The Mom Hour

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

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

Flu season 2020 ripped through both our houses recently, and we hear from many of you that this year really is as bad as they say. In this week’s episode Meagan and Sarah talk about the implications of being sick when you’re a mom, the challenges of sick days with little kids vs. older kids, and how we personally handle things like high fevers, consulting professionals, administering home remedies, and more. We’re not medical experts, but we’re definitely moms who have been there. Join us!As always, please seek medical advice directly from your providers–what we’re offering here are stories and personal experiences only. LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned our recent Listener Questions Episode where we answered a question about how we handle sick daysMeagan talked about Febrile SeizuresWe would love to hear from you! Email us [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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weirdest thing Meagan and Sarah are afraid of? You’ll never guess in a million years (and please tell us if you share our weird fears!). And then there are the more typical things that creep us out, from the minor heebie-jeebies to the big-time stuff that truly terrifies us. Join us for a fun, funny, not-at-all-scary More Than Mom episode all about the things that scare us!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan is right about “heebie-jeebies”We talked about thrill-seeking personalities in our Adventure As A Family Value episode, and its More Than Mom counterpart: Adventures Great & Small, which is more about adventures in our own livesSarah once wrote about her scorpion encountersYou can always get in touch with us by emailing [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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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