephews. So get comfy, and join us for this heartwarming episode . . . Meagan's passing out blankies, and Sarah's got the good snacks! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan's current romance sitch is a topic we get questions about from curious listeners, so today we're giving an update, beginning with the meet-cute to end all meet-cutes! Since then, it's been more than a two-year journey (through Covid, no less!) as Eric has gone from a "Person You May Know" on Facebook to Meagan's "Special Man Friend." Sarah asks Meagan how they're handling sticky stuff, like dating someone with kids, grown-up sleepovers, moving in together (or not), and sharing holidays. And Meagan shares what she loves about Eric and the common ground that connects them. Lest you think this episode is all about warm fuzzies, we also toss in a goodnatured Super Bowl rant and take a moment to figure out Meagan's real age. This day-before-Valentine's, More Than Mom episode is sure to put a smile on your face--and lend some hope and comfort to our dating-mom listeners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you feel like your grocery bill has been creeping up, you're not crazy. Food prices have been rising for a while, and unlike other areas of your budget, groceries definitely fall solidly into the "need, not want" category. So how DO you spend less money on food when you're feeding a family? In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah get honest about the areas where our food spending starts to spiral out of control, as well as how we approach leftovers, generic products, pantry inventory, and family-favorite cheap-o dinners. We also share some smart tips from an actual budget expert (ahem, not us). Make sure you listen 'til the end to hear Meagan's best tip! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mothers, in general, are experiencing pandemic-related isolation and stress; Black women, in particular, are in crisis. From access to fertility treatments and pregnancy support to delivery complications and postpartum health, disparities around race impact Black mothers throughout their lives. In our latest Voices episode, Meagan speaks with Monique Dozier, licensed therapist and founder of Journey to Genesis Mental Health Services. Monique shares the questions we should all be asking ourselves AND the specific actions we can take to stand hand-in-hand with communities of color. She also reminds us that educating children is an important step in creating a legacy of inclusivity, and shares some of the many joys of being a Black mother. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With rising prices, many of us are looking for big and little ways to cut back on expenses and spend wisely in 2022. Being smart about when, where, and what you buy AND how you use it adds up to make a big difference in your bottom line. Meagan and Sarah are sharing their best, budget-friendly ideas for everything from clothing and toiletries to furniture and decor. Plus, they share a few times where taking the free advice of a professional helped them save big bucks . . . and Meagan talks about poopy laundry. (Gross, funny, but informative!) We'll be chatting food and groceries next week, but for frugal tips on everything else, this is the episode for you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of four seeks advice on siblings who are like oil and water. Another listener asks Meagan and Sarah how to manage preschool-age brothers who are possessive with their toys. An exasperated mom is desperate for the secret to unlocking peaceful car rides. (Aren't we all?) And finally, a mom with a new baby has an inkling it's time to reign in the screen time with her older kids, but wonders how she'll get anything done without it . . . and if her kids can fight through the boredom. Sibling dynamics pop up again and again in this latest batch of listener questions. If you're a mom of multiple kids, you're sure to relate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Internet gets a bad rap - and sometimes (okay, a lot of the time), it's justified. But as with most of the "controversial" topics we discuss, we think there's room for complexity. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share some of the positive outcomes from our online experiences, and how we've evolved as grownups and moms as the Internet itself has changed. We talk about the skills we've learned, the real-life friends we've met, and the things we never would have discovered otherwise! Plus, Meagan shares a screenshot of a wackadoo product with Sarah in real-time--and her reaction will have you clicking that link in our show notes at warp speed. This reflective episode is a little bit sweet (thanks to a lovely listener voicemail!) and a little bit funny. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A longtime listener asks Meagan and Sarah how to handle kids who have come to expect big fun all the time. A young mom feels dismissed by older moms and authority figures, and also asks for our tips for managing a kid with a quirky obsession. A mom of a preschooler is stumped on how to respond to her little guy's tall tales, fibs, and white lies--and how to sort fact from fiction. Finally, even though we haven't been in her shoes, we encourage a twin mom who's expecting triplets (yes, triplets!) and feeling nervous about about how she and her toddlers will cope. Join us for the latest installment of one of our favorite series--listener questions! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes, it's the small things that have the greatest impact--like a wall hook precisely where your kid needs it or the exact right size and number of laundry baskets for your family. In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah are sharing easy home hacks and perfect products that are making their lives just a little bit less aggravating. As busy moms, too often, we just deal with the minor annoyances that seem trivial . . . until we're grinding our teeth because the charger we need is missing (yet again!) We hope that listening to this episode will help you identify the persistent frustrations in your own home and inspire you to brainstorm some solutions. Yes, it might mean spending a few extra bucks or recruiting a helping hand, but we promise: The long-term satisfaction is so worth it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that we're officially IN the new year, we're thinking about our hopes and goals for 2022. From physical health to mental health, habits to focus areas, heavy stuff to totally frivolous, Meagan and Sarah share the ways we want to challenge ourselves this year, ways we want to go easier on ourselves, and the ways we plan to invest both in our own growth and in others around us. We'll be revisiting this topic to see how we're doing in about six weeks, so be sure to check back in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Digital task mastery, pen and paper planning, and keeping the family organized: no two moms do this exactly alike - even those of us who love to plan and organize! In our first interview episode of 2022, Sarah Powers sits down with fellow planner people Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-Unger to discuss our favorite digital resources, pen-and-paper tools, and methods of staying organized at work, home, and school. We get into the nitty gritty of color coded everything, what works and what doesn't for our personalities, and how we use planning tools to avoid over-scheduling and leave white space for joy and (gasp!) even spontaneity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re not experts…we’re two moms with lots of kids and dirty floors. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share our go-to products for keeping a clean-enough house, and feel better about your own dusty corners as we confess the aspects of housekeeping we’re just not great at. We share our favorite way to get dog pee out of the carpet, some tricks for keeping multi-use products like white vinegar and baking soda at the ready, and our shared habit of acquiring a LOT of devices for cleaning floors (and yet? the floors are still dirty). Welcome to 2022, friends. Come on in to our not-very-clean houses for Episode 346! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A day at home with nothing on the calendar or the agenda: It's the best of times . . . and it can be the worst of times. In this final episode of 2021, Meagan and Sarah are reminiscing about how they spent cuddled-up days at home pre-kids and with little ones, as well as what it looks like now that everyone is kinda doing their own thing. We remember games, baking, movie-watching, and puttering (plus lots of making and cleaning up messes). We talk about at-home activities that are fun with kids, the things that make it challenging, little ways to feel productive, and how to cultivate the "day off" vibe you crave. There's a fine line between snuggly and stifling, and you might be feeling it this week between Christmas and New Year's. Whatever the age of your kids or your family situation, this episode will give you ideas on how to take pleasure in the slowness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From feeling like time (or money) is running out to second-guessing gift choices and blaming ourselves for our kids' behavior, there's no shortage of ways for moms to feel crummy during the holidays. Even when everything miraculously gets done, you might wonder where the heck's the magic or feel guilty wondering if you slowed down enough to actually enjoy it (and honestly, would it even be the holidays without a good, old-fashioned mom tantrum?). In this last episode before Christmas, Meagan and Sarah talk through the various ways moms tend to be hard on themselves this time of year, and some ways we've learned to reframe our messy feelings. We also chat about how we're feeling this particular Christmas and how it compares to holidays of the past. Depending on when you listen to this episode, consider it your pre- or post-holiday pep talk--complete with a tasty detour into charcuterie board land. We promise it's NOT too late to give yourself a little grace. We're here for you, friends! 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 parenting--and how we generally live our lives--actions speak louder than words. Our behaviors, priorities, emotions, and reactions are all things we're modeling for our kids. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah try to see themselves through their kids' eyes, reflecting on the qualities we feel good about and the ones we're trying to be more conscious of. We talk about how we can't control how our kids will think about us when they're grown, but we CAN be thoughtful about the moms we want to be; and even though we're opposites in lots of ways, we discover a superpower we have in common. This deep-thinky episode is a great one for wherever you are on your motherhood journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As 2021 winds down, we're looking at the habits we picked up - intentionally or accidentally - in the past year. Some habits we stuck with and feel great about; some didn't serve us as much as we thought they might. We celebrate some areas where we totally nailed it this year and get real about the not-so-healthy habits that crept in, too. From self-care and big improvements, to tech use and baby steps, we look at the different ways our habits showed up in 2021, acknowledging that you don't have to stick with something for 365 days for it to make an impact. We also laugh about the things Meagan does in bed . . . and the new things she wants to try (wink, wink). We end on a hopeful note, with some early thoughts on 2022 intentions (and lots more to come). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the years, we've developed a bit of a reputation for hating fun, but really we just want to give all moms permission to have actual opinions about what's fun, what isn't, and how they like to make memories with their kids. If you're like us, cooking, crafting, outdoor activities, and Mommy-and-Me classes might strike you as are occasionally fun, never-ever fun, or not fun YET. In the spirit of keeping it real, Meagan and Sarah chat about how kids have special ways of tainting activities we normally love, plus we break down how to separate the fun YOU crave from feeling like you have to include your children. We also give real tips for how to make some of these ideas a better fit for your family (spoiler: It might not include you!). And to wrap it all up, we share some encouragement and suggestions for planning future "fun." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matchy Christmas china, snuggly slippers, nice leather bags, and incredible concerts . . . these are a few of our favorite things! What makes a great gift AND how do you increase your odds of actually getting it? Today's More Than Mom is all about the most memorable gifts of our Christmases Past--plus what's on our wish lists (and shopping lists!) this year. We talk about gifts from childhood, experience gifts, weird gifts, and gifts that turn into traditions. We also discuss what really makes a gift feel thoughtful and personal, and some of our favorite gifts to give the women in our lives. As a bonus, Sarah also shares a decade-long Christmas gift mystery! This episode is full of inspiration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most common questions we're asked is how to get kids ready for a new sibling. In today's Voices episode, Meagan chats with a seasoned mom from our Contributor team about how she's doing just that! Kia is a former postpartum nurse and about to give birth to Baby #4. With kids ages 12, 4, and 1, she's being super thoughtful about tailoring her approach for each child and stage. Find out how she's dealing with everyone's emotions (including her own), making changes to her home, and her favorite items for making it all go a little easier this time around. And with the holidays upon us, we talk about how having a newborn will impact her plans. (All the cute Christmas onesies, please!) 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 shortage of IDEAS for making meaningful holidays with kids, but the reality is that time, money, and mama-energy are limited resources. If you've ever been curious about how REAL families do Christmas, join Meagan and Sarah as we sit down with two moms from our Contributor team for behind-the-scenes peeks at their holiday magic making, Advent traditions, and gift giving plans. Sarah chats with Jennifer, a mom of 4-year-old twins, who's smack-dab in the middle of preschool holiday fun and finally experiencing the light at the end of the tunnel of parenting little twins. Then Meagan and Lisa connect over being divorced moms of many children--Lisa has four kids at home. They talk about coparenting, deciding who gives which presents, and how special it is to share the holiday magic with big kids. Listen and discover how other moms are making this season meaningful for their families. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From sharing toys to allowing screens, sleepovers to sibling dynamics, setting some expectations for playdates helps control the chaos (and the tears!). This latest episode in our "House Rules" series is a fascinating peek into how our listeners handle having kids over to play AND sending their kids to friends' houses. Meagan reminds us there's only so much moms can control--especially as kids get older, and Sarah shares her personal rule about a certain game that's NOT allowed to be played in a specific place. Whether your family is just easing into playdates or you need some create some new guidelines, you'll find some really smart ideas here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who gets to claim the identity of Writer? In our humble opinions, there’s way more to it than whether your work is published or not. Meagan and Sarah have had writing careers that have run the gamut, including dealing with hangups, vulnerability, and rejection. Today’s More Than Mom episode paints a picture of our early See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal planning is one thing, but how do you build your recipe collection in the first place? And where do you go when you’re looking to make a change, such as trying a new technique, or cooking an unfamiliar food for the first time? In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah talk about both the challenges of feeding a family healthfully, as well as the sources of inspiration we look to when we find ourselves in a rut. From tearing recipes out of magazines (do people still do that?) to our favorite cookbooks and foodie websites, we’re sharing where, exactly, we get our best meal ideas. We also speak with Megan Lott, the Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research, who is sharing their latest recommendations on how families can work on healthy mealtime habits.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the etiquette to expectations, gatherings are a two-way relationship between the hosts and the guests. In this flip side of last week's episode on hosting, Meagan and Sarah are talking about our favorite types of get-togethers, the ways we try to be "good guests," and our strategies for surviving social events (including the ones that feel high-stakes) with little ones. We point out how thoughtful preparation and honest communication--with our hosts, kids, and even ourselves--tempers the stress for everyone involved. To wrap it up, Meagan shares an important reminder AND a mantra moms can repeat when everyone's on edge. Whether you're getting ready for holiday parties or looking for tips that apply to any event, you'll find lots of reassurance here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosting a gathering can feel like a huge burden, a creative outlet, a ton of fun, and everything in between. In our unofficial kickoff to the 2021 holiday season, Meagan and Sarah are here to look at how we host, how we don’t, and how opening our homes has changed over the years. We remind you – and ourselves – that there are many ways to be a gracious host and that nobody nails it in every category. Whether you’d like to organize a small friend gathering or you’re hosting the Big Meal for a dozen extended family members, this episode will serve as a gentle reminder that you can do it in a way that feels authentic, welcoming, and – yep – even fun. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

City Mouse...Country Mouse...do we really have to choose? Not in our fantasy lives! Meagan and Sarah have both done stints as city dwellers and have some experience with rural life, but we've spent most of our kid-rearing years in suburbs or small towns. Today's More Than Mom episode is a total indulgence in the fantasies of city living and country life - at their most extremes. We talk about how we'd dress and what we'd eat, what our homes would be like and how we'd spend our days. We also touch on the books, movies, and television that shaped our early understanding of city and country living (turns out we may need a part two JUST about television apartments). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From toddler tantrums to big kid anxiety, parents feel so much pressure to tackle these challenges in the right way. Are we expecting too much from our kids . . . and ourselves? In our latest Voices interview episode, Sarah has a conversation with Meghan Leahy, parenting expert and author of a new book, Parenting Outside the Lines. In her signature honest and humorous tone, Meghan shares some valuable insights about what's going on behind common kid behavior phases. She also reminds us all that WE are the best experts in our kids and that holding empathy for both our kids AND ourselves is the key to combatting perfectionism. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From taking a detailed phone message and sticking to a meeting plan to utilizing physical resources like paper maps, bus schedules, TV guides, and phone books, there are so many life skills children of the '70s, '80s, and '90s were just expected to know. In today's episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah chat about these once-essential abilities our kids lack simply because the world has changed. On the flip-side, we also reflect on the new skills that come so naturally to this crop of kids. In some cases, they're teaching us! (Multiple remote controls drive anyone else bonkers?!) To wrap it up, we reflect on how to not become gripe-y or grumpy about these natural generational differences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aspirational meal plans are ubiquitous, but drilling down to what families ACTUALLY eat in a given week is a lot harder to find. For that reason, we--and our listeners--love our ongoing series of "what really went down" at mealtime. Meagan and Sarah are sharing what we actually prepared and ate for dinner the week of October 4th, 2021. We also have fun bringing in seven of our contributors to share how they fed their families. This episode has a wide range of typical dinners (including chili all the ways!) from variety of families. You're sure to find some dinner inspiration and validation that however you're doing it, you're not alone! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

e've talked about fashion on the podcast before, but personal style is one of those things that's always evolving. With today's trends, cuts, colors, and various ways of shopping, there's a fine balance between dressing up-to-date AND feeling like ourselves. In today’s More Than Mom episode, Sarah and Meagan chat about the state of our current wardrobes, the challenge of putting on "public-facing pants," the pieces we're surprised we like, the ones that aren't for us, and share some outfits we looked--and felt--cute in. We also figure out what color, exactly, is "puce." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When do you decorate for Halloween or carve pumpkins? What costumes are allowed? And exactly how much candy do kids get to eat? As we've said before: You get to decide! And once you do, it cuts down on SO many battles and questions. In our latest "House Rules" episode, we're sharing our listeners' best arbitrary rules for trick-or-treating, choosing (and trying on) costumes, and more! Meagan and Sarah share how they've approached Halloween in their families, and talk about how some of their policies have evolved (or been eliminated!) as kids grow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do when your toddler has separation anxiety and being apart feels somewhat optional? A mom of a baby and a precocious toddler is looking for tools to help with emotional drop-offs at the church nursery. A mom with four young kids is desperate for a date night and looking for outside-the-box childcare solutions. Another mom whose age doesn't match up with her friends' wants help navigating the intersection of motherhood, friendship, and family planning. A part-time SAHM wonders if it's normal to feel bored during long days with her toddler. (Spoiler alert: YES!) Meagan and Sarah give advice for ditching the guilt. We also send our love to a longtime listener who is struggling with setting healthy boundaries with Grandma. We tackle a lot of tough stuff in this episode of Listener Questions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A listener is curious about Meagan and Sarah's Zodiac signs; she also wants to know if we could add any frivolous feature to our homes, what would it be? (Meagan recommends a llama to complement Sarah's dreamy detail.) A longtime listener asks if we've had any show topics that didn't make the cut. An aspiring blogger asks for writing tips. And finally, a new homeowner is looking for advice on landscaping a yard that looks nice, but is also low-maintenance. For this Sunday spin on listener questions, we're stepping outside the realm of parenting to weigh in on a wider variety of topics. This was a fun one! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you're going through A Thing, what kind of help feels most...helpful? Is it practical stuff, like a delivered meal? Is it emotional support, or humor and distraction? And does the way you feel most supported influence the way you step up for your own friends? Meagan and Sarah tackle these questions and more in Episode 333, all about the ways we give and receive support during hard seasons of life and motherhood. We look at our own personalities, our relationship patterns, and how all of this has evolved over time. (We also have a couple of real-time on-air epiphanies!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From travel sports teams to competitive dance, elite kids’ activities and their impact on family life often get a bad rap. In this month's Voices interview episode Meagan chats with Kelly Rippon, author of Parent Up: Inspire Your Child To Be Their Best Self and mother of former US champion figure skater Adam Rippon. Kelly shares a much more encouraging side of being an “opportunity creator” for your kids, including her unique perspective as a single mom of many now-grown kids, all of whom were accomplished and active in extracurriculars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From hand washing to changing undies, bath time to brushing teeth, staying on top of your kids' hygiene is essential to keeping them healthy and not (too) stinky. In our latest "House Rules" episode, we're sharing listeners' hilarious, straightforward, and down-right-genius methods for taking the guesswork out of getting everyone clean. And in the spirit of keeping things VERY real, Meagan and Sarah both tell stories about times their kids seemed embarrassingly clueless about simple hygiene practices. Listen along for some ideas that might make YOUR family hygiene regimen less of a struggle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan is an experienced camper, while Sarah likes the IDEA of family nature time, but isn't so sure. There's sleeping on the ground, critters (both mild and wild), plus all the logistics. And with so many options for "roughing it," from rustic backpacking to glamping, what even qualifies as camping these days? In today's More Than Mom episode, Meagan's breaking it all down for Sarah - and for our listeners! From packing to food prep, how to stay comfy and how to get clean(ish), follow along as Meagan shares her tips for figuring out what kind of camping might be right for you. Along the way, Meagan gets real about how she handles when nature calls, tells a funny story about a time she panicked about a snake getting too close for comfort, and talks about storing her gear. It's an adventure! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Our "Week Of Real-Life Dinners" is beloved around these parts, and we have another installment coming up next month! And while normalizing the pivots and misses (and hastily ordered pizzas) that characterize EVERY family's real-life dinners is super important, we also know that revisiting the values and ideals that serve as your foundation can help re-energize the meal-planning process. In short: there's nothing wrong with real-life dinners, but there's also nothing wrong with shooting for an ideal plan. In Episode 331 Meagan and Sarah reflect on the what's and why's of our own week of ideal family meals, acknowledging the pain points we're trying to avoid and the north star we're shooting toward. We also look at the "ingredients" that go into a week of meals that nearly hits that elusive ideal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you're trying to scale back to a simpler schedule or ramp up after a pandemic hiatus, adjusting to kids' activities and extracurriculars is a huge part of settling into a fall routine. In Episode 330 Meagan and Sarah look at this topic with some hindsight (sharing what we learned about ourselves and our kids by trying different activities during the little years), and also through the lens of Fall 2021 (what our kids are playing and trying now, and how a year off has changed things in our families). We also reflect on how our own childhoods influence our family cultures around extracurriculars, and what has surprised us about how older kids and teens find their passions and pursuits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

te foods and flavors are WELL-documented on the podcast, but what about the other four senses? Sights, smells, sounds, and textures can all contribute to a boosted mood OR a not-so-great sensory experience. In today's More Than Mom episode - our first one back after a summer hiatus! - Sarah and Meagan chat about whether our sensory preferences change with the seasons, how our sensitivities have changed with age, and what specific textures, scents, and sounds we're drawn to. We round out the episode by talking about how trends influence our favorite colors, and which ones we've loved our whole lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every pregnancy, baby, and birth is unique--and between us we've had eight of them! From planned c-sections to hospital births that didn't go as planned, birthing centers, home births, and water births: we haven't experienced everything, but we've been through a lot! Coming off of Labor Day (wink wink), Meagan and Sarah are looking back on the births of our eight babies in Episode 329. We answer your questions about how we prepared, some funny and not-so-fun moments, and what we wish we had known about birth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered how other moms get everybody up, ready, fed, and out the door with all their parts and pieces? We think it's fascinating to peek behind the curtain at different families' routines and rituals, so in today's episode Sarah chats with two moms from our Contributor team. Lisa is a full-time working single mom of four kids (at three schools!) who has great ideas for keeping mornings calm, making time for herself, and giving kids increasing independence as they grow. Ashley is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two kids, one with Cerebral Palsy, so mornings present a different set of challenges in her house. Find out what's working well so far this fall for Lisa's and Ashley's families, how they're dealing with setbacks, and what they've learned works for them when it comes to morning routines. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stress out by mornings? You're not alone. But good news: we found the source of all solutions for smoother mornings... THIS COMMUNITY. The latest episode in our House Rules For... series is full of our listeners’ genius ideas for prepping ahead, managing morning screen time, and how, when, and where Mom Signs All The Things. Whether you have early risers or slow-to-movers, listen to Episode 328 to hear how experienced parents in our community are setting boundaries, teaching responsibility, and taking the guesswork out of the morning hustle. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Expectations these days feel like ... a lot. When your energy is finite and the demands on you feel, well, INfinite, we find it helps to begin with self-awareness. What drains your energy as a mom? When are you naturally at your best? If you're depleted, is it physical, mental, or emotional energy that's in shortest supply? And if you're in a low-energy season - whether it's a day, a week, a month, or a year - can you reprioritize and reframe so that you're not further weighed down by guilt or unrealistic expectations? Sarah and Meagan look at these questions and more in Episode 327. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every family's breakfast routine looks different - and that's OK. Whether you're all about prep-ahead dishes that fill up hungry kids on weekday mornings, or are just trying to make it out the door in one piece with a cereal bar for the road, we're here to validate that not every single breakfast needs to look perfect, or tick every nutritional box. Join Meagan and Sarah for Episode 326, a zoom in on the first meal of the day. We talk about our family cultures around breakfast, how weekends look (very) different from weekday mornings, and how things have shifted as kids have gotten older. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah are inviting you in for a good old-fashioned catch-up sesh as we wind down Summer 2021. There's a bit of everything in today's episode: updates on our own kid and family milestones, reflections on the second pandemic summer (a few fails, some sweet moments, and everything in between), thoughts on the strange time of year that is mid-August, and some of what's been keeping us entertained lately (books, TV, podcasts, and more!). Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's guest is a working mom with three kids under five, a career journey punctuated by curiosity and leaps of faith, and a brand new role as Content Manager for The Mom Hour! Please help us welcome Amanda Park to the team, and join us for a conversation that covers her working mom journey through several big industries, how she found The Mom Hour as a listener (and eventually joined our team), and what it's been like working behind the scenes as we expand our content goals this summer. We also chat about personality stuff, Amanda's current wins and challenges in the trenches of motherhood, and offer a sneak peek into what's coming up this fall with our new team of contributors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've ever fantasized about a week on a tropical island, a whole day in the spa, a winning lottery ticket, or - let's be honest - even just a hot cup of coffee you get to finish in one sitting, you're not alone. As busy, tired mamas it's natural to dream about a life different from the one we're living. But it's also helpful, we think, to point those daydreams in a slightly more achieve-able direction, and that's what Meagan and Sarah are doing in today's episode. Join us as we each envision our version of a perfect, ordinary day: a day that exists within the actual framework of our current homes, jobs, cars, kids, and schedule, but where the stars align to leave us feeling especially happy and fulfilled. Play along at home and think about what key elements go into your own ideal ordinary day - it's part fun fantasy and part food for thought. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From goody bags to party guest lists, opening gifts and blowing out candles, kid birthdays go deep into your personal family culture and traditions. We firmly believe that there's no One Right Way to celebrate, but we do know that without some parameters those celebrations can get to be ... a lot. In our latest House Rules For... episode, we're highlighting our listeners' smart tips and hacks for keeping birthdays manageable and meaningful. Take the ones that work for you and leave the rest - this is mom-crowdsourcing at its finest! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Annoyed. Irritated. Short-fused. Anyone else feeling low-level grumpy lately? When it's not an actual crisis, deep exhaustion, crippling overwhelm, or another significantly hard season of motherhood, it can be tricky to identify the reasons behind--and the strategies to help with--a bad mood. But we know one thing for sure: sometimes it helps to vent a bit. In Episode 322 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah air some very petty gripes about what's driving us bonkers lately, and then do a little self-reflection about what triggers our annoyance, how our personalities manifest it, and how to reframe it and reset our moods. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From breakfast to snacks, lunch to dinner to even dessert, each day holds plenty of opportunity to introduce new flavors and textures, teach table skills, and introduce micro-doses of nutrition into your toddler’s tummy. Meagan and Sarah cover each meal and the specific strategies they used to keep them interesting, low-stress, and as nutritious as possible, even when a toddler has the attention span of a fruit fly. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Picky” and “toddler” - the two words go hand-in-hand, right? In this episode Meagan and Sarah tackle one of their listeners’ biggest mom-obstacles, sharing tips and tricks to help get those opinionated toddlers to eat more adventurously and healthfully while also offering reassurance that this stage won’t last forever and that there are things you can do to help even the choosiest toddler (occasionally) try new things while getting the nutrition they need. 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 toddlers, one thing is certain: just when you get used to a new stage or phase, it changes. And nowhere is this more true than when it comes to how a toddler eats: from introducing new textures and foods, to weaning, to attempting self-feeding and even learning how to use cups and utensils, toddlers are in a constant state of transition - and so is the way they eat. In this first episode in our three-part series on feeding toddlers, Meagan and Sarah offer solutions to the most common struggles moms face during those transitions, as well as a healthy dose of “it’s all gonna be okay” mom-confidence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Itty bitty overalls and doll-sized dresses make for adorable first outfits, but dressing babies (and toddlers, and kids) comfortably and stylishly throughout the ages and stages is no easy task. In Episode 321 Meagan and Sarah remember the joys and challenges of dressing our littles while they still let us (most of the time, anyway). Then we move into the realities of clothing our big kids, tweens and teens. From keeping up with sizes to choosing our battles over teen fashion that baffles our mom-brains, the refrain is familiar: it doesn't get easier, it just gets...different. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes; home emergencies, local disasters and national crises. These aren't things we love to think about, but they do have one thing in common: having a plan and talking about it as a family can bring peace of mind and even save lives. In this month's Voice interview Sarah chats with Jennifer Pipa, Vice President of Disaster Programs for the Red Cross. With an emphasis on making disaster preparedness practical for busy families, applicable no matter where in the world you live or what risks your natural climate brings, and as un-scary as possible for little kids, Jennifer is full of tips and information to help you up your preparedness this summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It feels like it’ll be like this forever, but we’re here to tell you: it won’t. In today’s episode Meagan and Sarah take turns sharing big and small transformations our kids have undergone that leave us shaking our heads in total amazement because, at one point in time, we never thought we’d ever see this day. From an ultra-fearful preschooler who turned out to be a super confident kid, to the wild-toddler-turned-chill-teen, to the sibling pairs who fought like crazy and now are best friends, we’re talking about all the times we’ve been proven wrong by our own assumptions over the years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who needs RULES on vacation? Turns out, we do. And we're not alone. The latest episode in our House Rules For... series is all about the rules that keep our families sane when we're not at home. From road trip snack management to beach house screen time, treats on the airplane to getting out of the gift shop without a meltdown, listen to Episode 319 for hard-earned experience from parents in our community. As always, take what works for you and leave the rest - there's something here for nearly every family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it EVER appropriate to correct another mom's car seat buckling technique? A listener wants to hear Meagan and Sarah's thoughts on whether we feel comfortable offering unsolicited safety tips to other parents. Another mom asks our thoughts on how you distribute your parenting energy evenly when one kid is really struggling and others are "just bopping along". We also talk about how to get through the day as a mom when you're the one struggling, and finish out the episode with advice for containing a super-creative kid's projects and experiments. It's another Listener Questions episode - enjoy, friends! 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 both live in beach towns – but very different ones. Today’s More Than Mom episode invites you to come to our areas for a visit – and head to the beach! We talk about what it’s like to live in a beach area generally, and in our towns specifically, and offer tips for making a day at the beach fit with your idea of fun (yes, even with kids!). From parking to hotels, what to bring and when to go, we have locals-only insights that will help you think through your next trip to the beach – even if it’s not to Santa Barbara or Saint Joe. We finish up the episode by talking about the beach-related products we’re using currently, as well as some we have our eye on. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of tweens asks Meagan and Sarah whether we require our own kids to keep their rooms tidy (we have thoughts!); another listener dealing with cultural and generational divides in her family asks our thoughts on how to handle well-meaning grandparent advice. Finally, we coach a new-to-preschool mom on how to begin setting up playdates and social opportunities when you don't know anyone at the school (and are emerging from a global pandemic). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By pure coincidence, BOTH Meagan and Sarah have kids with broken bones right now - so we're here to talk about it! We discuss the current injury situation in each of our homes, and reflect back on other kid-injuries that have occupied that tricky space in between "rub some dirt on it" and "call the ambulance". From stitches to sprains, bumps to the head and busted lips, we know raising kids involves a lot of injuries, and that it can be tough on parents to know what to do in the moment. Today's stories all ended well - we promise! - but we're here to validate that parenting an injured kid can be tough, both in the moment of decision as well as in the aftermath. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From bad hair to failed friendships to terrible taste in music, there are some phases of our lives that, in hindsight, were just kind of the worst. Other eras we look back on fondly, whether it was because our social lives were dazzling or our fashion sense just worked. In today's More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah look back at our lives - both before motherhood, and also since becoming a mom - and declare our Bests and Worsts in style, culture, and friendships. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindsey Hein is a lifelong runner with more than 16 marathons to her name, including several Boston Marathon finishes. She's also mom to four busy boys, ages two to eight, and host of a popular podcast for runners. In this month's Voices episode Lindsey chats with Meagan about training for races with four little kids, how her podcasting side hustle grew into a network of shows (including a parenting podcast!), and why she made the tough decision to have a prophylactic mastectomy after finding out she was positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation when her oldest son was 16 months old. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've noticed something: the end of school and start of summer always makes it suddenly clear how dang much our kids have grown. They're smarter, they're taller, they're more capable, and all that means...it's time to level up! We think summer is a great time to teach new life skills, reset chores and responsibilities, and also grant expanded freedoms to growing kids. In Episode 315 Meagan and Sarah talk about summer resets generally, and Summer 2021 more specifically - what our kids are ready for, where they need some support in the independence department, and how we're planning on expanding their worlds this summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a house rule gives parents a shorthand for handling the same small annoyance the same way, every time. Will it stop your kids from fighting over the coveted "fishy cup" or arguing over whose turn it is to set the table? It will not. But it WILL allow you to consistently apply the same judiciary process (and one that feels right to YOU) each time kids start to go at it, which can cut down on a lot of mental gymnastics for mom. The beauty of house rules is that they're born from necessity and are unique to each family, so in today's episode we're including smart ideas from dozens of our community members, all in the pursuit of House Rules For Sibling Harmony. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So many firsts, so many outgrown outfits, so many unforgettable mom-moments, and so much MESS. Join Meagan and Sarah as we walk month-by-month through a baby's first year of life, sharing our personal memories as well as general thoughts on what makes each month unique. If you're beyond the infant years, we hope this will offer a little trip down your own nostalgic memory lane; if you're in the middle of baby-land, we hope you feel seen and validated. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From swimsuits to fitness programs, nail polish to meal delivery, we admit: we're influenceable. But there's a lot to unpack about the concept of influencer marketing and influencer culture in general. In today's More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah talk about about the silly stuff (like the kind of ads the algorithm INSISTS on delivering us) and also the more substantial (like the ways in which we've been positively influenced by friends, both IRL and on the Internet). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve talked a lot about how little kids (and their parents) experienced schooling disruptions over the past year. But college students, their families, and their instructors also went through a major shift in how higher education is delivered and experienced. Today’s special bonus episode features a conversation with Hsiao-Yun Chu, Ph.D., a college professor, mom of two young children, and longtime listener of the podcast. She shares her thoughts with Sarah on how virtual learning and virtual teaching created some real positives in higher education this year, and even what she hopes will continue after the pandemic is behind us. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a functional kitchen relies on a number of factors, many of which are outside our control (funny floor plans, small spaces, or that weird area between where the open dishwasher blocks off access to that one cabinet? yeah, things like that). But as moms of many kids who have occupied at least as many kitchens in our combined histories, we've also realized there are some things we can do to use the space we have in ways that helps us enjoy being in the kitchen more. Today's episode looks at what's currently frustrating us about kitchen storage and organization (as always, we love your solutions sent by email or as comments on our social pages!), and also what's working well. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As this incredibly strange and stressful school year winds to a close, parents are looking ahead to next fall and wondering: Should I send my 5-year-old to kindergarten, or wait a year? Will my first grader remember how to make friends since she's been behind a screen all year? Will the struggle that was virtual learning mean my kid never learns to love school again? These are understandable worries, especially for those who are in the middle of their own first experience as school parents. This month's Voices interview guest is Kelly Hiltz, kindergarten teacher who has seen it all this year - remote, hybrid, in-person - and mom to two boys in preschool and early elementary. Sarah and Kelly address the concerns parents have about kindergarten specifically, COVID learning loss generally, and what a 2021-2022 school year might look like for families. We also touch on "red-shirting" younger kinders, how to know what decision is right for your child, and what specific things families can do this summer to best prepare incoming kindergarteners for the fall. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you have mixed feelings about Mother's Day, you're not alone. For some, it's a reminder of loss or grief, unmet expectations or missing people we love. For others, the social media buildup and commercialized clichés create expectations that can lead to disappointment. And even for those who don't completely dread Mother's Day, it can be hard to articulate what we really want to the ones who want to spoil us. In short: it's a lot. In this week's Episode 311, Meagan and Sarah validate why Mother's Day can be complicated, reflect on our own celebrations during different seasons of life, and offer ideas for how to celebrate in a way that feels right to you this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are we "car people"? Turns out, yes and no. After 25+ years of driving, Meagan and Sarah have many stories and a few opinions on what we want in our four-wheeled rides. From first cars to true lemons, minivans to post-divorce pre-mid-life-crisis splurges, this More Than Mom episode is an ode to our vehicles. We also chat about the process of procuring a new car, how much haggling at the dealer is a sport we do NOT enjoy, and what we hope for in our future cars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big news: Sarah is joining the Parents Of Teenagers club! In honor of Sarah's oldest turning 13, Meagan taps into wisdom gained from over a decade of parenting teens and gives Sarah the real story. We unpack some stereotypes about teens (they're moody! they're smelly! they're obsessed with their phones!) and find out what's totally true, what's sometimes true, and what might very much depend on the kid. We also explore some of the best and sweetest parts of parenting teens, validate that these are often very lonely years for moms, and compare teenage milestones to those reached earlier in childhood. 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 career pivot, a creative passion, a relationship change, or just one of life’s unexpected twists, most women find themselves in a season of reinvention at least once. Today Meagan and Sarah are here with a surprise bonus episode, chatting about the idea of reinvention, how it intersects with motherhood and raising young kids, and how Meagan’s new podcast celebrates women reinventing themselves in a variety of wonderful ways. Join us for a fun conversation, followed by an extended excerpt from Season 1 of the Mother of Reinvention show. 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 pulling out the puke bucket juuuuuussst in the nick of time, or speeding across the room while pregnant to save a toddler from a toppling accident, we all know that feeling of doing what needs to be done in the moment without so much as a conscious thought. Call it quick-thinking, mom-heroics, or just another day in the life of parenting young kids, but these are moments that deserve to be celebrated. In Episode 309 Meagan and Sarah share stories from our own in-the-trenches days -- some truly life-or-death and others just, well, messy -- as a reminder that sometimes you have no idea just how strong, quick, clever, or brave you are until you're called into action. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hobbies outside of everyday work, life, and parenting ebb and flow as your season of life changes, but it's fun to think about what creative pursuits you'll add back in as time opens up. In today's More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah speak from the perspective of moms whose kids are getting older, and who are pursuing hobbies in our own (often very different) ways. We talk about what hobbies we're enjoying now, which ones we could imagine trying, in theory, without needing a total life overhaul, and then some "maybe someday" hobbies we can see ourselves enjoying much later on. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conversations around friendship in motherhood often center around those ride-or-die besties that you just can't imagine life without (which, as we discussed last week, isn't always helpful). But as pandemic life has shown us in all kinds of ways, regular interactions with acquaintances, co-workers, fellow school parents, neighbors, and other "friendlies" are also really important to feeling rooted in a community and fulfilled in the friendship space. Today Meagan and Sarah look at these outer-circle relationships and share what 2021 looks like for us, how our listeners feel about the changes brought about by the past year, and what we hope our friendship landscape will look like a year from now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a year that changed nearly everything about how humans connect and communicate, it's no surprise that friendships in motherhood have changed. Some deepened over the past year, as the pandemic gave us new ways to bond (and hard stuff to get real about). Some fell away, strained by distance or differences. And pandemic or no pandemic, not every close friendship is created equal, and they all go through seasons of change. In today's episode, part one of two all about friendships in motherhood, Meagan and Sarah look at "ride or die" friendships (including a critical look at what that even means). We talk about ways close friends can show up for each other when things are hard, how close friendships have adapted over the past year, and what to keep in mind if you're missing or grieving close friendships in your life right now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our habits around media consumption are as unique as each of us is--and, when you think about it, there are quite a few little details that go into how each of us decides when, how, and where to listen to a podcast or pick up a book--not to mention the actual what of the content itself. Today's More Than Mom episode is a look at how Meagan and Sarah currently consume their listening and reading media, from bluetooth struggles to library holds. As we go, we'll recommend some shows and titles we've enjoyed so far this year too. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine being 13, the daughter of an influential megachurch pastor...and pregnant. That's how Sarah Jakes Roberts began her journey to motherhood - and she grappled with feelings of shame and questions surrounding her self-worth while wondering if she could ever afford to "dream big" again. Today, Sarah is a happily married mom of six kids, a pastor and sought-after speaker, and five-time book author. In today's Voices episode, Sarah tells Meagan about her journey from scared teen mom to mentor and leader, why she encourages moms to seek "soul care" as well as self-care, and how to dig deep to work toward purpose in your life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One year ago, springtime plans got canceled, Easter dinners and baby showers and birthday parties and all the rest vanished from our calendars one after another. As we shake off winter and look at the spring of 2021, there's something in the air. We know we're not out of the pandemic woods, but there's a feeling of optimism that was missing last year, and we're leaning all the way into it. In Episode 306 Meagan and Sarah share spring memories from when our kids were little, favorite rituals and traditions that make the season special, and what specific springtime activities we're embracing with extra gratitude this year in particular. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Desiring a family culture of travel and adventure is one thing; pulling it off--and paying for it--is another thing altogether. But just because you’re not jetting off to international destinations doesn’t mean you and your family can’t cultivate that adventure spirit in meaningful ways. In today’s episode, Part Three in our series on family travel, Meagan looks back at many years of family adventures and meaningful memory-making. She offers validation for moms whose travel dreams don’t match up with their current reality, and makes a case for letting your kids see you handle travel’s ups, downs, and hassles with flexibility and a sense of humor. This is the pep talk we all need before hitting the road in 2021! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever dreamed of taking your family on the road? It’s tempting--especially with the changes to work and school many families have experienced this past year. Chelsey Christiansen is a full-time working mom, and she and her husband and toddler son currently work and travel full-time out of their fifth-wheel camper. In today’s episode, Part Two in our three-part series on family travel, Meagan and Sarah chat with Chelsey to find out what road-living is like with a toddler, what they’ve learned about sharing a small space with a growing family, and how learning to roll with the punches of family travel have helped her become a more confident mom in general. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking small kids on a trip is daunting: Where and how will everyone sleep? Can a rental cottage be baby-proofed? How will little ones used to a schedule and the structure of home deal with time zone changes and grandparents whose house rules differ from what they’re used to? In Part One of our three-part series on family travel, Sarah looks back on her extensive experience traveling with babies, toddlers, and kids--especially trips to the grandparents’ and in-laws’--and shares what worked, what didn’t, and what she’d do differently. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Planning meals for the week is one thing; pulling them off is another altogether. In this fourth installment of our popular Week Of Real-Life Dinners series, Meagan and Sarah share what we served and ate the week of March 8, 2021. From springtime twitterpation that led to spontaneous fast-food tacos, to a reptilian kitchen squatter, things did not go as planned for us that week--which is part of the fun. We also share real-life meals served by listeners who wrote in with their own meal plans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's always a toss-up: when discussing a new topic, will Meagan and Sarah be EXACTLY ALIKE (to the point that it's almost weird) or TOTALLY OPPOSITE? Turns out when it comes to our fantasy kitchens, we have a lot in common. Join us for a fun More Than Mom deep dive into the kitchens we grew up watching on television and in movies, thoughts on current home design trends and how we feel about them, and what our dream kitchens would look like. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A stay-at-home mom wonders how best to re-enter the workforce, and another listener has questions about how to talk about working motherhood with our young kids. A mom of big kids wants our opinions on when it's OK to leave them home alone--and how best to get started. Listener voicemails about house rules around swearing and the conflicting emotions of motherhood round out another Listener Questions episode this week. It's a fun one! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of two littles is overwhelmed and yelling more than she wants to be; young adults at a family gathering forget that little ears are listening. Helping kids become more independent in the kitchen doesn't always go smoothly; a preschool perfectionist is a head-scratcher for mom; and a mom of all boys wonders if they'll all grow up and live far from home one day. Today's episode takes on these questions from our listener community, and Meagan and Sarah offer a mix of validation, encouragement, and advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The real question is: are we still entertained by squirrels as much as we were last spring? You'll have to listen to find out! In today's More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah take a deep dive into diversions, 2021-style. We're not as cooped up as last March, but things aren't back to normal yet either. From this in-between place we talk about a little of everything: board games for adults, TV and books, home improvement and gardening, fitness, beauty, and more. (And squirrels, obvs.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kendra Adachi is The Lazy Genius. Either you know and love her already, or you're about to. Kendra's principles for finding YOUR best middle ground between perfectionism and giving up are helping moms everywhere decide what matters, ditch what doesn't, and get stuff done. In this month's Voices interview Kendra joins Sarah to talk about how Lazy Genius principles got put to the test during the early months of the pandemic, how moms in the trenches can be gentler on themselves and still feel fulfilled, and why acknowledging the season you're in just might be the key to enjoying it. PLUS, Kendra helps Sarah solve a frustrating home management issue using The Lazy Genius method in real time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether schools in your area are open in-person, on a hybrid model, or fully remote, chances are that March is looking different than September did. And believe it or not, we’re already looking toward the end of the year. In Episode 302 Meagan and Sarah share how our own kids are doing at this point 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 for a weekend, a season, or a decade, parenting on your own introduces challenges and complications at every turn. Expanding on the conversation we began last week, today’s episode--part two in our this is solo parenthood. series--dives into practical tips from seasoned moms on how to survive solo parenting’s tougher moments. From bedtimes to me-time, routine changes to feelings of loneliness, Meagan and Sarah share some been-there-done-that tips from our own seasons of parenting solo, as well as tap into the wisdom of The Mom Hour community. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of us co-slept throughout the baby and toddler stage, and let naps happen whenever and wherever. The other sleep trained and held tight to nap schedules even through the preschool years. While our differences in the realm of sleep are worth digging into, just as interesting are the shared feelings we experienced, even at opposite ends of the spectrum. We both felt judged at times; we both made choices around our social lives because of how our babies slept (or didn't sleep). Among our combined eight kids we experienced good sleepers, terrible sleepers, and several in the middle--plus a host of "sleep surprises" that cropped up later on. Join Meagan and Sarah for Episode 301, a look at infant, toddler, and kid sleep through the comforting lens of hindsight with a healthy dose of "It's all gonna be OK." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah is wearing children's sweatpants and leaving the house in her slippers. Meagan has cracked the code on being Zoom-face-ready AND workout-available with a single outfit. It may not look like the mom-style we aspired to you a few years ago, but it's working for February 2021. Today's More Than Mom episode is a (very) honest, semi-pantsless look at the state of our style situation right now. We share what we're wearing, what's working well, items we're in search of, and where we need serious help as we look ahead to spring. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From divorce to deployment, from single parenthood by choice to splitting shifts and making it work, every solo parenting experience comes with its own challenges. In today’s episode--Part One in our #ThisIsSoloParenthood series--you’ll hear from four moms who do the majority (or all) of the work of parenting on their own. Each shares honestly about both loneliness and joy, feeling alone and finding support, and what they’ve learned about themselves by parenting solo. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode is a party and YOU're invited! Yes you, whether you're a brand-new listener or have been with us from the very beginning. Ever the planner, Sarah surprises Meagan with a some fun facts and a pop quiz; ever the fun one, Meagan shows up ready for anything. We share some memories, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and reflections on the community that has grown around this podcast over the last 300 Tuesdays. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Early in the pandemic, takeout from local restaurants, pantry cleanouts, and epic baking marathons made a lot of sense for the crazy new world we were living in. An entire year in, however, and the lingering habits and longterm effects of feeding our families in survival-mode are more clear. Today Meagan and Sarah look at what's changed about the way we snack, cook, shop, and serve in the last year - for better and for worse. We share the parts of feeding our families that are working well right now and also the parts where we need some help. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's February, and everybody loves a deep dive into childhood crushes, right? For this week's More Than Mom episode, Meagan has many questions for us both about our failed early attempts at love and relationships. From preschool through high school, from celebrities to real-life boys from days gone by, we're laughing our way through this walk down a rose-petal-strewn memory lane. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The pandemic has shaken everything up, and our kids' diets and family's eating habits are no exception. In this month's Voices interview, Meagan talks to Julie Revelant, food and health writer, mom of two, and host of the new podcast Food Issues. Listen to Julie's thoughts on how COVID-19 has affected everything from school lunches to snacking habits, the sneaky ways marketers are introducing junk food to children (including "kid influencers" and even online learning platforms!) and how you can give yourself a break and stay flexible while still helping your kids become "little foodies." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Register for kindergarten, or wait another year? Scrap the distance learning and opt into a homeschool program, or stick it out and hope campus opens in the fall? Stick with what your friends and neighbors are doing, or blaze your own trail when it comes to kids' education? There is no end to the list of questions parents face when it comes to making school decisions - and many of them crop up around this time of year when applications and registrations come due. In Episode 298 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer seven guiding principles to consider when making any school decision, from preschool through high school. We can't help you decide or tell you what to do, but today we're here to validate the struggle and give you our experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting pregnant was relatively easy for Dani Kilgore and her husband William, who looked forward to growing a family after getting married in 2009. But for Dani, a former teacher and soccer coach who now serves as a pastor in a church, staying pregnant proved challenging. Through miscarriage and preterm labor, a premature birth and 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 medical emergency, a surprise diagnosis, upheaval at school, or a mental health situation, most moms will at some point be called to fight hard for their kid's health, safety, and best interests. And when that moment comes, you might be surprised at what's most challenging and what's most helpful. In Episode 297 Meagan shares publicly for the first time a recent family crisis that put her in a position where she had to quickly and fiercely advocate for one of her kids. She shares what she learned - and is still learning - and how the lessons apply to advocating for our kids, even when we're not in crisis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Containing our kids' chaos is one thing; keeping track of our OWN stuff is another altogether. To round out our recent series of episodes about where to put all the STUFF of family life, Meagan and Sarah chat about how we store and organize all the things that fall under "mom's domain." From our bathroom counters to our nightstand drawers, the kitchen "drop zone" to mask and mitten management, we're here to share what works, what we're working on, and where we need serious help. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love all of our kids – but does each of them FEEL our love in the same way? In Episode 296 Meagan and Sarah take on the famous five love languages as a framework for talking about how we most naturally show love to our kids–and also how they receive it. We talk about our own primary love languages and how they shape the ways we tend to show affection, and also look at the changing dynamics of parent-kid love through the growing-up years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With nearly a year of “everything’s cancelled!” behind us, and facing down an early 2021 of “Who knows?”, we’ve all learned a couple things: Truth #1: We all need to set goals and make plans to stay on course and keep working toward our deepest priorities, especially when life is unpredictable. Truth #2: When life is unpredictable, it feels really hard to set goals. How do we make these two realities jive? The solution: goal setting with a big dose of self-awareness and self-empathy. As 2020 taught us, things aren’t always going to look exactly the way we plan, but that doesn’t mean goal-setting is cancelled! From our personal finances to family priorities; hobbies and household projects to travel (what?!) and extracurricular activities, Sarah and Meagan are here with a real-life conversation about goal-setting that will meet you where you are and help you plan what you can – while allowing a lot of flexibility for the things that may change along the way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Art supplies taking over your shared space? Losing library books under piles of what-even-IS-this-stuff? Ready for a January re-set of your home's organization systems? You're not alone. This week Meagan and Sarah continue the conversation about where to put all the STUFF of family life, covering arts and crafts, board games and puzzles, super-sized play stuff, and all those wonderful books. We also touch on ways to know if an organizational system will work for you and your family - because, as we've found, one size does NOT fit all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holidays are behind us, but they've left their mark on our homes: mostly in the form of more STUFF to store. Meagan and Sarah have logged decades of toy sorting and stuff-storing and in this week's episode share our experience finding just the right spot for all that brightly colored plastic. We talk about LEGO, we talk about stuffies and dolls; we remember the days of itty bitty sets and giant toddler ride-on toys. By the end of this episode we hope you'll feel like you already have the space and sense required to store your kids' stuff - no fancy bins required. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For those who love to plan ahead, the past year has been a huge challenge–and the shiny promise of a brand new year feels a little lackluster as we look toward 2021. Is planning and goal-setting permanently on hold, shuttered just like schools and gyms and concerts? Sarah Hart-Unger says no. Our first Voices interview episode of 2021 features two Sarahs: host Sarah Powers chats with guest Sarah Hart-Unger about how to approach planning and goal-setting this year. We talk about the importance of reflecting on 2020, even though it didn’t go as planned, how to “pandemic-proof” your goals for 2021, and why the annual exercise of looking back and looking forward is still valuable. Sarah also answers your listener questions on the nitty-gritty of planning and goal setting. 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 tiptoe very cautiously into the waters of futurecasting in today's episode, still through the hazy, cheese-filled lens of that strange week between Christmas and New Year's. We talk about where our kids and home lives will be one year from now and what that means for the evolution of our family units. We meditate on all that was stripped away in 2020, and when and how it may start to return in the coming year. And we also share the things we're MOST excited to return to post-pandemic, as well as a few things we don't ever need to go back to the way they were. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week the ghost of holidays past took us on a tour of our past lives as moms of littles during the Christmas season. This week, as we continue the loosest of adaptations of A Christmas Carol, Meagan and Sarah sit with the reality of the present moment. We talk about how this holiday season will differ from the 2020-that-could-have-been, and about how things have changed as our kids have grown, with or without a global crisis. As we head into the final few days before Christmas, we also share some of the small details about what our homes and lives are like right now, in an effort to capture--and even be grateful for--the present moment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our very own motherhood-inspired take on A Christmas Carol, Meagan and Sarah are visited by the ghost of holidays past for today's episode. Join us as we peek in at our younger-mom selves by sharing moments and memories from years gone by. There are gift mishaps, angry pregnant lady meltdowns, Christmas tree disasters, and convenience store dinners--all shared to help you remember that no matter what goes down this month, someday it will be but a memory. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From spiced nuts to festive cocktails, traditional meat-and-sides dinners to nostalgic or cultural throwbacks, holiday menus are wide open for interpretation. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah chat about the holiday food memories we carry from childhood, how those patterns changed as we formed our own families, and what a typical Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meal looks like these days. We share favorites and recipes, along with family quirks and fuzzy memories; it's a fun one! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you feel the pressure to do, make, or be something this holiday season, pause and ask yourself three questions. Does this TRULY matter to me? Is the PROCESS joyful or meaningful (or is it that others make the product look so easy)? And--a big one--what if I DON'T? In Episode 290 Meagan and Sarah offer gut-checks on some of the biggest pressures moms feel during the holiday season--from magazine-worthy living rooms to the mental load of shopping for (and giving gift ideas to) a large extended family--and offer concrete tips for releasing yourself from expectations of perfection in pursuit of a peaceful season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obsessive nail-painting rituals, facial hair secrets, fussy skincare routines, and blame-it-on-COVID changes to our general beauty and personal grooming habits: today's More Than Mom episode is 9 parts confessional, 1 part helpful...but oh, we think you'll enjoy it. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share--sometimes sheepishly--the bizarre beauty rituals and personal grooming habits we just can't quit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Routines: everyone has them, whether you've created them intentionally or fallen into them by chance. In today's episode, Meagan talks with Ashley Brown, a full-time working mom of two girls ages 3 and 1, enthusiastic Enneagram 1, and the creator of Routine & Things. After leaving the workforce to be a stay-at-home mom to her oldest daughter, Ashley found herself depressed and struggling to stay afloat; creating intentional routines around everything from self-care to cleaning the kitchen proved to be the secret sauce that helped get her life back in order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A preschooler is obsessed with screen-time after some COVID-related relaxation of the rules; how can the family get back on track? Another mom wonders how to meet the very different needs of multiple kids at the same time, and still another wants to know: WHERE DO ALL THE SOCKS GO? Then we tackle indoor physical play for little kids, talking honestly about the death of a grandparent, and the weirdest holiday gifts our kids have ever asked for. It's a jam-packed Listener Questions episode! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When friendships are strained by politics and the pandemic, how can a lonely mom re-envision her social life? What ideas do we have for family bonding as kids get older? Can Meagan distill her best parenting advice into five minutes or less? And finally, the sibling bickering is non-stop--what's a mom to do? Join us for Episode 288 of The Mom Hour where we take YOUR listener questions and offer our best solicited advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's plenty to debate about the holidays in 2020 - and it doesn't ALL have to be gloomy and stressful. We're kicking off Thanksgiving week with very lively, mostly half-baked debates about holiday controversies that bear little consequence on anything. To find out whether we think eggnog is disgusting or delightful, who among us prefers multicolored exterior illumination, whether Baby, It's Cold Outside is CANCELLED or actually feminist, and what we actually think of Love, Actually, join us for today's silly and festive More Than Mom episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shopping mindfully or practicing conscious consumerism can be a powerful way to show our support to struggling or underrepresented businesses this holiday season. It can also be, to use a phrase we lean on more and more these days, A LOT. It's a lot to think about, it can be overwhelming to navigate, and it definitely can put strain on your budget. In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah discuss where we our in our own shopping priorities, what we'd like to do more of this holiday season, and how we've practiced mindful shopping recently. We also talk through some specific purchases we've made through small online retailers recently, as a way to get your creative wheels turning. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The animals in our lives have certainly had an interesting year, what with all the working and learning from home. Many families whose work/life situations previously caused them to hold off on pet-ownership took the plunge and got a pandemic puppy. And COVID or no COVID, our kids never stop asking to add to our respective menageries. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun look at life with family pets, especially through the lens of 2020. We'll talk about pandemic puppies, the Powers family's adventure in fostering a litter of kittens, and the merits and drawbacks of various small animal pets. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We know that winter 2020-2021 will require all the tips and tricks to keep us going--and it's not even mid-November yet! Today's More Than Mom episode is all about the concept of COZY, and how Meagan and Sarah like to bring it into our wardrobes, menus, and homes. Join us for a fun chat about cozy clothes we're eyeing, how we manage the temperature in our homes when it's cold out, and what food and drinks sound best for a cozy mood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Whitnee Hawthorne was a new mom working a full-time corporate job she had trouble finding resources for women in her position--so she set out to create them. Now a mom of two and still working full-time for a Fortune 500 company, Whitnee helps other moms find their joy and achieve their goals. In this month's Voices interview, Sarah chats with Whitnee about the morning and evening routines that set each day up for success, the regular practices that can help busy moms reflect and remember their feeling of purpose, and the time management tips that every mom needs (whether or not she works outside the home). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've all heard the terms 'mental load' and 'emotional labor,' but it's easy to toss them around without pausing to really understand what's happening in our minds and bodies when we carry prolonged stress with us in our roles as mothers and household managers. Today Meagan and Sarah look at the different ways stress manifests in our own bodies (and psyches), and offer concrete tips for managing feelings of burnout in a particularly challenging season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listener Alana wrote to us recently to ask if we have a handy list of medicine cabinet must-haves for cold and flu season. We do not have such a list, but we have much to say! In Episode 284 Meagan and Sarah talk through various ages, stages, and accompanying ailments we've been able to treat at home--we are VERY clear that we're not doctors, but we are moms who have seen a lot, from owies to skin troubles, fevers to congestion. And if there's ever a year to make sure your family's medicine cabinet is stocked with the supplies that best support your home healthcare philosophy, 2020 is IT. 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 have both experienced parenting in three different decades now, and it reminded us of those old magazine spreads that talked about fashion or makeup (or fill-in-the-blank) in your 20's, 30's, and 40's. Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode where we look at both the benefits and challenges to having had kids when we did--with full recognition that there are upsides and downsides to any decade and any motherhood timeline. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode contains a story of pregnancy loss. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and recently we’ve seen online and in celebrity culture a few examples of women talking must more openly about their loss experiences, even sharing very vulnerable photos with the world like Chrissy Teigan did earlier this month. Here at The Mom Hour, we are 100% on board with movements that make moms feel less alone in their experience, so we think it’s really important to continue sharing these stories. In today's special bonus episode, Sarah talks with Leeann Dearing about her personal experience with pregnancy loss. Leeann is an actress, entrepreneur and proud homeschool mom, and she's also co-founder of the funny mom duo and viral video company Leeann & Michelle, whose videos you have probably seen taking over the internet. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Older kids and teenagers are experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime event--and they're old enough to have thoughts about it. As moms, watching our kids miss out on social interactions and developmental rites of passage is tough, as is finding new ways to support their independence and hold boundaries when they push back. In Episode 283 Meagan and Sarah continue last week's discussion about the very specific parenting challenges brought about by COVID-19, this time with a focus on big kids, tweens, and teens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Separation anxiety. Potty training. Speech and language development. Socialization. These cornerstones of child development and the parenting experience can bring up questions or create bumps in the road in normal times--but we are not living in normal times, friends. We're living in COVID times. In Episode 282 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah look at the really specific (and sometimes heartbreaking) ways that the last eight months have complicated the motherhood experience for parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're all dreaming about getting away right now, but traditional travel and typical vacations don't feel like they're going to be a thing for, well, a while. So today Meagan and Sarah are dreaming BIG - stranded on a deserted island big. Join us for a silly--but somehow also theraputic in 2020?--exercise in hypothetical thinking. We discuss what we'd bring with us to an island escape, what our fantasy island dwelling would be like, and how we'd spend our time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This month kicks off the fall holiday season in the strangest year of all of our lives, and moms everywhere seem to be asking the same thing: what do we do about Halloween? From helping older kids deal with expectations-vs-COVID-reality, to finding safe ways for littler kids to celebrate, Meagan and Sarah unpack it all in Episode 281. We also touch on some tips for dealing with our own holiday disappointment as moms, and share some insight about holiday traditions in general to set the tone for the next few months. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As moms, our bodies change a lot and we don't always feel like we have permission to invest in our personal style, but what we wear makes a huge difference in how we feel. After Meagan said this to Sarah recently, she decided to call on personal stylist Dacy Gillespie for help...and you get to listen in! Dacy is creator of The Mindful Closet, where she offers both one-on-one personal styling and shopping services, as well as courses and information on editing your closet, shopping more mindfully and creating a look that is really you. And, as Dacy shows us in this episode, we don't have to spend a lot of money to pare down our wardrobes and add new pieces more mindfully. Dacy also teaches us how to shop online more successfully and offers closet organization tips to make getting dressed easier.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've covered the hard stuff: leaky everything, blinding exhaustion, night sweats. But the fourth trimester, or postpartum period, has its perks as well. In Episode 280 Meagan and Sarah take turns sharing their favorite memories of postpartum life with a newborn--without glossing over what we ALL know to be true: it's not easy. Join us for the latest in our "10 Things We Love About..." series! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We challenged you to ask us your most burning questions--but not about parenting for once! And wow, did you deliver. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun, silly, and sometimes serious More Than Mom episode featuring your questions about our perfect day, favorite Hamilton songs, thoughts on dating after divorce, and whether we consider ourselves religious. PLUS a big announcement at the top of the show that you won't want to miss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Zoom school" is in session in both our homes, although the programs and schedules are very different for our six school-aged kids, grades two through eleven. In this week's episode we check in about how remote learning is going for our elementary, middle, and high schoolers, giving an honest assessment of the areas that are going better than expected (or worse...or just about the same). We also pool our experience to share some strategies for keeping kids motivated and engaged, and recommend some purchases to set up your home as a learning environment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's not if but when: losing your cool with your kids is part of motherhood (especially during a global pandemic). Sometimes we yell, sometimes we cry, and sometimes we stomp our feet like a toddler or sass-talk like a tween. If you do any of these things too, we can assure you you're not alone--and it's not too late to practice the art of recovery. In Episode 278 of The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah talk about the different types of mom-meltdowns we're prone to, and what repair and recovery can look like when we've lost it with our families. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nothing feels the same as it did six months ago, and in today's return of our More Than Mom series, Meagan and Sarah are looking at the weirdest ways we've changed since March. From some out-of-character purchases to new routines and habits, we're here to discuss some of more idiosyncratic details of our strange new normal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah are both refocusing on personal spending this fall, after a strange pandemic spring and summer brought about changes to the family budget. In today's episode we look at the areas of our spending that have changed since March, and talk through tips and strategies we're using to save money right now. From working with a financial planner to buying secondhand, reevaluating dinner delivery and doing an audit on those pesky auto-renew subscriptions, we're here with seven strategies make a difference to our families' bottom lines this fall. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back-to-school season usually means a refreshing change of schedule and, for many parents, fewer hours with kids in the house. This year, the way we use our homes for school, work, and leisure look very different--but that doesn't mean we can't harness some of that familiar fall energy and tackle clutter in a new way for a new reality. Join Sarah and longtime listener/community member Mandy Yang for a look at how the Konmari method of decluttering can serve us as we set up our homes for one of the stranger seasons in memory. We talk about repurposing items you already own, how to help kids part with their "treasures," and why the Konmari method is so often misunderstood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're kicking back for a casual chat this week, taking time to update listeners on some of the behind-the-scenes events in both our lives lately. From the details of Sarah's move to what's coming up this fall on the podcast, from Meagan's annual end-of-summer malaise to her anticipation of a revamped time-blocking system for fall 2020, these are the little (and big) conversational rabbit holes we don't always have time for on the podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An eight-year-old with a "can't-do" attitude and a ten-year-old who struggles to bounce back after little setbacks (two more in an accidental series of questions that we're affectionately calling "boys with bad attitudes"): Meagan and Sarah have thoughts--and personal experience--for the moms of these kids. Then Sarah weighs in on a question about how to use an "okay to wake" clock with a clever three-year-old, and Meagan validates a mom of a clingy preschooler with big feelings. Today's episode brings you four more listener questions and our advice--check it out! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to make friends and cultivate community after a move; contemplating a third baby and wondering if the older two will ever play together nicely; answering questions about puberty and other growing-up topics; and dealing with a five-year-old who is never satisfied: Meagan and Sarah take four listener questions in this week's episode of The Mom Hour. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If we've learned anything since March, it's that little things can make a big difference in our moods. In Episode 273 Meagan and Sarah revisit the idea of small comforts for unprecedented times, little pleasures that can't solve a global pandemic but do offer a quick pick-me-up. From recent Etsy finds to a new fitness tracking gadget, pretty kitchen towels to a return to yoga, you'll come away with ideas for bringing a little comfort into your days as we look ahead to fall. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With schools across the country increasingly moving in the direction of online-only attendance in the fall, many moms are asking: "How do we make this work?" While homeschool pods, cutting back hours at work and other creative solutions may be a temporary solution for some families, there are many others for whom these options are not on the table. And there's no doubt that moms are unfairly shouldering the brunt of this crisis (as we are so often expected to do). In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan talks with Anne Halsall, co-founder and CPO of online child-care directory Winnie; listen as they dig into issues around work, parenting, and inequality that this pandemic has uncovered—and discuss some reassuring news about the safety and availability of licensed daycare to fill some of those gaps. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The messes start even before the baby is born, and they don't stop...they just change form as the years progress. In Episode 272 Meagan and Sarah look back at some of the most epic messes of our mothering years--from diaper blowouts to parking lot puke, glitter explosions to stinky wadded up socks, we're getting gross today, all in the name of making you laugh and feel like you're not alone (whatever mess you're facing today!). Enjoy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After listening to moms around the country share their feelings about schools re-opening (or not), Meagan and Sarah continue the discussion we started last week by looking at the challenges facing families this fall. We touch on the core drivers of school decision-making--academics, childcare, kids' social-emotional health, and community health--and talk through the pros and cons of some of the likely learning scenarios on the table for kids. Just like last week, this is an inclusive conversation meant to bring encouragement and understanding, no matter where you are in your school decision for Fall 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virtual, on campus, hybrid, or homeschool? For many families, it isn't even a choice; it's whatever the local district decides. For some families, opting out, changing schools, waiting an extra year, or enrolling in an independent study program are options that are still on the table. For everyone, it's an extraordinarily confusing, stressful, and uncertain time to be looking ahead at Fall 2020. With inclusion, empathy, and nonjudgment leading the way, Meagan and Sarah kick off a two-part series unpacking the challenges of sending kids to school this fall. We talk from personal experience about our "plans" (ha!) for our own kids, and we also bring you the voices of more than a dozen listeners who share what things are like in their communities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember makeup? And going places? We miss it. Join Meagan and Sarah for a light and fun more-than-mom-ish conversation about how our makeup style has changed from our teen and young adult years through today, which looks and trends from the past make us cringe, some products and techniques we're playing with lately, whether and how staying at home has changed our daily makeup approach, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Regression. Clinginess. Tantrums. Bedtime battles. Mood struggles. We're hearing from moms all over the world about the toll that 2020 is taking on children, from toddlers up through teens. We've had so many posts and questions in our Facebook group that for this month's Voices interview we decided to bring back Dr. Erin Lanphier, a child psychologist, therapist in private practice, and university professor. Dr. Erin chats with Sarah about these and other struggles kids are having right now, how to know when it's time to act versus cut your kid a little slack, and what options are available for parents who want to seek outside support for behavioral or mental health struggles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No matter what's going on in the world around you, the people need to eat. In Episode 268 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah break down the process of feeding a family when you're going through a major life transition (or, say, a global pandemic). We talk about why meal plans are even MORE crucial in chaotic times, how to get fruits and veggies into the kids even when you're serving up convenience food more often than you'd like, and how to stick to your "food values" even as you let some of your standards slide for a season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moving while momming is no small task--and we've been there, trust us. Meagan has mastered the art of the DIY cross-town move to a new home with a whole bunch of kids; Sarah's moves have been fewer and farther between, but also farther in distance and bigger in scope. Join us as we continue last week's discussion about big moves and get into the details of actually packing up and relocating your family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you dream of packing up the family and moving somewhere new? Or starting fresh in a different home or neighborhood? Maybe the idea of a move isn't yours, but has been introduced by a job change or prompted by family circumstance. In this first of a two-part series on big moves, Meagan and Sarah talk about fantasy moves, aspirational moves, and making the decision to actually move our families. We also look at all the considerations we've made when planning a big move--from schools and neighborhoods to house features and commute times. Whether you're dreaming of a move or happy where you are, this is a fun one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In hindsight, was the worry worth it? That's the question Meagan and Sarah are looking at in this week's episode, as we bring back a popular series all about things that stressed us out as less experienced moms. From nutrition and discipline to kids' friendships and developmental milestones, we look at the worries that kept us up at night and how it all turned out in the end. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first time in generations, many of us are reexamining how often we shop, where we get our groceries, and what household essentials we might be able to make at home instead of running out to buy. But this month's Voices guest Kris Bordessa has been teaching families how to live more sustainably for years. Hear Meagan get Kris's take on the bake-your-own-bread craze, why so many adults feel like they never really learned to cook, and how growing your own food or making soap doesn't have to be overwhelming. They also discuss Kris's new book, Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We may be staying closer to home this summer, but we still want to feel good about the way we look! Join Meagan and Sarah for an update on our warm weather wardrobes, from which pieces have served us in past summers to what we're eyeing for purchase this year. We talk about tops and bottoms, undergarments and swimwear, shoes and accessories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan talks to her niece Cecily and her nephew Mario about their experiences as young black people living in today’s world. The discussions are at times raw and may make you squirm, but we’re hoping they will also make you think, learn, and hopefully, continue the conversation in your own homes, families, and communities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer 2020 isn't going to be like any other summer in our memories--and it's not going to look like whatever we'd dreamed up in midwinter before the pandemic hit. Still, Meagan and Sarah have ideas for how we'd like to set up ourselves and our families for healthy routines, regular self care, and (is it possible?) even some fun outings this summer. Join us for a look ahead at the next few months as we set our realistic intentions for summer 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Allison is a minister in a church, finding new ways to lead her congregation while awaiting her second baby; Alison deals with the guilt of laying off foodservice employees and permanently shutting down a location of her café business; Starlynn owns an in-home daycare serving front-line families while navigating changing rules and regulations. All three are also working moms with all the demands of mothering and living through a global pandemic. Find out what's hard, what's hopeful, and what life is like in our final (for now!) episode of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With most of us staying at home for an unforeseen amount of time, managing our households to run efficiently and calmly is crucial to keeping the family machine plugging along and helping us create a positive mental space. From meal planning to cleaning schedules to keeping things organized, Meagan and Sarah will share 10 small habits that have the power to transform at-home life from frazzled, chaotic and marred by unmet expectations, to calm, reasonably-organized, and just-productive-enough. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Naming a new human is a big task--and a fun one, we think! Looking back over our combined eight experiences naming babies, Meagan and Sarah talk about how we decided on names (and whether our partners agreed on our favorites!), what went into middle name decisions, and which names we left on the table. We also explore how our kids have grown into their names, including unexpected nicknames, trends we didn't see coming, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Janice’s husband works in China and hasn’t been able to travel home to Australia since January; Kassidy and her partner have merged their combined five kids under the age of seven and are learning to live together while figuring out new ways to do their jobs; Stephanie returned from maternity leave just before the pandemic, resuming work as an ICU nurse in one of the country’s early hot spots. All three are also moms juggling the demands of caring for their families as the pandemic wears on. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Janice, Kassidy, and and Stephanie in Episode 07 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the country begins to open up--slowly, differently, uncertainly--one family's decisions about how to re-enter the world will look different from the next. Can we have confidence in our own decisions while holding space for others to interpret guidelines differently? Are criticism and judgment online a symptom of quarantine fatigue, or the beginning of a toxic new norm? And can the experience of new motherhood provide lessons about empathy that apply in these unprecedented times? Meagan and Sarah dive deep into big questions about shame, guilt, criticism, and judgment in Episode 261 of The Mom Hour. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maddi works full-time in a warehouse picking product to be shipped for GAP while her three little boys try to make sense of the changes in their lives; Sarah is pregnant with her second child and working to meet the needs of vulnerable children in her community; Robyn is a 20-year elementary school teaching veteran learning the new ways of distance learning with her fourth grade class. All three are also moms whose home lives, work lives, and futures have been upended by COVID-19. Find out what's hard, what's hopeful, and what life is like for Maddi, Sarah, and Robyn in Episode 06 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have MORE little pleasures to share this week! Continuing last week's discussion, Meagan and Sarah offer ten more small things that are bringing us comfort these days. From minor tweaks to the morning routine to the comfiest pants we've found, these are a combination of comforts you can add to your online shopping cart and simple pleasures that don't cost a thing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

Laura treats COVID-19 patients as a respiratory therapist during incredibly unstable times; Hilary supports the mental health of young adults and is adjusting to delivering services via telehealth; Carla is a social worker serving foster youth in Canada and bears the weight of her caseload while mothering three very young girls. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Laura, Hilary, and Carla in Episode 04 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Living a creative life with small children underfoot is a challenge by any definition; doing it while running a business during a global pandemic is another thing altogether. For this month's Voices interview Sarah chats with her good friend, fellow podcaster, and all-around good human Ashlee Gadd, founder of the wildly popular Coffee + Crumbs community. Ashlee shares thoughts on quarantine parenting, social media connection AND social media breaks, adjusting expectations when you're an Enneagram 3, and how her writing and photography practices change during different seasons of motherhood. We also chat about home decor, home-wrecking toddlers, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've had lots of time to observe our kids in their natural habitats the last couple months...wherein their "natural habitat" is also OUR HOUSE. Turns out, we're really glad we've passed on some basic life skills to these growing humans, because they're doing pretty well in a lot of areas. It's clear, however, that other life skills are still works-in-progress. In Episode 258 Meagan and Sarah take a lighter look at life skills--both the ones our kids have mastered as well as the ones that need improvement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kathryn is mom to four small girls and an attorney representing the most vulnerable kids in her state; Robyn and her husband are both on the front lines as an Emergency Room RN and a firefighter/paramedic; Kyria teaches social studies at a Bay Area high school and now instructs students from home while the baby (hopefully!) naps. All three are also moms dealing with the everyday challenges of clingy toddlers, remote-learning kids, and work-from-home demands. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Kathryn, Robyn, and Kyria in Episode 03 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than a month into safer at home, a day in the life of most moms looks nothing like it did before COVID-19. We’re living in close quarters with small humans (and big humans!) whom we love but may be used to getting an occasional break from. We’re parenting through a time of unprecedented stress. And we’re doing it all against a backdrop of Instagram-era expectations that can make us feel like we’re not measuring up. In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah take an honest look at the toll that nonstop-parenting in the time of COVID-19 takes on moms of young kids. We get real about the struggle, and then we dig into specific tips and strategies moms can employ in the name of building small breaks into long days. We offer tips for encouraging independent play, facilitating mixed-age sibling activities, and how we handle screen-time in our homes--all while helping moms lose the guilt and find small moments of joy during a stressful time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From making our first "mom friend" to the first time all of our children could stay home alone, today's episodes celebrates the milestones that mark new phases of motherhood. Inspired by a listener question and the enthusiastic response we received for a whole episode on this topic, in Episode 257 Sarah and Meagan share twelve mom milestones, moments where we felt like we'd unlocked next-level parenting skills or shifted our identity as moms in a small-but-significant way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessi watched the national shutdown play out from inside the PICU, where she and her husband were quarantined with their newborn twins (who are now home and doing great!); Gillian's NYC-based medical practice undergoes huge changes while her family grieves a personal loss; Heather's husband is on the front lines at the grocery store while she juggles working from home while parenting. Hear what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like for Jessi, Gillian, and Heather in Episode 02 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does a toddler "need" a formal preschool program if it isn't necessary for childcare purposes? Did we think about kids' birthday timing when we were planning (or not planning) our pregnancies? How can a physically active toddler channel his energy for good during stuck-inside days? And what are Meagan and Sarah's most memorable "mom milestones"? In this week's episode we answer these questions with our personal stories and (solicited!) advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Casey is the director of an after-school program serving vulnerable communities; Megan teaches English online to students in China and watched their families experience COVID-19 before things got serious in the US; Jayme is weeks away from having her second baby and worries that being married to a hospital physician might separate their family. All three are also moms dealing with the everyday challenges of clingy toddlers, remote-learning kids, and work-from-home demands. Hear what's hard, what's hopeful, and what life is like for Casey, Megan, and Jayme in Episode 01 of Pandemic Perspectives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for conversations with teachers, business owners, healthcare professionals, social workers, partners of first responders, and others who are living, working, and parenting their kids through the COVID-19 global pandemic in a unique or particularly challenging way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Working from home with little kids during COVID-19, moving a baby into a shared sibling bedroom, dealing with cancellation disappointment for both mom and kids, and finding small breaks in the long days of stay-at-home parenting: This week's podcast episode is dedicated to your listener questions and our advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal planning is hard enough for busy families; now families are eating nearly all their meals at home, it's a next-level challenge. So for this month's Voices interview we're bringing back cookbook author and Didn't I Just Feed You? co-host Stacie Billis to talk about grocery shopping, what freezes well and when to freeze it, how to minimize food waste while adjusting to a new normal, the best pantry staples, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plans vs. reality. Pretty menus vs. the aftermath of a spontaneous smörgåsbord. Now, more than ever, we find it fascinating to look back at what our families ate for dinner in a given week and how the reality of those meals departed from our best-laid plans. Meagan and Sarah (plus Kelsey from our team) each wrote down our dinners for the past week and we’re here to discuss what worked, what failed, and how we’re faring as we feed our families during a global pandemic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tackling digital clutter means working toward a system where there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place—if that sounds daunting, we get it! Our desktops get messy, too. Join Meagan and Sarah for the final episode in our special series on digital spring cleaning as we talk about file storage, folder systems, that pesky-but-essential “cloud,” and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

s week we’re busy spring cleaning…our digital space! In Part 2 of this special series, Meagan and Sarah discuss the state of our email inboxes. From whether we aim for “inbox zero” to how we find that email we know is in here somewhere, this is both a realistic and an aspirational look at managing information that comes at us via email. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With lots of time spent at home these days, we’re motivated to do a little spring cleaning…and not only in our physical space. Join us for a special 3-part series this week, all about getting a better handle on our digital clutter. In Part 1, Meagan and Sarah tackle digital photos—from how we organize and back up the thousands on our phones right now, why on earth we end up with so many screen shots, and how we make use of new technology to do cool things with older photos. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a week of new reality, new schedules, and new opportunities to get to know ourselves as moms. Along with all the stress and changes brought about by current events, we’ve been thrust into a position of radical self-care, of ensuring we’re able to meet the needs of our families while navigating unprecedented times. Join Meagan and Sarah for a thoughtful—and even funny!—conversation about the specific things we’re doing to manage our time, energy, and moods at home these days. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parents everywhere are now the overseers of their kids' remote learning--in other words: Apparently we're all homeschooling now? In this special bonus episode, Sarah chats with two seasoned homeschooling moms about how they manage schedules, what home learning looks like during stressful seasons, when to add more structure and when to back off, and more. This is the episode you need to approach home learning calmly, without putting pressure on yourself, and even with an attitude of fun. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activities and products to keep kids busy? Got 'em. Some tips for setting the tone in your home during a stuck-inside season? Check. Updates on how COVID-19 has affected our communities in Southwest Michigan and Southern California? Yep (as of recording date, 3/13). We're coming to you from a new reality this week, and we hope you'll join us for some thoughtful discussion and helpful tips for managing time at home with kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you naturally match up with friends who share your individual quirks and preferences, or are your relationships more a case of opposites attract? In our years-long working relationship and close (but long-distance) friendship, we've got a little bit of both going on. Get to know Meagan, Sarah, and our partnership a little better in this fun More Than Mom episodes all about the little and not-so-little ways that we're similar and different. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is everyone you know taking a family vacation, or does it sometimes just feel that way? In our experience, there are "vacations" that feel like a lot of work, and other ways to spend school holidays that feel more relaxing and don't break the bank. In today's episode (Part One of Two in a series all about planning family travel) we're talking about what goes into planning a family vacation you'll actually enjoy--from knowing yourself as a mom and being realistic about the ages of your kids, to finding the sweet spot between getting a break from the responsibilities of home and over-extending yourself on the road. We also have some frank talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and how its arrival on the scene has (or has not) impacted our own travel planning this spring. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're parenting a child who walks through the world a little--or a lot--differently, or if you're hoping to raise kids who see differences as opportunities instead of deficits, this conversation is for you. Sarah chats with Debbie Reber, mom of a 15-year-old "differently wired" son and leader of TiLT Parenting, a movement that both celebrates neurodiversity and recognizes the challenges that kids and parents face in navigating a world designed for one type of learner. Sarah and Debbie discuss why grouping differences like giftedness, anxiety, sensory processing issues, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder all together can give parents a sense of community and advocacy in a way that keeping them separate cannot, and what parents of differently wired kids can do to keep themselves afloat during stressful times. We also take a few questions from our listener community--take a listen! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s great about our eight? Getting each of them ALONE once in a while. With big, busy families, we recognizing that connecting with each kid individually is important, but we also firmly believe it doesn’t have to be a fancy structured thing. In this installment in our (very loose) “What’s Great About Our Eight” series, Meagan and Sarah go kid-by-kid and talk about what solo time looks like in the stage they’re in right now, what we do together and whether feels like enough, and how we might be more intentional going forward. These episodes are a fun way to get to know our families and get a peek at what parenting looks like at a bunch of different ages and stages. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ashley Schafluetzel is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two who lives outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Ella, loves big hair bows and Frozen 2, is a great big sister, and is thriving in first grade. However, Ella's start in life was anything but typical, and through a high-risk pregnancy, premature birth, and extended NICU stay with multiple complications, Ashley and her husband faced challenges that they never expected would come with parenthood. In this special bonus episode of The Mom Hour, Ashley shares an honest look back at her pregnancy, birth, NICU days, and early motherhood experience. From how she learned to advocate for herself and her baby, to growing into her role as a mom of a child with special needs, Ashley's story is part of an important part conversation that we hope you'll enjoy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Flu season 2020 ripped through both our houses recently, and we hear from many of you that this year really is as bad as they say. In this week’s episode Meagan and Sarah talk about the implications of being sick when you’re a mom, the challenges of sick days with little kids vs. older kids, and how we personally handle things like high fevers, consulting professionals, administering home remedies, and more. We’re not medical experts, but we’re definitely moms who have been there. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah just hit the big 4-0 and we’re here to talk about it. Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode where we dive into how we feel about big birthdays in general, which milestone years from our past have made for big transitions or lasting memories, and what being in our forties means for fun stuff like comfy pants and skincare as well as more grown-uppy stuff like health screenings and eating well. Enjoy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The siblings in Sarah's house are leaning in hard on the bickering right now, so for the latest in our "10 Things We Love About..." series we're celebrating all the GOOD parts about raising siblings. We know it's not all sunshine and roses, but when we choose to focus on the positives, even a really challenging season of parenting can be put back into perspective. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When your kids are tiny, it might feel like you have lots of time before their access to the internet requires you to have “the tech talk” - a conversation about online safety, citizenship, and digital well being. And if having that talk feels overwhelming to you, you’re not alone! Join Meagan and Sarah for a little-to-grown rundown of how we talk about things like online online safety, social sharing and communicating responsibly, digital citizenship and more with our kids--plus specific tips for how to make the conversation accessible and fun for you as a parent, not something to stress over. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When something makes a huge splash and everyone is talking about it, we sometimes find reason to opt out, stay neutral, or even counter with the unpopular opinion. But not always! Sometimes we're just excited about the latest hit thing as the rest of y'all. Promise. In today's full-of-laughs More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our nominees for pop culture sensations we can get behind, the ones we can't care about, and a whole bunch in between. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making room in your life for romance can be really tricky for moms. We're often busy and focused on other things, and if we're single, maybe we're burned out on the dating game. In today's Voices episode, Meagan talks from her personal experienced as a divorced mom with love coach Casandra Henriquez about how to create a love vision, put yourself in the driver's seat when it comes to choosing a partner, and how to keep love alive in your current relationship. In the second half of the episode, Sarah joins Meagan to share an honest look at what love and dating as a married couple looks like after nearly fifteen years. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life just feels easier when we have the right gizmos, doo-dads, odds, and ends to take care of ourselves and our homes. Could we survive using the same broom for another 10 years. Definitely. But would we benefit from reading a few Amazon reviews and choosing a really great new broom? Also definitely. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun rundown of products that we're loving lately the the arenas of home, beauty, life, and style. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From August through January, life is action-packed: we’re on the go from back-to-school through the holidays, and we enter the new year with high aspirations. And then, in the face of that long stretch between mid-January and spring break, things get back to normal - really normal. It can be a relief to return to familiar rhythms, but how can we do that without slipping into autopilot and missing out on special moments with our kids? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The preschool and elementary school years provide lots of opportunities to be involved at your kids’ schools…but for many moms the process of finding their place in the school community takes some time. Sarah is deep into the school years now, and Meagan is in her fifteenth consecutive year as an elementary school mom (!!), so we’ve learned from experience how to show up for kids and teachers in a way that suits our skill sets, our personalities, and the season of life we’re in at the moment. In Episode 245 we look at the different approaches we’ve taken, what we’ve discovered about ourselves and our schools, and what’s next for us as school parents in the coming years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weather chat has a reputation for being what you talk about when you have nothing else to say…but we have LOTS to say, and we still love to talk about the weather. Climate and temperature has a big impact on our lives as moms—from the clothes we wear and how we dress our kids, to the activities we can enjoy as a family and even our seasonal moods. This More Than Mom episode isn’t small talk at all—it’s Meagan’s and Sarah’s big thoughts on the weather where we live, all year round, and how it impacts our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We take the long view when it comes to feeding a family: What kind of food experiences and memories do we want our kids to have? What’s the culture around the dishes we serve and the tone around the table? And what are the core values around food and eating that we strive for in our families? In Episode 244 Meagan and Sarah share some of the “food truths” we aim for in our homes, as well as some specific areas of feeding a family that are working well right now (and a few that could use a 2020 reset). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Toddlers get a bad rap - out in the world and even here on the podcast, where we’ve occasionally uttered the phrase: “One-year-olds are the worst.” But there’s so much to love about the toddler stage, too—from verbal explosion to hilarious antics. In Episode 243 Meagan and Sarah share stories from our own toddler-parenting years and offer, with the benefit of hindsight, ten things we love about toddlers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Overhauls and reinventions sound attractive, but they can be overwhelming and even cause us to crash and burn before we ever see results. We’re both interested in the role small habits and little improvements play in our daily rhythms, productivity, and overall happiness—we’re even reading books on the topic! Join Meagan and Sarah for a totally achievable approach to resetting our good habits and improving the ones that aren’t serving us as we head into the new year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A full-time physician with three young kids and a couple of side hustles, Sarah Hart-Unger relies on some time-tested systems to make sure she doesn’t miss a meeting, carves out space for her own creativity, and prioritizes date nights with her partner. She’s here to share tips and ideas with Sarah Powers as they chat all things planners, planning, goal-setting, and to-do list management in this month’s Voices interview episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thoughts on how we handle sick days, encouragement for a mom of two-under-two struggling with accepting help when it's offered, troubleshooting a six-year-old with a nightwaking habit, and commiserating with parents whose toddler only wants dad--Meagan and Sarah are here with advice, empathy, and our experience as we take on another round of your listener questions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're not quite ready to get all crazy-intentional about 2020, but we're also over the holidays and feeling a little reflective. Episode 241 is a casual year-end fireside (we wish!) chat with Meagan and Sarah as we close out another year as moms, family managers, business owners, and humans. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom in the trenches wonders exactly when things will start to feel easier, playdates with school-aged boys whose house rules differ on video games, dealing with disappointment as a mom (especially around built-up big days like holidays), and a request for Sarah to share where she gets her news media and how to consume it without getting anxious. Such great questions sent in by our listeners this week! Join Meagan and Sarah for a pre-holiday helping of nuanced advice, gentle encouragement, and our signature “It’s all gonna be okay”. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When your baby comes home one with one of those hospital-issued fine-toothed combs, the nurses don’t warn you about awkward baby mullets, the heartache of cutting off toddler curls, or the volume of screeching elicited by soap in the eyes and combing out tangles. They also don’t mention lice, greasy tween hair, bad haircuts, getting slime stuck in long locks. In Episode 239 Meagan and Sarah discuss all things related to kids’ hair, from baby to teen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Little kids have big needs when it comes to staying warm, comfortable, and happy in the winter, and even as the season returns again and again, growing kids seem to KEEP NEEDING WINTER STUFF. With Meagan’s decades of experience parenting five kids through Michigan winters plus the latest and greatest tips from our listener Facebook community, we’re rounding up all the footwear, apparel, car and stroller stuff, indoor and outdoor play, and miscellaneous products that will keep your whole family cozy all winter long. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Would it change your life to write thank you letters to the people who've helped you get to where you are? That's what writer Nancy Davis Kho set out to do when she approached a milestone birthday while navigating a challenging series of family transitions and personal loss. In this month's Voices interview Meagan chats with Nancy about the science behind gratitude and the connection to happiness, and what the thank-you project taught her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s last three Christmases have played out like a sad country song (divorce! family emergency! breakup!), and this year she’s going ALL IN on festiveness in an effort to reset the tone for the season and find new ways to enjoy and embrace the holidays as a mom of older kids. There will be Nutcrackers, Messiahs, baking, multiple advent calendars, and even (teen-willing) some ambitious exterior illumination. Sarah’s asking the questions today and Meagan is here for all of us who want to kick off the season with maximum enthusiasm. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We may seem set in our ways, but sometimes a change in persuasion comes later in motherhood--and life. This More Than Mom episode is all about the things we've changed our minds about, from the inconsequential (pickles?) to the highly controversial (decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving!). Join us as we confessing our changes of heart today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Once the gifts have been purchased, what do we actually DO with them? Hide and hope? Box up and ship? Wrap and display? Stack in cardboard boxes until the eleventh hour? Turns out, it's a little of all of the above in our houses. In the final installment in our Holiday Shopping series, Meagan and Sarah discuss the tricky time between when gifts are procured and when they are opened. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love supporting artists, makers, and small businesses, but when it comes time to actually DO the holiday shopping, this can be easier said than done. In the second installment of our Holiday Shopping series, Meagan and Sarah offer specific sites, marketplaces, and buying tips for those who want to shop small and give handmade this holiday season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

List-making, idea-capturing, online-ordering, OH MY. It's time to get serious about holiday shopping, and between us we've got multiple spreadsheets and very different tactics when it comes to organizing, planning, and buying holiday gifts. In the first part in our Holiday Shopping series, Meagan and Sarah tackle all the prep and that goes into our purchasing this time of year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab your favorite beverage and cozy up for a catch-all catch-up with Meagan and Sarah! We talk about the season, the weather, our recent travels, and some fun updates from the business! Then Sarah is joined by our resident Books Talk contributor Katie Addiss to talk about holiday books, what we've been reading lately, and how we read while traveling--both to ourselves and to our kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're doing a deep dive into all things hair and hairstyling in this week's More Than Mom episode! From how often we wash to whether we heat-style, covering grays, DIY color, cutting bangs, salon visits, favorite products and more, we have thoughts about it all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we capture sweet holiday moments even while they're happening? What's the balance between being the family documentarian and truly participating in the magic as it unfolds? In the final installment in our special series on Creating Holiday Memories, Meagan and Sarah offer easy ways to preserve those fleeting moments in writing, photography, video, and more--without stressing about perfection or performance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From structured gratitude practices to spontaneous texts, this time of year provides lots of opportunities to appreciate the moments--and the people--in our lives. In this second part in our special series on Creating Holiday Memories, Meagan and Sarah talk about cultivating a habit of gratitude and appreciation--for ourselves as well as with our families. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms are great at planning the holidays. Check-listing the holidays. Executing the holidays. But for those of us who want to create lasting holiday memories for ourselves and our families, it starts a much simpler place: noticing small moments of connection, beauty, and magic all around us. In this kickoff to our special series on Creating Holiday Memories, Meagan and Sarah offer our thoughts on the importance of noticing, and how busy moms can incorporate it into their holiday season this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling distracted, forgetful, or just sorta fuzzy? We've been there. Listener Erin asked about "mom brain" and how we've handled it over the years, as well as how to keep your adult conversation skills from completely atrophying when you're in a phase of life that doesn't provide a lot of opportunity for intellectually stimulating discussions. We dive into small talk, how to navigate awkwardness in groups of adults where everyone seems to know each other, and how to nurture interesting conversations in mixed company. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heartburn in pregnancy means babies born with lots of hair; boys are harder when they're little, girls are harder later on; third babies are super chill: These are just a few myths and supposed truths that beg to be tested by reality. We asked YOU, our listeners, to help us come up with as many mom myths as possible, and in Episode 234 Meagan and Sarah discuss whether they've held true for our combined eight kids. 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 have been lifting weights this fall! After bemoaning our fitness situation back in late summer, we got (sorta) serious about doing trainer-led workouts--and we found a way to do it "together," remotely! In today's More Than Mom episode we're full of updates, from how sore we are to what changes we've noticed after 6+ weeks of weight training. We also discuss where we want to go from here with our fitness routine, tips for working with a trainer or accountability group, how we feel about smartphone apps for fitness, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taking your child to see a counselor, therapist, or psychologist feels heavy...but it doesn't have to be. As our understanding of childhood mental health expands and the stigma associated with seeking help shrinks, the growth and support opportunities for our kids that exist with the help of a trained professional are worth approaching with curiosity, not fear or sadness. In this month's Voices interview Sarah chats with child psychologist, professor, and therapist in private practice Dr. Erin Lanphier. Dr. Erin explains patiently, and with all the detail Sarah loves, what the process of finding and working with a therapist for your child is like. We also discuss anxiety and childhood fears, how to know whether it's time to seek outside help, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The road to extracurricular insanity is paved with good intentions...or so the saying goes. Sarah has always resisted the pressure to sign her kids up for multiple sports, clubs, and activities, but somehow Fall 2019 landed the Powers family with a crazy after school schedule. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss how it happened, what it revealed, and how it's all coming to an end this week. Enjoy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From gift giving to special meals, family gatherings and classroom celebrations, creating special birthday traditions for your kids is a multi-faceted affair. Even if you're not into big parties, there is still plenty to think about--and to keep you busy when multiple kids have birthdays in the same season, as is the case for Meagan's family. Join us for a thoughtful look at the family culture around kids' birthdays in Episode 232 of The Mom Hour. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Weirdest thing Meagan and Sarah are afraid of? You'll never guess in a million years (and please tell us if you share our weird fears!). And then there are the more typical things that creep us out, from the minor heebie-jeebies to the big-time stuff that truly terrifies us. Join us for a fun, funny, not-at-all-scary More Than Mom episode all about the things that scare us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roasts, stews, gourd-shaped baked goods, and soups that pair with a storybook read-aloud--we are leaning in hard this fall to cozy seasonal cooking. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss what we've been feeding our families lately, what we aspire to make and bake this fall, and how we like to bring the season to our table in both the food and décor departments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From cars to houses to groceries to college, there are some functional elements to growing your family that give a lot of couples pause. We're not here to convince you one way or the other, but we do have experience to share when it comes to going from two kids to three (and then, in Meagan's case, to four... and five...). We also acknowledge the emotional and psychological implications of parenting a bigger brood, and we're here to discuss it all in Episode 230. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Curious what it’s like to run a business with your good friend? Or how we navigate money conversations, time commitments, and growth tension while mothering a collective eight children? Today’s More Than Mom episode pulls back the curtain on our 4-year business partnership (and 7+ year working relationship) with an honest look at how we See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching manners and social graces is about so much more than pleases and thank-yous; it's years of modeling and coaching with many shades of gray that bring together regional and cultural differences and expectations, and with a line of sight toward courtesy that's much bigger than any one dinner party or social faux-pas. Join Meagan and Sarah as we confess the manners our kids are still struggling with, celebrate the areas where things are working well in our families, and take a big picture look at raising courteous humans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating traditional employment while mothering small children brings up so many questions--from negotiating flexible schedules to getting hired while pregnant, promotion challenges and where to pump. In this month's Voices interview Meagan aims to answer the most common questions in a conversation with Colleen Curtis, head of community at The Mom Project, an organization dedicated to building better workplace environments for moms, and helping mothers remain active in the workplace, while acknowledging our need for flexibility and respect in their role as a mom, particularly in the early years of parenting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do we set family rules that apply to everyone, or adjust our expectations for individual kids' and their different strengths, struggles, and personalities? Yes. Both. And it's complicated. We loved answering listener Hannah's thoughtful question about parenting "fair" versus parenting to each kid's individual needs, with Sarah discussing how it works with younger families and Meagan shining the light on how things look with teens and young adults. It's a great conversation and we hope you'll join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mom-friends are a true gift--but they're just one type of female friendship we've benefitted from over the years. Today we're talking about building relationships with women we admire - mentors, colleagues, fellow entrepreneurs, and just generally awesome ladies. From where we find them and how we initiate a first friend-date to what kinds of friendships we like to have in our professional circles, we're unpacking all the benefits to surrounding yourself with women you admire. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for another Books Talk segment, where you'll hear our list of picture books we're never giving away - these are the keepers on our shelves that have been loved for years, and for good reason. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With kids back in school, we’re looking at taking care of our bodies through regular exercise. Meagan’s already established a new early morning workout routine with some accountability buddies, and Sarah’s ready to start. We talk about what’s worked in the past when committing to a new fitness routine, what obstacles we have to look See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time-strapped, mom? You’re not alone. This week Meagan and Sarah look at time management through two different lenses: first, how to find pockets of time in your existing schedule to make small but meaningful improvements to your overall productivity, AND second, how to carve out larger blocks of time for big changes and important priorities, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fall means football, whether you care a little bit, a ton, or not at all. This inspired us to talk about the way sports fandom relates to family culture in a broader way--from bonding across generations over a favorite team, to navigating marital stress when one partner prioritizes game day over family time. We also look at the positive lessons (and potentially troublesome ones) that kids can learn from watching televised sports, and how even fair-weather fans can find teachable moments in sports culture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recently both Meagan and Sarah took trips where they spent significant time alone--like, alone-alone, not "5 minutes in the bathroom with a kid outside the door" alone. This got us thinking about alone-ness in motherhood: the quest to get some, how we feel about it when we do get it, and what types of activities we prefer to do alone vs. with others. This conversation also leads us into topics like anxiety, fear, loneliness, extroversion/introversion, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From picky eaters to snacking tweens, independent lunch-packers to dinner woes, this month’s Voices interview episode is packed with tips for feeding your family nutritious meals without the guilt. Hosts of the popular podcast Didn’t I Just Feed You? Stacie Billis and Meghan Splawn join Sarah to talk about their measured, nonjudgmental, and totally do-able approaches to family meals. This is a can’t-miss episode! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A listener wonders if she's raising a mini-hoarder and we talk about kids who have a hard time parting with their stuff; a mom of elementary-aged kids asks us to talk about after-school grumpiness; a new mom of twins helps us reminisce about infant nap schedules; and a longtime listener asks about mass violence in the media and how we talk to our kids about it. It's another episode inspired by your parenting challenges, and we've got stuff to say--join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preschoolers and violent pretend play, navigating changing relationships with grown children, advice for a mom whose 15-month-old is starting a preschool program, and thoughts on talking to our kids about inclusiveness and representation: We're taking your questions and offering our advice in this week's episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It happens every year: Meagan and Sarah get to the end of summer and just feel the need to take a pause and check in. Today's More Than Mom episode gives us that space to catch up about our summer travels, share some highlights (and also commiserate about end-of-summer woes), and reflect on the last couple months. We also respond to a listener suggestion to discuss procrastination and how it affects our work lives, personal lives, and kids' lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That feeling when summer has all but killed your morning mojo and you're BEGGING for a fresh start? Yep, we're there. Sarah's kids are newly back in school and Meagan's are gearing up, so this episode is all about resetting our mornings. We talk about what has worked in the past, what needs a reset this year or will be changing completely, and offer our best tips for getting out the door on time, feeding yourself and your kids, and how to fit exercise in with it all. (Kidding. We haven't figured that part out yet, but we have much to say about the challenge!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Encouraging literacy and reading aloud to kids is something we all know we “should” do, and most of us do our best. But depending on your stage of motherhood and the age of your kids, this is easier said than done. In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer specific been-there-done-that tips for incorporating reading and literacy into home life for moms of kids at specific ages, including addressing specific challenges that come up during motherhood's many seasons. We talk about making time for reading when you have a new baby and a toddler, dealing with little kids who don't like to sit still for a story, tips for the managing bedtime reading with kids of different ages, encouraging reluctant readers, keeping up with voracious readers' book consumption, and how family culture around literacy changes as kids grow up. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah has a new middle schooler and needs all the tips, which Meagan is happy to share. And many of you are launching new kinders or early elementary kids this year, something the two of us have done a combined eight times (!!). In Episode 221 Sarah leads a pep talk with tips for parents with kids starting elementary school and Meagan takes a turn with advice about middle and high school. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you remember the libraries of your past? We do. In fact, we have enough to say about the transformative power of libraries to fill an entire More Than Mom episode! From our earliest library memories (grouchy Mrs. Young!), to junior high school library adventures (that book was NOT appropriate for 11-year-old Meagan), to an accidental nap in dreary old England, we look back at our lives through the stacks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Donating used items, keeping track of library books, getting kids to put their own clean clothes away, and staying on top of the monthly budget: These are a few of the home management / life / adulting systems that are working well in our homes right now. In this episode we talk about what's working and why, how these systems necessarily change (and how nothing works well forever), and which areas of our home lives due for a system overhaul. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine you're a mom of two, successful entrepreneur, and self-confessed Type A personality...and then you find out that you have a chronic condition that will cause you to be in pain and sap your energy--daily--possibly for the rest of your life. How would you react? What would you let go of? And how would you re-adjust expectations of yourself and the world around you in order to continue to thrive in your new reality? That's the journey that today's guest, Amy Clark, faced. The founder of MomAdvice.com, Amy is a 16-year veteran of digital publishing, and for years really seemed to Do All The Things. Two and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a chronic condition that affects the connective tissue in her body, and everything changed. In this inspiring episode Amy shares how she's dealt with her diagnosis and her "new normal" and how her condition has forced her to let go of things that don't really matter and instead focus on her priorities - which include being a "good mom" in a totally different way than she might have once thought. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The fear of missing out is real, and it preys on new moms in particular. Whether your FOMO flares up when you see other moms' lives play out on Instagram, or you feel it most when it seems like everyone else's kid is on a path to greatness, we can relate (and we've been there). In this episode, Meagan and Sarah look at the types of FOMO that come with motherhood, how we've personally experienced them, and how we've learned to manage the fear of missing out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember Sliding Doors? Today's episode asks the question: "Where would we be if...". Meagan and Sarah talk about the points in our lives where different decisions might have led us down dramatically different paths, and imagine what life would be like in these hypothetical alternate realities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Concerns over safety and privacy are one thing (and worth discussing), but what about the broader implications of kids growing up with a digital identity shaped by their parents long before they were old enough to have a say? This week Meagan and Sarah talk about how we make decisions about what to share online (and on the podcast) about our own kids and how things shift as kids get older and technology evolves; we also tackle a few listener questions on the topic of "sharenting" from moms of younger kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this day in history, where were we? One year Sarah was stuck inside with littles in 115-degree Arizona heat; another year Meagan was directing her kids in a play. One July day many years ago, Meagan's four boys all fit on the same park swing; on another, more recent one Sarah sent a nervous kindergartener off to a full day of summer camp. Looking back at photos from the past, we reflect on the phases of motherhood we've survived through a series of ordinary July days. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today is pure fun--a game of Would You Rather...?, in which Meagan and Sarah challenge each other with choices between wildly impossible scenarios. Which one of us would rather have a permanent three-year-old and which would rather have a permanent 18-month old? You'll have to listen to find out! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Now that our kids are getting older, we have the opportunity to ooh and ahh over other people's babies, and we're here to talk about it. From how we are with our nieces and nephews to whether holding babies really makes our ovaries twinge, we look at the role of auntie, experienced/helpful friend, and even future grandparent (!!) and how they differ from the way we were with our own babies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When starting a family didn’t go as planned and money was tight, singer-songwriter K.C. Clifford felt like she had no choice but to surrender to the devastating possibility that she would never become a mom. Then, just days after finding this acceptance, she got a phone call that changed her life. Join Sarah and K.C. for a real and raw conversation about the heartbreak of infertility, the hope that followed, and the kids who were worth the wait. You’ll also hear the debut of K.C.’s brand new single “Worth The Wait”, as well as an excerpt from the beautiful “Broken Things” , songs written about her journey to becoming a mom via IUI and IVF. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're known by many as fun-haters (see Episode 10 for the backstory!), but does this still hold true four years later? We revisit the fun-list today--everything from pushing kids on the swings, to parades and carnivals, to craft projects--to see whether our opinions have changed. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah to talk about what we've been reading, what makes for a great beach read, and what's on our book list for this summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've been to the beach and the pool with little kids...and survived! From what to take with you to how to carry it, from how to sit comfortably to the best ways to stay entertained, we've got you covered. Episode 214 is full of practical tips and our favorite products for beach days and pool trips with kids. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan opens up about dating as a divorced mom after being partnered up for the better part of two decades, and Sarah has many questions. If you've ever wondered about dating apps, dating as a single parent, or starting a relationship with someone you've already Googled, this More Than Mom episode takes us all behind the scenes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It can be as small as trying a new food or as big as starring in the school play; helping our kids feel the thrill of adventure doesn't have to mean putting them at risk or forcing an indoor-loving kid outside. In Episode 213 Meagan and Sarah talk about why creating a family culture around adventure is important to us AND tackle some of the obstacles to living a life of adventure when you have small children, including nudging anxious kids out of their shells and getting over our own hangups in the process. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing a new baby to a freshly-minted big sibling can be daunting, and it's only the beginning of parenting siblings. Join Meagan and Edit Your Life's Asha Dornfest, who are both now parenting teens and young adults, for a look back at how they managed new baby transitions with older siblings and how sibling relationships continue to evolve in new ways. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That product you've been searching for to do just that thing you need? We found it. Okay, well, we found a few of them...and we're still on the hunt for a few more. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share a few "perfect things" and a few more that we'd love to find. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take a girl with a great eye for design and an entrepreneurial streak, add a just-out-of-high-school introduction to motherhood, and sprinkle with some good-old Midwestern pluck and determination, and you've got a great reinvention story. Our guest on today's Voices episode is Emma Hicks, founder of Camp Climb, a gathering for women entrepreneurs and creatives. Emma and Meagan talk about their similar backgrounds (having babies really young and raising a business alongside a family), the unconventional career Emma launched when her kids were small, and how she continues to pivot her career while building a community of creative entrepreneurs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Creating family culture around vacations, whether we let our kids skip school for family trips, how to (and whether to) stick to sleep routines on the road, dealing with kid meltdowns while traveling, and budgeting tips for family travel--we're taking your vacation-related listener questions in Episode 211. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coping tips for a mom whose husband travels for several weeks at a time, our thoughts on whether traditional preschool is "necessary" when a four-year-old's needs are being met at home, Sarah's detailed response to a listener anticipating a planned Caesarian birth, and encouragement for a mom of three who wonders when her family will all be able to enjoy the same activities together. Join us for a jam-packed Listener Questions episode! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes an experience an adventure, and how has motherhood changed our willingness to be up for it? Are Meagan and Sarah adventure-seekers, adventure-avoiders, or somewhere in the middle? And what types of adventures are our favorites? Join us for a More Than Mom episode all about living a life of adventure...even when (and especially if) you're in the trenches of motherhood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you're more structured like Sarah or intuitive like Meagan, your parenting decisions around screen media will likely evolve as kids get older, new tech emerges, and expert recommendations shift again (and again). Here's a look at how our own feelings and approaches to screen time have changed over the years--and how you can lose the guilt and accept the journey for your own family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May is so crazy for parents that it has a new internet nickname: MAYcember (like December, without the presents). We covered the parenting side of things in Episode 206 (listen here if you missed it), and in this special bonus episode, we hear from three teachers about what it's like from their perspective. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Archie is seventh in line to the crown, and we have thoughts about it all: the royals, our cultural obsession with celebrity parents, and how becoming a new mom in the spotlight would be both harder and easier than for the rest of us. Sarah also shares her personal connection to the Duchess of Sussex (true story!), we talk about our celebrity pregnancy buddies, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you love giving gifts or sometimes stress over the obligation? Are you more of a spontaneous giver or a planner? And where does Receiving Gifts fall in your Love Languages? Meagan and Sarah discuss our own gift-giving personalities and quirks in this fun More Than Mom episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between us we've seen it all: the shy kid, the sensitive empath, the loyal bestie, the social-savvy teen. In Episode 207 Meagan and Sarah look at our combined eight kids through the lens of friendships and social dynamics, unpacking their strengths and struggles and how they've changed over time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Credit card debt, saving for college, working full-time vs. part-time, and planning for the long term: there are big questions that come up in personal finance, and they manage to overlap and intertwine in ways that can be hard to sort out. That's why it's so helpful to have the counsel of a trusted advisor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brace yourselves, school moms: May is here. In Episode 206 Meagan and Sarah share time-tested tips for surviving the end of school--from volunteering our time without going nuts to keeping track of the crazy calendar. Join us for laughs and commiseration; this is the pep talk you need before the final stretch. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan recently did a budget overhaul and has some thoughts. From getting really clear about expenses to taking an honest look at emotionally-motivated money decisions from the past, we're getting real about family finances in Episode 205. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From dream porches and fantasy backyards to the practical ways we currently enjoy our outdoor spaces, this More Than Mom episode is all about the homes outside our homes. We've got DIY (and hire-it-out) projects this spring, wish lists for updates, and thoughts on overgrown gardens. 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 total nature mama or more of an "indoor cat" (as Sarah calls herself)? Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there are big benefits that come with getting kids outdoors as much as possible...and there are also some tricky logistics. And bugs. In Episode 204 Meagan and Sarah discuss the why and the how of getting outside with kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gimlet Media's new podcast for moms launches today! We're popping into your feed to air a special conversation between Julia, a mom grappling with her identity and family history after having her own kids, and Dr. Alexandra Sacks, a reproductive psychiatrist specializing in women's health and psychiatry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Self-discovery doesn't always coincide with becoming a mom, but for many of us the identity shift that begins in new motherhood continues down a path of personal development through personality profiling, self-help books, and other modes of learning. In Episode 203 Meagan and Sarah look at our own interest in personality tests and self-discovery, and how knowing yourself as a mom can make you a more compassionate parent, partner and friend. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes for a memorable restaurant meal or hotel stay? What’s the secret sauce involved in great hospitality? (Hint: Pricy does not always equal excellence.) In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our own service industry experience working in restaurants and retail as we discuss great service, poor service, and everything in See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seeing our kids struggle is HARD–but the long game involves supporting them through mistakes and even failures in the pursuit of raising kids who take (appropriate) risks and can advocate for themselves competently and autonomously. In this month’s Voices interview Meagan chats with teacher, author, and mom Jessica Lahey about the connection between overparenting and academic learning, when the slippery slope of helicopter parenting really begins, and what parents can do at every stage to support kids’ tolerance for mistakes and the discomfort that necessarily accompanies growth and learning. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan wants to go lilac-hunting and Sarah might try something for Earth Day this year. Of course we're also dyeing eggs, hiding baskets, and sprucing up our homes and gardens for a new season. Join us as we discuss the rituals, routines, and traditions that Spring brings to our homes--plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah to talk Spring and Easter books for kids! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's spring, which means we're thinking about summer. Cobbling together childcare as a working mom, giving kids a chance to try new activities without over-scheduling them, and making time to enjoy a simpler schedule in your own backyard--we've got a lot to talk about. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From microphones to sponsors, babysitters to sound engineers, the way we make The Mom Hour podcast has changed a ton in the last four years and 200+ episodes. In this fun lookback episode we laugh about what we've learned, what has changed, and what has stayed the same. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years to the day after dropping our very first episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah are here with our 200th show. Join us as we reflect on what we've learned from each other, our guests, and you: our community. We also play voicemails from listeners, team members, and fellow podcasters from around the world. It's a four-year-old birthday party and a bicentennial all rolled into one...join us for the celebration! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Were you shocked - but, you know, not really all that surprised - to learn about this week's widespread accusations of wealthy parents using cheating, bribing, fraud and other nefarious means to get their kids into elite colleges? In a special "breaking" episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan sits down with Amy Joyce, the On Parenting editor at The Washington Post, to find out more about this case, the high-stress culture many kids are growing up in, and how we parents can resist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping a little kid deal with big feelings about an out-of-state move, traveling as a nervous flyer, finding your groove as an at-home mom when kids are in school full-time, and getting dad involved when a toddler only wants mama--we're taking more of your parenting challenges and listener questions in this week's episode. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Those little squares on our phones are portals to a whole lot of essential--and nonessential--aspects of life. From navigation to shopping, social to fitness, mindless to productive, Meagan and Sarah break down the apps on our phones in today's More Than Mom edition of The Mom Hour. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping school-age kids start to self-regulate around screens and sweets, navigating an awkward situation with a fellow preschool mom, and organizing the "drop zone" in our homes--we answer these great listener questions in Episode 198. PLUS Alison Thompson joins Sarah to answer more questions from listeners about her transition from one baby to two. We talk sleep, schedules, and getting ready to go back to work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a mom of an only child who came home through adoption to a family already rich with diversity, Karen Walrond has thought a lot about what it means to develop a family culture under your own roof. Combining influences from their countries of origin and cultural backgrounds, she and her husband have intentionally set out to give their daughter an appreciation not only for her own diverse background but also for that of others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That “surfboard kid” meme you’ve seen all over the internet? That’s a photo of Meagan and her son Isaac in 2003. We’re popping in with the full backstory on the photo, how the meme took off without our knowledge or Meagan’s permission, and what we’re doing to bring the focus back to the real story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s a youngest, Sarah’s a firstborn, and between us we have eight kids (not to mention a bunch of grown siblings ourselves). In Episode 197 we share insights into sibling relationships from little to grown, what it’s like raising a kid whose personality is similar to yours, and how our families of origin continue to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Best purchase we’ve made recently? Product we can’t believe we lived so long without? Splurges that were worth it and cheapos we love? Meagan and Sarah talk STUFF in this fun more than mom — all about the products and purchases that have made our lives better recently. Join us! Sponsor Spotlight: Native Native makes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal plans are one thing; real life is another. Join Meagan and Sarah as we look back at a recent week in our lives, detailing the dinners we planned, the ones that came together as expected, and the curve balls that led to pizza ordered in. We also share cooking tips, modifications for picky eaters, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From baby safety to impulsive toddlers, school projects to friendship struggles, as moms we're given a ton of opportunities to get up in our kids' business or let them figure it out on their own. This week on the podcast we continue our look at helicopter parenting and the challenge of raising confident, independent kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two things always fun to reminisce about: former jobs (especially the crazy ones) and style evolutions (our own, and fashion in general). Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour wherein we share weird or embarrassing things we’ve done for money, the fashion decade we’d most like to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s not as simple as “helicopter” vs. “free range”. It never is, right? Most of us want to raise resilient, fulfilled, happy future-adults, but the trajectory from high-needs infant to self-assured teen is really murky. What distinguishes over-involved from just, um, involved? What about the cultural pressure to produce kids with impressive, well-rounded résumés? And how can we find that elusive sweet spot where we bear witness to our kids growth and change without trying to control every outcome? In Episode 194 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah start tackling these big questions, in particular looking at ages and stages from baby to teen for opportunities to stretch kids’ independence and let go of our own need for control. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for our first books talk of 2019–all about fiction for moms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All moms know that parenting is full of hilarious moments…well, hilarious in the “someday you’ll look back and laugh” kind of way. Tracey Tee and Shayna Ferm – friends, moms, comedians and creators of the Pump & Dump show – have turned those funny (and frustrating) moments into a stage show that invites moms to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everybody is getting rid of stuff…and we’re holding on! At least we’d like to. Join Meagan and Sarah as we talk about the stuff of motherhood–the material things that may not spark joy, but do hold meaning and memories. We build imaginary time capsules as we talk through sippy cup lids and old Lansinoh tubes, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever have an inexplicably grumpy day? (Please say yes.) Meagan and Sarah chat all things grumpiness in this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. We laugh about our personal grumpiness triggers, how we survive grumpy days as a mom, and even how our personality types play into grumpiness. Join us! Sponsor Spotlight: Picture See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emotionally volatile, intellectually delightful (for the most part), overflowing bundles of growth and change: Toddlers and teens have a lot in common. Join Sarah and Meagan for a healthy debate about the trials and virtues of both stages, and how as moms we can support kids through their big feelings and changing worlds. It’s a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We know from research that kids who do chores become more successful adults…but we also know from experience that teaching kids to take on household responsibilities is challenging and often frustrating (and rarely results in less work for mom). In Episode 191 Meagan and Sarah share an honest look at where our combined eight kids See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pillow quirks, perfect sheets, temperature preferences, and bedside clocks–we have a LOT to say about the role sleep plays in our lives. For this More Than Mom episode we’re not talking about kids’ sleep, we’re talking about our own: how we like it, how to get the best of it, and what happens when we’re See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With New Year energy buzzing, it's easy to get excited about overhauling every area of your life from parenting to home to work and play. Continuing the conversation we started last week about choosing a word for the year, Meagan and Sarah tackle practical ways to keep your intentions, goals, and resolutions top of mind when real life resumes. Whether you resist goal-setting or love it, we're looking at approachable ways to continue that January 1st mojo well into the year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your toddler ready to begin potty training? What about a preschooler with frequent accidents or a fear of pooping in the toilet? And how long is it normal for kids to be dry during the day and still struggle with staying dry at night? We get so many questions about potty training that we See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seems like everybody chooses a “word of the year” nowadays, and we’re conflicted. Both Meagan and Sarah can be trend-averse and skeptical of fads…but we’re also all-in on self-reflection and anything that gives moms a chance to prioritize their happiness and fulfillment. So in Episode 189, our first of the new year, we discuss the See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From confessing our #MomFail moments to airing our (literal) dirty laundry, Meagan and Sarah are looking back at the best moments on the podcast from 2018. Join us for a brand new episode and fresh commentary, plus throwback clips from some of our favorite moments. It’s the very last episode of 2018–join us! Patreon Our See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From most embarrassing moments to favorite TV shows to what we learned about ourselves, Meagan and Sarah are taking a (mostly) fun and fluffy look back at 2018 for this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. Join us! Patreon Our Patreon community is growing! Become a patron (that’s a fancy way of saying See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the fence about adding another baby to the family? You are not alone. We hear this a TON from listeners, and it’s a favorite topic among mom friends in the family-growing years. In Episode 187 Meagan and Sarah share our own experiences growing our families (with a special focus on the transition from two See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gift ideas for a second baby who wants for nothing, managing holiday hosting stress as a mom with a clingy toddler, tips for staying organized during the holidays, and standing your ground when extended family lays on the guilt. We answer these listener questions in this week's holiday bonus episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We love books, and we hope our kids grow up to love them too…but how do we get there? Meagan and Sarah break down the ways we encourage literacy and a love of reading in our homes–without piling on the pressure. We talk about reading aloud, reading for homework, encouraging reluctant readers, and modeling a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most families are touched by divorce in some way, and the holidays can bring up all kinds of questions and challenges for single or re-coupled parents, children of divorced parents (including adult children), and blended families. As Meagan enters her third holiday season post-separation, Sarah picks her brain about everything from the practical logistics of sharing the holidays with an ex, to the emotional landscape of the holidays as a divorced mom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Buckle up, mamas. We’re getting into the details of air travel AND car trips with babies, toddlers, and little kids. Meagan’s the expert on road trips, and Sarah has flown a ton with tiny kids. If you’ve ever wondered whether to buy an airplane seat for a one-year-old, how to plan stops on an 8-hour See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year’s December doesn’t have to be like last year. Join Meagan and Sarah as we set intentions for the busy holiday month ahead, everything from little ways to find joy in the messes to bigger stuff about changing traditions. It’s another Holiday Bonus episode of The Mom Hour! Sponsor Spotlight: Canvas People How’s the See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 184 we talk about the things that have changed since we became moms--from the superficial stuff like trends in baby gear to the more significant ways that the digital age has shaped parenting culture over the years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our kids have made their holiday wish lists, and we’re popping into your podcast feed on Black Friday to chat about them! Join Meagan and Sarah as we review our own kids’ Christmas lists, what we have our eyes on as we kick off holiday shopping season, plus the ways we get around those “ain’t 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 both enjoy wine and cocktails, but coincidentally we both scaled back our drinking recently and have observations to share. We’re also wary of the pervasive “mommy needs a drink” trope and the way meme culture in general aims for cheap laughs with potentially harmful side-effects. Today’s episode gets into the gray area See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heading into a holiday week, Meagan and Sarah are feeling festive and talking about our favorite adult beverages. We also talk about rituals and routines involving our favorite drinks, hangover cures, holiday drinking and more. Join us! Note: We know that alcohol is a tricky topic for a lot of people, and in this episode 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 across town for dinner or cross-country for a week, visiting family comes with challenges–especially at the holidays. There are relationship dynamics to consider, plus germs, traditions, sleep schedules, and a lot of public parenting. In Episode 182, Meagan and Sarah sit down for a thoughtful discussion on how to make family visits and See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cupboards, cabinets, closets, and drawers: Meagan and Sarah are opening up and confessing what’s working and what isn’t when it comes to clutter and our homes. Join us for another fun More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour! Patreon Our Patreon community is thriving! Become a patron (that’s a fancy way of saying you See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can a wild toddler become mellow teen? A shy preschooler an outgoing tween? Or do our littles’ personalities predict their big kid identities? As usual, we’re saying it’s a little of both, or somewhere in the middle. In this week’s episode Meagan and Sarah break down our combined eight kids and how they were as 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 little, maybe you’ve wondered what it’s really like to send a child off to college. Or maybe you’ve pondered how your mom-life – and the way you relate to the world – might change as your children grow. In this episode, Meagan and the always warm, wise and wonderful Asha Dornfest See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

First babies get all our attention...but they have to endure our most rookie mistakes and newbie neuroses, too. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun flashback at how we planned for, fed, celebrated, and parented our firstborn kids in contrast to their younger siblings. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Co-parenting is tough, and we're here to talk about it. This week Meagan and Sarah talk about getting on the same page as your co-parent, how to handle personality differences and baggage from our backgrounds, and why we think kids benefit from different parenting styles (mostly). Plus, Alison Thompson joins Sarah for a fun chat about choosing baby names. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s an all-Broadway edition of More Than Mom! We talk about Meagan’s recent performing stint as Roxie Hart in Chicago!, the stage shows we’ve seen lately or want to see, and respond to listener response to our first installment in this conversation, the More Than Mom episode on Movie Musicals that we did back in See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Halloween costumes come with parenting questions: Will baby keep the hat on? How scary is too scary? Can you figure out how to master that face painting technique your kid is dying for? When and how to veto a costume choice that isn’t your jam? How to help make costume dreams come true without spending See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twin mom and motivational powerhouse Jenny Schatzle gets vulnerable about her transition to motherhood, her role as a leader and entrepreneur, and the tricky business of staying authentic AND positive online when you're a public persona. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parenting a strong-willed kid, handling criticism about your family size or kids' spacing, the first signs of kid crushes and puppy love, and gift ideas for your kids' grandparents. Meagan and Sarah take on these questions and offer our advice in Episode 176. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Losing your cool and yelling at your kids (how it happens to us ALL, how to prevent it, and how to cope after it happens), dealing with a pinching/biting 19-month-old, and extracting your family from a sticky situation with neighbor friends whose parenting style makes you uncomfortable. These listener questions PLUS a chat with newly-minted mom of two Alison! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's officially fall, no matter what kind of whether you're enjoying. Meagan and Sarah chat fall décor, fall wardrobes, experiencing fall in different parts of the country, and more in this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Supporting your child's school experience doesn't have to look like tons of volunteer hours, chaperoning field trips, or organizing classroom parties. It CAN (and we salute those who do it!), but it doesn't have to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why? Because I said so. Has a nice ring to it, right? Even better, though (and more specific): because it's a rule in our house. In Episode 173 Meagan and Sarah are talking about the beauty and hilarity of arbitrary rules, drawing from our own experience and some genius listener suggestions. 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 talk about what podcasts WE listen to in this week’s More Than Mom episode! After a dry spell of discovering new audio shows, we each have a few new favorites–and they’re outside of the motherhood/parenting sphere. We’ll tell you what podcasts they are, who we’d recommend listen to them, and where to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Working moms: are you stressed, anxious, and tired of hearing about this mythical thing called "balance?" You aren't alone, and you've come to the right place. 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 dirty dishes in your sink right now? So do we, but instead of washing them we decided to podcast about it! Join Meagan and Sarah for a look at the products and practices that keep things moving in our kitchens, plus stories of faulty dishwashers, dishes pet peeves, what keeps us company while we do the dishes and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're standing in the checkout line doing that familiar bounce-bounce-sway motion to soothe a fussy baby when suddenly you realize: you don't HAVE a baby. Ever been there? We're willing to be you have, and we're discussing a bunch more mom-habits that are hard to shake in Episode 171 of The Mom Hour.PLUS pregnant mama Alison Thompson joins Sarah to discuss first versus second pregnancies, staying comfortable in the third trimester, maternity clothes that fit and flatter, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all make choices about where and how we spend our money--so what areas of home, life, and style to Meagan and Sarah choose to save on, and which ones are our splurges? We discuss in this More Than Mom episode of The Mom Hour (suggested by listener Rachel!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boxes, bags, and bentos--here we go, friends. We're talking lunch-packing on this week's episode of The Mom Hour. From the gear we love (or like well-enough), to the stuff we pack (no, it's not pretty or perfect), to when and how we get lunches packed (and unpacked...ew), today's episode is FULL of tips and stories to encourage you this school year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do the things get done? Where does the time go? These are the questions we look at in today’s podcast episode. We’ve got tips for making the most of your time and prioritizing well so you feel your most productive (yes, even in those early baby days where it seems like NOTHING gets done). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By listener-request we’re taking you behind the scenes! We discuss the making of The Mom Hour, our recording quirks, tips for aspiring podcasters, how we work with brands, and more. We also give a little back-story on how the show has grown, how the Life, Listened network started, evolved, and continues to change, and what See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah has one week left of summer and Meagan has a MONTH. We chat about late-summer malaise, seasonal energy slumps in general, how to (or whether to) get back to healthier habits and routines, and what (if anything) we're doing to gear up for the impending school year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happiness in parenting doesn’t mean mean skipping through fields of daisies with a brood of clean, cheerful, never-whining children who eat their veggies and always put their dirty clothes in the hamper. In reality, it’s a much messier–but totally attainable–thing. In this episode of The Mom Hour Voices, Sarah talks with writer KJ Dell’Antonia about See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve yet to meet a mom at any stage of parenthood who didn’t have to deal with laundry–it’s one of the great equalizers of the mothering experience, no? Today on The Mom Hour Meagan and Sarah take you inside their homes and laundry rooms for a look at how we keep up with the piles, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

High school bedrooms, college dorm rooms, first apartments, first homes. Meagan and Sarah describe their home décor style through the years in this More Than Mom episode. Join us! Sponsor Spotlight: Campaign Living Campaign makes sofas, chairs, loveseats, and ottomans that are built to last. Their furniture is made using quality materials, arrives in just a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last day of preschool is one thing–poignant, and easy to see coming–but what about the last time your toddler uses your favorite adorable mispronunciation? The last time you step on a LEGO? The last time a kid needs your help in the bath, crawls into your bed in the wee hours, or reaches for See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Navigating decisions as a mom is hard enough; feeling judged, criticized, or shamed for those decisions? That feels like garbage. After years of practice, Meagan and Sarah have words of encouragement for dealing with criticism, including six things to keep in mind when you’re feeling judged by others about your parenting. PLUS Katie Addiss joins See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re home alone on a rainy Saturday afternoon and that movie comes on that you just HAVE to watch. What is it? In this More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah confess the books, movies, songs, and TV that maybe don’t get points for artsy intellectualism, but that we just can’t resist. Much pop culture See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bianca Dottin’s second pregnancy was long-awaited and relatively drama-free. But when baby Tristan arrived at 34 weeks and was admitted to the NICU unable to breathe on his own, it was clear that her life was about to change. In this month’s Voices interview episode, Bianca shares her NICU story with Sarah, including how 6 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your kid shows an aptitude for something...now what? Meagan and Sarah discuss the sometimes tricky topic of how to nurture our kids' natural abilities without pressuring or pushing. We also talk about when to support kids through an activity they may not be particularly talented at, the importance of dabbling, and when it's OK to let kids quit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who doesn't love a good old-fashioned game of "Would you rather...?"? Join Meagan and Sarah (recording together in person, which is always fun) for a surprisingly revealing exercise in hypothetical thinking. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping a toddler with nighttime fears, the logistics of taking a baby to the beach, the ideal age-spacing between siblings, and helping a two-year-old feel special when a new baby arrives. These are the listener questions we answer in this week's episode of The Mom Hour. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teaching social graces to a shy preschooler, saving money on groceries and household supplies, and helping school-aged kids learn to deal with feelings of frustration. These are three topics brought to us by listeners that Meagan and Sarah tackle on this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You can learn a lot about a person by taking a peek inside their purse. (Also: it’s time we cleaned out our purses!) In this episode of More Than Mom from The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah do a deep dive into their bags, laughing as they go. We also challenge listeners to share the See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No one mom "does it all"--or so we're told. But what exactly DON'T we do? In Episode 161 Meagan and Sarah share our experience finding ways to opt out of the little (and sometimes not-so-little) tasks and obligations that aren't meaningful to us as moms, making room for more of what is. PLUS resident new mom Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end of the show to talk about a great swimsuit-saving strategy and other tales from the trenches. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer fun isn’t just for kids! Meagan and Sarah chat about their hopes, dreams, and plans for this summer–everything from their favorite indulgent magazines to read to what kind of outdoor adventures their families are ready for. It’s a More Than Mom episode all about SUMMER. Join us! Sponsor Spotlight: FabFitFun FabFitFun is a seasonal See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you struggle with meal planning or dread the grocery store, you’re not alone. Today we tackle three more challenges to dinner-making success and offer our tips and solutions for overcoming them. This is a follow-up to last week’s episode, so be sure to catch that one as well (though you can listen in any See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Having help and support is the way nature intended for us to make human beings”. So says journalist and author Kate Rope in her new book all about how moms can take better care of their mental, emotional, and physical selves from pregnancy through parenthood. Kate joins Sarah in Episode 26 in our Voices interview See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No time to cook? Got picky eaters? Hate the “witching hour”? We’re with you. In this episode Meagan and Sarah tackle three common dinner-making obstacles and offer solutions and tips that help us in our own lives and kitchens. We’re not experts; we’re parents who’ve been there, remember? This episode is the third in our See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Warning: this episode may make you want to ignore all responsibilities for an untold number of hours so that you can hole up and watch a movie musical marathon. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Join Meagan and Sarah for a More Than Mom minisode about our favorite movie musicals (and stay tuned for a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The weather is warming up and everybody’s clothes are too small–time to talk summertime clothes, shoes, and gear for kids! Meagan and Sarah share our go-to tips and favorite brands for keeping kids comfy, cool, and affordably dressed during the summer. Join us! Partner Spotlight: Shoot Along! Are you ready really use your DSLR camera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve hit a mid-year slump in our fitness mojo, friends. Have you? Meagan and Sarah address where we are with working out, what has worked for us in the past, and discuss strategies for getting back on the wagon this summer. We also talk frankly about WHY working out matters to us (and it may See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We aren't perfect, we're real. It's the last line of our show intro and it's the guiding principle of this episode. Buckle up, guys, as Meagan and Sarah confess some really cringe-worthy mom fails that keep us humble to this day. From a major faux pas at the school Thanksgiving feast to some near-death (or at least near-injury) experiences that still make us shudder, we're serving up a whole lot of vulnerability in Episode 157. Plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end of the podcast with a mom fail of her own plus a struggle, success, and discovery from her life as a mom of two little ones. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By popular request we’re tackling potty training in Episode 156! But if your kids are well beyond diapers by now, stick around. We extend the conversation to include other bathroom messes and realities that come with raising kids. From privacy to hygiene to showering solo to (gasp!) man-boys who shave, this entire podcast episode takes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between Meagan and Sarah we’ve celebrated our kids’ birthdays 95 times. NINETY-FIVE birthdays, guys. We share the lessons we’ve learned in scaling back while still keeping up some special traditions, make a case for opting out of birthday madness when it isn’t your jam, and confess some of our birthday party fails from over the 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 recap their week at the Mom 2.0 conference in Pasadena, including that one time they lovingly accosted a breastfeeding mom in an evening gown, that other time Meagan had to be forcibly removed from a Rent The Runway dress, a sweet listener encounter, and more hijinks. (New to The Mom Hour? This See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan sits down with her sister Kathreen to talk openly for the very first time about the major health crisis that rocked their family last December. This special episode in our Voices interview series is full of really practical ways to support families going through a health scare, plus a vulnerable inside look at a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No one tells you when you become a parent that you’ll spend a significant portion of the rest of your life in conversations about snacks and sweets–but it’s true! Most kids would snack and indulge their sweet-tooths all day long we if we let them, and in this episode of The Mom Hour Meagan and See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moving, remodeling, and home renovations are never easy, but with kids in the mix the difficulty level goes up a notch…or twelve. Meagan is fresh off a cross-town move and Sarah has had several home improvement challenges in the last year. Join us for tips and tactics to minimize stress when your home in transition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The search for the perfect purse (and laptop bag…and evening clutch) continues to elude Meagan and Sarah, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to find it. Join us for as fun More Than Mom minisode where we dig into the details of what makes the perfect bag and what we’re looking for in a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part of the fun of having so many kids between us is that we never run out of things to talk about! Join Meagan and Sarah for a quick look at what each of our eight kids is going through these days--this lets cover the phases from preschool through teen in a way that's personal, funny, and encouraging. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Singer-songwriter and mom of two Sarah Sample joins The Mom Hour co-host Sarah Powers for a chat that feels like two old friends catching up. That’s because Sarah and Sarah ARE two old friends–of 25 years! Musician Sarah talks honestly about creativity in motherhood, being a traveling working mom, and making big career shifts in 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 share what they feed their families for breakfast and lunch (and we’re keeping it VERY real here) in Episode 151 of The Mom Hour. We also take a look back and how we survived the breakfast and lunchtime challenges that come with early motherhood. This episode kicks off our new Feeding A See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beaches or big cities? Rental cars or public transport? Where have we been and where would we love to go? Join Meagan and Sarah for a More Than Mom episode all about TRAVEL! Sponsor Spotlight: FabFitFun FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion and lifestyle products. Meagan and Sarah shared what See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan first shared that her marriage had ended last spring and we've heard from a lot of listeners that you guys would like an update on how things are going as she adjusts to life as a divorced mom. In Episode 150 Sarah checks in with Meagan on everything from how home life and work life have changed, to things like dating, friendships, parenting, health, and self-care--all of which have evolved over the last year and half. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Setting up toddler playgroups, feeling overwhelmed by housework, and how to handle teachers who don't see your kid the way you do. We got GREAT listener questions for this episode and do our best to answer this week! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If the mere thought of a tri-fold science project display board makes you want to run for the hills, we're right there with you. But we've also come to accept that as kids move into upper elementary, middle, and high school, school projects and increased homework demands are par for the course. Join Meagan and Sarah for a frank discussion about how we find the balance between supporting the work that comes home from school without hovering or helicoptering. We share successes and failures from our own experience, plus offer ideas for navigating homework parenting without going crazy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What constitutes a hobby? Does it have to involve textiles? Does cheese count? Do people really have hobbies outside of singing, dancing, and writing? Meagan and Sarah laugh our way through another more-than-mom chat–all about our hobbies. Enjoy! More-Than-Mom Sponsor: KIND Snacks Our go-to just-for-mom snacks come from KIND, who believes you shouldn’t have to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you're expecting a new baby or love showering friends with thoughtful baby gifts, this episode is for you. Meagan and Sarah enlist the help of some savvy new moms to get the latest product must-haves, plus rely on our own experience and the benefit of hindsight to dissect what's really essential, what you can probably pass on, and which gifts go the distance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who knew we’d have so much to say about beverages? That’s the fun of our More-Than-Mom series–it’s a deep dive into the super superficial, with bits of nostalgia thrown in for fun. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss memories of our favorite childhood drinks, what kept us going in high school and college, and See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We get a ton of listener questions on the topic of sending kids off to kindergarten--how to know if they're ready, what to do about those tricky summer birthdays in terms of sending a kid or holding him back, and how to prepare kids to be successful as they transition into elementary school. Kindergarten teacher and mom of two Kelly Hiltz brings a calming voice of reason to this often amped-up topic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if "I can't do it all" wasn't a statement of parenting failure and instead an opportunity to expand our kids' horizons and our own support system? What if instead of trying to be all things to each child, we recognized the importance of other role models in our kids' lives. Meagan and Sarah look at these questions in Episode 146 as we discuss the importance of other adults in our kids' lives and how to help kids cultivate these important extra-familial relationships. Plus, Katie Addiss joins Sarah for a struggle, success and discovery at the end of the show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love it or hate it, social media is a part of our lives. Join Meagan and Sarah for a meandering chat about our favorite ways to be social online. This episode is part of our More Than Mom series, where we set aside the practical parenting tips (which you can still find in each new See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between sick days and snow days, new babies and school holidays, we know firsthand how hard it is to be stuck inside with kids for what feels like eternity. In Episode 145 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer tips for stocking your home so that when that stomach flupocalypse does strike, you’re prepared See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you remember the skincare products and fragrance you swore by in middle school? How do you feel about clear mascara or yellow nail polish? Can you sing the Jhirmack shampoo jingle at full voice? (One of us can. Guess who.) Laugh along with Meagan and Sarah in a more-than-mom special episode all about beauty See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moms need tribes, right? So we’re told. But what if friendships in motherhood are a little more dynamic, evolving, and complicated than just finding the right group and sliding on in. Join Meagan and Sarah for a thoughtful discussion about what it really means to “find your tribe” as a mom, PLUS we offer 10 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tweens are not just overgrown little kids or mini-adolescents. Caught between the two, they really are in phase worthy of its own discussion–and its own podcast episode! Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss what makes 8-12-year-olds unique and how to up our parenting game to meet their needs as they grow. Sponsor Spotlight: KIND See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Christine Koh started making t-shirts for herself as a creative release and weekend hobby, she had no idea that within a matter of months her designs would be seen on celebrities, in magazines, and as a meaningful part of social good movements around the country. Join Sarah as she chats with Christine (who is See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking listener questions this week, all around the topics of working outside the home, staying at home full-time, and the tension the often exists no matter where you spend your days. (Spoiler alert: Two moms with totally opposite schedules both wrote in to say that 4:00pm is a totally brutal time of day.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The picture of fatherhood we see depicted in pop culture is fraught with stereotypes. From the bumbling dad who can’t fasten snaps on a onesie to the overly intense sports dad who pushes his kid on the ball field, the generalizations often don’t represent the truth and in many cases can be harmful to dads’ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan and Sarah are both working more than we have in a long time–and our work schedules have changed recently. In Episode 140 we talk about what’s working (ha!), what isn’t, and how things have evolved since the drop-a-toddler-off-at-daycare years. We also talk about how working moms and stay-at-home moms can support one another, how See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's the state of our wardrobes? Glad you asked. In Episode 139 Meagan and Sarah go Head-Shoulders-Knees-and-Toes through what's working and what isn't when it comes to style for us lately. Find out what Meagan loves about having longish hair for the first time in a decade, why Sarah continues to struggle with leggings and can never find her socks, and hear our takes on two different popular online bra retailers. Plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah at the end for a fashion-related struggle, discovery, and success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What daily habits do happy moms practice? Our answers may surprise you. Join Meagan and Sarah for the second in our two-part series on cultivating happiness during motherhood. Listen to Episode 138 using the player below, and catch up on Part 1 in the series with Episode 137, too! Featured Sponsor: Epic! Epic! is a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah R. Bagley mothers, writes, podcasts, teaches group fitness, and runs a local women’s entrepreneur group–all while keeping up with the demands and schedules of a toddler, a preschooler, and a first-grader. She’s the first to admit that this hybrid working/momming thing isn’t easy, but her philosophy is all about leaning in to both creative 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 on a regular basis to stave off stress, grumpiness, and dissatisfaction? We know that no mom is happy ALL the time, but in Episode 137 we’re digging deep into five habits of mostly-happy moms. Next week we’ll share five more habits to round out this two-part series. Enjoy! Part 2 of See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Happy New Year, friends! Before we launch headlong into 2018 we’re taking a quick look back at what happened for each of us–and the podcast–in 2017. Looking back at the year behind us is a helpful way to discover what we want to see more (or less) of in the coming year. Join us, and See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A toddler who won’t stay in his room at bedtime, a seven-year-old with a fibbing habit, and the age-old questions of “what do you do with a two-year-old while you put the baby to bed?” and “why do my kids have such a hard time occupying themselves?”. In Episode 135 of The Mom Hour, Sarah and Meagan offer empathy, encouragement, and a few helpful tips for these listener questions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're answering a TON of your parenting questions in this week's episode, and it's all about navigating the holidays. From getting kids to thank grandma appropriately to keeping toddlers on a schedule, we weigh in on the topics you suggested in this Instagram post. Take a listen! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve enjoyed Katie’s new mom segments over the past year, you’ll love this week’s episode. We listen to Katie highlight one struggle, one success, and one discovery from her life as a mom of two littles, then Meagan and Sarah weigh in with their thoughts PLUS share struggles, successes and discoveries of our own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and settle in for an entire episode of The Mom Hour that’s all about slowing down and catching up. We’ve been moving so fast this fall that we wanted to take time to update listeners on what’s been going on with us personally, some fun See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Entertaining” sounds intimidating, but how about “open your doors and let people in”? Meagan and Sarah want you to feel like opening your home to guests is an opportunity, not a potential Pinterest-fail, and we’re here to offer some tips for scaling back the expectations and making entertaining fun, sane, and satisfying for everyone. Join See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Need help with gift ideas for the teens and adults on your holiday shopping list? Meagan and Sarah are chatting about unique, surprising, and time-tested gifts for teens and adults in our third Cyber Monday Special Episode. Join us! Sponsor Spotlight ActionHeat makes the world’s best heated clothing, powered by rechargeable batteries. It’s the perfect See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kids ages 6-12 can be hard to shop for, having outgrown the obvious little-kid toys but still young enough to enjoy creative play and good old fashioned fun. Meagan and Sarah offer suggestions for gift giving to big kids and tweens in this Cyber Monday Special Episode. Join us! Sponsor Spotlight Stencil Revolution is a See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shopping for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers? Sarah and Katie sit down in a Cyber Monday Gift Guide Special to brainstorm great gift ideas for ages 0-5. We share more than 40 ideas in about that many minutes–come along for the ride!  Sponsor Spotlight Telling family stories is a huge part of the culture in both See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Routines help us move through the day as busy moms, so what can we do to instill healthy ones, change up the ones we’ve outgrown, and add meaningful rituals into our family culture? Join Meagan and Sarah as they offer tips for using routines to make your life as a mom easier and more fun–have See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan's divorce has shaken up the family schedule and plans for the holidays, and both she and Sarah are interested in exploring what happens to routines, rituals, and traditions in times of major change. Join us for a look at all this and more in Episode 128 (the first in a two-part series!). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are all East Coast parents uptight traditionalists grooming their kids for the Ivy League? Are all West Coast moms drinking kale smoothies while practicing yoga on a paddleboard? Of course not, but in this special episode of The Mom Hour Sarah (of the West Coast) is joined by guest co-host Margaret Ables (a New Yorker) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Tripple is a Chicago-based photographer who understands that it’s hard to get little ones dressed and out the door on a normal day–let alone for a family photo shoot. In Episode 19 of our Mom Hour Voices series Amy and Sarah talk about how to make the most of professional family photos, what to See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan’s family is full of cousins and Sarah’s more sparsely “cousined”, but we both have a lot to say about the cousins we grew up with as well as the cousins our kids have. Join us as we discuss these unique and meaningful extended family relationships, and how to make the most of them. PLUS, See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Too early to make meaningful progress on holiday to-do lists? Sarah says no, and Meagan is curious but skeptical. Whether you’re a plan-ahead type or not, we’ve got some practical tips for making December less hectic by doing a little planning right now. Join us! (For clarity’s sake, we are Team NO Decorations/Music Until After See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been a rough few weeks and we want to talk about it. Join Meagan and Sarah for an honest discussion about how we manage our media intake when the headlines are heartbreaking, how to identify the feelings that come up when we’re triggered in some way by the news, and how to help when See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When to start giving kids an allowance, paying for chores, getting mentally psyched up for baby #2, and dealing with kids' annoying habits--these are the parenting challenges and motherhood topics we're tackling in the latest Listener Questions episode of The Mom Hour. 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 friendships and social dynamics is one of the most commonly-requested topics from our listeners. That’s why we’re so thrilled to welcome Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an author, psychologist, and expert on children’s friendships, to this special episode of The Mom Hour Voices series. Sarah asks Dr. Eileen about helping kids who feel left See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Closely spaced babies, tips on room-sharing, helping siblings get along, and dealing with super-shy toddlers. These are the topics we cover in this week's episode--all of which are inspired by listeners' real lives and kids. Join us as we hear from YOU and then offer our advice (which is as usual, mostly "hang in there...it gets better...that's totally normal...you're doing great"). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah’s the Type-A, detailed one; Meagan’s the free spirit who’s super laid-back. Right? Or is there more? In Episode 121 we share the ways in which we break type from our typical molds–go figure! we’re not two-dimensional!–and challenge the idea that any one mom is either totally chill or totally stressed. Join us! Featured Sponsor: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much do we pay our babysitters? (Yes, we get real about numbers.) Do we expect sitters to do the dishes? (One of us gets super weird about this.) And what's the best way to get the potentially awkward conversations out of the way and start building great relationships with the people caring for your kids? (Early, often, and as clearly as possible.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've learned a lot from our own mistakes over the years about finding, hiring, and building relationships with non-family caregivers. In Episodes 119 and 120 we'll go on a deep dive into this topic, starting with general tips today for finding great sitters and making sure your childcare needs are covered--even if you're the primary parent at home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah sits down with fellow writer-turned-podcaster, mom of three, and California girl Lesley Miller in this month’s episode in our Mom Hour Voices series. Join them as they talk about their semi-parallel lives, the process of adjusting to life as a mom of school-aged kids, being a sorta-working/sorta-staying-home mom, and more. Sponsor Spotlight: Opinion Outpost See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Ma Ingalls to Claire Huxtable, Mrs. Pteranodon to Marmee March, we’re discussing our favorite moms from books, TV and movies this week on the podcast. We hope after listening you’ll be as nostalgic for classic literature as we are (and maybe that you’ll also want to binge-watch Arrested Development). Enjoy! Featured Sponsor: Epic! Epic! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s your favorite way to help a new mom? In this very special episode–recorded LIVE at The New Mom School in Newport Beach–Meagan and Sarah offer some outside-the-box ideas for helping a new mom, PLUS our amazing live audience chimes in with stories and tips from their own new mom days. Enjoy! Links we mentioned See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sports and activities should add fun and fulfillment to your family culture--not suck the life out of it. And yet, between keeping wiggly babies occupied in the gymnastics waiting area and driving all over town for team sports commitments, it's easy to feel like there's a high cost to all that "fun". Meagan and Sarah offer concrete tips for being a happier sports parent as we head into this new school year. From opting out of mommy-and-me classes to letting older kids dabble instead of specialize, we're here to remind you that your happiness matters (and that your kid is probably not a future Olympian). PLUS, listen all the way to the end for a fun segment featuring Sarah and Katie Addiss. 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 kids heading back to the classroom or not, this time of year feels like an opportunity to renew routines, set some goals, and tackle some overdue projects. Back to school is like another New Year for moms, and in this episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah get specific about their own "resolutions" in the areas of work, creativity, health, home, food, and parenting. Join us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.