The Mom Hour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whether it’s across town for dinner or cross-country for a week, visiting family comes with challenges–especially at the holidays. There are relationship dynamics to consider, plus germs, traditions, sleep schedules, and a lot of public parenting. In Episode 182, Meagan and Sarah sit down for a thoughtful discussion on how to make family visits and holiday travel less stressful for you and your family. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:All our holiday-related podcast episodes are on this pageYou might also like the episodes we’ve done on dealing with criticism and things to remember when you feel criticizedWe’ve also done episodes on traveling with kids and smart tech and family travelMeagan mentioned our episode on greed and gratitudeWant to send in a question for our holiday-themed listener questions episode? Email us at [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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 start for maximum enjoyment. Join us!Meagan’s Podcast Picks:ZigZag, from Stable Genius Productions (recommended: start at the beginning)Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman (recommended: pick a company/interview guest that interests you and start there)Mother Like A Boss with Kendra Hennessey (recommended: we love Kendra’s solo episodes, and the back to school organization one, but watch for an interview with Meagan coming soon, and Kendra was also a guest on The Home Hour last month!)Sarah’s Podcast Picks:Dirty John, from Wondery and the LA Times (recommend: you MUST start at the beginning and listen in sequence from the oldest episode to the newest!)Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR (recommended: the longer episodes that include the “What’s Making Us Happy” segment are Sarah’s favorites, but you don’t need to listen in order)The Goop Podcast (Sarah doesn’t listen to every one, but liked the Oprah interviewand L-O-V-E-D the Sarah Jessica Parker interview)Other podcasts we love (but may not have had time to mention):How I Built This with Guy Raz (similar to Meagan’s pick Masters of Scale)Up First from NPR (Sarah gets her morning news from this podcast, and we also hear good things about The Daily from The New York Times)Serial (Season One) and S*Town are both great if you haven’t already listenedMagic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert#AmWriting with Jess & KJMore awesome podcasts for moms that you might like if you listen to our show:We did not spend a lot of time discussing podcasts that are similar to ours because we’ve talked about them before, and they’re relatively easy to discover if you’re already into fun/encouraging parenting content. If you haven’t checked them out already, we highly recommend these, many of which are hosted by our good friends and colleagues in the industry:The Girl Next DoorEdit Your LifeWhat Fresh Hell: Laughing In The Face Of MotherhoodSpawned with Kristen & LizThe Coffee + Crumbs PodcastSorta AwesomeJust Add SprinklesFriendlierMomUPThe Middle of EverythingSelfieThe Home HourCrunchy Cocktail HourForever 35MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

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

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

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