The Mom Hour

From Ma Ingalls to Claire Huxtable, Mrs. Pteranodon to Marmee March, we’re discussing our favorite moms from books, TV and movies this week on the podcast. We hope after listening you’ll be as nostalgic for classic literature as we are (and maybe that you’ll also want to binge-watch Arrested Development). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Blueberries For Sal (Robert McCloskey)No, David! (David Shannon)Make Way For Ducklings (Robert McCloskey)Little Golden Book: Mommy Stories (Jean Cushman, Margo Lundell, Eloise Wilkin, Paul Meisel)Nurse Nancy (Kathryn Jackson)These Happy Golden Years (Laura Ingalls Wilder)Harry Potter series (J. K. Rowling)Ramona Quimby series (Bevery Clearly)Trixie Belden series (Julie Campbell Tatham)A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)Little Women (1994 film version)Little Women (book)Almost Famous (movie)A Christmas Story (movie)A Wrinkle In Time (Madeline L’Engle)Beethoven (movie)Ivy & Bean series (Annie

What’s your favorite way to help a new mom? In this very special episode–recorded LIVE at The New Mom School in Newport Beach–Meagan and Sarah offer some outside-the-box ideas for helping a new mom, PLUS our amazing live audience chimes in with stories and tips from their own new mom days. Enjoy!Links we mentioned (or should have!) in this episode:5 Unexpected Ways To Help A New Mom (Sarah’s blog post that inspired this topic)Other episodes of The Mom Hour for new moms:Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (As New Moms)Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About (Breastfeeding Edition)Postpartum Symptoms & SurprisesPregnancy & Birth, In HindsightGetting Ready For BabyThe Coffee + Crumbs PodcastThe conversation on The Mom Hour Facebook page where listeners chimed in with what would have helped them most as a new momMORE 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 questio

Sports and activities should add fun and fulfillment to your family culture–not suck the life out of it. And yet, between keeping wiggly babies occupied in the gymnastics waiting area and driving all over town for team sports commitments, it’s easy to feel like there’s a high cost to all that “fun”. Meagan and Sarah offer concrete tips for being a happier sports parent as we head into this new school year. From opting out of mommy-and-me classes to letting older kids dabble instead of specialize, we’re here to remind you that your happiness matters (and that your kid is probably not a future Olympian).LINKS MENTIONED:Let’s Discuss “Sports Parenting” (Episode 18)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.

Whether you have kids heading back to the classroom or not, this time of year feels like an opportunity to renew routines, set some goals, and tackle some overdue projects. Back to school is like another New Year for moms, and in this episode of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah get specific about their own “resolutions” in the areas of work, creativity, health, home, food, and parenting.LINKS MENTIONED:Lask week’s episode about our own kids’ back-to-school season this yearAll our school-related episodes in ONE PLACEMeagan’s Mothers of Reinvention: Foundations course–sign up by September 6 (class starts September 12!)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.

We’re looking ahead at the new school year and talking about what it means for each of our combined EIGHT kids, ages 4 through 19. Join Meagan and Sarah as we go age by age and discuss what the challenges, opportunities, and unique situations are for each grade level–everything from transitioning to middle school to hoping for a certain teacher to having to get up earlier in the morning. Enjoy! Looking for even more Back to School fun with Meagan and Sarah? We’ve collected all our previous episodes on this page for easy access. Binge-listen away!LINKS MENTIONED:The Make Light Show with Karen Walrond is up and running! Check it out, and if you’re so inclined, ratings and reviews are so appreciated.Meagan’s Mother’s of Reinvention: Foundations course starts September 12–registration closes on 9/6/17Our LIVE show is coming up August 23! Head to the Facebook Event page to stay up on announcements, even if you’re not able to attend in personMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteChe

Supply envy, pumping woes, and prop overload: These are just a few of the things that Meagan, Sarah, and resident-nursing-mom Katie realize in hindsight that we worried way too much about in our early breastfeeding days. Join us for a frank discussion about the things we wish we’d known about breastfeeding, plus our tips for worrying less and enjoying your nursing days more.LINKS MENTIONED:Other episodes in our “Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About” series: New Mom edition, Toddler Years edition, Starting School editionThe conversation on our Facebook page on this topic: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.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman has been helping parents with behavioral challenges and family dynamics for nearly 20 years through her private coaching practice and career as a social worker. Her new book is Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction, and in this special episode of The Mom Hour Voices, Catherine sits down with Sarah to talk about strategies moms can use to curb frustrating behavior patterns and enjoy parenting more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting SatisfactionCatherine’s website and coaching practice, The Family Coach@TheFamilyCoach on Twitter and The Family Coach on 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!)Sign up for our newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art

What does “healthy” mean for your family? What are the behaviors and values around food you try to model for your kids? And what little things can we do as parents to show our kids a healthy relationship with food and eating that will (hopefully) create a lasting impression?These are the questions Meagan and Sarah take on in Episode 113 of The Mom Hour. It’s not about any one nutrition philosophy–it’s a big-picture look at our own families’ food culture and how we model sensible, mindful eating with our kids. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:What I Believe About Food (Meagan’s Food Manifesto)The Picky Eater Problem (Episode 39)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 one more game of Candy Land or Monopoly threatens to send you over sanity’s edge, this is the podcast episode for you. In Episode 112 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah offer practical tips for making game play as a family tolerable–and even fun.We talk about including little players who can’t quite keep up, modifying games to minimize hurt feelings, and how to help kids win and lose gracefully as they grow. Plus we share our favorite family games and tips for storing and organizing board games in your home. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:7 Ways To Survive Playing Board Games With Kids (Meagan’s 2013 blog post)Playful Parenting: An Exciting New Approach to Raising Children That Will Help You Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Confidence (Lawrence Cohen)Meagan’s new online course: Mothers of Reinvention: FoundationsPhrase Party! (Catchphrase mobile app, available in Apple’s App Store and Google Play)How to leave an iTunes review (our simple guide)Episode 110:

Maryanne asks if we’ve ever requested our kid change teachers at school, Danya hopes to find balance between accepting her postpartum body and sticking to a realistic fitness routine, and Janine shares that her safety worries are keeping her from getting out with her little ones. In Episode 110 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah tackle these three listener questions–listen to see what we have to say!LINKS MENTIONED:Like this episode? All our Listener Questions shows can be found here.Want to send us a question? Record yourself (or write it down) and email your question to hello@themomhour.comMORE 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.

Anyone who’s been through a divorce or other major life change knows that stress, uncertainty, and feeling out of control are unavoidable. But you CAN find ways to quiet the chatter in your head, take care of yourself, and take steps toward creating the kind of life you want to live – no matter what circumstances you’re in. In episode 15 of The Mom Hour Voices, Meagan chats with Jessica Ashley, certified divorce coach and founder of Single Mom Nation, about managing stress and getting your feet back on solid ground during uncertain times.LINKS MENTIONED:Check out Jessica’s divorce coaching packages at a special rate reserved just for listeners of The Mom Hour!And if you’re facing a life “reinvention” like changing jobs, pursuing a creative passion, or just trying to make the pieces of your life fit together better, Meagan would love for you to take this survey indicating your interest in a new course she’s putting together. MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from

What do parades, pretend play, Dr. Seuss books, and playground swings have in common? If you’re a longtime listener, you already know the answer. They’re all things Meagan and Sarah kinda-sorta hate and aren’t ashamed to admit it.Episode 109 is an encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes to date–the one where we confess to hating fun. You’ll hear an update on how things have changed for us in the fun-hating department and lots of fresh commentary and new laughs on the subject, plus a re-airing of the best parts of the original gripe-session. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For The Mom Who Hates The Swings, It’s OK To Be A Boring Grownup, and Know Your Strengths – posts of Meagan’s on The Happiest HomeMeagan’s interview with Read Aloud Revival‘s Sarah MackenzieRaising joyful readers: It’s a family affair (Sharon Holbrook for The Washington Post)Sarah’s library uses the Overdrive app for free digital (audio and ebook) downloads – yours may use the sa

Can your preschooler unload the dishwasher? Can your 3rd grader walk the dog on her own? Can your middle schooler remember his sports gear before every practice? Or, maybe a better question: Can ours?Join Meagan and Sarah in Episode 108 of The Mom Hour for an honest look at how competent our kids are at completing household tasks and being independent out in the world. We confess that it’s so often easier for mom to do everything herself, and offer ideas for increasing your kids’ competence and independence as they grow.LINKS MENTIONED:The Gift of Failure, by Jessica LaheyChores and Delegation (Episode 15 where we talked about kids and chores)Delegate Like Downton: A Strategy For Managing Home Helpers (Meagan for The Happiest Home)Katie’s kimono (this one is sold out but there are others like it–great options from Target)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 membersh

Where have all the shoulders gone? Meagan needs to know. Sarah can’t figure out intentionally saggy boobs and is apologetically kind of over slogan tanks that reference coffee, wine, yoga, Jesus, or mascara. Join us for a fun discussion of fashion trends we just can’t get behind–plus a few we’re loving this summer.LINKS MENTIONED:A decision tree for wearing your butt-cheek-showing shorts this summer (Kristen Howerton / Rage Against the Minivan)“I Hate These G#@d!&m Tops” – Kara Brown for Jezebel (Warning: lots of swearing, lots of laughter, and we read this AFTER we recorded the podcast!)The elusive 4-inch inseam length! See all of Target’s 4″ shorts here.The “More That Mom” Episode 66 from Summer 2016 where we discuss shortsThe new Target line Meagan mentions is Knox RoseThat one time Meagan called out saggy 1970s boobs in a Vogue ad on InstagramAll of Target’s rompersThe Mom Edit’s favorite cute and comfy sweatsHigh neck swimsuitsMORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck ou

Going off the grid for vacation sounds great in theory, but most of us rely on technology to make family travel possible. From iPad-enabled airplane rides to road trip playlists for the whole family, both Sarah and Meagan see tech as a great enhancement to vacation parenting in the digital age.In Episode 106 we talk all things tech and travel, from how we keep devices charged and organized to how we manage screen time while on vacation. We’ve got tons of product recommendations and little hacks to make your next vacation easier and more fun–no matter how plugged-in you are. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:iPad MiniVerizon JetPackHow to set up a wireless hotspot for iOS devicesRemote charger (like this one)Sony Children’s HeadphonesBelkin Rockstar Headphone SplitterPocket CastsWhite Noise MachineOK To Wake clock/night-lightCool Mom TechCommon Sense MediaToca Boca appsSago Mini appsGeek MomSpotify Premium for FamilyOverdrive AppHoopla DigitalAudibleWhat Do We Do All Day? audiobook listsRead-Aloud Revival audi

Jill Krause is a blogger, photographer, and digital storyteller whose busy life as a mom of four plays out in her honest writing, videos, and pictures of deliciously squishy babies every day. Until recently, the Krauses’ beautiful Texas home–and the projects and renovations they completed in it–provided the setting for these stories.In this latest episode of The Mom Hour Voices, listen to Meagan and Jill talk about the Krause family’s decision to sell their home, buy an RV, and embark on a family adventure that kicks off this fall. We also discuss raising large families, breaking outside of others’ expectations, and more. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Happy Loud Life (for more on this, watch the video embedded below or linked here)@happy.loud.life on Instagram | @happyloudlife on Twitter | Happy Loud Life on FacebookBaby Rabies@BabyRabies on Instagram | @BabyRabies on Twitter | Baby Rabies on FacebookFulltime Families Facebook GroupDitching SuburbiaMORE HELPFUL LINK

Are you totally satisfied with your work/mom balance? Turns out, a lot of you are. But when we asked listeners to weigh in on this question, two-thirds said they either wished they could be home more (or work in a more flexible way) OR that they were home but wished they could find some fulfillment or income outside the home. Episode 105 is about finding satisfaction in your situation, whatever it is, and also how to take baby steps toward a different one if it feels like it’s time. We cover staying at home full-time, working outside the home, freelancing and part-time work, and everything in between. And, as always, we’re here to tell you that no matter what your choice and how you feel about it, it’s totally okay.LINKS MENTIONED:Give the Life, Listened social channels some love! We’re on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram10 Signs You Might Be a Work-Anywhere-Possible-Mom (WAPM) (Sarah’s tongue-in-cheek post for City Mom Blog)Keep scrolling for the social media polls we mentioned

There’s everyday self-care, and then there’s survival mode: when taking care of yourself isn’t just a smart thing to do but also your only means of making it through the day. We’re talking about the kind of physical, mental, and emotional self-care that becomes especially crucial in a crisis, and we’re addressing it head-on in Episode 104. Join us.LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s interview with Doña Bumgarner of Nurtured Mama (Voices Episode 8)Parenting Through Hard Times (Episode 42)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.

We talk about raising kids on this show all the time, but we don’t always spend time talking about OUR kids specifically. In Episode 103 Meagan and Sarah discuss why it’s sometimes hard to talk about your kids without sounding like you’re bragging, especially as they get older. We then take turns sharing a few awesome things all of our (eight!) kids are up to lately. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Make sure you’re following us on Instagram @TheMomHour for some fun photos and videos of our kids’ awesomeness over the next few days. We’d love if you shared your own “brags” and tagged us too so we can see what your kids are up to!Episodes you might also like:The Adults They’ll Be Someday (Episode 27)8 Milestones & When Our Kids Met Them (Episode 34)Eight Kids, Toddler To Teen (Episode 61)Why parents need a social media policy for babysitters and caregivers, and how to get started (Cool Mom Picks)4 tips for creating a social media policy for your babysitter, nanny, or childcare provider (Cool

If you’re looking for tips and tricks for nailing the end-of-school-year parenting thing, this might not be the podcast for you. If, however, you’re looking for shared misery in that long, slow crawl to the finish that is late May, WELCOME. Let’s commiserate. In Episode 102 Meagan and Sarah share what’s worst about their end-of-school lives and calendars, plus wander down a few bonus rabbit holes just for fun. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:End of School Year Fun (and a few gripes) – Episode 4Parents At The Beginning Of The School Year Vs. The End (Mike Spohr for BuzzFeed Parents)Worst End of School Year Mom Ever (Jen Hatmaker)6 Themed Dress-Up Days This Mom Can Get Behind (Sarah for Scary Mommy)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://a