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 ...
Aug 16, 2024•47 min
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 ta...
Aug 13, 2024•58 min
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 ...
Aug 09, 2024•49 min
We're Back! Summer So Far, Grab Bag Chat: Episode 477 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Aug 06, 2024•49 min
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 ...
Jul 30, 2024•57 min
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...
Jul 23, 2024•57 min
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: Episodes From The Archives On Friendships: Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefin...
Jul 19, 2024•43 min
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...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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...
Jul 09, 2024•36 min
"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 ha...
Jul 02, 2024•46 min
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 podc...
Jun 25, 2024•56 min
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...
Jun 18, 2024•59 min
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: Sarah mentioned the podcasts Holidays To Switzerland and Untold Italy You may enjoy Parenting Lessons Fr...
Jun 14, 2024•37 min
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: ...
Jun 11, 2024•53 min
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 Fun ideas from our Facebook Community. Did you enjoy this House Rules episode? Here are a...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min
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-...
May 31, 2024•41 min
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: Meagan’s Favs: Sparkling Waters– Liquid Death and Bubly Sparkling Water Non-Alcoholic Beer HOP WTR Partake Brewing Athletic...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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: If you’re looking for more plant talk, check out The Girl Next Door Podcast episode Plant Lady Talk...
May 21, 2024•53 min
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: Get to know Jayme Sherrod and follow her on Instagram Get to know Jennifer Carol and foll...
May 17, 2024•56 min
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: Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One: Pomp...
May 14, 2024•57 min
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 Teenagers Parent of Adults is a newsletter by our f...
May 07, 2024•58 min
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: Meagan mentioned...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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: Episodes from the archives on products we love: What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450 More Than Mom: Empties! (Products We Love So Much We Want More…) More Than Mom: Product...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr
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 . Em...
Apr 23, 2024•54 min
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 ...
Apr 19, 2024•52 min
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 ...
Apr 16, 2024•56 min
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 Ap...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min
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 ...
Apr 02, 2024•58 min
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 D...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 19 min
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 wher...
Mar 22, 2024•23 min
