The Mom Hour

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 S

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 

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 kidsOTH

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://ar

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 Te

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 J

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 Righ

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 (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308Female Friendships & Women We Admire (PLUS Picture Books with Katie): Episode 227Keeping Friendships Alive: Episode 78MORE 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 Pri

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 conversation going. Enjoy!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 Katie Gouldner on instagramJayme chatted with Jennifer about kids in kindergarten in BONUS: Our First Year As Kindergarten Moms Is Done & Here’s What We LearnedJayme joined Fit4Moms Stroller Stride program to meet other momsJayme and Kati

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 and community to NICU families. This episode is a must-listen for anyone experiencing a NICU stay, and for those who want to support them.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 on InstagramLearn more about Kathryn Whitaker on her Website, Facebook or InstagramHand To Hold podcast is a great resource for those

"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 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 Kia Hammond on instagram Cozi AppEmployment Characteristics of Families In 2023Episodes From The Archives On Working Motherhood:Working Motherhood & Behind The Scenes At The Mom Hour: Voices 63 With Amanda ParkTime Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitne

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 podcast episodes they've prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you in August!HELPFUL LINKSFollow Jayme Sherrod on InstagramFollow Joanna Martin on InstagramThe National Assessment of Educational Progress Survey that was referenced in the episodeJoanna shared the phrase DEAR Time (Drop Everything And Read Time)Read Aloud Revival blog with booklists for kids of all ages@EverydayReading on instagram is a great resource for book recommedations for you and your childrenSimliar Epis

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 ahead for the podcast here.HELPFUL LINKS:This pairs well with last week’s episode On Motherly Pride: Episode 469Sarah mentioned the podcast episode Julia Gets Wise With Anne LamottEpisodes From The Archives Related To This One:Talking About Our Own Kids. Or Not.: Episode 364On This Day In (Our Motherhood) History: Episode 366Baby Names & How We Chose Them: Episode 262Our Kids & Their Friendships: Episode 207What’s Great (And Less-Great) About Our Eight: Episode 152Real Talk About High School (Wit

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 ItalyYou may enjoy Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448 about Sarah traveling out of the country with the familyMeagan opened a bookstore in July 2023 and talked about it in Books & Reading Reflections for 2023: Episode 445Meagan’s family bookstore (Paper Mill Books in Manistique, MI) can be found on Instagram @papermillbooksOTHER 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 qu

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:Sarah referenced the episode from the archives Pomp, Circumstance, And Motherhood: Episode 419Read Meagan’s recent blog post The Complicated Reality of Parental PrideSend us your #proudmomma moments– we’d love to hear them!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 Notic

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 few more from the archives:House Rules For Easier Bedtimes: Episode 443House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340You may enjoy the blog post On Messes And Motherhood written by Stacy Bronec, a Mom Hour Contributor.Sarah referenced this kid-friendly, handheld dustpan and broom.OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our pri

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-Mom (WAPM) (Sarah’s tongue-in-cheek post for City Mom Collective)Click to see the Facebook conversation and Instagram conversation we reference in this episode.Similar Episodes From The Archives:Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee HawthorneInside the Lives of 3 Working Moms: Voices 02Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41Listener Questions (Working Mom / SAHM Edition): Episode 142Meagan & Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives: Episode

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 WaterNon-Alcoholic BeerHOP WTRPartake BrewingAthletic BrewFULSparkel Beverage System for making sparkling waterEnglish Breakfast Tea to start the dayAllulose Sweetener to sweeten drinksRambler Yeti Water bottleSarah’s Favs:Sparkling Waters: Spindrift Lime and Mint and LaCroix Sparkling WaterStarts the day with Trader Joe’s Fairtrade Organic Five Country Blend14 Oz. Ember Mug is the mug of choice for hot beveragesOXO Cold Brew Coffee MakerLMNT electrolyte drink mix (a current podcast sponsor!) and Nuun electro

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 TalkSarah uses this Beeswax Base to treat wooden surfacesCreate a Gallery Wall with MixtilesEpisodes from the archives on home decor:Home Décor & Dining Out: Episode 77More Than Mom: Spring Décor & Home Pick-Me-UpsSeasonally-Inspired Homemaking & Parenting: Voices 79 With Katherine DeVriesMore Than Mom: Outdoor Décor & Patio StyleMore Than Mom: Décor NostalgiaOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Faceb