The Mom Hour

Parent Educator Alexandra Spitz is passionate about helping new moms feel calm and confident in their parenting abilities, and attachment theory is one of the cornerstones of her 10-week newborn class at The New Mom School in Newport Beach, CA. Join Sarah for as she interviews Alex about newborn attachment, what new moms can do See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and settle in for an entire episode of The Mom Hour that’s all about slowing down and catching up. We’ve been moving so fast this fall that we wanted to take time to update listeners on what’s been going on with us personally, some fun additions to our regular podcasting schedule, and more about the growth of the Life, Listened network. Along the way we allow time for digressions on everything from La Croix flavors to stress dreams. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED: The Mom Hour Voices 20 (Sarah’s interview with Alex Spitz)Our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide episodes are hereEpisode 130 (entertaining encouragement) and Episode 131 (hosting a big holiday meal)All our holiday-themed podcast episodes are here on one pageFollow Life, Listened on Instagram, Twitter and FacebookMORE 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!)S

“Entertaining” sounds intimidating, but how about “open your doors and let people in”? Meagan and Sarah want you to feel like opening your home to guests is an opportunity, not a potential Pinterest-fail, and we’re here to offer some tips for scaling back the expectations and making entertaining fun, sane, and satisfying for everyone. Join us!LINKS MENTIONEDDid you catch our Gift Guide Specials? Listen to them (and see all the products) here!Past entertaining episodes of The Home Hour and The Mom HourHow To Organize A Neighborhood Kids Caroling Party (Sarah wrote this for TinyOranges.com a couple of years ago)5 Rules for Hosting a Crappy Dinner Party (and Seeing Your Friends More Often) – ran out of time to discuss this awesome article, but it’s worth reading if you haven’t seen it!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 P

Need help with gift ideas for the teens and adults on your holiday shopping list? Meagan and Sarah are chatting about unique, surprising, and time-tested gifts for teens and adults in our third Cyber Monday Special Episode. Join us!Gift Ideas for Teens & AdultsAmazon and Target links are affiliates. That means if you click through and make a purchase you’ll be helping support The Mom Hour at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us continue to produce the podcast!Footie pajamas, like this fleece onesie with a hood from Alexander Del RossaHigh-end or interesting socks, like Stance or SmartWoolUkeleleCookbooks (Sarah loves this one, Meagan recommends baking cookbooks for teens)Supplies and accessories for whatever hobby they’re intoFun versions of everyday items, like these bearded ski hatsPrivate lessons, training, online courses (we like LinkedIn Learning or Creative Live), or a classDrone-building kits, like these from flitetest.comNew bac

Kids ages 6-12 can be hard to shop for, having outgrown the obvious little-kid toys but still young enough to enjoy creative play and good old fashioned fun. Meagan and Sarah offer suggestions for gift giving to big kids and tweens in this Cyber Monday Special Episode. Join us!Gift Ideas for Big Kids & TweensAmazon and Target links are affiliates. That means if you click through and make a purchase you’ll be helping support The Mom Hour at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us continue to produce the podcast!Slime-Making Kit (or whatever the ‘craft du jour’ is)Elenco Snap Circuits SC300 Electronic Discovery KitRaspberry Pi Starter Kit (small affordable computer designed to teach programming)Big book of weird facts, like National Geographic’s 5000 Awesome Facts (About Everything!) or Ripley’s Believe It Or NotBlue Recluse Non Responsive Ball Bearing YoYo by KickFire ClassicsShrinky DinksFind a BLICK art store near you, or shop for fine art supplies at Target.comM

hopping for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers? Sarah and Katie sit down in a Cyber Monday Gift Guide Special to brainstorm great gift ideas for ages 0-5. We share more than 40 ideas in about that many minutes–come along for the ride!LINKS MENTIONED:Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical ToyFisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym, Blue/GreenPlan Toys 50 Unit BlocksUncle Goose Classic ABC BlocksAlice in Wonderland: A BabyLit Colors PrimerThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A BabyLit Camping PrimerThe Nutcracker: A BabyLit Dancing PrimerFancy NancyAmelia Earhart (Little People, Big Dreams)Coco Chanel (Little People, Big Dreams)Disney Minnie Mouse 12 Board Book Block Library SetDoinshop Animal Tails Cloth Book (Pet’s Tails)Board book versions of classic stories like All The World and CorduroySmall Gifts & Stocking StuffersGirls’ Hair Bow Subscription Club from LittlePoppyCoWinter Wonderland LED Snowflake Spin WandMelissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity PadsActivity

Routines help us move through the day as busy moms, so what can we do to instill healthy ones, change up the ones we’ve outgrown, and add meaningful rituals into our family culture? Join Meagan and Sarah as they offer tips for using routines to make your life as a mom easier and more fun–have a listen to Episode 129!This is a continuation of our conversation from last week, which focused more on traditions, especially in times of change. You can listen to Episode 128 here.LINKS MENTIONED:Routines For A Happy Mom-Life (Episode 20)Sarah got her idea for using Sonos alarms to prompt routines from this post by Heather at RookieMoms.com: How I use Music to Get Us to School On TimeMORE 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-in

Meagan’s divorce has shaken up the family schedule and plans for the holidays, and both she and Sarah are interested in exploring what happens to routines, rituals, and traditions in times of major change. Join us for a look at all this and more in Episode 128 (the first in a two-part series!) of The Mom Hour!Plus Katie Addiss joins Sarah to talk about leaky nighttime diapers, reusable baby food pouches, and the upsides to weaning. Listen all the way to the end of the show to catch Katie’s segment!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan’s dry-erase refrigerator weekly calendarOther episodes of The Mom Hour about holidays and traditionsMoms Deserve A Magical Holiday, Too: The Mom Hour, Episode 30Your Holiday Parenting Questions, Answered: The Mom Hour, Episode 79WeeSprout Double Zipper Reusable Food Pouch – 6 Pack – 5 fl oz (the pouches Katie mentions)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 ques

Are all East Coast parents uptight traditionalists grooming their kids for the Ivy League? Are all West Coast moms drinking kale smoothies while practicing yoga on a paddleboard? Of course not, but in this special episode of The Mom Hour Sarah (of the West Coast) is joined by guest co-host Margaret Ables (a New Yorker) of the What Fresh Hell podcast to embrace the stereotypes for a bit and discuss regional parenting differences we’ve observed parenting kids on opposite coasts.This episode is part of a host-swap The Mom Hour is doing with What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. Catch Meagan in a companion episode to this one on November 8, when she chats with WFH’s Amy Wilson about Big City vs. Small Town Parenting.LINKS MENTIONED:What Fresh Hell Episode 11: Do Manners Still Matter?What Fresh Hell LIVE in Chappaqua, NY on December 1MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membe

Amy Tripple is a Chicago-based photographer who understands that it’s hard to get little ones dressed and out the door on a normal day–let alone for a family photo shoot. In Episode 19 of our Mom Hour Voices series Amy and Sarah talk about how to make the most of professional family photos, what to do when a photo session isn’t in the budget, ideas for improving your own photography, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Amy’s websiteShoot Along, the weekly online photography project for parentsPrime lenses Amy recommendsCanon EF 55mm f/1.8 STM LensNikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto FocusYONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture Auto Focus Lens For CanonYONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture Auto Manual Focus AF MF for NikonMORE 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

Meagan’s family is full of cousins and Sarah’s more sparsely “cousined”, but we both have a lot to say about the cousins we grew up with as well as the cousins our kids have. Join us as we discuss these unique and meaningful extended family relationships, and how to make the most of them.PLUS, Meagan’s kids Owen and Clara appear in a special kid segment at the end of the show–take a listen!LINKS MENTIONED:Raising Siblings Who Like Each Other (Episode 29)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.

Too early to make meaningful progress on holiday to-do lists? Sarah says no, and Meagan is curious but skeptical. Whether you’re a plan-ahead type or not, we’ve got some practical tips for making December less hectic by doing a little planning right now. Join us! (For clarity’s sake, we are Team NO Decorations/Music Until After Thanksgiving…but that doesn’t mean we can’t make lists and plans, right?)LINKS MENTIONED:Chatbooks–one of our favorite photo book options (affiliate link)On Greed and Gratitude (Episode 76 where we talk about kids wanting all the things this time of year)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.

It’s been a rough few weeks and we want to talk about it. Join Meagan and Sarah for an honest discussion about how we manage our media intake when the headlines are heartbreaking, how to identify the feelings that come up when we’re triggered in some way by the news, and how to help when we feel totally helpless.This episode was inspired in part by fellow podcasters Asha and Christine of the Edit Your Life show, Kristen and Liz of Spawned, and Sarah and Kristen of Selfie, all of whom have tackled tough subjects related to the news in recent episodes.LINKS MENTIONED:Edit Your Life Show Ep97: Moving Forward Under StressSpawned Ep89: Harvey Weinstein and Sexual HarassmentSelfie Ep03: Self-Care in the Face of TragedyKaren Walrond of the Make Light podcast, who continues to bring light and even humor to the very personal issue of her family’s Harvey loss (here’s her Harvey story on the podcast)Other episodes of The Mom Hour on related topics:Your Media Diet: Is it Healthy?&n

When to start giving kids an allowance, paying for chores, getting mentally psyched up for baby #2, and dealing with kids’ annoying habits–these are the parenting challenges and motherhood topics we’re tackling in the latest Listener Questions episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 15 on Chores & Delegation (which has more discussion on allowances and paying for chores)The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Leiber, where Sarah’s husband got the Powers family spend/save/give systemEpisode 7 on How To Know When You’re Done Having BabiesIgnore It by Catherine PearlmanCrunchy Cocktail Hour, Life Listened’s newest podcast!WinCo (Katie’s new favorite grocery store) locationsSarah’s interview with teacher-mama Elizabeth Chapman of Teaching Sam & ScoutMORE 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

Helping kids navigate friendships and social dynamics is one of the most commonly-requested topics from our listeners. That’s why we’re so thrilled to welcome Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an author, psychologist, and expert on children’s friendships, to this special episode of The Mom Hour Voices series.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 so much more important than we might think. Dr. Eileen also talks about the new book she co-authored, Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide To Making And Keeping Friends, and even answers questions submitted by our listener community. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Dr. Eileen’s websiteGrowing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends The Growing Friendships blog on Psychology TodayWhen Your Child Says, “Nobody Likes Me!” (Growing Friendships blog, Psychology Today)Can You Be Too Supportive of Your Child’s Negative Fe

Closely spaced babies, tips on room-sharing, helping siblings get along, and dealing with super-shy toddlers. These are the topics we cover in this week’s episode–all of which are inspired by listeners’ real lives and kids. Join us as we hear from YOU and then offer our advice (which is as usual, mostly “hang in there…it gets better…that’s totally normal…you’re doing great”). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Facebook thread about closely spaced babiesMORE 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.

Sarah’s the Type-A, detailed one; Meagan’s the free spirit who’s super laid-back. Right? Or is there more? In Episode 121 we share the ways in which we break type from our typical molds–go figure! we’re not two-dimensional!–and challenge the idea that any one mom is either totally chill or totally stressed. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:CTFD? Dear Parents: it’s OK to care. (Meagan on The Happiest Home)Sometimes It’s OK To Be A Control Freak (Meagan on The Happiest Home)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.

How much do we pay our babysitters? (Yes, we get real about numbers.) Do we expect sitters to do the dishes? (One of us gets super weird about this.) And what’s the best way to get the potentially awkward conversations out of the way and start building great relationships with the people caring for your kids? (Early, often, and as clearly as possible.) Join Meagan and Sarah for Part 2 in our discussion about sitters and caregivers (Part 1 aired September 12 and you can listen right here).LINKS MENTIONED:Last week’s episode, Sitters & Caregivers, Part 1Choosing The Right School (Not As Scary As It Seems) (which may be helpful for those of you looking for a full-time daycare or childcare center)4 tips for creating a social media policy for your babysitter, nanny, or childcare provider (Cool Mom Tech)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

We’ve learned a lot from our own mistakes over the years about finding, hiring, and building relationships with non-family caregivers. In Episodes 119 and 120 we’ll go on a deep dive into this topic, starting with general tips today for finding great sitters and making sure your childcare needs are covered–even if you’re the primary parent at home. Next week we’ll get into the details of the parent-caregiver relationship–everything from how much we pay to how to communicate expectations. Check back for that episode on 9/19! PLUS Katie is back to talk with Sarah about a struggle, a success and a discovery in her life as a mom of two little ones. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:What Fresh Hell, Episode 24: Finding Good BabysittersThe Founder movie on Netflix (mentioned by Katie)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://art1

Sarah sits down with fellow writer-turned-podcaster, mom of three, and California girl Lesley Miller in this month’s episode in our Mom Hour Voices series. Join them as they talk about their semi-parallel lives, the process of adjusting to life as a mom of school-aged kids, being a sorta-working/sorta-staying-home mom, and more.LINKS MENTIONED:Choosing The Right School (Not As Scary As It Seems) (Episode 16)Sarah’s interview on The Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe Magic of Motherhood (the book!)Coffee + Crumbs blog, Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterLesley’s blog and InstagramMORE 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.