The Mom Hour

Ever thought about treating yourself to a completely frivolous outing? What about a great meal in a restaurant – table for one? Meagan and Sarah are here to explore the benefits of solo activities! We chat about the joys and quirks of spending time alone—do we really love it, or is it a little scary? What types of outings feel restorative to do alone, and which ones would we rather buddy up for? Get ready for creative ideas to carve out some me-time in the midst of mom-life. Join us!This is Part 1 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check back in mid-November for Part 2!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah is reading The Artist’s Way, at Meagan’s recommendation (affiliate link)Meagan and Sarah referenced the Treat Yo Self episode of Parks and Recreation.Getting There Is Half The Fun (Especially When You’re Flying Solo) (this More Than Mom episode pairs nicely with this one!)Meagan talked about taking a solo trip to her childhood hometown – read more about it hereOTHER 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.

Are you responsible for nurturing close bonds, planning family togetherness, and preserving tradition across generations? You might be a kinkeeper (and you probably have feelings about it!). Today Meagan and Sarah unpack the concept of kinkeeping, share our personal feelings about the work of living in and raising a connected family (our thoughts might surprise you!), and look at patterns from our own families of origin that adhere to – or break from – traditional kinkeeping roles. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:The New York Times piece The Constant Work to Keep a Family Connected Has a Name by Danielle Friedman got us thinking about this topic (gift link – no need to have a subscription)Why Dad’s Side of the Family Tends to Miss Out by Chiara Dello Joio in The Atlantic (gift link – no need to have a subscription)The Plight of the Eldest Daughter by Sarah Sloat, also in The Atlantic (also a gift link)Meagan referenced the episode Fall Traditions With Tweens & Teens: Episode 487Episodes You May Enjoy From The Archives:Nurturing Grandparent-Grandkid Relationships: Episode 390Seasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesGenealogy & Family History: Episode 441OTHER 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 happy moms do to keep stress, irritability, and dissatisfaction in check? While no mom feels joyful all the time, this classic episode from 2018 dives into ten habits of mostly-happy moms. Tune in to discover practical tips that can help you maintain perspective in the chaos of motherhood and bring more joy to your daily life. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan’s 2011 book with Parenting Magazine is The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhood.(This is an affiliate link.)KJ Dell’Antonia is our friend and parenting writer wrote the book How To Be A Happier Parent. (This is an affiliate link.)Episodes You May Enjoy From The Archives:What Are Your Mom Superpowers? Routines, Rituals & Traditions More Than Mom: Small Habits That Make A Big DifferenceHow To Be A Happier Parent with KJ Dell’Antonia: Voices 28OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your kids are outgrowing handprint turkeys and pumpkin patch bouncy castles – or if you’re curious about life beyond trunk-or-treat – this episode is for you! Today Sarah shares with Meagan what fall fun looks like in her house of teens and a preteen. From fantasy football to ugly pumpkin pranks, bake-offs and taste-tests and more, we’re finding new ways to enjoy the season together as our kids get older. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Learn more about Fantasy FootballSamantha shared her countdown to halloween with our Facebook CommunityListen to The Girl Next Door podcast’s Fall Extravaganza episodeEpisodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:BONUS: Six Strategies For A Fall Wardrobe RebootMore Than Mom: Tiny Habits For Making The Most Of Your Fall Mom MojoMore Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateOn Our Tables This Fall: Episode 231Cozy Audiobooks For FallMore Than Mom: Fall!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“This too shall pass,” we’re told. But will it? More importantly, DID IT? Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on parenting challenges that once felt monumental, taking time to unpack whether those hard seasons did, in fact, pass, or whether they lingered and shape-shifted into something else. We also look at some (though not all!) bygone struggles through the lens of nostalgia, offering perspective to newer moms in the form of a 2000’s country song. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:More Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard StuffOn “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423On Reparenting Ourselves: Episode 475Regrets, We’ve Had A Few: Episode 440OTHER 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.

Today, we’re sharing an episode from another podcast we know you all are going to love. It’s called StrollerCoaster, and it was created by Munchkin, the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. StrollerCoaster is hosted by Lynn Smith – a mom and former news anchor for NBC – and co-hosted by an improv comedian. StrollerCoaster is a place to laugh over those crazy moments of parenting and learn something new. Together, Lynn and Justin talk about everything from practicing patience to kids snacks to making parent friends.Follow StrollerCoaster on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“How am I supposed to get it all done?” Fear not: The Lazy Genius, Kendra Adachi, is here to help. Join Catie Parish as she chats with Kendra about time management, knowing yourself, and her new book, The Plan: Manage Your Time Like A Lazy Genius. Kendra shares practical strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and embracing flexibility in our routines. She also takes questions from The Mom Hour listener community. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Kendra recommends Sam Kelly, a parenting expert who helps families teach their children how to “notice”Manage your time like the Lazy Genius and Preorder The PlanEverything Lazy Genius Catie mentioned The Enneagram Test. Not sure what you are? Take the free assessment.Similar Episodes From The Archives:Time Management For The Season You’re In: Episode 483Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee HawthorneProductivity & Time Management Tips For Moms: Episode 169Kendra first appeared on The Mom Hour in Finding & Embracing What Matters To YOU: Voices 58 With The Lazy Genius Kendra AdachiOTHER 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.

Knitting, sourdough starters, book clubs and more! As Meagan’s and Sarah’s lives continue to evolve with older kids and launched adults, we’re finding space for hobbies and interests that may sound surprisingly … cliché? Today we’re leaning all the way into our status as midlife ladies, and chat about the leisure activities we’re currently dabbling in, what we’re ready to elevate to the next level, and a few dreams we hope to incorporate into our lives. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:The Mom Hour contributor Jayme sent Sarah this beginner’s washcloth knitting patternBoth Meagan and Sarah love Karen Walrond, who shares ideas for art journaling on her InstaMeagan shares more about her sourdough bread-making journey in The Sunday Steep #6: The magic of developing a relationship with your kitchenSarah purchased this candle-making starter kit from EarthTonix on Etsy (inspired by a purchase at Sunkissed Pantry!)Meagan enjoys watching A Farm Through Time show on the BBC about farming through 3 different periods of time.Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:More Than Mom: Creative Hobbies (Now … Soonish … Maybe Someday)More Than Mom: HobbiesHobbies & Passions Outside Motherhood: Episode 43OTHER 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.

Getting things done in a way that fits your stage of life is a moving target – and rarely have we found ourselves with a Goldilocks ‘just right’ approach to productivity. Join Meagan and Sarah as we look back at six different time management approaches we’ve taken over our many years of motherhood, from time blocking and digital calendar mastery to the simplest pen-and-paper priorities list, and reflect on how they served us in the season we were in. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460Getting Things Done When Life Is…A Lot: Episode 452More Than Mom: 8 Calendar Planning Lessons We’ve LearnedTime Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee HawthorneKendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius, will be on the podcast in two weeks talking about her new book The PLAN, a book on time management. (affiliate link)Technology we mention in this episode:TodoistGoogle CalendarMeagan recommended that Sarah read The Artist Way (affiliate link)OTHER 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.

Ready to fall head-over-heels for your wardrobe? Today Meagan and Sarah share our top strategies for a purposeful fall wardrobe reboot. We discuss how to tackle common wardrobe dilemmas, such as organizing your closet to really see what’s in it, and investing in versatile statement pieces. We also touch on the impact of fast fashion and how thoughtful purchases can make your fall style feel more cohesive and intentional. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah loves her jumpsuit from MeUndiesMeagan enjoyed the book Laundry Love by Patric Richardson to learn how to care for her clothing (this is an affiliate link)Meagan loves this wrap sweater from WoolX, crew neck sweater from Paca, a sweater coat and a cotton cropped cardigan from Quince.Sarah’s standout cropped cardigan sweater is from Quince.Meagan and Sarah are both using ThredUp a second-hand clothing online storeEpisodes From The Archives On Wardrobe/Style/Fashion:What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397More Than Mom: Fall Style UpdateMore Than Mom: The State Of Our Style, One Year Into COVIDHow To Create A Mindful Closet (And Discover Clothes You Truly Love): Voices 53OTHER 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 kids get older, what it looks like to stay connected to them changes. They may be less likely to share their innermost thoughts or snuggle up next to us on the couch; and by design, they're much more interested in friends, hobbies, and activities happening outside our direct sphere of influence. In today's episode, Meagan and Sarah share how we stay connected to our preteen, teen, and young adult children. From car ride convos and binge-watching shows to family group texts, we’re sharing tips and stories on staying connected. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes From The Archives Like This One:10 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449“Typical” Teen Milestones: They’re Not What You Think! Episode 464Motherly Love In Theory & Practice: Episode 451BONUS: Dr. Ken Ginsburg On Why Teens Need Their Parents More Than EverMeagan Schools Sarah on Parenting Teens: Episode 310OTHER 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 first solid foods we stock for an infant to the shock of discovering that a half-loaf of bread will do for the week because another college-bound teen has flown the nest, there’s a poignant bell curve to feeding a family. Meal planning, shopping, and cooking ebb and flow depending on the stage of parenting we find ourselves in, and today, Meagan and Sarah reflect on the strategies that have served us in different stages, how we remember the years of the expanding family table, and what it’s like being on the downslope of that curve these days. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes from the archives on Meals and Family:Envisioning Your Week Of Ideal Meals: Episode 331Reclaiming Feeding Your Family For Fall: Episode 476“Always In Rotation” Dinners: Episode 453Feel-Good Foods & Feeding Ourselves Well: Episode 415OTHER 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.

Annalee wants to find a therapist but isn’t sure where to begin. Staci, a busy mom of five, is overwhelmed by the chaos of back-to-school and extracurricular activities and is seeking strategies to stay organized. Brandi wants to make her child’s senior year unforgettable and is looking for tips on navigating the “mom culture” that comes with it. Meanwhile, Lindsay is curious about the small steps we’re taking to ease the back-to-school transition. We’re back this week with MORE listener questions!HELPFUL LINKS:Joanna Martin’s blog post What Does “Going To Therapy” Really Look Like” offers advice on going into therapy, how to tell it is the right fit, and much more.Sarah recommended the book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori GottliebEpisodes from the archives focused on organizational strategies for busy times:Managing Kids’ Extracurriculars (What We’ve Learned & What’s On Tap This Fall): Episode 330More Than Mom: 8 Calendar Planning Lessons We’ve LearnedHacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460Episodes from the archives focused on high school seniors:Supporting Your College-Bound Kid: Episode 455Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419College Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376The Mom Hour Facebook Listening Community’s ideas for easing the transitioning back to schoolOTHER 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.

Brandi asks how we’re accomplishing (and modeling) exercise and healthy eating habits for ourselves and our kids. Lindsay is struggling with toys EVERYWHERE but wants to encourage creative play. Naomi is a podcast host and asks us about our process for brainstorming and creating outlines to become more efficient. Plus, we tackle a common dilemma: how to make sure younger siblings feel included and entertained during big-kid activities. In Episode 479, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archivesSend us your listener questions at any timeEpisodes on working out and exercise:More Than Mom: Fall Fitness Pep TalkMore Than Mom: Fall Fitness UpdateMore Than Mom: Exercise & FitnessStuff, Junk & Things: Episode 35 has lots of ideas for managing all the kid stuff in your homeHere’s more on behind-the-scenes of our podcasting processHacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460 is a good one for busy moms on the goOTHER 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.

Helping kids navigate social dynamics is one of the most commonly-requested topics from our listeners – and it’s top of mind for back to school each year. In this classic replay from 2017 Sarah taps into the expertise of Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an author, psychologist, and expert on children’s friendships. Sarah asks Dr. Eileen about helping kids who feel left out a school, how to handle the emotional ups and downs of elementary school friendships, and why playdates are more important than we might think. Dr. Eileen also answers questions submitted by our listener community. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKSDr. Eileen’s websiteGrowing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends (affiliate link)When Your Child Says, “Nobody Likes Me!” (Growing Friendships blog, Psychology Today)The Growing Friendships blog on Psychology TodayCan You Be Too Supportive of Your Child’s Negative Feelings? (Growing Friendships blog, Psychology Today)Dr. Friendtastic, Dr. Eileen’s site geared toward kidsOTHER 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 have a slew of “friendlies,” just one or two besties, or are coming up short in the friendship department right now, this episode is for you. Meagan and Sarah dive deep into the world of friendships, focusing on our specific season of midlife as moms of older kids. We’ll explore the depth and dynamics of our connections and share how we stay in touch, whether through technology or old-fashioned meetups. We’ll also answer the questions posed by Jayme and Katie in Episode 474, which tackled friendship in the earlier years of parenting. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listen to The Evolution Of Friendships In Motherhood, Part One: Episode 474Meagan and Sarah both use Voxer to communicate with friendsOTHER 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.

Looking to optimize your lunch packing routine? In this classic replay from 2018, Meagan and Sarah share the gear we love, the stuff we pack and the “when” and the “how” we get it done. Whether you’re gearing up for the upcoming school year or simply looking to streamline your daily lunch prep, this episode is overflowing with practical tips, favorite gear, and real-life stories. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Some of the products discussed in this episode are no longer available. We’ve done our best to link to the ones that are, and to provide alternatives where we can.Check out what our Mom Hour Facebook Community has recently discussed about school lunches, packing, bentos and more!Episode 151: Feeding A Family (Breakfast & Lunch)Laura Fuentes / Momables.comThe Girl Next Door podcast episode about Home Efficiency, and Erica’s Instagram post about freezing sandwichesSarah uses the Mackenzie Collection Classic Lunch Bags from Pottery Barn Kids and the Classic lunch bags from Pottery Barn Teen (slightly deeper but otherwise similar style)Pottery Barn Kids Spencer Bento BoxEasy Lunch Boxes Bento Lunch Box ContainersCVS Health Peas Hot or Cold Therapy PackFit & Fresh Cool Coolers Slim Reusable Ice PacksSarah has this Thermos brand Funtainer and Meagan’s teens have larger thermoses like this oneSarah sends inexpensive stainless steel demitasse spoons like these to school for yogurtMeagan used the SCOUT Divide & Conquer Open-top Storage Bin on top of her fridge for school snacks for yearsOTHER 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 Back! Summer So Far, Grab Bag Chat: Episode 477See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summertime meals can be complete chaos. Popsicles for lunch? Sure! Charcuterie board of fridge leftovers? Absolutely! But as we near the start of a new school year, we’re ready for just a *bit* more structure. Join Jayme and Joanna as we share our goals for meal planning this fall, some of our favorite products, and more. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can make the transition from summertime chaos to a more structured family mealtime routine smooth and enjoyable. 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:Follow Jayme Sherrod and Joanna Martin on InstagramJoanna serves her kids frozen Kodiak Waffles as they’re packed with proteinJoanna enjoys a Daily Harvest Smoothie Cup or Egg Wrap from Target to fuel her body in the morningJoanna referenced this Viral Pandemic Breakfast SandwichBoth Joanna and Jayme follow Yummy Toddler Food Instagram for school lunch inspirationJayme uses PlanetBox Rover, a stainless steel lunchbox for the kidsJayme utilizes Plastic Mason Jar Lids when prepping food for the weekJoanna serves Weeknight meatballs and references Salad Platters for a few of her easy mealsOTHER 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.

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:Follow Joanna Martin, Kia Hammond and Sarah Limberg on InstagramReparenting in Therapy, by Jodi Clarke, MA, LPC/MHSP (VeryWellMind.com)The definition of boundaryOur recommended books on boundaries (these include affiliate links):Set Boundaries Find Peace: Drawing The Right Lines by Joe MontgomeryGood Boundaries And Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurstStrong Like Water by Aundi KolberWhat My Bones Know by Stephanie FooBoundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry CloudBraving the Wilderness by Brene BrownGood Inside by Dr. Becky KennedyAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents  by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyDListen to the podcast We Can Do Hard ThingsKatie Stricker Naptime KitchenKendra Adachi, The Lazy GeniusSimilar episodes from our archives:Strong 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 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.