The Mom Hour

Today Joanna, Kia, and Sarah L. get vulnerable on the topics of reparenting ourselves, healing through therapy, and setting boundaries with extended family. We discuss our specific experiences with anxiety and depression in motherhood, the process of identifying patterns from our own childhoods we hope to break in raising our families, and how seeking help and healing through therapy has looked for us. We’ve also gathered actionable steps and helpful resources to support your journey toward self-care and emotional growth. Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August! HELPFUL LINKS: Joanna MartinKia HammondSarah LimbergReparenting in TherapyboundarySet Boundaries Find Peace: Drawing The Right LinesGood Boundaries And GoodbyesStrong Like WaterWhat My Bones KnowBoundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your LifeBraving the WildernessGood InsideAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents We Can Do Hard ThingsNaptime KitchenThe Lazy GeniusStrong As A Mother With Kate RopeReal Stories About Postpartum Mental HealthBlack Motherhood & Mental HealthSelf-Improvement & Self-Acceptance In MotherhoodOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A mom needs her squad, right? So we’re told. But what if friendships in motherhood are a little more dynamic, evolving, and complicated than just finding the right group and sliding on in. In this classic replay from 2018, Meagan and Sarah navigate a thoughtful discussion about what it really means to “find your tribe” as a mom, PLUS we offer 10 kinds of friends we think every mom needs. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308Female Friendships & Women We Admire (PLUS Picture Books with Katie): Episode 227Keeping Friendships Alive: Episode 78MORE HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Forging, navigating and maintaining friendships in the whirlwind of motherhood isn’t easy. It’s hard work! Today, Jayme Sherrod is on the mic with Katie Gouldner as they candidly discuss how their friendships have evolved since becoming moms, the challenges of making “mom friends,” and the valuable lessons learned along the way. This episode focuses on the early years of friendships in motherhood, and we’ll also tee up Part Two (coming next month!) with questions for Meagan and Sarah to keep the conversation going. Enjoy! Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August! HELPFUL LINKS: Jayme SherrodKatie GouldnerBONUS: Our First Year As Kindergarten Moms Is Done & Here’s What We LearnedFit4Moms Stroller StridePersonalities, Part 1 (Myers-Briggs, Enneagram & Introversion / Extroversion): Episode 57Personalities, Part 2 (Our Myers-Briggs & Enneagram Types & More): Episode 58Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308Female Friendships & Women We Admire (PLUS Picture Books with Katie): Episode 227Keeping Friendships Alive: Episode 78OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kathryn Whitaker is a mother of six and an advocate for NICU families, and today she joins contributor Joanna Martin to share her family’s story. Joanna and Kathryn discuss what to expect from a NICU stay, the impact of NICU experiences on a marriage and on older siblings, and how Kathryn’s family continues to navigate her son Luke’s medical needs and their own mental health. Kathryn also shares how she got involved with Hand To Hold, a national nonprofit offering personalized support, resources and community to NICU families. This episode is a must-listen for anyone experiencing a NICU stay, and for those who want to support them. Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August! HELPFUL LINKS: Joanna MartinWebsiteFacebook InstagramHand To HoldEpisode 85: Just Landed in the NICU? Start Here!Episode 97: What You Need to Know About NICU Medical Billing & InsuranceEpisode 98: Should I Pay that Medical Bill?Episode 90: Chaplaincy and the NICUEpisode 86: Did I Leave the NICU with PTSD?Episode 72: Mental Health: Why We Said Yes to Marriage Counseling (Part 3 of 4)What Happened To You (affiliate link)OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Am I ready to go back to work?" It's a question we get a lot in this community. Today Jayme chats with regular contributor and working mom of four Kia Hammond, who made the choice to stay home full-time during the pandemic and has since returned to the career she loves. Jayme and Kia delve into the logistical challenges and big emotions that accompany reentering the workforce, and lean on Kia's recent experience to offer practical insights and tips for making it work. Enjoy! Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they've prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August! HELPFUL LINKS: Jayme SherrodKia HammondCozi AppEmployment Characteristics of Families In 2023Working Motherhood & Behind The Scenes At The Mom Hour: Voices 63 With Amanda ParkTime Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee HawthorneCareer Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41Stretched Too Thin With Jessica Turner: Voices 29Stay at Home, Work Full-Time, Or Something In Between? [Classic Replay]How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending MoneyI Bought A Treadmill Desk And Yes, It’s As Life-Changing As The TikTok Influencers Claim OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From e-readers to audiobooks, graphic novels to good ol' paperbacks, the methods may have changed, but the essence of reading remains timeless. Today Jayme and Joanna dive into the wonderful world of raising readers in 2024. We share personal anecdotes and insights into our own reading habits, those of our children, and offer valuable perspectives and actionable tips for raising readers. Join us! Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this summer. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they've prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August! HELPFUL LINKS Jayme SherrodJoanna MartinThe National Assessment of Educational Progress Survey DEAR Time (Drop Everything And Read Time)Read Aloud Revival@EverydayReading Cultivating A Reading Life: Voices 73 With Amy ClarkReading & Literacy Tips by Age & Stage OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With eight kids between us and so much to discuss on the podcast, we can go for long stretches without catching up about our own families. Join Meagan and Sarah in our last episode before our summer hiatus as we swap stories about our own kids and share what’s coming up for them this summer. Spanning tween through young adult, we think ‘our eight’ are pretty great, and we’re excited to share them with you today! Curious about The Mom Hour’s summer podcast schedule? Listen to us chat about what’s ahead for the podcast here. HELPFUL LINKS: On Motherly Pride: Episode 469Julia Gets Wise With Anne LamottTalking About Our Own Kids. Or Not.: Episode 364On This Day In (Our Motherhood) History: Episode 366Baby Names & How We Chose Them: Episode 262Our Kids & Their Friendships: Episode 207What’s Great (And Less-Great) About Our Eight: Episode 152Real Talk About High School (With A Real Teen!): Voices 71 With Meagan’s Son Will OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Come behind the scenes and let’s chat about Summer 2024! Meagan and Sarah each share what’s on deck for their families this summer – from new business ventures to international travel, camps for kids and creative breaks for us. We also map out what you can expect from the podcast for the next several weeks, including some exciting new content and much-requested topics. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Holidays To Switzerland Untold ItalyParenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448bookstoreBooks & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445@papermillbooks OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sure, we’re PROUD of our kids. Isn’t every mom? When kids overcome an obstacle, crush a school project, score the winning goal, or graduate with honors, we feel that familiar swell. But feeling motherly pride is just the beginning, it seems. Expressing it to our kids and sharing it with others brings up a whole suite of other ‘stuff’, from bragging and comparison to ego and more. Join Meagan and Sarah as we navigate this emotional landscape together, in real time. It’s a fun one! HELPFUL LINKS: Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419The Complicated Reality of Parental PrideSend us OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From glitter explosions to squishy Play-Doh creations, epic blanket forts and paint-covered masterpieces, today we explore the joys and challenges of messy play with little ones. In this latest House Rules episode, Meagan and Sarah share tips from The Mom Hour community on how to set boundaries for messy fun, contain the chaos, and handle the inevitable cleanup. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: House Rules For Messy FunHouse Rules For Easier Bedtimes: Episode 443House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340On Messes And Motherhoodkid-friendly, handheld dustpan and broom OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you happy with your work-mom balance? This classic replay from 2017 is about finding satisfaction in your current situation and how to take small steps toward a different one (if that’s what you’re seeking). Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, working outside the home, freelancing or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Just know that no matter what your choice and how you feel about it, you’re definitely not alone. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: 10 Signs You Might Be a Work-Anywhere-Possible-Mom (WAPM)to see the Facebook conversationInstagram conversationTime Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee HawthorneInside the Lives of 3 Working Moms: Voices 02Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41Listener Questions (Working Mom / SAHM Edition): Episode 142Meagan & Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives: Episode 140“How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money” OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hot, cold, non-alcoholic, spirits: If we drink it, we’re chatting about it today. Join Meagan and Sarah as we discuss our go-to beverages, sipping vessels and drinking habits with a few product recommendations sprinkled throughout. We hope you’ll either be inspired to hydrate or mix up a yummy cocktail by the end of this episode (or, hey! maybe both!) Cheers! HELPFUL LINKS: Liquid DeathBubly Sparkling WaterHOP WTRPartake BrewingAthletic BrewFULSparkel Beverage SystemEnglish Breakfast TeaAllulose SweetenerYeti Water bottleSpindrift Lime and MintLaCroix Sparkling WaterTrader Joe’s Fairtrade Organic Five Country Blend14 Oz. Ember MugOXO Cold Brew Coffee MakerLMNT electrolyte drink mixNuun electrolyte mixHydro FlaskFever TreeMore Than Mom: BeveragesMore Than Mom: Cheers!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does your space need a refresh? We’re here for the smallest investments that yield big satisfaction, from sprucing up your potted plants to adding a thrifted table lamp or swapping out the color of your napkins. Join Meagan and Sarah as we offer ideas for how to use your existing space in a new way, and share the tiny refreshes we’re doing this spring to get ready for summer. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Plant Lady TalkBeeswax BaseGallery Wall with MixtilesHome Décor & Dining Out: Episode 77More Than Mom: Spring Décor & Home Pick-Me-UpsSeasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesMore Than Mom: Outdoor Décor & Patio StyleMore Than Mom: Décor NostalgiaOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First-time kindergarten moms Jennifer and Jayme pop in today to reflect on all things kindergarten. Being in the homestretch of the school year, we share some of the things that surprised us about our kids’ first year of elementary school. We also offer reassurance and advice for those heading into their kindergarten journey. Spoiler: the kids won’t be the only ones who learn and grow. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Jayme Sherrodfollow her on InstagramJennifer Carolfollow her on InstagramKindergarten Parent Primer: Podcast Episodes & Blog PostsOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For Sarah this spring, it's the end of an era: elementary school parenting. The youngest of our combined eight kids is wrapping up fifth grade, so today Meagan asks Sarah to reflect back on the (long!) season of parenting in the grade school years. Our conversation is filled with reflections, emotions, gentle regrets, and laughs. Plus, a good-old-fashioned round of Would You Rather: Elementary School Mom Edition. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419School Decisions Feel Like a LOT (Here’s What To Keep In Mind): Episode 298School Volunteering That Fits Your Personality: Episode 245Tips For Starting (Elementary & Middle) School: Episode 221Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School: Episode 377 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Prom dates and driver’s licenses, football games and parties: did we get our ideas about teenagers and high school from the movies? Well, largely, yes, we did. (Our own experiences and memories, too, of course!) Today Meagan and Sarah – now parents to many teens between us – unpack stereotypical teen milestones and share whether they’ve matched up to our preconceptions – or not. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Playlist: 18 Podcast Episodes For Parents Of TeenagersParent of AdultsReal Talk About High School (With A Real Teen!): Voices 71 With Meagan’s Son WillParenting Teens Always Feels A Hot StoveWhy Mother’s Day Is Hard (And How To Make It What You Want This Year): Episode 311 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With A.I., social media, and virtual reality top of mind for many parents, we’re flipping the script today and looking at all that the physical, tangible, and tactile world have to offer our families. Acknowledging that it’s not a zero-sum proposition (we’re pro-technology in lots of ways!), Meagan and Sarah share specific ways in which we keep real, embodied, sensory experiences part of our own lives, and how we incorporate them into our family cultures. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Grow WildParenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sleeping with a watch on, tubing mascara and face razors make the list in this grab bag of new things we are trying lately. Some of them we love, some of them we really want to like but just don't, and others we need your feedback! Join us for an fun, honest chat about the some new things we're trying lately. HELPFUL LINKS: What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…)More Than Mom: Products We’re Loving LatelyHome & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246Cleaning Products We Can’t Live Without: Episode 346Costco Sports BraCeraVe Daily Moisturizing LotionAutoSleep AppDuolingo AppThrive Cosmetics Tubing MascaraPainless Learning PlacematsWool X LeggingsElf PrimerFlamingo Face RazorsCubii Under The Desk Elliptical Aveda Shampoo and ConditionerSun Touchable White GlowGlossier Lip ColorsHappy Feet Socks Oura RingOTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joy wonders how parenting changes as kids hit new milestones. As Emily’s youngest approaches kindergarten, she wants to find purpose beyond motherhood. Chelsea struggles in a new remote work position and questions whether she made the right career move. And Dana asks when and how to start conversations with her kids about the expectations she has for them after high school. This week we’re back with MORE listener questions – enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: archivesClick here18 podcast episodes from our archivesLiving A Writerly Life: Episode 454OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summer lets kids expand their experiences, gain new skills, and experience independence – but those opportunities can be scary, too! In this classic replay from 2022, Meagan and Sarah share stories about the times our kids seemed vulnerable when faced with more independence, how those nerves showed up in our children (and ourselves!), how we handled our nervous energy, and planned for major milestones with kids who were nervous to spread their wings. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: playlistThe Gift of Failure by Jessica LaheyHow to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-HaimsWe Can Do Hard Things“This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard Things OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on FacebookSign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.