The Mom Hour

Back-to-school season usually means a refreshing change of schedule and, for many parents, fewer hours with kids in the house. This year, the way we use our homes for school, work, and leisure look very different–but that doesn’t mean we can’t harness some of that familiar fall energy and tackle clutter in a new way for a new reality. Join Sarah and longtime listener/community member Mandy Yang for a look at how the Konmari method of decluttering can serve us as we set up our homes for one of the stranger seasons in memory. We talk about repurposing items you already own, how to help kids part with their “treasures,” and why the Konmari method is so often misunderstood. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!@amongallofthis is Mandy’s Instagram – check out these specific posts:How To DeclutterHow

We’re kicking back for a casual chat this week, taking time to update listeners on some of the behind-the-scenes events in both our lives lately. From the details of Sarah’s move to what’s coming up this fall on the podcast, from Meagan’s annual end-of-summer malaise to her anticipation of a revamped time-blocking system for fall 2020, these are the little (and big) conversational rabbit holes we don’t always have time for on the podcast. Join us!Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like a peek behind the scenes, check out some of our similar episode hereLooking for an episode to send to a friend? Head to our page for new listeners and browse episodes by category!Our Spotify playlists are another great way to share the show with a friend (especially if you know they get all their

An eight-year-old with a “can’t-do” attitude and a ten-year-old who struggles to bounce back after little setbacks (two more in an accidental series of questions that we’re affectionately calling “boys with bad attitudes”): Meagan and Sarah have thoughts–and personal experience–for the moms of these kids. Then Sarah weighs in on a question about how to use an “okay to wake” clock with a clever three-year-old, and Meagan validates a mom of a clingy preschooler with big feelings. Today’s episode brings you four more listener questions and our advice–check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all of our Listener Questions EpisodesSign up for our monthly newsletter (next one goes out September 7!) to be first to hear how you could win a pair of Sudio Ett earphonesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Fa

How to make friends and cultivate community after a move; contemplating a third baby and wondering if the older two will ever play together nicely; answering questions about puberty and other growing-up topics; and dealing with a five-year-old who is never satisfied: Meagan and Sarah take four listener questions in this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all of our Listener Questions EpisodesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE 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 we’ve learned anything since March, it’s that little things can make a big difference in our moods. In Episode 273 Meagan and Sarah revisit the idea of small comforts for unprecedented times, little pleasures that can’t solve a global pandemic but do offer a quick pick-me-up. From recent Etsy finds to a new fitness tracking gadget, pretty kitchen towels to a return to yoga, you’ll come away with ideas for bringing a little comfort into your days as we look ahead to fall. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For more ideas, listen to Small Comforts (Part One) and Small Comforts (Part Two), our episodes from early May on the same topicSend us your small comforts suggestions! Join our Facebook group to see Meagan’s shady deck photosand join the discussion about Sarah’s search for a body pillow. Or you can always email us at hello@themomhour.comMeagan bought the Garmin Vivoactive 4s fitness tracker (affiliate link)Sarah has been shopping Etsy more, including purchasing a hanging planter,&

With schools across the country increasingly moving in the direction of online-only attendance in the fall, many moms are asking: “How do we make this work?” While homeschool pods, cutting back hours at work and other creative solutions may be a temporary solution for some families, there are many others for whom these options are not on the table. And there’s no doubt that moms are unfairly shouldering the brunt of this crisis (as we are so often expected to do).In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan talks with Anne Halsall, co-founder and CPO of online child-care directory Winnie; listen as they dig into issues around work, parenting, and inequality that this pandemic has uncovered—and discuss some reassuring news about the safety and availability of licensed daycare to fill some of those gaps.LINKS MENTIONED:Winnie.com, the company Anne co-founded @annekate on TwitterAnne and Meagan recently did a webinar together – check back here for a link when the recording is available

The messes start even before the baby is born, and they don’t stop…they just change form as the years progress. In Episode 272 Meagan and Sarah look back at some of the most epic messes of our mothering years–from diaper blowouts to parking lot puke, glitter explosions to stinky wadded up socks, we’re getting gross today, all in the name of making you laugh and feel like you’re not alone (whatever mess you’re facing today!). Enjoy!MORE 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.

After listening to moms around the country share their feelings about schools re-opening (or not), Meagan and Sarah continue the discussion we started last week by looking at the challenges facing families this fall. We touch on the core drivers of school decision-making–academics, childcare, kids’ social-emotional health, and community health–and talk through the pros and cons of some of the likely learning scenarios on the table for kids. Just like last week, this is an inclusive conversation meant to bring encouragement and understanding, no matter where you are in your school decision for Fall 2020. Join us!We recommend listening to Episode 270 before diving into this one!This episode was recorded on July 17, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re exp

Virtual, on campus, hybrid, or homeschool? For many families, it isn’t even a choice; it’s whatever the local district decides. For some families, opting out, changing schools, waiting an extra year, or enrolling in an independent study program are options that are still on the table. For everyone, it’s an extraordinarily confusing, stressful, and uncertain time to be looking ahead at Fall 2020.With inclusion, empathy, and nonjudgment leading the way, Meagan and Sarah kick off a two-part series unpacking the challenges of sending kids to school this fall. We talk from personal experience about our “plans” (ha!) for our own kids, and we also bring you the voices of more than a dozen listeners who share what things are like in their communities. Join us!This episode was recorded on July 17, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit date

Remember makeup? And going places? We miss it. Join Meagan and Sarah for a light and fun more-than-mom-ish conversation about how our makeup style has changed from our teen and young adult years through today, which looks and trends from the past make us cringe, some products and techniques we’re playing with lately, whether and how staying at home has changed our daily makeup approach, and more. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like this topic, check out our Spotify playlist filled with light and fluffy More Than Mom topics!A few products we mentioned… (Target links are affiliates!)Clinique Black Honey Almost LipstickNUDESTIX line at Sephora (Sarah specifically owns this blush/bronzer in Naughty & Spice and Bondi Bae, this concealer, this lip glace, this two-sided brush applicator, and this eyebrow pencil)L’Oreal Voluminous mascaraL’Oreal True Match pressed powderCoty Airspun Loose PowderPrescriptives *Magic Liquid PowderMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCh

Regression. Clinginess. Tantrums. Bedtime battles. Mood struggles. We’re hearing from moms all over the world about the toll that 2020 is taking on children, from toddlers up through teens. We’ve had so many posts and questions in our Facebook group that for this month’s Voices interview we decided to bring back Dr. Erin Lanphier, a child psychologist, therapist in private practice, and university professor. Dr. Erin chats with Sarah about these and other struggles kids are having right now, how to know when it’s time to act versus cut your kid a little slack, and what options are available for parents who want to seek outside support for behavioral or mental health struggles. Join us for an incredibly helpful conversation.LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to Voices 42 with Dr. Erin Lanphier on Removing The Stigma Of Kids In TherapyListeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteChe

No matter what’s going on in the world around you, the people need to eat. In Episode 268 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah break down the process of feeding a family when you’re going through a major life transition (or, say, a global pandemic). We talk about why meal plans are even MORE crucial in chaotic times, how to get fruits and veggies into the kids even when you’re serving up convenience food more often than you’d like, and how to stick to your “food values” even as you let some of your standards slide for a season. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned the two episodes we did at the beginning of the pandemic, A Week Of Real Life Dinners (COVID 19 Edition) and Freezer Meals, Pantry Staples & The New Reality Of Food Prep With Stacie Billis: Voices 47Sarah mentioned our episode Family Food Values & What’s Working For UsMeagan’s recipe for her Pork & Sweet Potato HashCheck out all of our episodes on the topic of feeding a familyMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websit

Moving while momming is no small task–and we’ve been there, trust us. Meagan has mastered the art of the DIY cross-town move to a new home with a whole bunch of kids; Sarah’s moves have been fewer and farther between, but also farther in distance and bigger in scope. Join us as we continue last week’s discussion about big moves and get into the details of actually packing up and relocating your family. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:This episode is a continuation of our episode on moving last week, Big Moves, Part One (Dreaming, Planning, Deciding)You might also like these episodes:Moving, Remodeling & Other Home Transitions: Episode 153Moving With Kids & Cultivating Community: Episode 56This Is Where You Belong with Melody Warnick: Voices 03Sarah ordered colored packing tape like this (affiliate link) to execute her color-coded boxes systemMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the

Do you dream of packing up the family and moving somewhere new? Or starting fresh in a different home or neighborhood? Maybe the idea of a move isn’t yours, but has been introduced by a job change or prompted by family circumstance. In this first of a two-part series on big moves, Meagan and Sarah talk about fantasy moves, aspirational moves, and making the decision to actually move our families. We also look at all the considerations we’ve made when planning a big move–from schools and neighborhoods to house features and commute times. Whether you’re dreaming of a move or happy where you are, this is a fun one. Join us!MORE 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.

In hindsight, was the worry worth it? That’s the question Meagan and Sarah are looking at in this week’s episode, as we bring back a popular series all about things that stressed us out as less experienced moms. From nutrition and discipline to kids’ friendships and developmental milestones, we look at the worries that kept us up at night and how it all turned out in the end. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our other Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About episodesWe mentioned Meagan’s NBC News THINK piece Parenting kids over 18 is still parenting. You just get less control and the stakes are higher.Sarah recommended the book No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident and Compassionate Girls (affiliate link)MORE 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 Ca

For the first time in generations, many of us are reexamining how often we shop, where we get our groceries, and what household essentials we might be able to make at home instead of running out to buy. But this month’s Voices guest Kris Bordessa has been teaching families how to live more sustainably for years. Hear Meagan get Kris’s take on the bake-your-own-bread craze, why so many adults feel like they never reallylearned to cook, and how growing your own food or making soap doesn’t have to be overwhelming. They also discuss Kris’s new book, Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Kris Bordessa’s book Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living (affiliate link)Learn more on Kris’ blog Attainable SustainableConnect with Kris on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Faceb

We may be staying closer to home this summer, but we still want to feel good about the way we look! Join Meagan and Sarah for an update on our warm weather wardrobes, from which pieces have served us in past summers to what we’re eyeing for purchase this year. We talk about tops and bottoms, undergarments and swimwear, shoes and accessories. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:TopsSarah’s favorite t shirts are these Whisper cotton from MadewellWe both love dolman sleeve tops even in summertime, like this one from Jane (affiliate link) that Sarah has in three colorsBottomsWe both like linen shorts from Target with pockets, like these (affiliate link)Meagan wears her Fabletics Leggings most mornings (affiliate link)Sarah loves these Denim shorts from Jane (affiliate link)Sarah talked about her comfy pants in this episode, and again they are: Lululemon Align Jogger Crop, Fold Over Linen Pants from Jane (affiliate link), Lively Wide-Leg Lounge Pants f

As we’ve seen in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, there is still so much work to be done around racial injustice. For white people, that’s often accompanied by confusion and uncertainty that can keep us stuck in a loop of discomfort and defensiveness. But if we want things to change, we need to be part of the conversation – even if that means risking our own comfort and challenging the status quo.While books, documentaries and social media can be important catalysts for change on a large scale (and we have some to recommend below), one of the most impactful ways to learn and grow is through in-person conversations with real people in our lives.In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan talks to her niece Cecily and her nephew Mario about their experiences as young black people living in today’s world. The discussions are at times raw and may make you squirm, but we’re hoping they will also make you think, learn, and hopefully, continue the conversation in your own homes, families, and communitie

Summer 2020 isn’t going to be like any other summer in our memories–and it’s not going to look like whatever we’d dreamed up in midwinter before the pandemic hit. Still, Meagan and Sarah have ideas for how we’d like to set up ourselves and our families for healthy routines, regular self care, and (is it possible?) even some fun outings this summer. Join us for a look ahead at the next few months as we set our realistic intentions for summer 2020.This episode was recorded on May 31, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that

Allison is a minister in a church, finding new ways to lead her congregation while awaiting her second baby; Alison deals with the guilt of laying off foodservice employees and permanently shutting down a location of her café business; Starlynn owns an in-home daycare serving front-line families while navigating changing rules and regulations. All three are also working moms with all the demands of mothering and living through a global pandemic. Find out what’s hard, what’s hopeful, and what life is like in our final (for now!) episode of Pandemic Perspectives. This episode was recorded on April 30, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safet