The Mom Hour

How do you make your town feel more like a home?That’s the question journalist and mom Melody Warnick set out to answer after moving her family to a new town for the sixth time. In this month’s BONUS interview episode Meagan interviews Melody about her book, This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live, and the ideas in it.LINKS MENTIONED:Melody’s book, This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You LiveEpisode 56 of The Mom Hour: Moving with Kids & Cultivating CommunityMelodyWarnick.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Isn’t it amazing how quickly we forget the details about each age and stage as soon as they’re behind us? In this week’s episode, Sarah draws numbers from a hat – literally – to prompt a little reflection on the ages our collective kids are right now.If you’ve got little kids have ever wondered what age 12 is like, or if your kids are older and you want to look back on the lispy sweetness of three, we hope you’ll join us for Episode 61!LINKS MENTIONED:Our bonus interview series! Bonus 01 with Asha Dornfest, Bonus 02 with 3 Working Moms, and the upcoming Bonus 03 with Melody WarnickThis is Childhood is a collection of essays put together by Brain, Child magazine in 2014. With one essay for each year of childhood from ages one to ten plus pages to write your own notes about your own kid, the book does a beautiful job of helping capture the essence of each age.Kindness Wins by Galit Breen (mentioned in our discussion about middle schoolers and social media)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Hi Sarah and Meagan, this is Sheena from Oregon, and I have two questions that both relate to time management. I have a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old and I’m finding that I’m always behind, and I’m wondering if you have any tips for how to get ahead? Also, how do you find time in the day to play? I find that I’m always just trying to get the kids busy so I can get on to my next task, and I never have time to just sit down and play. Thanks for your advice!”This is the question we got in our Speakpipe mailbox a couple weeks ago, and in Episode 60 we sat down to answer Sheena’s questions. Want to hear our responses? Listen now in the player below, or keep reading for more!LINKS. MENTIONED:Leave us a question via SpeakPipe like Sheena did!Episode 10: We Hate Fun!The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed (Jessica Lahey)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 mid-July and time for an update on our summer travels! Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun conversation about cross-country road trips, flying solo with three kids, and what our families watched, listened to, read and played while on vacation. We also talk about what’s coming up for us, and for The Mom Hour, in the second half of the summer. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Big Quiet Camping (where Meagan and family stayed in the teepee)The Martian by Andy Weir (audio book via Audible.com)Star Wars (the original story dramatized for radio in 1981, via Audible.com)Gem Mountain Montana (where Meagan’s family got their sapphire mining kit)Michael Pollan’s Netflix Documentary Series, CookedWalt Disney Animation Studios Short Film Collection (streaming on Netflix or purchase on Amazon here)Phrase Party app ($1.99 on iTunes)Meagan is a guest co-host on a local morning radio show July 11-15 – listen here!!Summer Shortcuts (Yes, We’re THAT Lazy)Getting Organized for SummerTravel With Kids (Or, How To Enjoy Your Own Vacation)Keeping Kids Safe Outside This SummerCamping With Kids (And Other Outdoor Adventures)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to part two in our series on personality types! Last week we discussed the general appeal of personality tests and delved into the concepts of introversion and extroversion (we recommend listening to that episode first if you haven’t already. This week we reveal our Myers-Briggs and Enneagram types (drumroll….) and continue the conversation as it relates to parenting, partner relationships and more.Myers-Briggs & Enneagram Personality TestsThese are the tests we took, and we’d love you to take them too if you haven’t already! These are the tests and results we discuss in this week’s episode.MYERS-BRIGGS test from 16personalities.comENNEAGRAM test from ecclecticenergies.comAfter you take the tests, we recommend the full Myers-Briggs type descriptions found here, a more in-depth explanation of the Myers-Briggs letters found here, and the descriptions of the nine Enneagram types found here (scroll to bottom of the page).LINKS MENTIONED:The ENFP’s Guide to Dating Rationals (Heidi Priebe for Thought Catalog)Knowing myself, knowing others: my uncomfortable – but revealing – afternoon with the Enneagram(MeaganFrancis.com)Megan Tietz and her Sorta Awesome podcast co-hosts LOVE this topic. Check out their shows on Enneagram and Myers-Briggs typesOur friends Kelsey and Erica of The Girl Next Door podcast helped inspire this show with their Personalities & More Compari episodeOn The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin defines her four tendencies framework here, and has a fun quiz to determine yours hereMeagan’s articles at QuietRev.com, and Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop TalkingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to our two-part show all about personality types! In Episode 57 we discuss the general appeal of self-discovery and the lure (or, for some, skepticism) of personality tests and quizzes. We also discuss the concepts of introversion and extroversion, how neither of us fit a classic mold, and how our needs change over the course of motherhood.Online Personality Tests (Take yours – it’s fun!)These are the tests we took, and we’d love you to take them too! Next week in Episode 58 we’ll reveal our results…MYERS-BRIGGS test from 16personalities.comENNEAGRAM test from ecclecticenergies.comAfter you take the tests, we recommend the full Myers-Briggs type descriptions found here, a more in-depth explanation of the Myers-Briggs letters found here, and the descriptions of the nine Enneagram types found here (scroll to bottom of the page)LINKS MENTIONED:Knowing myself, knowing others: my uncomfortable – but revealing – afternoon with the Enneagram(MeaganFrancis.com)Megan Tietz and her Sorta Awesome podcast co-hosts LOVE this topic. Check out their shows on Enneagram and Myers-Briggs typesOur friends Kelsey and Erica of The Girl Next Door podcast helped inspire this show with their Personalities & More Compari episodeOn The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin defines her four tendencies framework here, and has a fun quiz to determine yours hereMeagan’s articles at QuietRev.com, and Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop TalkingMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 outside the home brings its own set of challenges and opportunities that Meagan and Sarah don't get to speak to personally as freelancers who work from home, and we get requests from listeners all the time to address working mom life on the podcast. So we are thrilled that for our second Bonus Interview episode Sarah interviewed three moms who work full-time outside the home.Meet Elizabeth, Kelsey, and Angela. Three working moms who live in vastly different areas of the country, have different professions and kids of different ages. And while we know, of course, that no one mom's experience is representative of others', we did love hearing about their daily routines, tips and tricks, and what they love about working mom life.Meet Elizabeth (interview starts at 02:10)Elizabeth Chapman is a full-time high school English teacher from Virginia who is also the mom of a one-year-old and a five-year-old. Elizabeth also blogs about her passion for working motherhood and teaching on her blog, Teaching Sam & Scout.Check out some of Elizabeth's writing below, and be sure to follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!For The Working Mom with Sick KidsThe Napkin MomPros and Cons of Teaching for MomsHow To Love A Working MomOn Choosing To Be A Working MomMeet Kelsey (interview starts at 28:50)Kelsey Wharton is a science writer at a large research university and the mother of two little boys who lives in Gilbert, Arizona. Kelsey also co-hosts The Girl Next Door podcast with her next door neighbor and, together with her husband Chris, hosts Matrimoney, a podcast about marriage and money.We know you'll love following Kelsey via her podcasts and writing - here's where to find her!The Girl Next Door podcastMatrimoney podcastRising*Shining (Kelsey's personal blog)@kelswharton on Instagram, @kelseykw on Twitter, Girl Next Door Podcast on FacebookMeet Angela (interview starts at 54:45)Angela Reier (or Angie to those who know her) is Sarah's friend from college! Angie is a full-time corporate attorney and mom of three kids ages 8, 3.5 and 9 months who lives in Davenport, Iowa. She also travels for work and competes in marathons and triathlons. Angie and I had a great discussion about encouraging newer working moms, the trade-offs that come with working mom life, and how her feelings about working outside the home have evolved over her 8.5 years as a mom.Want to connect with Angie? Send us an email to [email protected] and we'll send it along!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Moving with kids – whether it’s across town or out of state – is no easy task. Meagan and Sarah have each done it several times and share their tips and experiences in Episode 56. We also expand the conversation to the broader topic of cultivating community where you live, regardless of how long you’ve been there. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Speakpipe – Leave us an audio message and your question might make it onto the show like Amy’s did!This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live (Melody Warnick)Prince Lionhart Stove Guard and Safety 1st Clear View Stove Knob CoversPodcasts Sarah is loving latelyCoffee + Crumbs#AmWriting with Jess & KJ (Jessica Lahey and KJ Dell’Antonia)NPR Politics PodcastGame of Thrones Podcast from baldmove.com (Bryan’s recommendation)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We aren’t extreme couponers (or couponers at all, really), but as moms of many kids and growing families, we definitely have our eyes on the grocery budget. Join Meagan and Sarah for an inside look at our shopping habits when it comes to groceries and household supplies in Episode 55. We talk about where we shop, how we keep costs down, and what we think of warehouse retailers and big box stores when it comes to saving money.LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 23 of The Mom Hour where we talk about meal planning and grocery shoppingCVS ExtraCare Rewards ProgramGrocery delivery companies like Instacart (the one Sarah’s sister uses) and Amazon FreshMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve traveled with small children, you know that “enjoy” and “vacation” don’t always belong in the same sentence. In Episode 53 Meagan and Sarah share tips for reclaiming a little bit of R & R in your family travels, even during the little years.We talk about how to making packing and getting out the door less hectic, ways to get aligned with your co-parent and make use of each other’s travel strengths, and how to structure your time away from home so that kids have fun and parents get a little bit of a break, too.LINKS MENTIONED:How Meagan packs her family of seven into two suitcases (The Happiest Home)Our very first Bonus Interview Episode, with Asha Dornfest, in case you missed itMom Spends Beach Vacation Assuming All Household Duties In Closer Proximity To Ocean (The Onion)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Asking for help with childcare, close friends with dramatically different parenting styles, handling kids’ big emotions with elementary school friendship struggles, and how to stop apologizing for where you are in life/motherhood and embrace the chaos with confidence. It’s another Listener Q & A show!LINKS MENTIONED:How to get our Summer Shortcuts eBook for free (hint: listen to Episode 51)The most stressful 8 minutes of my week (and why I changed my mind about them) – Sarah for The Happiest HomeEpisode 44 – What Are Your “Mom Superpowers”?Episode 42 – Parenting Through the Hard TimesEpisode 41 – the first time we did a “Listener Q & A” show like this oneEpisode 26 – Dealing with CriticismMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re all about laid-back, low-key summer fun – but sometimes it takes a little planning ahead to make room for all that lazing around. In Episode 51 Meagan and Sarah talk about getting organized for summer – from what to do with the avalanche of school papers that come home this time of year, to looking at the calendar and making room for the stuff (literal and figurative) that matters.Whether you’re days (yay!) or weeks (hang in there, mama) away from summer’s official start, we hope you’ll join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Last year’s end-of-school podcast where we laughed – and griped – about this time of yearOn dealing with the paper onslaught…3 Tips for Tackling End-of-School Year Clutter (Meagan for The Happiest Home)The Lakeshore Learning keepsake portfolio that Sarah usesOn purging clothes and toys…Meagan’s super simple strategy for organizing seasonal clothes and hand-me-downsEpisode 35: Stuff, Junk & ThingsOn planning the calendar and bucket listsSarah’s Summer Mom Manifesto (kind of like a bucket list, but with more holes) (The Happiest Home)A dissenting opinion on bucket lists from our friend Sarah Stewart Holland at bluegrass redheadSarah’s “just structured enough” summer schedule for kids (The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Parenting is hard enough - even when you've studied up on expert tips and have your diaper bag stocked and organized. But sometimes our most genius moments as moms and dads happen when we're caught off guard - when we don't have a clear-cut answer and have to rely on in-the-moment instinct and commonsense intuition.That's what Sarah discusses with author Asha Dornfest the first-ever BONUS interview episode of The Mom Hour! Join Sarah and Asha for a great discussion about learning to trust your instincts as parents, what it's like to curate a community of differing opinions, and how Asha has made the transition from blogging to book writing to podcasting. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:ParentHacks.comPurchase Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids on AmazonWhy Asha thinks kids should do chores that aren't 100% safe (ParentHacks.com), plus the Instagram photo that inspired the postThe Edit Your Life show with Asha and Christine KohThe Art Of MacGyvering For Sleep-Deprived Moms And Dads (Asha's interview on NPR's All Things Considered)@AshaDornfest on Twitter and Instagram@ParentHacks on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 episodes into The Mom Hour (!!) and some things never change. We laugh. We ramble a bit. We gush about how great you guys – our listeners – are.As we gear up for a summer full of some great shows, and some new ideas and improvements we’re making to the podcast, join us for a look back at our favorite moments and most popular episodes, and a look at what’s ahead for The Mom Hour.LINKS MENTIONED:Leave us a voicemail in Speakpipe (a great way to ask a question or suggest a topic!)How to leave a rating or review in iTunesLike us on Facebook!Follow us on Twitter!Follow us on Instagram!Browse all episodes of The Mom HourMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you follow us on social media, you probably saw that Meagan and Sarah got to hang out – and record this very podcast episode – in person over the weekend at the Mom 2.0 Summit in Laguna Niguel, CA.Not only did we get to hang out with one another, we shared a makeshift recording studio (translation: one king-sized hotel bed) with some of our favorite fellow podcasters: Jessica Ashley of Single Mom Nation Radio, Kristen Chase and Liz Gumbinner of Spawned, and Asha Dornfest and Christine Koh of Edit Your Life.Episode 49 is all about friendships with other moms. You’ll hear each pair of longtime friends – Meagan/Jessica, Kristen/Liz, Asha/Christine, and Meagan/Sarah – talk about how they met online, when their internet-buddy status morphed into real-life friendship, and what kind of creative opportunities and joint ventures developed as a result.LINKS MENTIONED:Jessica Ashley is the creator of Single Mom Nation and the Single Mom Nation Radio podcast. She and Meagan also have a brand new show forthcoming called The Content Coaches right here on the Life, Listened network!Asha Dornfest is the author of Parent Hacks and creator of ParentHacks.com. Asha and Christine Koh (of Boston Mamas and the Lifestyle Solutions video series) co-authored Minimalist Parenting and co-host the Edit Your Life showKristen Chase and Liz Gumbinner are the creators of Cool Mom Picks, Cool Mom Tech, and Cool Mom Eats. Together they host Spawned with Kristen and LizMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last week we talked about our ever-evolving “mom style” and what looks we’re loving at this stage of life. This week we’re moving on to hairstyles, skincare, make-up and beauty routines.Join Meagan and Sarah for much confusion and hilarity – and hopefully a little insight – on growing out short hair, going gray in our 30’s, being completely overwhelmed by skincare products, and making time in the daily routine for basic beauty and skincare.LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 47: Our Ever-Evolving “Mom Style”Neutrogena Visibly Even BB Cream (Sarah wears “Light to Medium” color)If you want more on the foundation / face make-up conversation, check out the second half of Episode 7 of The Style HourSome of our favorite drug-store lip glosses:L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip ColorBurt’s Bees Lip ShineRevlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss (this is the one Meagan once stole from Sarah) in Kiss Me CoralBrush On Block Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen (goes on AFTER makeup, and Sarah’s much-younger sister swears by it)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you spend years cycling through maternity, post-partum, nursing and “oh gee I’m pregnant again!”wardrobe pieces, thinking about your personal style can take a back seat. Now that Meagan and Sarah are squarely on the other side of those years, we’re talking about clothes, shopping and style in Episode 47.Join us for a fun conversation about where we love to shop, when to buy cheap and when it makes sense to spend a little more, how our own personal styles have evolved over the years, and what looks we wish we could pull off but just can’t seem to.LINKS MENTIONED:Fabletics, Meagan’s go-to for workout wear and everyday activewearThe Style Hour podcast (currently on hiatus) and Shana Draugelis’s website The Mom EditLucky Brand graphic tees and tanks (Sarah’s favorites)Urban Outfitters one-piece swimsuits (Meagan has had luck with these)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s no shortage of movies, television, books and music geared toward kids. The tough part is, some of it is pretty terrible, some is just okay, and some is truly fantastic (making us want to be a kid again, quite frankly).In Episode 46 Meagan and Sarah discuss helping our kids follow their interests into the realms of literature, music, and screen media. We marvel over some of the differences between what’s available today and what we watched as kids, and we share some of our favorite resources for navigating the ever-changing landscape of kids’ media.TLINKS MENTIONED:Commonsense MediaOverdrive (mobile app for digital audio and ebook loans from your local library)Cool Mom Tech (great reviews of tablet apps and games for kids)Some of Sarah’s kids favorite chapter book series (good for read-aloud with a parent or grades 1-3 independent reading)Magic Tree HouseThe Magic School Bus chapter books (different from the picture books)The Secrets of DroonNancy Clancy chapter books (same author as the Fancy Nancy picture books, but for early elementary schoolers)Ivy & Bean seriesNon-fiction biography series Who Was… (here’s one example)Chinaberry (book catalog)KidsVuz (kid-generated videos and product reviews)Disney Stories playlist on SpotifyPodcasts Sarah’s kids like:Brains On! and Tumble (both science podcasts for kids)Potter and Daughter (an accompaniment to the Harry Potter book series)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s no question that the academic demands on kids – at school and at home – have increased since we were students. Join Meagan and Sarah for an honest, thoughtful conversation about elementary school homework and the continued pressure on our kids into their middle and high school years.As usual, we embrace the fact that we don’t have all the answers, and we do our best to stay positive and non-judgmental. We love our schools and our kids’ teachers and we’re honest about our own insecurities as we navigate through the school years. This is such an important conversation and we can’t wait to hear your feedback!LINKS MENTIONED:The Homework I Wish My Child Brough Home From School (Sarah’s piece on Scary Mommy)Books & articles by Heather ShumakerHeather’s books It’s OK Not to Share and her latest It’s OK to Go Up the Slide, which includes more thoughts on homeworkThe article we discussed in detail in the show: Homework is wrecking our kids: The research is clear, let’s ban elementary homework (Salon.com)Why Parents Should Not Make Kids Do Homework (Time.com)Here’s why I said no to homework for my elementary-aged kids (TODAY Parenting Community)Meagan’s interview with Heather on The Home Hour, Episode 6The question of homework: Should kids have it at all? (Lauren Knight for The Washington Post)Other episodes of The Mom Hour on school-related topics: Choosing the Right School (Ep16) and The Myth of the “Good” School Mom (Ep21)#EditYourLife podcast Episode 10: How To Handle HomeworkMeagan’s interview with teacher and author Erica Ladd in The Home Hour, Episode 49MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s face it: most of us have certain areas of motherhood that feel easy-breezy and others where we tend to struggle. And while it’s always possible to improve your parenting game, we think it’s also helpful to acknowledge that one mom’s superpower might be another’s kryptonite…and that’s okay.Join Meagan and Sarah for a frank and fun conversation about their own superpowers and kryptonite. Enjoy Episode 44 of The Mom Hour!LINKS MENTIONED:“Mom. Mum. Mommy” (Family Guy clip via YouTube)Untangling the chain: why both strategy and intuition matter (Meagan on MeaganFrancis.com)How to get out the door on time, (almost) every time (Sarah for The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's easy to let creative pursuits and hobbies fade into the background during the hectic years of early parenting. And when the time comes to make room for them again, we're sometimes left with questions: Am I too old? Is this still something I love to do? Maybe I should pick up something new? And how do I fit it all in? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rough patches in (and out!) of parenthood: whether it’s a temporary crisis, a general mom funk, or full-blown depression, we’ve all been there. In this episode, Sarah and Meagan have a frank conversation about some hard times we’ve been through as moms, give advice for taking care of yourself when things aren’t going well, and offer encouragement to help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.LINKS MENTIONED:Posts from The Happiest HomeWhy is it so hard to say ‘This is hard’? (Sarah)You can design a life you love (Meagan’s ‘rock bottom’ story)3 ways to get past a mom funk and Getting past a mom funk and Think better, not perfect: take baby steps to get out of a mom funk (Meagan)Parenting when life isn’t so happy (Meagan)Postpartum ProgressDr. Jessica MichaelsonBrené BrownNYT Article Meagan mentioned about women’s feelingsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We get so many great questions from listeners, and sometimes it doesn't work to devote a whole episode to them. So we decided to take on four questions submitted by listeners: listen as we chat about room-sharing siblings, planning first birthday parties, feeling left out when you have your kids earlier or later than your friends do, and the evolution of playdates.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s essay in On Parenting from The Washington Post: My advice for today’s politicians is the same as my advice for my bickering childrenIkea JANSJÖ wall/clamp spotlight that Sarah’s room-sharing kids used for individual reading lightsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 does birth order - both our own and our children's - affect how we relate to our kids? Do stereotypes like the bossy oldest, peacemaking middle and freewheeling youngest hold up, in our experience? What do we remember about our role as oldest (Sarah) and youngest (Meagan) and how does that influence our mothering? We tackle these questions and more in Episode 40 - all about birth order. If you're fascinated by family dynamics, pop psychology, and the human experience, we think you'll love this show!LINKS MENTIONED:These playing card holders that help little gamers hide their hand (Amazon)Meagan's sister Kathreen's appearances on The Home Hour - Fabulous Food From Children's Literature and Growing Up TheatricalRaising Siblings Who Like Each Other (Episode 29 of The Mom Hour)Our listeners' feedback on growing up as a middle child from The Mom Hour Facebook pageIs Birth Order Destiny? (Psychology Today)This series on supporting oldest, middle, and youngest children from Aha! Parenting: Supporting Your Oldest Child, Preventing Middle Child Syndrome, Supporting Your Youngest Child (Dr. Laura Markham)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 parent a picky eater? Then Episode 39 is for you. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah admit we don’t have the answers when it comes to this tricky (and oh-so-common) parenting challenge. But in lieu of solving all your problems, we share our own and talk through some of the complicated pieces of the puzzle.LINKS MENTIONED:LINKS MENTIONED:The Picky Eater (Ellyn Satter Institute)Picky Eater recipes on MOMables.comDeceptively Delicious (Jessica Seinfeld) and The Sneaky Chef (Missy Chase Lapine)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One hospital birth. Two home births. Two birthing center deliveries. Three scheduled cesarean sections. Meagan and Sarah have had eight pregnancies between them (now eight kids ages 3-18!) and about as wide a cross-section of birth experiences as you can get. In Episode 38, at the request of several pregnant listeners, we travel back in time and share our pregnancy and birth stories with the benefit of hindsight. Join us as we talk about medical decision-making, finding your trusted pregnancy and birth cheerleaders, and what we might have done differently.LINKS MENTIONED:Are you "done" having babies? (The Mom Hour, Episode 7)Call the Midwife (BBC series we both adore)PregTASTIC Online Radio (fantastic pregnancy podcast that has not published new episodes since 2012 but is still an incredible resource)The Birth Hour and Postpartum Podcast (two more pregnancy- and childbirth-themed podcasts) MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last we talked about traveling spouses; this week's episode is all about what happens when MOM is the one taking off for a trip. Whether you travel rarely or regularly, we hope you'll join us for a great discussion on the prep, the guilt (or lack therof!), and the logistics of leaving your kids.LINKS MENTIONED:Going away–without the kids? Feeling guilty or worried? Read this.Guilt? Worry? Fear? Which is it, and how to deal.On the other hand…NOT leaving your kids is not weird.5 reasons why Mom going away can be GOOD for kids.MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your co-parent travels - occasionally 0r all the time - you know that holding down the home front is hard work. In Episode 36 we talk about what we've learned from years of experience about how to survive - and even thrive! - when your partner is away.LINKS MENTIONED:Your advice and tips about traveling spouses on our Facebook page and Instagram post (thank you so much!)Call the Midwife – Sarah’s go-to show when she watches TV alone in bed with her glass of wine What I Make for Dinner When I Don’t Feel Like Cooking (Sarah for The Happiest Home)How I Beat the Fast-Food Habit (Meagan for The Happiest Home)ORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we didn't set out to talk about The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up in this episode, it turns out Meagan got into a bit of a Facebook debate about the so-called magic of Marie Kondo's method. We had a bit of fun with this (and we're not altogether negative about the book - in fact, Sarah shares her take-aways in this episode) before moving on to the meat of Kate's question.LINKS MENTIONED:Great minds think alike! Our friends Kristen and Liz of Cool Mom Picks and the #SpawnedShow talked about this in their latest podcast: Decluttering tips from 5 top organization experts: Which is best for you?......AND Asha and Christine of the Edit Your Life show also tackled this topic their latest episode: Questioning the KonMari Decluttering MethodThe real reasons Marie Kondo’s life-changing magic doesn’t work for parents (Tanya C. Snyder for On Parenting at The Washington Post)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Milestones tend to be something moms think a lot about in the first year or two of motherhood. But kids keep developing (at their own pace, as we all know) and moms keep celebrating, wondering, and sometimes worrying about them long after the baby years are behind us. In Episode 34 we tackle eight milestones from the preschool through teen years and share when and how our kids met them. We also talk about the importance of keeping conversations about milestones supportive, and how quickly they can slip into competitive or anxiety-inducing territory.LINKS MENTIONED:Past episodes about babies and toddlers: Episode 19 and Episode 24Past episodes about ‘free range’ parenting and kids’ increasing independence: Episode 12 and 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.

Neither Meagan nor Sarah is a resolution-maker, but we both love starting fresh after the holidays with renewed energy and focus. Today we’re talking about fitness, food, and self-care – our own intentions for 2016 as well as what has worked for us (and not so much) in the past. Are you new here? Welcome!LINKS MENTIONED:Past episodes of The Mom Hour you might have missedImproving Your Media Diet (Ep 3)Creating A Life You Love When You’re Done Having Babies (Ep 11)Healthy Routines For Happy Moms (Ep 20)Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping (Ep 23)Self-Care Is More Than Bubble Baths & Pedicures (Meagan’s cancer story)Beyond Baby: Creating A Life You Love When Your Kids Aren’t So Little (Meagan’s 2014 eBook)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Christmas fast approaches, we're here to remind you that YOU too deserve great, thoughtful gifts under the tree this year! Join us as we talk about our own wish lists and favorite gifts from holidays past, and get some ideas you can drop as not-so-subtle hints this week!LINKS MENTIONED20 Can’t-Miss Holiday Gifts For Moms (our 2012 guide at The Happiest Home – all the ideas stand the test of time!)10 Great Gifts For Moms (our 2014 guide at The Happiest Home)All the great tech tips and products from Cool Mom TechThe gorgeous products from FASHIONABLE, the fantastic social good company whose tagline is “Beautiful products by women who have overcome.”Long “wear around the house” cardigans like this one from PattyBoutikHoodies from American GiantWarm feet – Muk Luks like these, the UGG boots Sarah wants this year, inexpensive slide-on slippers, and over-the-knee boots like the ones Meagan and Shana talked about in this episode of The Style HourHigh quality paper products, stationary and cards – we like Minted, Staples, and mom-owned kristinshopKitchenAid stand mixerGift certificate to Art.comHome and personal electronics like Meagan’s LG Electronics Tone Pro Bluetooth Headset and Sarah’s Belkin Charge and Sync Dock, or a wireless/bluetooth speaker like this one from BoseSubscription services like Spotify, Amazon Prime, AudibleMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you been meaning to watch old holiday film classics but never get around to it? Or are you just as disturbed as we are by some of the mid-century Christmas TV programming (looking at you, Rudolph)? In Episode 31 Meagan and Sarah talk about our favorite – and not-so-much – holiday movies, TV, books, and music. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:MOVIES & TVIt’s a Wonderful Life, Holiday Inn, and White ChristmasMiracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version and the 1994 remake)The SnowmanAnnie (the 2014 version)Love ActuallyA Christmas Carol (the 1984 version)The Polar ExpressRudolph, the Red-Nosed ReindeerHow The Grinch Stole Christmas! (the 1966 animated version)Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas and Mickey’s Twice Upon A ChristmasChristmas Vacation, Home Alone, and A Christmas StoryOne Magic Christmas (favorite listener award goes to anyone who also watched this movie as a kid!)The Nutcracker (the 1993 Macaulay Culkin version and the 1977 version with Baryshnikov)BOOKSA Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) – FREE on Kindle!The Christmas Magic (Lauren Thompson)The Little House series (Laura Ingalls Wilder)Books by author Jan BrettThe Nativity (Julie Vivas)Oh, What a Christmas! (Michael Garland)MUSICMeagan’s Christmas Hour (Spotify playlist)Come Let Us Adore Him and Sing Noel (The Lower Lights)Sarah likes this version of The Nutcracker (The Orchestra of The Royal Opera House Covent Garden)OTHER STUFFABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas 2015 Schedule25 Christmas Movies You Can Stream (Digital Trends)Best Holiday Movies for Kids (Commonsense Media)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Simplify" has become one of the buzziest holiday buzzwords over the last decade, and today Meagan and Sarah are unpacking what that really means in their homes. Whether you really do want to scale back this season or whether, like us, you're just out to maximize magic and minimize stress, we hope you'll join us for Episode 30!LINKS MENTIONED:Be The Best Parent You Can Be – FREE online parenting video series beginning this week!5 reasons I’m not simplifying Christmas this year (updated) – Laura VanderkamHoliday Episodes of The Home HourCreate a Calmer Holiday with Doña Bumgarner (Episode 44)Saving Money at the Holidays with Amy Clark of MomAdvice.com (Episode 9)Simplifying the holidays with Tsh Oxenreider of Simple Mom (Episode 7)Low-Stress Traditions with Sarah Powers (the first time we ever recorded together! Episode 14)Christmas at Home with Meagan & Sarah (last year’s holiday chat – Episode 46)Living Well on Less with Amy Suardi of Frugal Mama (Episode 5)Blogging and Life with Rebecca Woolf of Girl’s Gone Child (Episode 16)Essays and posts we’ve written on creating holiday joy and enjoying the seasonHolidays, The Easy Way (a four-part series on The Happiest Home)Why Holiday Traditions Aren’t Mom’s Responsibility (Sarah for The Huffington Post)Believing in Santa, for now (Meagan for The Washington Post)The Reason For The Season? Joy. (Meagan for The Happiest Home)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From helping a toddler adjust to a new baby, to coping with bickering, to creating a family culture that honors both individual kids and sibling relationships, parenting siblings is no small task. Join us for Episode 29 of The Mom Hour, where we get real about the dynamics among our own kids and share thoughts on raising siblings who like each other (well, most of the time).LINKS MENTIONED:Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings (Dr. Laura Markham)Episode 6 of The Home Hour, where Meagan interviews Heather Shumaker, author of It’s OK Not to Share and Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate KidsHappy Families Have Stories – Meagan’s post in response to the New York Times article by Bruce Feiler, “The Stories That Bind Us”My Kids Like Each Other…And That’s Enough (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Paper Swimsuits And The Stories They Tell (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Cuisinart CSB-79 Smart Stick 2-Speed 200-watt Immersion wired Hand Blender with AttachmentsKitsch’n Glam aprons, like this oneWine Enthusiast 3-Pack Wine Glass Writer Metallic PenMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get our complete guide to gifts that your kids will still be playing with next year (and beyond!), PLUS enter to win one of TWO amazing scooters from Micro Kickboard!Gifts for babies & toddlersSarah loves Fisher-Price Little People – the Fun Sounds Farm, and Builders sets like this one are a great precursor to Duplo and LEGOLittle Tikes Cozy CoupeA crawl-through play tunnel like this one from Melissa & DougPlay kitchen (Sarah has one from Step 2 similar to this)Standing easel (Meagan loves this one from One Step Ahead)Gifts for preschool & little kidsThe expensive-but-so-worth-it Magna TilesLEGO Duplo starter sets like this oneSchleich plastic animals like these dragonsInexpensive knock-offs of more expensive brands, like Li’l Woodzeez and Our GenerationDoll house (Sarah loves this one from Melissa & Doug)Play silks from Magic CabinPuppet theaterGifts for big kids & teensChomp Card GameDrone with HD Camera$49 Kindle FireBig-kid and adult-sized footie pajamasOther great stuff we talked about7 ways to survive playing board games with your kids (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Meagan’s interview with Sarah Mackenzie on the Read Aloud Revival podcastThe Overdrive app that connects you to your local library for digital lending, and the Kindle Lending Library for Amazon Prime subscribersRebrickable, the site for LEGO lovers that provides instructions for new creations based on the sets you already ownMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Those sweet, pudgy things keep you up at night? News flash: they'll be adults before you know it. In honor of Meagan's oldest turning 18 this week, we're devoting Episode 27 to talking about the adults we're raising: what we hope for them, what we imagine they'll become, and just how much control we have over how they turn out.LINKS MENTIONED:Why I’m not worried about my late-blooming teen (Meagan for The Washington Post)Parents of Teens: We Need to Redefine High School ‘Success’ (Meagan for The Huffington Post)You Probably Won’t Remember This Later…And That’s OK (Meagan for The Happiest Home)And don’t forget to listen through to the very end to hear Meagan chat with Jacob on his eighteenth birthday. Enjoy!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 26 of The Mom Hour is all about dealing with criticism. Whether it's in-law tension, the "back in MY day" comments from relatives, or your own inner critic (isn't she the worst?), we offer our own stories and tips for taking it all in stride.LINKS MENTIONED:What’s your parenting Achilles’ heel? (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Zen Parenting Radio’s most recent podcast episode, How To Handle Criticism, and Meagan’s interview with Todd and Cathy Adams on The Home HourHandling the grandparents’ unsolicited parenting advice (NY Times Motherlode)4 tactics for handling parenting criticism from the in-laws (SheKnows)Dealing with parenting criticism (SimpleKids.net)7 tips for handling criticism (Gretchen Rubin)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 Halloween week! Whether it's your first time dressing up a little pumpkin or your teenagers are beyond trick-or-treating, we hope you'll join Meagan and Sarah as we share stories and tips to make Halloween fun, safe, and totally-not-stressful at every stage.LINKS MENTIONED:Halloween costumes from One Step Ahead, marked down like crazy right nowAll the fantastic Halloween costume ideas for babies and toddlers from the Rookie MomsSome of our Halloween-related posts from The Happiest Home4 Ways To Bring Your Parenting A-Game This Halloween (Sarah)Eat that candy, kids. (On high-fructose corn syrup, special occasions, and life). (Meagan)A Simple, Special Halloween (this post is full of Meagan’s family and growing-up Halloween photos – don’t miss it!)3 Easy Halloween Decorating Ideas (Meagan)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

By popular request, we're following up Episode 19 (Things We Shouldn't Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms)) with a show all about the things that stressed us out when we were parenting toddlers. From potty training to introducing a sibling, we unpack our toddler-mom stresses and worries (with the added benefit of hindsight) in the hopes that we can help you worry just a little less. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeding a family can be fun or frustrating, simple or complicated, rewarding or full of resentment. The one thing it will always be? NECESSARY. If you have a family, they have to eat, and in this episode we talk about how that works - from grocery shopping to meal planning to gaining confidence as a home cook.LINKS MENTIONED:How an hour in the kitchen gave me back my evenings (Meagan for The Happiest Home)The six-meal shuffle: extremely simplified meal-planning (Meagan for The Happiest Home)What I make for dinner when I don’t feel like making dinner (Sarah’s post about “copout dinners”)How we beat the fast-food habit (Meagan for The Happiest Home)The beginner’s guide to shopping at Aldi and How does Aldi keep its prices so low? (Meagan’s Aldi-love on The Happiest HomeAnd just for fun, How Trader Joe’s sells affordable goods (since Sarah is a TJ’s shopper)Episode 63 of The Home Hour, all about The Homemade Kitchen (Meagan’s interview with Alana Chernila)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where Meagan lives in Michigan, temperatures are dropping and leaves are turning. For Sarah in SoCal, people just wish those things were true. Join us as we laugh about everyone's favorite season to talk about - from Pumpkin Spice Lattes to late-90s J. Crew pea coats. We also share a few ideas for bringing fall into the kitchen, no matter what the thermometer says outdoors. Enjoy Episode 22, and thanks for listening!LINKS MENTIONED:An Open Letter To People Who Can’t Stop Talking About Pumpkin Spice Lattes (Sarah’s most viral post ever)4 Easy “Hunk-o-Meat” Dinners PLUS Leftover Ideas (Meagan also has tons of specific cooking tips, products, and other great stuff in this post for The Happiest Home)Lentil Soup with Italian Sausage & Vegetables (Sarah’s recipe with tricks for getting comfortable experimenting with soups and stews)Scanpan (Sarah’s go-to saute pan, also oven-safe)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Showing support for your child’s school and educational experience matters. But does that mean we all have to chaperone field trips and join the PTA? Meagan and Sarah say, rather emphatically, nope. In Episode 21 we tackle eight myths surrounding what it means to be a “good school mom,” and help debunk those myths for those of you new to the school parenting journey. We also talk about the meaningful ways we have found to volunteer or participate at school, and share some advice from teachers that might surprise you.LINKS MENTIONED: 7 “Good School Mom” Myths, Debunked! (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Hilariously Honest PTA Form Goes Viral (The Huffington Post)Sometimes Good Moms Miss The Class Party (Allison Slater Tate)6 Themed Dress-Up Days This Mom Can Totally Get Behind (Sarah for Scary Mommy)The Parent-Teacher Relationship (Meagan’s interview with teacher and author Erica Ladd)Laura Fuentes’s lunch-packing resource Momables.com, and Meagan’s interview with Laura on the same topicsEdit Your Life Episode 4: School Lunch Solutions (great ideas from our friends Asha and Christine)Meagan’s active wear obsession: FableticsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Routines are powerful. When they're just right, we feel energized and balanced. When they're a little off, we feel unsettled. And when they completely fall by the wayside, we sometimes need a complete reset to get back on track (looking at you, back-to-school season).LINKS MENTIONED:LaCroix water, specifically Meagan’s favorite flavors: apricot, blackberry-cucumber, and cherry-limeMusic Together, Sarah’s favorite activity for moms and babies or toddlers to do togetherDear Moms: Sleep Deprivation is Nothing to Brag About (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Sarah’s thoughts on early risers (including that handy night-light that changes color at wake-up time)Rookie Moms’ genius hack for getting out the door without yelling (which inspired Sarah’s evening lullaby playlist)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 upon a time, Meagan and Sarah were new moms. And we worried - a lot. Years later, we look back at some of the things we could have lightened up about just a tad. (Or a lot.) Episode 19 is for new moms - and anyone who can remember being one. We talk about agonizing over ounces pumped and hours slept (or not slept), and offer a little perspective from where we are now.LINKS MENTIONED:La Leche League’s breast milk storage guidelines (Kelly Mom also has good ones)Rookie Moms, an online resource for new moms that we both loveMotherhood Around the World series (Joanna Goddard, A Cup of Jo)Babies (2010 documentary from Focus Features)Some posts we’ve written about new motherhood:On labels & limits: why I no longer calls myself an ‘attachment parent’ (Meagan)A letter to my friend, about to be a mom (Sarah)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meagan has never identified as a "sports parent," but this fall she has four kids in four different sports. Sarah is still learning to find the balance between protecting precious time at home and allowing her younger kids to explore different activities.LINKS MENTIONED:‘I love to Watch You Play’ but Not Every Game (Sharon Holbrook for The New York Times Motherlode blog)Minimalist Parenting, authored by our friends Asha and ChristineMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up 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 the supply lists and back-to-school clothes shopping expectations overwhelm you? You’re not alone. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah share real-life tips and tricks for minimizing back-to-school stress and enjoying the process of returning to routine.LINKS MENTIONED:Posts from The Happiest HomeMeagan’s Lunch Box Challenge series from 2011 (the giveaway is obviously years out-of-date, but the featured products remain staples in Meagan’s kitchen)11 Children’s Books About Starting SchoolMeagan’s strategy for Organizing Off-Season Clothes & Hand-me-downsOn Love, Laundry, and Finding Satisfaction in the Work of NurturingThat gorgeous bento box lunch is explained in this post (and no, Meagan didn’t make it)Other podcast episodes you might love…Meagan’s interview with Erica Ladd, teacher and author of Candid ClassroomMeagan and Sarah’s back-to-school episode of The Home Hour from 2014Episode 16 (in case you missed it!) about choosing the right school for your kidsMeagan’s favorite electric pencil sharpener (similar to this one), and the one Sarah has at homeAsha Dornfest & Christine Koh’s great new podcast, the Edit Your Life showSarah Stewart Holland’s post on Bluegrass Redhead about Celebrating Without ConsumptionMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Repeat after us, moms: It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. Choosing a school for your child can seem like a life-altering, permanent decision. In Episode 16, Meagan and Sarah are here to reassure you that it isn't. We share our own experience making school choices for our kids, from private to public to home schooling to charters to magnets to lotteries to... (Nope, not kidding. We've actually experienced, and discuss in this episode, all of those things.)LINKS MENTIONED:Posts on The Happiest HomeHomeschool, Private School, Public? Education Choices & The ‘Ideal Mother’How To Be Confident In Your School ChoiceWhy Meagan’s Daughter Didn’t Go To Preschool (And What They Did Instead)* Satire Alert! * Mother Still Searching For Preschool That Focuses Exclusively On Her Son (The Onion)Sarah’s piece on The Mid: The Homework I Wish My Child Brought Home From SchoolWhy We Don’t Stress Out About Choosing a School (Design Mom)Afterschooling: An Update (The Art of Simple)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode 15, Meagan and Sarah get into the details of chores, home management, delegating, and helping kids take on age-appropriate responsibilities.LINKS MENTIONED:Relevant posts from The Happiest Home:Delegate Like Downton: A Strategy For Managing Home HelpersConfessions of a Chore-Chart DropoutThe Honey-Do List & Why It Works For UsHow Meagan Learned To Keep A Cleaner HouseSometimes It’s OK To Be a Control Freak (or, why Meagan doesn’t delegate certain tasks)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, we've reached THAT point in the summer. The one where you have no idea what day it is and your kids eat Otter Pops and Nutella-straight-from-the-jar for breakfast (and if you think we're exaggerating, just WAIT). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.