The Mom Hour

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.

Rebekah struggles with a culture of “husband bashing” and negativity in her local mom circles. Ainsley wonders how she and her husband will handle being outnumbered once their third child arrives. Candice wants to feel seen in all she does for her family – prompting Meagan and Sarah to explore different kinds of invisible labor and unpack the work we sometimes assign ourselves. And Amanda asks us to give an update on our current food values. In Episode 461, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: archivesFriendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290Family Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244Family’sOTHER 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.

Baseball, Scouts, soccer, basketball….you name it, our kids are doing it! In this episode, Catie and Katie are back to discuss all the stuff, processes, and mindsets that help get our families through a busy season. Join us for some of our favorite products, meal strategies, plus where and how we delegate responsibilities out to family members. Plus, it’ll be summer before we know it, and have some thoughts on how to tackle that, too. Enjoy! Meagan and Sarah are off for the first two weeks of April. Enjoy the Katie+Catie takeover, and we’ll be back soon! HELPFUL LINKS: Katie GouldnerCatie ParrishBONUS: Navigating Youth Sportslululemon clippable card pouchbracelet to wear around her wristpost-it dry erase whiteboard stickersYetiOwalaGatorade water bottlesVera Bradley Large ToteBentgo boxesEasy Lunchboxes 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 the cost of EVERYTHING at near record highs, many families want to be mindful about where all their hard-earned dollars go. In this episode, Catie Parrish and Katie Gouldner share some of their best tips and tricks for stretching those dollars (and even saving in the process!). While groceries and eating out are easy targets for slashing your monthly spending, you might be surprised at a few other tips for saving big – plus, Katie shares how her recent no-spend month went, and how much her family saved! Meagan and Sarah are off for the first two weeks of April. Enjoy the Katie+Catie takeover, and we’ll be back soon! HELPFUL LINKS: Katie GouldnerCatie ParrishThe Frugal FriendsNo Spend JanuarySaving Money On Food And Groceries: Episode 3517 Ways We’re Saving Money This Fall: Episode 277Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies: Episode 55HersheyparkArboretumDisney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410Tips For Traveling With Small Kids (Catie’s Florida Family Vacation)Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)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.

Nine years on the mic together and almost thirteen collaborating in some capacity: today we’re reflecting and celebrating! Whether you’re a longtime listener who feels like a friend (we see you!) or a newer community member still learning which one of us is blonde (it’s Meagan), this episode will bring fresh stories and familiar reminders of who we are and why we’re here. We hope you’ll join us! HELPFUL LINKS How We’re The Same (And Also Different)Meagan & Sarah Interview Each OtherWhat We’ve Learned From Each OtherTraveling As Business BestiesOur Childhood CrushesAsk Us Anything!Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not: Episode 364Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes Of Our PartnershipMore Than Mom: Making The Podcast (Then vs. Now)More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes & Business UpdatesBehind The Scenes (How We Make The Podcast): Episode 91Other 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.

We’re revisiting a classic from the archives today: a ridiculous game of Would You Rather…? Meagan and Sarah recorded this one in person together on a hot summer day back in 2018 (almost six years ago!), and in it we challenge each other to pick between wildly impossible scenarios. Which one of us would rather deal with an insane diaper blowout while in public and which would rather have an end-of-the-world public tantrum? You’ll have to listen to find out! HELPFUL LINKS where we played even more Would You Rather…episodes from the archives on hobbies! 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.

Whether it’s a sick day, a snow day, or something else entirely, being stuck at home with kids is a natural opportunity to bend or flex your house rules to keep the kids entertained (and retain your sanity). In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share our community’s genius ideas for getting through long days spent at home. Join us for smart hacks for sick kids (and moms!), easy activities that help full long hours, and ways to make being stuck inside a little less awful. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Mother’s Gratitude JournalKiwi CrateGet 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code THEMOMHOUR.practical tips for making stuck-at-home days with kids less stressful and more fun!House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314OMG We’re Sick AGAIN?!: Episode 389Uggghhh…Sick Days: Episode 75Stuck At Home? Us Too. Here Are Some Ideas: Episode 2528 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!)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.

Today we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you might love: Pop Culture Moms. Hosts Andie and Sabrina are toddler moms and best friends of 20 years. In this new podcast they’re taking their obsession with TV and movies to the next level by talking to celebrities, writers and fellow “scholars” of pop culture about what they can learn from the fictional moms they love most. In the excerpt you’ll hear today, former MTV News correspondent SuChin Pak talks about reparenting ourselves when we become parents. Listen to Pop Culture Moms here! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it time to break up with Instagram? Or just hit pause on the relationship? Today Meagan and Sarah dive in to some of the reasons behind our personal absences from the social platform lately. Without judgment about anybody else’s online behavior, we reflect on what’s working and not working about our own. We own up to some icky-feeling habits, share observations about what it takes to change said habits, and how we envision our futures on the platform. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Do Today’s New Moms Have It Easier? Or Harder?#Influenced: Episode 436More Than Mom: #InfluencedMore Than Mom: Social MediaYour Media Diet: Is It Healthy? Episode 03@papermillbooksOTHER 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.

Parents of teens, listen up! (And parents of littles, join us for a preview!) Helping your teen figure out what’s next after graduation – and how to cover the cost – is a delicate dance. Today Meagan shares her current struggles navigating the parenting waters of college-bound teens; she reflects on how her fourth kid’s journey looks a bit different than that of his older brothers, what role she plays in the process, and ways it has challenged her as a mom – all while Sarah takes notes for herself! Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS PBS NewsHour articleCollege Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College LevelBONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureDr. Lisa DamourBonus: Dr. Lisa Damour On Supporting Teens Through Big EmotionsOTHER 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.

Join Meagan and Sarah for a peek behind the scenes of our writerly lives and an update on what we’re working on lately. We share how we got started (including our tips for others wanting to explore writing), how our writing has looked quite different over the years (including where and how we write) and what we’re currently working on. We also bring listeners up to speed on an exciting new collaboration that we’ve only hinted at in the past… Tune in to find out more! HELPFUL LINKS: The Mother’s Gratitude Journal: An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys and Milestone MomentsMore Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard StuffMore Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative PracticeSubstackHow I Started WritingHow To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending MoneyThe Tea’s MadeOur Cozy & Creative SpacesOTHER 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.

New recipes can shake up cooking routines, but there’s something to be said for the tried-and-true meals, too. Today Meagan and Sarah share the family dinners that always make it into our current cooking rotations. They’re the meals we know how to shop for, prepare, and that the kids are comfortable eating as is (or know how to put their own twist on it). We also touch on “always in rotation” dinners from bygone eras, and what new recipes we’re hoping to try this year. Join us! LINKS MENTIONED: this rice cookerPulled Pork, 5 WaysTrader Joe’s Microwavable Spanish RiceSubstackMoo Shu Pork Bowl recipe from Hello FreshA Week Of Real-Life Dinners: Episode 336A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 305A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72OTHER 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.

Whether you have puppy fever or are overwhelmed by the idea of getting a dog, this episode will meet you where you are. Join regular contributors Joanna and Joanne as they check in about recent adventures adding furry family members to their homes. They offer advice for things to consider before getting a dog, chat about how a dog can impact your lifestyle, your budget, and your mental load, and offer tips for introducing a dog to a new baby and getting kids involved in pet care. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Joanna MartinJoanne Ruelos DiazThe Dog WizardShould I Get A Dogcustom dog bookmarkHeavenly Angel’s Animal Rescuesearch-and-find your dog bookrescue organizationMore Than Mom: Pets!All About Family Pets: Episode 71Pandemic Puppies, Foster Kittens & A Small Animal Pet Debate: Episode 286Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379OTHER 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.

The kids are sick. Your spouse is traveling. The laundry is piling up. Motherhood can be A LOT, even in the best of times, but when normalcy is thrown off, the stakes get even higher. Today Meagan and Sarah share our best tips for surviving the day – and getting the bare minimum done – when it all just feels like too much. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: How Do I Make Time For It All?TodoistWhen Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435On “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285 MORE 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.

What does loving your children actually feel like? Is it a split-second, life-altering love like we hear about, or is it a deep background hum that builds over time? Is there a difference between loving our kids and loving the motherhood experience? Today Meagan and Sarah unpack motherly love, including our specific styles of showing love to – and receiving it from – our kids. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Speaking Our Kids’ Love Languages (And Knowing Our Own): Episode 29610 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449OTHER 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.

Let’s check in about clothes! As work-from-home moms in our forties, winter “fashion” is mostly about cozy comfort. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share what we’re wearing lately, including a surprising headache-related accessory, a total 180 on long-sleeved pajamas, and a bralette misfire. We also look to you, dear listener, to help us source some wardrobe pieces we’re in need of. Help us out! HELPFUL LINKS: Bliss Triangle BraletteBlissWool leggingsLands’ End Pajama SetsCloudsurferTheraICE Headache Relief Capheat neck wrapQuinceCozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Fall Style Update 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.

You’ve been warned: raising teens can actually be…sort of wonderful. And also hard (but what season of motherhood isn’t?). Today Meagan and Sarah share what specific things we love about teenagers, from their thoughtful conversations to their little-kid-selves peeking out around every corner of their nearly-adult bodies. Along the way we share some recent stories about our own teenagers and what makes them great. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: 10 Things We Love About The 4th Trimester: Episode 28010 Things We Love About Raising Siblings: Episode 24810 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243many reasons our listeners love teenagers in this post 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.