The Mom Hour

Plans vs. reality. Pretty menus vs. the aftermath of a spontaneous smörgåsbord. Now, more than ever, we find it fascinating to look back at what our families ate for dinner in a given week and how the reality of those meals departed from our best-laid plans. Meagan and Sarah (plus Kelsey from our team) each wrote down our dinners for the past week and we’re here to discuss what worked, what failed, and how we’re faring as we feed our families during a global pandemic. Join us!This episode was recorded on March 28, 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

Tackling digital clutter means working toward a system where there’s a place for everything, and everything is in its place—if that sounds daunting, we get it! Our desktops get messy, too. Join Meagan and Sarah for the final episode in our special series on digital spring cleaning as we talk about file storage, folder systems, that pesky-but-essential “cloud,” and more. Enjoy!This episode is Part 3 in our series on Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life. Listen to Part 1 by clicking here, and Part 2 by clicking here.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah talked about Google Backup & Sync, a desktop application for syncing to Google Drive (they have both Mac and PC versions)All the posts and notes from this series are collected on this pageMORE 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 Priv

This week we’re busy spring cleaning…our digital space! In Part 2 of this special series, Meagan and Sarah discuss the state of our email inboxes. From whether we aim for “inbox zero” to how we find that email we know is in here somewhere, this is both a realistic and an aspirational look at managing information that comes at us via email. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life. Listen to Part 1 by clicking here, and look out for Part 3 tomorrow.LINKS MENTIONED:In the first episode in this series we talked about digital photo organizationIf you want a really detailed inbox-zero system, we’re big fans of The Girl Next Door podcast’s Kelsey Wharton, who wrote this one up on her blogOur friends at Spawned with Kristen & Liz have a podcast episode from 2019 with great expert advice on dealing with digital clutterMeagan had moderate success with Unroll.me; Sarah uses GMail filters to route deals to a separate label while sk

With lots of time spent at home these days, we’re motivated to do a little spring cleaning…and not only in our physical space. Join us for a special 3-part series this week, all about getting a better handle on our digital clutter. In Part 1, Meagan and Sarah tackle digital photos—from how we organize and back up the thousands on our phones right now, why on earth we end up with so many screen shots, and how we make use of new technology to do cool things with older photos. Join us!This episode is part of our 3-part series on Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life. Part 2 is here, and Part 3 comes out on Friday!LINKS MENTIONEDGoogle Photos, Photos for iOS, Amazon PhotoWe mentioned this More Than Mom: Apps episode where we share our favorite apps and app-organization strategies (or lack thereof) – see below for a photo of Sarah’s iPhone home screenChatbooksSkylight FrameMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group

It’s been a week of new reality, new schedules, and new opportunities to get to know ourselves as moms. Along with all the stress and changes brought about by current events, we’ve been thrust into a position of radical self-care, of ensuring we’re able to meet the needs of our families while navigating unprecedented times. Join Meagan and Sarah for a thoughtful—and even funny!—conversation about the specific things we’re doing to manage our time, energy, and moods at home these days. This episode was recorded on March 21, 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 ti

Parents everywhere are now the overseers of their kids’ remote learning–in other words: Apparently we’re all homeschooling now? In this special bonus episode, Sarah chats with two seasoned homeschooling moms about how they manage schedules, what home learning looks like during stressful seasons, when to add more structure and when to back off, and more. This is the episode you need to approach home learning calmly, without putting pressure on yourself, and even with an attitude of fun. Enjoy!This episode was recorded on March 18, 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

Activities and products to keep kids busy? Got ’em. Some tips for setting the tone in your home during a stuck-inside season? Check. Updates on how COVID-19 has affected our communities in Southwest Michigan and Southern California? Yep (as of recording date, 3/13). We’re coming to you from a new reality this week, and we hope you’ll join us for some thoughtful discussion and helpful tips for managing time at home with kids.This episode was recorded on March 13, 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’s changing very qui

Do you naturally match up with friends who share your individual quirks and preferences, or are your relationships more a case of opposites attract? In our years-long working relationship and close (but long-distance) friendship, we’ve got a little bit of both going on. Get to know Meagan, Sarah, and our partnership a little better in this fun More Than Mom episodes all about the little and not-so-little ways that we’re similar and different. Join us!Note: We know that COVID-19 is top-of-mind for everyone. Tuesday’s episode will focus on how to cope with stuck-inside days at home, and address the latest developments more directly. Today, enjoy a little escape with some fun and fluff.LINKS MENTIONED:Things We’ve Changed Our Minds About (a recent More Than Mom episode where Meagan *may* have admitted to once liking a pickle)What We’ve Learned From Each Other (our 200th episode, which pairs nicely with this one)Love personality tests and Enneagram stuff? Listen to this episode, and then this

Is everyone you know planning a family vacation, or does it sometimes just feel that way? In our experience, there are “vacations” that feel like a lot of work, and other ways to spend school holidays that feel more relaxing and don’t break the bank. In today’s episode (Part One of Two in a series all about planning family travel) we’re talking about what goes into planning a family vacation you’ll actually enjoy–from knowing yourself as a mom and being realistic about the ages of your kids, to finding the sweet spot between getting a break from the responsibilities of home and over-extending yourself on the road.We also have some frank talk about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and how its arrival on the scene has (or has not) impacted our own travel planning this spring. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah likes this NPR comic for helping lead conversations with kids about COVID-19, and a listener suggested this article from PBSOur Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archiv

If you’re parenting a child who walks through the world a little–or a lot–differently, or if you’re hoping to raise kids who see differences as opportunities instead of deficits, this conversation is for you. Sarah chats with Debbie Reber, mom of a 15-year-old “differently wired” son and leader of TiLT Parenting, a movement that both celebrates neurodiversity and recognizes the challenges that kids and parents face in navigating a world designed for one type of learner.Sarah and Debbie discuss why grouping differences like giftedness, anxiety, sensory processing issues, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder all together can give parents a sense of community and advocacy in a way that keeping them separate cannot, and what parents of differently wired kids can do to keep themselves afloat during stressful times. We also take a few questions from our listener community–take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Find more information about Debbie’s podcast- The TiLT Parenting Podcast, TiLT Education, and other resources on

What’s great about our eight? Getting each of them ALONE once in a while. With big, busy families, we recognizing that connecting with each kid individually is important, but we also firmly believe it doesn’t have to be a fancy structured thing. In this installment in our (very loose) “What’s Great About Our Eight” series, Meagan and Sarah go kid-by-kid and talk about what solo time looks like in the stage they’re in right now, what we do together and whether feels like enough, and how we might be more intentional going forward. These episodes are a fun way to get to know our families and get a peek at what parenting looks like at a bunch of different ages and stages. We hope you’ll join us!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like this type of episode check out our other “what’s great about our eight” episodesJoin our Facebook group for listeners, The Mom Hour Listeners Community (be sure to answer the questions to be approved!)MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us o

Ashley Schafluetzel is a kindergarten teacher and mom of two who lives outside St. Louis, Missouri. Her daughter, Ella, loves big hair bows and Frozen 2, is a great big sister, and is thriving in first grade. However, Ella’s start in life was anything but typical, and through a high-risk pregnancy, premature birth, and extended NICU stay with multiple complications, Ashley and her husband faced challenges that they never expected would come with parenthood.In this special bonus episode of The Mom Hour, Ashley shares an honest look back at her pregnancy, birth, NICU days, and early motherhood experience. From how she learned to advocate for herself and her baby, to growing into her role as a mom of a child with special needs, Ashley’s story is part of an important part conversation that we hope you’ll enjoy. LINKS MENTIONED:March of DimesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF)Books that Ashley personally found helpful include:Preemies – Second Ed

Flu season 2020 ripped through both our houses recently, and we hear from many of you that this year really is as bad as they say. In this week’s episode Meagan and Sarah talk about the implications of being sick when you’re a mom, the challenges of sick days with little kids vs. older kids, and how we personally handle things like high fevers, consulting professionals, administering home remedies, and more. We’re not medical experts, but we’re definitely moms who have been there. Join us!As always, please seek medical advice directly from your providers–what we’re offering here are stories and personal experiences only. LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned our recent Listener Questions Episode where we answered a question about how we handle sick daysMeagan talked about Febrile SeizuresWe would love to hear from you! Email us hello@themomhour.comMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure t

Sarah just hit the big 4-0 and we’re here to talk about it. Join us for a fun More Than Mom episode where we dive into how we feel about big birthdays in general, which milestone years from our past have made for big transitions or lasting memories, and what being in our forties means for fun stuff like comfy pants and skincare as well as more grown-uppy stuff like health screenings and eating well. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:YOUwill find many of the products we have recommended on the show! (affiliate link)Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyOur Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! February’s lists are the Toddler Parent Helpline and Episodes That Feel Like A HugMORE 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

The siblings in Sarah’s house are leaning in hard on the bickering right now, so for the latest in our “10 Things We Love About…” series we’re celebrating all the GOOD parts about raising siblings. We know it’s not all sunshine and roses, but when we choose to focus on the positives, even a really challenging season of parenting can be put back into perspective. Join us for 10 Things We Love About Raising Siblings!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to our episode 10 Things We Love About ToddlersBe sure to check out The Mom Hour Amazon Store, where you will find many of the products we have recommended on the show! (affiliate link)Our Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! February’s lists are the Toddler Parent Helpline and Episodes That Feel Like A HugMORE 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

When your kids are tiny, it might feel like you have lots of time before their access to the internet requires you to have “the tech talk” – a conversation about online safety, citizenship, and digital well being. And if having that talk feels overwhelming to you, you’re not alone! Only 4 in 10 parents feel confident enough to talk to their family about online safety.But as moms of many kids in different age ranges, we know that just like with other big topics, it’s not one conversation you’ll have with your kids, it’s many small ones over time that will add up to your kids feeling capable and confident using the internet as safely as possible (and feeling comfortable coming to you when they need support).Join Meagan and Sarah for a little-to-grown rundown of how we talk about things like online online safety, social sharing and communicating responsibly, digital citizenship and more with our kids–plus specific tips for how to make the conversation accessible and fun for you as a parent, not something to stre

When something makes a huge splash and everyone is talking about it, we sometimes find reason to opt out, stay neutral, or even counter with the unpopular opinion. But not always! Sometimes we’re just excited about the latest hit thing as the rest of y’all. Promise. In today’s full-of-laughs More Than Mom episode, Meagan and Sarah share our nominees for pop culture sensations we can get behind, the ones we can’t care about, and a whole bunch in between. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned our episode on the Royal Baby & Celebrity Parenting Culture from May 2019Head to our Amazon Store to check out some of the things we have mentioned on the show!Check out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all about smart media picks for the whole familyOur Spotify playlists are a fun way to go back in the archives and listen by topic or theme! February’s lists are the Toddler Parent Helpline and Episodes That Feel Like A HugMORE HELPFUL

Making room in your life for romance can be really tricky for moms. We’re often busy and focused on other things, and if we’re single, maybe we’re burned out on the dating game. In today’s Voices episode, Meagan talks from her personal experienced as a divorced mom with love coach Casandra Henriquez about how to create a love vision, put yourself in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing a partner, and how to keep love alive in your current relationship. In the second half of the episode, Sarah joins Meagan to share an honest look at what love and dating as a married couple looks like after nearly fifteen years. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Find out more about Coach Cass on her websiteFor a free checklist on how to ace your next date, visit relationshipsforbusywomen.comConnect with Coach Cass on social on Instagram, Facebook and TwitterCoach Cass’ next Success In Love Summit is in MayCheck out Kidliterate, Sarah’s podcast co-hosted with her 11-year-old daughter all

Life just feels easier when we have the right gizmos, doo-dads, odds, and ends to take care of ourselves and our homes. Could we survive using the same broom for another 10 years. Definitely. But would we benefit from reading a few Amazon reviews and choosing a really great new broom? Also definitely. Join Meagan and Sarah for a fun rundown of products that we’re loving lately the the arenas of home, beauty, life, and style. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan is loving her new broomuniversal bath tub stoppersthe high sided cat litter box that has been helping to contain cat littera bluetooth adapter for her older carthis folding box spring solved the problem of getting a traditional box spring up her stairs Tiles are going to help her find her keys! Sarah is loving she has found many uses for these magnetsthese slippers from J.Crew (h/t Ashlee Gadd for the original rec!)Small accent furniture on Amazon in general, including this round r

From August through January, life is action-packed: we’re on the go from back-to-school through the holidays, and we enter the new year with high aspirations. And then, in the face of that long stretch between mid-January and spring break, things get back to normal – really normal. It can be a relief to return to familiar rhythms, but how can we do that without slipping into autopilot and missing out on special moments with our kids?As the buzz of the new year fades into the comfort—and, sometimes, monotony—of our daily parenting routines without vacations and holidays to break them up, it’s a great opportunity to get intentional about what really matters to us, and to create those small simple moments of connection that are so important for family bonding (even if it means easing up on some of those loftier resolutions). In this special episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah share our own memories and experiences of what can make a long stretch of “real life” both frustrating and special, and of