The Mom Hour

We know what it’s like to be a teen because we were all teenagers once, right? Well, not quite. In this month’s Voices episode, Meagan is joined by her son, affectionately nicknamed “Good Ol’ Reliable William” to discuss life as a teenager. As a 18-year-old wrapping up his senior year, Will walks us through the nuances of 9th-12th grade, shares some high school memories, and reveals what he’s looking forward to. He also schools us all on what adults don’t get about being a teen . . . and Meagan explains what balancing a checkbook is. Together, we bond over the universality of struggling to appreciate where you are in the moment. Listen ’til the end to hear Will’s message for moms who are (and will be!) raising teenagers. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to the other episodes in this series about Ages 2-8 and Ages 9-17Meagan’s IG essay on momming young adultsRead Will’s blogCheck out this related content: Managing Kids’ Extracurriculars, Winning, Losing, and That Moment When Your Kid Shows You The Door (an essay Meagan wrote about Will), and Raising Lifelong LearnersMORE 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.

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

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

Language leaps, school milestones, growing bodies . . . a lot happens on the journey from toddler to big kid! Join Meagan and Sarah as we try to capture the true essence of ages two through eight. We’ll talk through each year, sharing memories of our own kids and observations from all the little ones we’ve known. There are ages that feel like major transition points and many times where kids’ skills don’t quite match up with their wants. If you’re parenting in the trenches, looking ahead at what’s to come, OR looking back with us, we think you’ll love this one. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We remembered this Brain, Child essay series-turned book when we were planning this episode – and we were able to dig up online versions of the essays from ages 2-8!“This Is Two”“This Is Three”“This Is Four”“This Is Five”“This Is Six”“This Is Seven”“This Is Eight”Email us if you’d like the idea of a The Mom Hour Magazine! Here is Sarah’s Voices interview with Meghan LeahyRead the intro to Now We Are SixWe’ve had some really fun Instagram takeovers by our Contributors, and there are more to come!Listen to these related episodes: Never Thought The Day Would Come, Things We Shouldn’t Have Stressed Out About, and Last Firsts & First LastsCheck out our Family Travel HubMORE 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 day camps to sleep-away camps, playdates with new friends to sleepovers with grandparents, summer vacation can be a great time for your child to hone their independence skills. But it can be scary, too. Sometimes a health issue, disability or allergy can make our kids seem especially vulnerable. Sometimes we’re just not sure they’re ready to take that next significant step in self-sufficiency. So how do we balance guarding them from harm with encouraging their growth?In this special episode of The Mom Hour, we’ll talk about the tools you can use to help everyone feel ready for summer plans and the big adjustments that come along with the season. Meagan and Sarah share stories about times our kids seemed especially vulnerable, how those fears or nerves showed up in our kids (and us!), what we did to feel calm and confident, and how we plan for major milestones with kids who are content to stay tucked under our wings – or the ones we’d like to keep there longer than they want to stay.LINKS MENTIONED:For more resources about bee stings, check out our sponsor BeeAware AllergySarah has found the books The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey and How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims very motivating to encourage kids to get outside their comfort zones. Sarah heard Martha Beck talking about brain science on Glennon Doyle’s podcast We Can Do Hard ThingsRead our Contributor Joanne’s blog post, “This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard ThingsMORE 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 packing and organization to sleep arrangements and laundry, there are a million little things that can make or break a family trip. This latest episode in our travel series is a collection of our community’s best tips and cleverest hacks for traveling with kids of all ages. We cover what to bring, where to put everything (including your people!), efficient strategies, and how to stress less. Sarah talks about moving hotel furniture, and Meagan shares a surprising hideaway to sneak in some alone time. Whether you’re boarding a flight or loading up for a road trip, you’ll discover some brilliant, mom-tested ideas to try here. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Read all our listeners’ tips in this post from our Facebook communityRight before the pandemic, we aired this episode: Planning Travel and Family VacationsFor travel parenting tips, check out our House Rules for Travel & Vacation episodeWater Wow books are the best!Our community loves the ease of scheduling Shipt, Instacart, and other grocery pick-up/delivery services before arrivalBabyQuip is a popular baby equipment rental servicePacking cubes can be helpful for staying organizedGet more tips, how-to guides, and episodes in our Family Travel HubMORE 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 for work or for fun, flying is a travel experience that’s full of details, decisions, and preferences that can have a major impact on how enjoyable (or not!) it is. In today’s More Than Mom episode, we’re continuing our travel conversation to chat about how we find the perfect balance between timing, cost, stress, and comfort. We spill on our baggage preferences, security line personalities, how our small regional airports impact everything, and more. Plus Meagan tells a story about running to her gate, and we also share our favorite travel snacks and accessories. Whether you miss flying, dread flying, or have never flown before, we think you’ll find this episode (and deeper peek into our personalities!) a fun ride. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah loves her carry-on and laptop backpackMeagan has this bag in the color terracotta, as well as the Metro duffle and backpack in mahoganyMeagan also likes to travel with her Hydro Flask and travel neck pillowMeagan dreams of traveling like George Clooney and Anna Kendrick in Up in the AirWe were chatting about the show Inventing AnnaMeagan likes to read magazines, such as Vanity Fair, Vogue, Fast Company, and Inc., while flyingCheck out tons of helpful travel blog posts and episodes in our Family Travel Hub at themomhour.com/travel22MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does it feel like everyone else (but you) is going on fancy vacations all the time? Will your spring break look more like a staycation than a sandy beach? Social media seems to make it worse, but the envy that arises when looking at someone else’s vacay pics is as old as time! In this episode, Meagan and Sarah are busting some common travel myths and talking about how to deal with the feelings that sometimes pop up when all your people are (seemingly) jetting off to one fun destination after another. We also chat about how to make memories closer to home and how being intentional about stepping outside your normal routine can matter way more than the dollars you spend. If you need some downtime–minus the guilt or a giant price tag–this episode is for you. LINKS MENTIONED:This article, “Other People’s Great Vacations Don’t Have to Get to You” is still super relevant. Sarah chatted about planning in this Voices episode with Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-Unger. Check out tons of helpful travel blog posts and episodes in our Family Travel Hub at themomhour.com/travel22MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

News flash: the babies born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are turning two! Their little lives have been marked with fear, stress, sadness . . . and, undeniably, also joy. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are joined by seven moms from our team sharing about their remarkable babies and this historic time they’ve entered the world. You’ll hear different perspectives on how real moms have handled situations like introducing their babies to other people, venturing out into the world, and the little moments that made them think, “Wow, this is a pandemic baby!” Even if you didn’t have a baby in the past two years, you’re sure to appreciate this reflective episode – the first in a two-part series – as we honor the hard and celebrate the specialness of pandemic babies. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our series on Pandemic Perspectives, and these related episodes: How Covid Complicates Parenting, Stage By Stage, and 10 Things We Love About ToddlersCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about toddlersRead our Contributor Stacy’s birth story about having Pandemic Baby Nora on the side of a gravel road in MontanaContributor Emily’s blog post: “She Only Knows Pandemic Mommy”It’s almost time for a check-in on Our 2022 IntentionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

News flash: the babies born at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic are turning two! Their little lives have been marked with fear, stress, sadness . . . and, undeniably, also joy. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are joined by seven moms from our team sharing about their remarkable babies and this historic time they’ve entered the world. You’ll hear different perspectives on how real moms have handled situations like introducing their babies to other people, venturing out into the world, and the little moments that made them think, “Wow, this is a pandemic baby!” Even if you didn’t have a baby in the past two years, you’re sure to appreciate this reflective episode – the first in a two-part series – as we honor the hard and celebrate the specialness of pandemic babies. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our series on Pandemic Perspectives, and these related episodes: How Covid Complicates Parenting, Stage By Stage, and 10 Things We Love About ToddlersCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about toddlersRead our Contributor Stacy’s birth story about having Pandemic Baby Nora on the side of a gravel road in MontanaContributor Emily’s blog post: “She Only Knows Pandemic Mommy”It’s almost time for a check-in on Our 2022 IntentionsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you’ve known them since they were babies or they’re part of a crew always hanging out at your house, there’s a special relationship that can form between you and kiddos that aren’t your own. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are chatting about the “mom vibe” we’re going for, little ways we adjust behavior (both kids’ AND ours), and what happens if a child isn’t a great fit for our fam. Meagan also shares what it’s like to cultivate meaningful connections with teenagers and grown nieces and nephews. So get comfy, and join us for this heartwarming episode . . . Meagan’s passing out blankies, and Sarah’s got the good snacks!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to these related episodes: Other People’s Babies, Other Adults In Our Kids’ Lives, For The Love Of Cousins, and House Rules For PlaydatesRead our Contributor Katherine DeVries’s blog post, How To Make Mom Friends & Build Community As A New ParentMORE 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 current romance sitch is a topic we get questions about from curious listeners, so today we’re giving an update, beginning with the meet-cute to end all meet-cutes! Since then, it’s been more than a two-year journey (through Covid, no less!) as Eric has gone from a “Person You May Know” on Facebook to Meagan’s “Special Man Friend.” Sarah asks Meagan how they’re handling sticky stuff, like dating someone with kids, grown-up sleepovers, moving in together (or not), and sharing holidays. And Meagan shares what she loves about Eric and the common ground that connects them. Lest you think this episode is all about warm fuzzies, we also toss in a goodnatured Super Bowl rant and take a moment to figure out Meagan’s real age. This day-before-Valentine’s, More Than Mom episode is sure to put a smile on your face–and lend some hope and comfort to our dating-mom listeners. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to these related episodes: Dating As A Divorced Mom and Dating & Romance (For Single Moms & Married Ones, Too!)Meagan first shared her divorce news in this episode: Self Care As Self Preservation and did a one-year-out divorce update in this episode: Meagan’s Divorce UpdateMORE 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 feel like your grocery bill has been creeping up, you’re not crazy. Food prices have been rising for a while, and unlike other areas of your budget, groceries definitely fall solidly into the “need, not want” category. So how DO you spend less money on food when you’re feeding a family? In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah get honest about the areas where our food spending starts to spiral out of control, as well as how we approach leftovers, generic products, pantry inventory, and family-favorite cheap-o dinners. We also share some smart tips from an actual budget expert (ahem, not us). Make sure you listen ’til the end to hear Meagan’s best tip! Join us. LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan references this article on food inflationWe mention these recent episodes: Money Saving Ideas, Room By Room, A Week of Real-Life Dinners, Small Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenSarah thought the June Grocery Haul Challenge from The Financial Diet was fascinatingSwipe through this IG post on food budgeting from @thebudgetmomThis is what generic packaging used to look like!Don’t miss these related blog posts: These Resources Helped Me Start Budgeting by Sarah Limberg and Navigating Finances With Your Partner by Joanna MartinCheck out all our episodes and blog posts on money and foodMORE 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.

Mothers, in general, are experiencing pandemic-related isolation and stress; Black women, in particular, are in crisis. From access to fertility treatments and pregnancy support to delivery complications and postpartum health, disparities around race impact Black mothers throughout their lives. In our latest Voices episode, Meagan speaks with Monique Dozier, licensed therapist and founder of Journey to Genesis Mental Health Services. Monique shares the questions we should all be asking ourselves AND the specific actions we can take to stand hand-in-hand with communities of color. She also reminds us that educating children is an important step in creating a legacy of inclusivity, and shares some of the many joys of being a Black mother. We hope you’ll listen to this important episode. LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more and connect with Monique Dozier at Journey to GenesisRead more about the challenges facing black mothers: Birthing While Black: Examining America’s Black Maternal Health Crisis, The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Women of Color, Why COVID-19 is Hitting Black Women So HardMonique mentioned how great representation is in entertainment such as Ada Twist, Scientist and Waffles + MochiListen to these related episodes: Loss, Hope & Healing: One Family’s Story Of Turning Grief Into Advocacy and Talking About Racism As A FamilyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With rising prices, many of us are looking for big and little ways to cut back on expenses and spend wisely in 2022. Being smart about when, where, and what you buy AND how you use it adds up to make a big difference in your bottom line. Meagan and Sarah are sharing their best, budget-friendly ideas for everything from clothing and toiletries to furniture and decor. Plus, they share a few times where taking the free advice of a professional helped them save big bucks . . . and Meagan talks about poopy laundry. (Gross, funny, but informative!) We’ll be chatting food and groceries next week, but for frugal tips on everything else, this is the episode for you. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan finds good deals at TJ Maxx and saves money working CVS ExtraBucksWe both genuinely love our pants from our sponsor BetabrandSarah is a big fan of the laundry pods from our sponsor Public Goods (Use code MOMHOUR for $15 off!)Listen to our Voices episode: Spending, Saving, and Living Your Values with Natalie TaylorRead our Contributor Sarah Limberg’s blog post: These Resources Helped Me Start BudgetingCheck out these custom podcast playlists Sarah created for our listeners: Carly’s Playlist (Family Values, Siblings, Routines & Hacks) and Jenny’s Playlist (Tweens, Teens, & Working Motherhood) Check out all our episodes and blog posts on moneyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom of four seeks advice on siblings who are like oil and water. Another listener asks Meagan and Sarah how to manage preschool-age brothers who are possessive with their toys. An exasperated mom is desperate for the secret to unlocking peaceful car rides. (Aren’t we all?) And finally, a mom with a new baby has an inkling it’s time to reign in the screen time with her older kids, but wonders how she’ll get anything done without it . . . and if her kids can fight through the boredom. Sibling dynamics pop up again and again in this latest batch of listener questions. If you’re a mom of multiple kids, you’re sure to relate. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our most recent Listener Questions episode from last weekThese are some of our fave episodes about siblings from our archive: Raising Siblings Who Like Each Other, Birth Order, Siblings, and Families of Origin, 10 Things We Love About Raising SiblingsWe mention some smart solutions from our House Rules episodes on Sibling Harmony and Travel & Vacation. Check out our Screen Time Strategies Through the YearsAll of our Listener Questions episodes can be found 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.

The Internet gets a bad rap – and sometimes (okay, a lot of the time), it’s justified. But as with most of the “controversial” topics we discuss, we think there’s room for complexity. In this More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share some of the positive outcomes from our online experiences, and how we’ve evolved as grownups and moms as the Internet itself has changed. We talk about the skills we’ve learned, the real-life friends we’ve met, and the things we never would have discovered otherwise! Plus, Meagan shares a screenshot of a wackadoo product with Sarah in real-time–and her reaction will have you clicking that link in our show notes at warp speed. This reflective episode is a little bit sweet (thanks to a lovely listener voicemail!) and a little bit funny. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:In our episode on #Influenced, we share some of the online-inspired stuff we’ve tried. A cat tongue for humans actually exists. It’s called: LickiRead Sarah’s PSL-essay that was the impetus to connecting her with now-close friend Kelsey Wharton of the Girl Next Door PodcastCheck out the blog post Baby Steps by our Contributor Sarah Limberg.Listener Sarah (the one who left that sweet voicesmail) has a podcast coming out soon. Check it out! Bloom Box: Growing DeeperMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A young mom feels dismissed by older moms and authority figures, and also asks for our tips for managing a kid with a quirky obsession. A longtime listener asks Meagan and Sarah how to handle kids who have come to expect big fun all the time. A mom of a preschooler is stumped on how to respond to her little guy’s tall tales, fibs, and white lies–and how to sort fact from fiction. Finally, even though we haven’t been in her shoes, we encourage a twin mom who’s expecting triplets (yes, triplets!) and feeling nervous about about how she and her toddlers will cope. Join us for the latest installment of one of our favorite series–listener questions!LINKS MENTIONED:All of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereWe dig deeper into fibbing in this episodeAre you a mom of multiples who wants to reach out to Victoria with a note of encouragement? Email us!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes, it’s the small things that have the greatest impact–like a wall hook precisely where your kid needs it or the exact right size and number of laundry baskets for your family. In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah are sharing easy home hacks and perfect products that are making their lives just a little bit less aggravating. As busy moms, too often, we just deal with the minor annoyances that seem trivial . . . until we’re grinding our teeth because the charger we need is missing (yet again!) We hope that listening to this episode will help you identify the persistent frustrations in your own home and inspire you to brainstorm some solutions. Yes, it might mean spending a few extra bucks or recruiting a helping hand, but we promise: The long-term satisfaction is so worth it. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our recent episode: Cleaning Products We Can’t Live WithoutMORE 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.

Now that we’re officially IN the new year, we’re thinking about our hopes and goals for 2022. From physical health to mental health, habits to focus areas, heavy stuff to totally frivolous, Meagan and Sarah share the ways we want to challenge ourselves this year, ways we want to go easier on ourselves, and the ways we plan to invest both in our own growth and in others around us. We’ll be revisiting this topic to see how we’re doing in about six weeks, so be sure to check back in! Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked all things planning in this recent Voices episodeMeagan is reading Atomic Habits (affiliate link) by James Clear, a book that Sarah read two years ago, and that we talked more about in this episode: Small Habits That Make A Big DifferenceMeagan mentioned her recent interview with Amy Clark of MomAdvice.com, including mention of the Mom Advice Book ClubWe both follow @ZeenaDhalla, posture expert, on Instagram (Meagan also interviewed Zeena on Mother Of Reinvention)Meagan mentioned her local spa treatments during her divorce period, something she talked more about in this episode: Self Care As Self PreservationSarah has been giving to teachers and classrooms via DonorsChoose.orgMORE 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.

Digital task mastery, pen and paper planning, and keeping the family organized: no two moms do this exactly alike – even those of us who love to plan and organize! In our first interview episode of 2022, Sarah Powers sits down with fellow planner people Christine Koh and Sarah Hart-Unger to discuss our favorite digital resources, pen-and-paper tools, and methods of staying organized at work, home, and school. We get into the nitty gritty of color coded everything, what works and what doesn’t for our personalities, and how we use planning tools to avoid over-scheduling and leave white space for joy and (gasp!) even spontaneity. Join us!Note: Sarah Powers chatted Kelsey Wharton from The Girl Next Door podcast for a companion conversation to this episode on Instagram Monday January 10. Watch the recorded video here.LINKS MENTIONED:Watch Sarah Powers and Kelsey Wharton in an Instagram companion to this episode here.Links mentioned by Sarah Hart-UngerFull Focus Planner (affiliate link – shopping here will support SHU!)SHU’s full planner stack for 2022Pentel EnerGel Clena Gel PensErin Condren Wall Organization CenterLinks mentioned by Christine KohTodoist (this is in affiliate link that’ll get you 2 months of PRO free!)Links mentioned by Kelsey Wharton (on Instagram)Google KeepApple Photo StreamWeekly Intentions Printable from @thehandwritingclubDaily Habit Tracker from @elisejoy (get it when you subscribe to her newsletter)Zebra F-301 pensMini highlightersOther things we mentioned and where to find our guests!The Essential CalendarSarah P uses simple laptop stand like this oneChristine’s websiteChristine’s socials: Insta Twitter FacebookSarah Hart-Unger’s websiteSarah Powers talked at length about Todoist on Best Laid PlansSarah Hart-Unger was on The Mom Hour in 2020 and 2021Christine Koh was on The Mom Hour in 2018, and on Meagan’s other show, Mother Of Reinvention more recentlySarah Powers was on Edit Your Life talking about working from home in 2019Sarah Powers on Best Of Both Worlds talking about evening routines and logistics in 2019Kelsey Wharton on The Mom Hour talking about working motherhood way back in 2016Kelsey’s podcast The Girl Next DoorKelsey’s blog Rising*Shining, and her accompanying podcast, the Rising*Shining Audio BlogMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re not experts…we’re two moms with lots of kids and dirty floors. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share our go-to products for keeping a clean-enough house, and feel better about your own dusty corners as we confess the aspects of housekeeping we’re just not great at. We share our favorite way to get dog pee out of the carpet, some tricks for keeping multi-use products like white vinegar and baking soda at the ready, and our shared habit of acquiring a LOT of devices for cleaning floors (and yet? the floors are still dirty). Welcome to 2022, friends. Come on in to our not-very-clean houses for Episode 346!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s can’t-live-without cleaning productsInexpensive microfiber dust mop, similar to this one (affiliate link)Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner (affiliate link)Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Surface Scrub and Scrubbing CreamGranite polish (affiliate link)Libman Freedom Spray Mop (affiliate link)Public Goods Glass Cleaner & Refill Kit (Public Goods is a show sponsor, but we pay for our own goods because we love them so much!) Sarah’s can’t-live-without cleaning productsThe entire Resolve line of carpet and upholstery cleaners (affiliate link)Public Goods Surface Cleaner & Refill Kit (Public Goods is a show sponsor, but we pay for our own goods because we love them so much!) An inexpensive broom/dustpan combo kit, similar to this one (affiliate link), and also open to your favorites!Warehouse-sized containers of bleach, baking soda, and white vinegar – stored somewhere handy!Glisten Dishwasher MagicThis is the exact shop vac we have – purchased at our local home improvement store (can’t vouch for this online retailer but wanted to share our make/model)Other things we mentioned in the episode:New listeners can email Sarah at [email protected]’s Must-Have Cleaning Products (our team put together this great list on the blog)Meagan seconds contributor Emily’s love for Bar Keeper’s Friend (affiliate link)@gocleanco on InstagramWe’re celebrating 10 Million all-time downloads! Read more here, or watch this.Like episodes about home-life and cleaning? Try these:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Home & Personal Organization HelpWhere To Put All The STUFF (Part One): Episode 294Where To Put All The STUFF (Part Two): Episode 29510 Habits Of Happy Home ManagersHome & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246Home Management Systems That Work (For Now): Episode 220Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191More Than Mom: ClutterDirty Dishes In The Sink (No, It’s Not A Metaphor): Episode 172Loads And Loads (And Loads) Of Laundry: Episode 167Spring Cleaning & Entertaining Tips: Episode 98The Nitty-Gritty of Keeping a Clean-Enough House: Episode 64Stuff, Junk & Things: Episode 35Chores & Delegation: Episode 15MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A day at home with nothing on the calendar or the agenda: It’s the best of times . . . and it can be the worst of times. In this final episode of 2021, Meagan and Sarah are reminiscing about how they spent cuddled-up days at home pre-kids and with little ones, as well as what it looks like now that everyone is kinda doing their own thing. We remember games, baking, movie-watching, and puttering (plus lots of making and cleaning up messes). We talk about at-home activities that are fun with kids, the things that make it challenging, little ways to feel productive, and how to cultivate the “day off” vibe you crave. There’s a fine line between snuggly and stifling, and you might be feeling it this week between Christmas and New Year’s. Whatever the age of your kids or your family situation, this episode will give you ideas on how to take pleasure in the slowness. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan describes the movie “Dan in Real Life”Read our Contributor Emily’s blog post on Six Ways to Entertain Your Family Indoors This WinterListen to these related episodes: More Than Mom: Getting Cozy, Stocking Your House For Stuck-Inside Days, How To Survive (And Even Enjoy) Playing Board Games With KidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From feeling like time (or money) is running out to second-guessing gift choices and blaming ourselves for our kids’ behavior, there’s no shortage of ways for moms to feel crummy during the holidays. Even when everything miraculously gets done, you might wonder where the heck’s the magic or feel guilty wondering if you slowed down enough to actually enjoy it (and honestly, would it even be the holidays without a good, old-fashioned mom tantrum?). In this last episode before Christmas, Meagan and Sarah talk through the various ways moms tend to be hard on themselves this time of year, and some ways we’ve learned to reframe our messy feelings. We also chat about how we’re feeling this particular Christmas and how it compares to holidays of the past. Depending on when you listen to this episode, consider it your pre- or post-holiday pep talk–complete with a tasty detour into charcuterie board land. We promise it’s NOT too late to give yourself a little grace. We’re here for you, friends! Enjoy.LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s our recent episode on What Our Kids See In Us (For Better & For Worse)Read Meagan’s holiday help blogpost: No, You’re Not BehindWe loved this Girl Next Door podcast episode on Christmas Gone Wrong from our friends Kelsey and EricaOur Contributor Chaunie’s blogpost: Last Year I Skipped Christmas; Here’s What I LearnedListen to our episode on Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom PressureCheck out all our episodes and blogposts about the holidaysThere have been some very poignant conversations about the holidays and family in our Facebook GroupWhen you have time, it would mean so much if you left us a reviewWe have so many great ideas and lots of encouragement waiting for you in our Holiday HeadquartersMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to parenting–and how we generally live our lives–actions speak louder than words. Our behaviors, priorities, emotions, and reactions are all things we’re modeling for our kids. In this episode, Meagan and Sarah try to see themselves through their kids’ eyes, reflecting on the qualities we feel good about and the ones we’re trying to be more conscious of. We talk about how we can’t control how our kids will think about us when they’re grown, but we CAN be thoughtful about the moms we want to be; and even though we’re opposites in lots of ways, we discover a superpower we have in common. This deep-thinky episode is a great one for wherever you are on your motherhood journey. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode was inspired in part by Sarah’s interview with Meghan LeahyWe recently talked about habits in this episode: Where We Nailed It (And Where We Didn’t) In 2021We’d love to hear from you. Email us, or connect with us on Facebook or InstagramHere’s how to leave us a review (pretty please!) Discover tons of holiday content and our Small Business Boutique over in our Holiday HeadquartersListen to our other episodes on our personalities: Getting (And Giving) Help During Hard Times, How We’re The Same (And Also Different), and Knowing Yourself 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.

As 2021 winds down, we’re looking at the habits we picked up – intentionally or accidentally – in the past year. Some habits we stuck with and feel great about; some didn’t serve us as much as we thought they might. We celebrate some areas where we totally nailed it this year and get real about the not-so-healthy habits that crept in, too. From self-care and big improvements, to tech use and baby steps, we look at the different ways our habits showed up in 2021, acknowledging that you don’t have to stick with something for 365 days for it to make an impact. We also laugh about the things Meagan does in bed . . . and the new things she wants to try (wink, wink). We end on a hopeful note, with some early thoughts on 2022 intentions (and lots more to come). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked about her planner / goal setting / Todoist (affiliate link) habits when she was a guest on this episode of Best Laid Plans with Sarah Hart-UngerBig fans of this Q&A a Day Journal for Kids and the 5-Year version for grownupsWe still love popping into our listener group on Facebook!We’re throwing it WAY back with this episode: Your Media Diet: Is It Healthy?This is how Sarah’s family does family meetingsWe’ve said it before: Decide Once is a Lazy Genius principle we can get behindMeagan dipped her toe into TV-watching with: The Queen’s Gambit, Ted Lasso, and The Shrink Next DoorThe episode where Meagan’s Voices interview on Running Marathons & Raising BoysMeagan’s Mother of Reinvention episode with Amy Clark about her book clubDiscover gift ideas and holiday inspiration over in our Holiday HeadquartersListen to our other episodes on habits: Podcast Listening and Book Reading Habits, 10 Habits of Happy Home Managers, and Small Habits That Make a Big DifferenceMORE 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.

Over the years, we’ve developed a bit of a reputation for hating fun, but really we just want to give all moms permission to have actual opinions about what’s fun, what isn’t, and how they like to make memories with their kids. If you’re like us, cooking, crafting, outdoor activities, and Mommy-and-Me classes might strike you as are occasionally fun, never-ever fun, or not fun YET. In the spirit of keeping it real, Meagan and Sarah chat about how kids have special ways of tainting activities we normally love, plus we break down how to separate the fun YOU crave from feeling like you have to include your children. We also give real tips for how to make some of these ideas a better fit for your family (spoiler: It might not include you!). And to wrap it all up, we share some encouragement and suggestions for planning future “fun.” Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Our OG episode on hating fun and when we revisited the topic several years agoMeagan’s Instagram post about taking her kids to indoor waterparks Our Contributor Jayme’s blogpost: Baking With Kids This Holiday Season: A Strategy For The Hesitant MomDear Evan Hansen is a soundtrack Meagan normally (but doesn’t always!) love on family road trips Craving fun that’s just for you? Listen to our More Than Mom episode on Creative Hobbies (Now … Soonish … Maybe Someday) for inspiration.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.

Matchy Christmas china, snuggly slippers, nice leather bags, and incredible concerts . . . these are a few of our favorite things! What makes a great gift AND how do you increase your odds of actually getting it? Today’s More Than Mom is all about the most memorable gifts of our Christmases Past–plus what’s on our wish lists (and shopping lists!) this year. We talk about gifts from childhood, experience gifts, weird gifts, and gifts that turn into traditions. We also discuss what really makes a gift feel thoughtful and personal, and some of our favorite gifts to give the women in our lives. As a bonus, Sarah also shares a decade-long Christmas gift mystery! This episode is full of inspiration. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Shop small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business BoutiqueAll our Contributor gift guides are in our Holiday HeadquartersSarah’s fave slippers she heard about from Ashlee GaddWe love shopping Etsy and MintedSarah’s travel mugMeagan’s show and tell embroidery video on InstagramMom’s 2021 Holiday WishlistIt’s true! We’ve talked about bags before: What’s In Our Purses and all about PursesMore episodes about gifting: Giving and Receiving Gifts, A Judgement-Free Conversation About Shopping More MindfullyCheck out all our episodes and blogposts about giftsMeagan’s essay It’s OK To Feel Disappointed In Your GiftsMORE 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 of the most common questions we’re asked is how to get kids ready for a new sibling. In today’s Voices episode, Meagan chats with a seasoned mom from our Contributor team about how she’s doing just that! Kia is a former postpartum nurse and about to give birth to Baby #4. With kids ages 12, 4, and 1, she’s being super thoughtful about tailoring her approach for each child and stage. Find out how she’s dealing with everyone’s emotions (including her own), making changes to her home, and her favorite items for making it all go a little easier this time around. And with the holidays upon us, we talk about how having a newborn will impact her plans. (All the cute Christmas onesies, please!) Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Follow @kiamhammond on Instagram to stay up to date on baby news! Watch Kia pack her hospital bag here: How A Postpartum Nurse And 4th-Time Pregnant Mom Packs Her Hospital Bag Meet the Mom Hour Contributor teamKia loves the Hatch Baby app for tracking newborn feedingsKia thinks Audible credits, AirPods, and a Kindle make great gifts for new momsShe loves to gift high-contrast cards, baby feeders, personalized blankets, and Lovevery kits (Lovevery is a sponsor of the podcast, for free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kit visit Lovevery.com/themomhour)Some of Kia’s must-haves are this Baby Wrap Carrier, the Wildbird Ring Sling, the Ergobaby, and this felt diaper caddyListen to 10 Things We Love About The 4th TrimesterCheck out all our episodes and blogposts on Pregnancy and BabiesMORE 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 IDEAS for making meaningful holidays with kids, but the reality is that time, money, and mama-energy are limited resources. If you’ve ever been curious about how REAL families do Christmas, join Meagan and Sarah as we sit down with two moms from our Contributor team for behind-the-scenes peeks at their holiday magic making, Advent traditions, and gift giving plans. Sarah chats with Jennifer, a mom of 4-year-old twins, who’s smack-dab in the middle of preschool holiday fun and finally experiencing the light at the end of the tunnel of parenting little twins. Then Meagan and Lisa connect over being divorced moms of many children–Lisa has four kids at home. They talk about coparenting, deciding who gives which presents, and how special it is to share the holiday magic with big kids. Listen and discover how other moms are making this season meaningful for their families. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out our Holiday Headquarters for gift guides, holiday-themed blog posts, and podcast episodes to help inspire you this holiday season!Support our community of creative entrepreneurs by shopping the small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business Boutique Check out Jennifer’s Gift Guide for the Adventuring FamilyListen to the last time Lisa was on the podcast: Inside The Morning HustleLisa is giving her youngest daughter an American Girl doll that looks just like herMeet the Mom Hour Contributor teamMORE 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 sharing toys to allowing screens, sleepovers to sibling dynamics, setting some expectations for playdates helps control the chaos (and the tears!). This latest episode in our “House Rules” series is a fascinating peek into how our listeners handle having kids over to play AND sending their kids to friends’ houses. Meagan reminds us there’s only so much moms can control–especially as kids get older, and Sarah shares her personal rule about a certain game that’s NOT allowed to be played in a specific place. Whether your family is just easing into playdates or you need some create some new guidelines, you’ll find some really smart ideas here. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our other episodes in the House Rules seriesCheck out these related episodes: Our Kids & Their Friendships and Kids & Friendships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-MooreWe recently talked all about How We Host and Being a Gracious GuestCheck out our Holiday Headquarters for gift guides, holiday-themed activities, and great stories to help inspire you this holiday season!Support our community of creative entrepreneurs by shopping the small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business Boutique 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.

Who gets to claim the identity of Writer? In our humble opinions, there’s way more to it than whether your work is published or not. Meagan and Sarah have had writing careers that have run the gamut, including dealing with hangups, vulnerability, and rejection. Today’s More Than Mom episode paints a picture of our early writing days, touches on our current writing habits(spoiler alert: You’re probably already reading most of it!), and lets us fantasize a bit about our future writer selves. Plus, we decide once and for all to bring back the word “cool.” Writing not your thing? We share tips for diving more deeply into any creative pursuit. If you have any interest in how creativity connects to motherhood, this episode is for you! Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Read How I Started Writing by our contributor Stacey BronecA lot of our writing these days is for The Mom Hour on our website, newsletter, Instagram, and Facebook!We love Wendi Aarons‘s smart, humorous voiceShop small, mom-owned businesses in our Small Business BoutiqueDiscover gift ideas and holiday inspiration over in our Holiday HeadquartersMORE 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 planning is one thing, but how do you build your recipe collection in the first place? And where do you go when you’re looking to make a change, such as trying a new technique, or cooking an unfamiliar food for the first time? In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah talk about both the challenges of feeding a family healthfully, as well as the sources of inspiration we look to when we find ourselves in a rut. From tearing recipes out of magazines (do people still do that?) to our favorite cookbooks and foodie websites, we’re sharing where, exactly, we get our best meal ideas. We also speak with Megan Lott, the Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research, who is sharing their latest recommendations on how families can work on healthy mealtime habits. LINKS MENTIONED:Learn more about our sponsor Healthy Eating Research and their new recommendations for kids healthy food habits Megan Lott recommends myplate.gov for great nutrition resources and New York Times Cooking for recipesThe Girl Next Door Podcast did a whole episode on their favorite cookbooksDidn’t I Just Feed You is a fave food podcast for parentsIt’s easy to find a ton of recipes on Instagram, Pinterest, Food Network, and AllrecipesMeagan and Sarah both love the special interest food publications from Better Homes and GardensSome of Sarah’s favorite cookbooks are America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, and Pascale Beale’s Salade: Recipes From The Market Table and Salade II: More Recipes From The Market TableSometimes, our go-to dishes are riffs on recipes from celebrity chefs or food personalities like Alton Brown, Ree Drummond, or Paula DeenEven if we don’t cook any of the dishes, it’s entertaining to watch food shows, such as “Taste The Nation” and “Searching For Italy”Check out all our episodes and blog posts on feeding a familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the etiquette to expectations, gatherings are a two-way relationship between the hosts and the guests. In this flip side of last week’s episode on hosting, Meagan and Sarah are talking about our favorite types of get-togethers, the ways we try to be “good guests,” and our strategies for surviving social events (including the ones that feel high-stakes) with little ones. We point out how thoughtful preparation and honest communication–with our hosts, kids, and even ourselves–tempers the stress for everyone involved. To wrap it up, Meagan shares an important reminder AND a mantra moms can repeat when everyone’s on edge. Whether you’re getting ready for holiday parties or looking for tips that apply to any event, you’ll find lots of reassurance here. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our episode on How We Host (And How We Don’t) As Moms Of Many KidsCheck out our gift guides, Small Business Boutique, and more in our Holiday Headquarters!“Decide Once” is a Lazy Genius principle that works great for things like hostess giftsHere’s the backstory behind Meagan’s meltdown photo that became a viral meme. Share your house rules for playdates in our Facebook group. 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.

Hosting a gathering can feel like a huge burden, a creative outlet, a ton of fun, and everything in between. In our unofficial kickoff to the 2021 holiday season, Meagan and Sarah are here to look at how we host, how we don’t, and how opening our homes has changed over the years. We remind you – and ourselves – that there are many ways to be a gracious host and that nobody nails it in every category. Whether you’d like to organize a small friend gathering or you’re hosting the Big Meal for a dozen extended family members, this episode will serve as a gentle reminder that you can do it in a way that feels authentic, welcoming, and – yep – even fun. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our episode on Sane & Satisfying Holiday EntertainingThe viral “Company is Coming” video that still makes us crack upWe were channeling our inner Lazy Genius in the second half of this episode – here’s Kendra on hosting and entertainingJoanna (@cafedumartin) has a pre-hosting plan out on our blog later this week – stay tuned!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.

City Mouse…Country Mouse…do we really have to choose? Not in our fantasy lives! Meagan and Sarah have both done stints as city dwellers and have some experience with rural life, but we’ve spent most of our kid-rearing years in suburbs or small towns. Today’s More Than Mom episode is a total indulgence in the fantasies of city living and country life – at their most extremes. We talk about how we’d dress and what we’d eat, what our homes would be like and how we’d spend our days. We also touch on the books, movies, and television that shaped our early understanding of city and country living (turns out we may need a part two JUST about television apartments). It’s a fun one, friends – join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Throughout our lives, our fantasy settings have been inspired by media, including: Harriet the Spy, Sex and the City, When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, the Little House books, All Creatures Great & Small, Anne of Green Gables, and Charlotte’s WebThis isn’t the first time we’ve talked about our alternate fantasy lives, check out these related episodes:Our Fantasy Kitchens, Meagan & Sarah Get Stranded On A Desert Island, The Lives We Didn’t LeadMORE 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 toddler tantrums to big kid anxiety, parents feel so much pressure to tackle these challenges in the right way. Are we expecting too much from our kids . . . and ourselves? In our latest Voices interview episode, Sarah has a conversation with Meghan Leahy, parenting expert and author of a new book, Parenting Outside the Lines. In her signature honest and humorous tone, Meghan shares some valuable insights about what’s going on behind common kid behavior phases. She also reminds us all that WE are the best experts in our kids and that holding empathy for both our kids AND ourselves is the key to combatting perfectionism. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meghan’s new book is Parenting Outside the LinesYou can find information about Meghan’s online classes, coaching, and lots of parent resources on her websiteMeghan Leahy is the parenting expert in The Washington PostOn the topic of kids and tech Meghan recommends Adam Pletter‘s online class iParent 101Meghan also recommends books Screenwise by Devorah Heitner and Raising a Screen-Smart Kid by Juliana MinorMORE 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 taking a detailed phone message and sticking to a meeting plan to utilizing physical resources like paper maps, bus schedules, TV guides, and phone books, there are so many life skills children of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s were just expected to know. In today’s episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah chat about these once-essential abilities our kids lack simply because the world has changed. On the flip-side, we also reflect on the new skills that come so naturally to this crop of kids. In some cases, they’re teaching us! (Multiple remote controls drive anyone else bonkers?!) To wrap it up, we reflect on how to not become gripe-y or grumpy about these natural generational differences. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to related episodes: Life Skills We’re Glad Our Kids Have Right Now (And A Few They’re Still Working On) and Chores, Life Skills, & Household ResponsibilitiesCheck out all our episodes and blogposts about big kidsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aspirational meal plans are ubiquitous, but drilling down to what families ACTUALLY eat in a given week is a lot harder to find. For that reason, we–and our listeners–love our ongoing series of “what really went down” at mealtime. Meagan and Sarah are sharing what we actually prepared and ate for dinner the week of October 4th, 2021. We also have fun bringing in seven of our contributors to share how they fed their families. This episode has a wide range of typical dinners (including chili all the ways!) from variety of families. You’re sure to find some dinner inspiration and validation that however you’re doing it, you’re not alone! Join us. LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to more of our Week of Real-Life Dinners episodes (we also referenced back to this recent episode: Envisioning A Week Of Ideal Meals)Get to know all of Our ContributorsMonday:Emily loves this Iowa Girl Eats’s Signature Smoky, Spicy, Sweet ChiliEmily’s favorite oatmeal-chocolate chip cookiesTuesday:Sarah’s Joie brand “roundy” silicone egg rings for perfectly round fried eggsThe tasty ground beef enchiladas recipe Stacy found last minuteJoanna’s favorite harvest salad WednesdayThe baked chicken wings the Powers family makes for “wings ‘n’ things”Sarah’s family usually gets their wings from ButcherBoxFridayFor a gluten-free teriyaki-inspired marinade, contributor Sarah Limberg likes this Nom Nom Paleo Stir-Fry Sauce recipeSaturdayEmily made this apple cobbler from their apple orchard bountySunday – check back soon for that herb/parmesan-crusted chicken recipe Sarah’s family ate at her parents’ house (we’re still tracking it down!)Check out all our food-related episodes and blog postsMORE 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’ve talked about fashion on the podcast before, but personal style is one of those things that’s always evolving. With today’s trends, cuts, colors, and various ways of shopping, there’s a fine balance between dressing up-to-date AND feeling like ourselves. In today’s More Than Mom episode, Sarah and Meagan chat about the state of our current wardrobes, the challenge of putting on “public-facing pants,” the pieces we’re surprised we like, the ones that aren’t for us, and share some outfits we looked–and felt–cute in. We also figure out what color, exactly, is “puce.” Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Last time we did a style check-in was in this February 2021 More Than Mom episodeMeagan’s chat with Dacy Gillespie on How To Create A Mindful Closet (And Discover Clothes You Truly Love)Sarah’s favorite travel pants (influenced by Kelle Hampton of @etst)We mentioned our More Than Mom episode #Influenced a couple of timesMeagan likes the brands prAna and Kuhl for outdoor-wearCute and durable tightsSome of our favorite leggings are from Spanx and LysseCheck out all our style episodes and blog postsMORE 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 do you decorate for Halloween or carve pumpkins? What costumes are allowed? And exactly how much candy do kids get to eat? As we’ve said before: You get to decide! And once you do, it cuts down on SO many battles and questions. In our latest “House Rules” episode, we’re sharing our listeners’ best arbitrary rules for trick-or-treating, choosing (and trying on) costumes, and more! Meagan and Sarah share how they’ve approached Halloween in their families, and talk about how some of their policies have evolved (or been eliminated!) as kids grow. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Apply to be included in our Small Business BoutiqueCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about HalloweenMeagan’s essay “Yes, That Might Be My Teen At Your Door on Halloween”Get to know Kia, and the rest of Our ContributorsMost of the House Rules we collected for this episode were comments on this post in our Facebook groupJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Listen to our other episodes in the House Rules seriesMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do you do when your toddler has separation anxiety and being apart feels somewhat optional? A mom of a baby and a precocious toddler is looking for tools to help with emotional drop-offs at the church nursery. A mom with four young kids is desperate for a date night and looking for outside-the-box childcare solutions. Another mom whose age doesn't match up with her friends' wants help navigating the intersection of motherhood, friendship, and family planning. A part-time SAHM wonders if it's normal to feel bored during long days with her toddler. (Spoiler alert: YES!) Meagan and Sarah give advice for ditching the guilt. We also send our love to a longtime listener who is struggling with setting healthy boundaries with Grandma. We tackle a lot of tough stuff in this episode of Listener Questions. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Here's our episode on Getting (And Giving) Help During Hard TimesCheck out all our episodes and blog posts about toddlersListen to our series on Friendships in Motherhood: Part 1 and Part 2Listen to our series on Sitters & Caregivers: Part 1 and Part 2Can you relate to these questions? Pass along a note of support or commiseration by emailing hello@themomhourAll of our Listener Questions episodes can be found hereOur House Rules for Halloween episode is coming soon! Get a sneak preview in the comments on this post in our Facebook groupMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A listener is curious about Meagan and Sarah’s Zodiac signs; she also wants to know if we could add any frivolous feature to our homes, what would it be? (Meagan recommends a llama to complement Sarah’s dreamy detail.) A longtime listener asks if we’ve had any show topics that didn’t make the cut. An aspiring blogger asks for writing tips. And finally, a new homeowner is looking for advice on landscaping a yard that looks nice, but is also low-maintenance. For this Sunday spin on listener questions, we’re stepping outside the realm of parenting to weigh in on a wider variety of topics. This was a fun one. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:More about Bookshop.orgExhale, Coffee and Crumbs’ online creative community#amwriting is a great hashtag and podcast to follow for writing support and inspirationAll of our Listener Questions episodes can be found 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.

When you’re going through A Thing, what kind of help feels most…helpful? Is it practical stuff, like a delivered meal? Is it emotional support, or humor and distraction? And does the way you feel most supported influence the way you step up for your own friends? Meagan and Sarah tackle these questions and more in Episode 333, all about the ways we give and receive support during hard seasons of life and motherhood. We look at our own personalities, our relationship patterns, and how all of this has evolved over time. (We also have a couple of real-time on-air epiphanies!) Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Esther Perel talking about comparative suffering on Brene Brown’s podcast, Unlocking UsMeagan’s selfie and essay about caring for yourself on IGWe talk about our personality types in our Knowing Yourself As A Mom episodeListen to our discussion about Love LanguagesRing Theory is the “dump out, comfort in” concept that helps you know the right things to do and say in a crisisCheck out all our episodes on hard stuffMore Listener Questions episodes are just around the corner! Send your questions to hello@themomhour (please write “listener question” in the subject line)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 travel sports teams to competitive dance, elite kids’ activities and their impact on family life often get a bad rap. In this month’s Voices interview episode Meagan chats with Kelly Rippon, author of Parent Up: Inspire Your Child To Be Their Best Self and mother of former US champion figure skater Adam Rippon. Kelly shares a much more encouraging side of being an “opportunity creator” for your kids, including her unique perspective as a single mom of many now-grown kids, all of whom were accomplished and active in extracurriculars. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Buy Kelly’s book Parent Up: Inspire Your Child To Be Their Best Self (Bookshop.org affiliate link)Learn more about Kelly’s Parent Up workshops and more on her websiteKelly’s InstagramAdam’s InstagramListen to our episode on Managing Kids’ ExtracurricularsMORE 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 hand washing to changing undies, bath time to brushing teeth, staying on top of your kids’ hygiene is essential to keeping them healthy and not (too) stinky. In our latest “House Rules” episode, we’re sharing listeners’ hilarious, straightforward, and down-right-genius methods for taking the guesswork out of getting everyone clean. And in the spirit of keeping things VERY real, Meagan and Sarah both tell stories about times their kids seemed embarrassingly clueless about simple hygiene practices. Listen along for some ideas that might make YOUR family hygiene regimen less of a struggle. LINKS MENTIONED:Most of the House Rules we collected for this episode were comments from our Facebook pageJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)Check out our other episodes in the House Rules seriesListen to our episode on Potty Training & Other Bathroom MattersMORE 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 is an experienced camper, while Sarah likes the IDEA of family nature time, but isn’t so sure. There’s sleeping on the ground, critters (both mild and wild), plus all the logistics. And with so many options for “roughing it,” from rustic backpacking to glamping, what even qualifies as camping these days? In today’s More Than Mom episode, Meagan’s breaking it all down for Sarah – and for our listeners! From packing to food prep, how to stay comfy and how to get clean(ish), follow along as Meagan shares her tips for figuring out what kind of camping might be right for you. Along the way, Meagan gets real about how she handles when nature calls, tells a funny story about a time she panicked about a snake getting too close for comfort, and talks about storing her gear. It’s an adventure–join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Read the blog post “Yes You Can Take Your Kids Car Camping” by our Contributor, Jennifer Carroll. That time when Meagan owned a camperMeagan’s guide on Beginner Hiking and Camping Gear for WomenArrive Outdoors is the camping gear rental website Meagan’s sister recommendsHipcamp is like the Airbnb of camping. Meagan has had good experience booking rustic sites and small cabins through 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.

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