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: Listener Question episodes from the archives. Emily and Chelsea mentioned working motherhood and purpose in their listener questions. Click here to find more episodes and blog posts on working motherhood. If you’re looking for more content about parenting teens, check out the playlist 18 podcast episodes from our archives. Meagan and Sarah mention the various jobs they’ve held in Living A Writerly Life: Episode 454 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: This playlist has over 30 episodes of The Mom Hour about planning for summer Sarah 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 Things Read our Contributor Joanne’s blog post, “This Is Too Hard!”: How I’m Showing My Kids The Importance Of Doing Hard Things OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Listener Question episodes from the archives Do you relate to Rebekah’s mom friend question? Here’s more on friendships in motherhood from the archives: Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307 and Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308. Episodes from the archives on Mental Load and Invisible Labor Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285 Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290 Episodes from the archives on Food Family Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244 and Defining Your Family’s Food Values: Episode 113 references Meagan and Sarah’s food values from the past OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on Instagram. Katie mentioned the BONUS: Navigating Youth Sports episode with contributors Jayme and Jennifer. Katie loves her lululemon clippable card pouch she can easily throw into whatever bag is needed for extracurriculars and attaches it to a bracelet to wear around her wrist. Catie uses these post-it dry erase whiteboard stickers. Our favorite water bottles include Yeti, Owala, and Gatorade water bottles for sports. Katie keeps her Vera Bradley Large Tote in the trunk to throw all the stuff in when going to sporting events. Catie and Katie both utilize Bentgo boxes and Easy Lunchboxes for dinners-on-the-go. OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on Instagram Katie mentioned an episode of The Frugal Friends podcast, No Spend January, that spurred her mindful spending month Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One: Saving Money On Food And Groceries: Episode 351 7 Ways We’re Saving Money This Fall: Episode 277 Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies: Episode 55 Katie mentioned the family amusement park Hersheypark which is located in Central, Pennsylvania Catie mentioned this Arboretum outside of Chicago Katie chatted with Sarah about planning her 2023 Disney World Vacation in Disney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410 Catie joined Meagan in the episodes Tips For Traveling With Small Kids (Catie’s Florida Family Vacation) and Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation) OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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 Episodes from the archives that pair well with this one: How We’re The Same (And Also Different) Meagan & Sarah Interview Each Other What We’ve Learned From Each Other Traveling As Business Besties Our Childhood Crushes Ask Us Anything! Sarah mentioned this episode: Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not: Episode 364 The Behind The Scenes of the Podcast Episodes: Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396 More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes Of Our Partnership More Than Mom: Making The Podcast (Then vs. Now) More Than Mom: Behind The Scenes & Business Updates Behind The Scenes (How We Make The Podcast): Episode 91 Other Helpful Links: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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 A follow-up episode where we played even more Would You Rather… Meagan references acting in a local theater. Here’s more episodes from the archives on hobbies! OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Our Mother’s Gratitude Journal is out! (affiliate link) Meagan and Sarah mentioned longtime show sponsor Kiwi Crate as a great option for packaged crafts and experiments for various ages. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code THEMOMHOUR. These ideas came from our Facebook Community – answer the membership questions and request to join for more practical tips for making stuck-at-home days with kids less stressful and more fun! Episodes from the archives that pair nicely with this one: House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314 OMG We’re Sick AGAIN?!: Episode 389 Uggghhh…Sick Days: Episode 75 Stuck At Home? Us Too. Here Are Some Ideas: Episode 252 Check out the blog post, 8 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!) OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: We started to explore this topic recently in Episode 444: Do Today’s New Moms Have It Easier? Or Harder? Episodes from the archives related to this topic: #Influenced: Episode 436 More Than Mom: #Influenced More Than Mom: Social Media Your Media Diet: Is It Healthy? Episode 03 Meagan’s family bookstore (Paper Mill Books in Manistique, MI) can be found on Instagram @papermillbooks OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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 Sarah referenced this PBS NewsHour article explaining this year’s FAFSA issues Episodes from the archives on College: College Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376 BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College Level BONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting Culture Sarah mentioned Dr. Lisa Damour providing great advice for parenting teenagers. Here’s an episode from the archives you may enjoy: Bonus: Dr. Lisa Damour On Supporting Teens Through Big Emotions OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Preorder our guided journal! The Mother’s Gratitude Journal: An Easy Guide to Capturing Everyday Joys and Milestone Moments Sarah mentioned the episode More Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard Stuff More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice is an episode from the archives that pairs nicely with this one. Read Meagan’s writing on Substack Blog Posts Related To Writing: How I Started Writing How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money Listen to The Tea’s Made podcast episode featuring Sarah discussing Our Cozy & Creative Spaces OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: We both have this rice cooker Meagan’s Pulled Pork, 5 Ways blog post Sarah’s family loves this Trader Joe’s Microwavable Spanish Rice Meagan mentioned her word of the year is “Beans” which is explained in this Substack post Meagan has her own personal take on this Moo Shu Pork Bowl recipe from Hello Fresh Episodes From The Archives On Feeding A Family: A Week Of Real-Life Dinners: Episode 336 A Week of Real-Life Dinners: (Vol. 4) Episode 305 A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 3): Episode 254 A Week Of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 2): Episode 196 A Week of Real-Life Dinners (Vol. 1): Episode 72 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Follow Joanna Martin on Instagram Follow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on Instagram Joanna trained her new dog at The Dog Wizard Here is a helpful article, Should I Get A Dog from the American Kennel Club Joanne’s custom dog bookmark from Etsy Joanne rescued her dog from Heavenly Angel’s Animal Rescue Joanna received this custom, search-and-find your dog book Joanna mentioned this rescue organization in Dallas, Texas Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy: More Than Mom: Pets! All About Family Pets: Episode 71 Pandemic Puppies, Foster Kittens & A Small Animal Pet Debate: Episode 286 Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Sarah referenced this classic replay: How Do I Make Time For It All? Sarah uses Todoist to manage not just her work, but her chores and daily checklists. Episodes that pair nicely with this one: When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435 On “Taking A Break” As A Mom (And Human!): Episode 423 Emotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285 MORE HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One: Speaking Our Kids’ Love Languages (And Knowing Our Own): Episode 296 10 Things We Love About Teenagers: Episode 449 Have an episode idea? Email us! OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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: Meagan mentioned… the Bliss Triangle Bralette from Harper Wilde (we both have this bra, as well as the original Bliss) Wool leggings from Woolx Lands’ End Pajama Sets Sarah mentioned… Cloudsurfer shoes from On Running TheraICE Headache Relief Cap paired with a heat neck wrap for headaches leaning into secondhand cashmere and wool sweaters (we discussed Quince as a source for affordable cashmere) Sarah’s looking for sleep tank recommendations and a quick-dry sporty hat. Meagan wants a whole new look. Email us to help us out! More episodes on style and product recommendations Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397 More Than Mom: Fall Style Update OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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…Episodes from the archives! 10 Things We Love About The 4th Trimester: Episode 280 10 Things We Love About Raising Siblings: Episode 248 10 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243 You can view the many reasons our listeners love teenagers in this post on our Mom Hour Listener Facebook Page. OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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.

Overwhelmed? Tired of people suggesting you “just relax!” or “go easy on yourself!”? Wondering if you should be playing with your kids more? This episode is for you. In this classic replay from 2016, Meagan and Sarah answer a question from Sheena (mom to a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and an infant!) about how to make time for things that need to be done around the house AND still connect with her kids. We normalize feeling overwhelmed, offer concrete tips for staying reasonably caught up, and share our experience balancing expectations, reality, and good-enough productivity. Join us! “Hi Sarah and Meagan, this is Sheena from Oregon, and I have two questions that both relate to time management. I have a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old and I’m finding that I’m always behind, and I’m wondering if you have any tips for how to get ahead? Also, how do you find time in the day to play? I find that I’m always just trying to get the kids busy so I can get on to my next task, and I never have time to just sit down and play. Thanks for your advice!” HELPFUL LINKS: Do you listen to The Mom Hour on the Apple Podcasts app? Apple had an update and unsubscribed people (argh!), so please make sure to click the (+) sign follow and subscribe Do you have an idea for an episode topic? Email Meagan and Sarah directly! We love to hear from you. We referenced Episode 10: We Hate Fun! Sarah still loves The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey (this is an affiliate link) Other articles and episodes about time management and productivity OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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.

Sarah’s family (with kids ages 15, 13, and 10) recently returned from their first big overseas travel adventure, and today we’re reflecting on her lessons learned. Taking the family across multiple time zones and out of the comforts of routine comes with challenges, to be sure, but also with opportunities for clarifying and crystalizing family culture in a way that’s harder to do at home. Join us to get all of Meagan’s questions answered and hear Sarah’s takeaways on the parenting lessons she’ll carry forward even after returning home. HELPFUL LINKS: Call for Listener Questions! Do you have a question you’d like answered on the podcast? Email us or leave us a voicemail! Episodes That Pair Nicely With This One: Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation) Family Travel Mishaps & Why We Go Anyway: Voices 76 Real Moms Share Their Best Family Travel Advice: Episode 356 House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign 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.