The Mom Hour

The school art is coming in from every direction. The hand-me-down clothing complicates wardrobe systems. And the overwhelming gift-giving throws toy organization out of whack. In today’s episode, regular contributors Jayme and Jennifer speak to their tips and tricks for managing all of the clutter in the house that comes with having young children. Plus, an update on Marie Kondo’s status of a tidy home with children–and how we feel about it!If you haven’t already listened to Tuesday’s episode, we recommend starting there before hitting play on this one!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Follow Jayme Sherrod from The Mom Hour team on InstagramFollow Jennifer Carrol from The Mom Hour team on Ins

Goody bag treasures, generous grandparent gifts in every shade of plastic, and inexplicably precious (to someone) “junk” – it’s the stuff of motherhood! In this replay of Episode 35, Meagan and Sarah share our strategies for minimizing the intake of “all the stuff,” ideas for reasonable purging, and how to organize the things you decide to keep. Enjoy!All month long we’re bringing back some beloved episodes from the early years of The Mom Hour – with fresh bonus conversations dropping every Friday on the same topic! Here’s a playlist of some of our very favorite classic oldies – and here’s a full list of every episode in chronological order.LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s a link to the original episodeSarah’s Neato robot vaccuum is still going strong – 7 years later! (Here’s an affiliate link to an updated version)You can still read the Facebook thread Meagan talked about from 2016 about Marie Kondo’s methodWe discussed the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Ja

July on The Mom Hour will look a bit different – and we’re excited to tell you about it. Meagan and Sarah pop in to share what’s ahead this month. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked more about our decision to take a break from new episodes in Episode 423Sarah made this playlist of #ClassicTMH episodes from 2016-2017Follow Meagan on InstagramRead Meagan on SubstackVisit Meagan’s website to learn more about REINVENT (a community for midlife moms, with a retreat coming up in October 2023!)Follow Sarah on 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.

When it comes to teenagers, how much do WE (as parents) matter? According to guest, parents matter A LOT (just maybe not in the way we might think). In this special bonus interview, Meagan talks with Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, on the importance of parents in teens’ lives. He shares how it is important to let your child make mistakes, how to be vulnerable and open about mistakes we make as parents, and to give them the space they need to learn who they are becoming. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Dr. Ken Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, FAAP, is a professor of pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. www.parentandteen.com offers parent resources for preparing children and teens to thrive through both good and challenging times.Congrats–You’re Having a Teen!: Strengthen Your Family and Raise a Good Person is Dr. Ginsburg’s latest book.Email Dr. Ginsburg at

Taking a break” sounds simple, but for many moms (and people) it just isn’t. Who steps in to relieve mom when she needs a break from being everybody’s go-to? Is all the prep and planning needed to take a break even WORTH it? And does returning from a break automatically mean coming back to piles of stuff that didn’t get done while we were away? Join us as we discuss how declaring breaks of all different kinds can be useful AND why taking breaks feels hard, too. Plus, we share some data from our 2023 Listener Survey showing how many of you NEED a break!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan referenced the episode Business Behind-The-Scenes & State Of The Podcast Chat: Episode 396There’s a FEW more days yet to take our listener survey.Wiser Than Me podcast with Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a favorite of Meagan and Sarah!The Savvy Working Mom podcast shares how to build time into your daily routine for breaks (and Whitnee was a guest on our show in Voices 54).Sarah uses the podcast app, Pocket CastsH

As Meagan settles into her newlywed home in a house her husband designed and built for himself, questions abound. And on the West Coast, Sarah is still perplexed by some of her home’s original design (or 90s remodel) quirks. Join us as we discuss home quirks of the past and present–everything from beautiful built-ins made for square, deep tv’s from the 90’s (and collections of DVDs) to bathroom windows that leave very little to neighbors’ imagination. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned the book The New Design Rules By Emily Henderson (This is an affiliate link).Here’s an article explaining The Kitchen Triangle that Meagan mentioned.Last call to Take our Survey!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-se

From when and where popsicles may be eaten to what chores must be done before screen time, summer gives many of us a near-blank slate on which to write some new house rules. Join Meagan and Sarah as we highlight our community’s summer house rules for screens and snacking, water fun and bedtimes, neighborhood play and quiet time. Not much of a “rules mom”? That works, too – and we discuss why! Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s a link to the Facebook thread where you all provided your House Rules for Summer.Shout out to Kendra at The Lazy Genius, whose podcast episode #212 A Guide To Summer House Rules would make a great pairing with this oneA Just-Structured-Enough Summer Schedule For Kids is a post Sarah wrote almost 10 years ago and is one of our most popular posts!Here are a few episodes about summer, routines and fun rituals!(Realistic) Summer Schedule Intentions: Episode 263Simple Summer Rituals & Traditions: Episode 367More from our House Rules Series:House Rules

It’s no secret that teenagers have BIG feelings. And it can be tricky navigating this stage of parenting without taking on their emotions as our own OR downplaying them so that we feel more comfortable. In this special bonus episode Meagan talks with Dr. Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, about how we can support our kids’ development during the teen years (and how to manage our own big feelings about their emotions!). Enjoy!Links Mentioned:Dr. Lisa Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. Listen to Dr. Damour on her podcast Ask Lisa, The Psychology of ParentingOTHER 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

While darling flower girls and wee ring bearers are undeniably cute, parenting kids who are part of a wedding ceremony can be stressful. Even when kids are merely AT a wedding (versus IN it), all kinds of tricky situations crop up. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share stories from our own experiences as moms…with kids…at weddings. From breastfeeding in bridesmaid dresses to preschoolers throwing down during family photos, we’ve racked up a few harrowing tales to tell – and we also have thoughts on NOT bringing kids to weddings, either because they’re not invited or because you’ve decided to leave them home. Lots to discuss today!LINKS MENTIONED:Meagan wrote “On (Not)Taking My New Husband’s Name”If you’re not familiar with the “Isaac at a wedding” (aka “the surfboard kid”) story that became an Internet meme, listen to this episode and watch this video!More Than Mom: Weddings (Sunday’s companion episode to this one)Meagan’s Wedding Photos Are Here!OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our website

Meagan got married! On a raft! Today we talk all about it (and more)! Meagan shares the details of her Memorial Day wedding in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including how Sarah came to the rescue (from thousands of miles away) with one of the most important details. Plus, we reminisce about planning our weddings, and share what we love the most (and least) when attending others’ nuptials. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan got married at Palms Book State Park in the UP. On a cool raft!Sarah recorded a wedding message for Meagan on this episode of The Reinvention Podcast.In case you missed it, Meagan shared relationship and engagement stories in More Than Mom: Special Man Friend Gets Promoted!Meagan and Eric’s wedding photos!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 Califor

Come run errands with Meagan and Sarah! Errands are an essential part of mom-life–but the running of them looks very different depending on where you live and your season of life. Today we chat about our preferences and personality quirks when it comes to errands, which ones we like and which ones we avoid, and how we make running around town more enjoyable. Join us as we romanticize (mostly) and vent (a little) about errands!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah mentioned the episode Mom Than Mom: Romanticizing The Hard Stuff.Meagan would love to hear if someone listening owns an Ace Hardware Store!Sarah mentioned a shout out our recent episode, Field Trips, Little To Teen: Episode 416.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 Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-

Being a mom in 2023 means having a device connecting you to the world, wherever you go. It isn’t all bad or all good – but it does impact our parenting lives at every turn. Join Kia and Jayme, moms of kids ages toddler to teen, as they chat about the good, the bad, and the ugly of being constantly connected – plus offer some tech-positive suggestions for managing smartphone use when things start to feel out of balance. Enjoy!The Mom Hour Voices is a special series on The Mom Hour, showcasing diverse voices from across the motherhood community. Click here to browse all past Voices episodes, which include conversations with and between members of our contributor team, plus expert interviews and conversations with moms from our community. Meagan and Sarah will be back on Tuesday!LINKS MENTIONED:Get to know Kia HammondGet to know Jayme Sherrod Interested in putting your screens down more? Read this article for tips!Episodes from the archives featuring Jayme or KiaGetting Outdoors With Kid

Processionals, promotions, caps, gowns, and more! Today Meagan and Sarah dig into graduations of all kinds from our perspective as moms in the audience experiencing all the feels. We have some strong opinions about how promotion ceremonies can be incorporated thoughtfully (or not) into kids’ younger years, and very different experiences when it comes to high school graduations. Find out what brings tears to our eyes almost instantly, what makes us roll our eyes, and how our own kids are “leveling up” as this school year comes to a close. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We learned a few things about “Pomp and Circumstance” from this 2003 piece by Miles Hoffman on NPR’s Morning EditionWhat is typical in your area for graduation parties v. announcements? Email us!We’re bringing back The Mom Hour Voices this Friday, featuring two of our contributors. Don’t miss it!Please take our survey. Thanks!MORE HELPFUL LINKS:Visit our websiteCheck out deals from our partnersFollow us on InstagramJoin

“Done having babies” and “Sad about the end of the little years” are two completely different mom-emotions, as Meagan and Sarah get into today, with the help of a thoughtful listener question. We look at how it’s possible to be at peace with your family size and still experience grief at the identity shift that happens as your last babe gets big (and your bigs get huge). We reflect on what pangs us most about small kids growing bigger, how to accept the unfamiliar role of being (slightly) less needed, and what it means to embrace the season you find yourself in – whatever it is. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Relevant Episodes From The Archives:Are You “Done” Having Babies?: Episode 07Should I Get Pregnant Again? Episode 187What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230Growing Families, Grown Kids, And The “Someday Family Dinner Table”: Episode 372The Muscle Memory Of Motherhood: Episode 363MORE Listener Question EpisodesIn case you missed it–Meagan’s Getting Married!MORE HELPFUL LINKS

A parent of three is exhausted by dinnertime sillies and wants help steering conversation at the family table. A stay-at-home mom asks what to do when her child says, “don’t tell dad I got in trouble at school!”. And a parent of a tween who wants acrylic nails asks a bigger question about letting kids alter their appearance in general. Meagan and Sarah tackle tricky parenting challenges with our best attempts at nuance, compassion, and humor in today’s episode. Join us!LINKS WE MENTIONED:Listener Question Episodes From The ArchivesPretty please take our listener survey!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.

Happy Mother’s Day! Meagan thought it would be fun to surprise Sarah with an episode full of lightning-round-style “this or that” questions and “would you rather” head-scratchers. Join us for lots of laughs, silly questions and tons of fun! If you’ve been listening for a while you know that we’re chronically lightning-round-challenged. Find out if we answer all the questions before the buzzer goes off!Links Mentioned:Our list of This or That and Would You RathersPretty please take our survey! We almost have 1,000 responses and REALLY hoping for 1,500!Mother’s Day Episodes From The Archives:Why Mother’s Day Is Hard (And How To Make It What You Want This Year): Episode 311In Your Own Words (Our Mother’s Day Challenge Special): Episode 101More Than Mom: Marketing To Moms (We Have Thoughts)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

Meagan spent a soggy day helping eighth grade science students release salmon into a creek, and it inspired this conversation all about kids and field trips. From tiny toddlers at the fire station to teens on a red-eye flight to Washington, D.C., time outside the classroom requires a ton of flexibility from everyone; we're here to discuss the both/and nature of field trips bringing added hassle AND growth opportunities. We also hear from two teachers and a special needs parent about their thoughts on field trips and swap stories about California vs. Michigan excursions for school-aged kids. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Our thoughts on field trips from the archives:School Volunteering That Fits Your Personality: Episode 245How To Be The Parent That Teachers (And Schools) Love: Episode 174Debunking The Myth Of The “Good School Mom”: Episode 21New On The Blog! Exploring Nature Through Books: 7 Beautiful Nonfiction Nature Book Series For KidsLearn more about Mom Hour Contributor Ashley SchafluetzelTa

SURPRISE! Popping in with a bonus episode we recorded together in real life (and, in the same bed!) on a recent trip to Dallas. Get a feel for what Meagan and Sarah are like on the road together, how we feel about various airport-adjacent accommodations in the DFW area, and what we watched on TV that made us both so happy. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Here’s more on the Carol Burnett 90th Birthday Special!We weren’t kidding about the employee name tags at The Westin Hotel.While we had a great experience on this trip, we shared a really bad hospitality experience in More Than Mom: Hospitality & Customer Service.If you enjoyed this episode, check out a few other BONUS episodes from the archives:BONUS: Re-Learning How To Learn (And Teach!) At The College LevelBONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureBONUS: The Story Behind The “Surfboard Kid” Viral Photo…BONUS: A Conversation About Pregnancy Loss With Leeann DearingBONUS: Teachers Respond To May MadnessMORE HELPFUL

From surfing lessons and sunset cruises, to training dolphins and learning about space…Meagan and her two teens, Clara and Owen, packed in so many unforgettable experiences during their Spring Break trip to Florida! In this episode Meagan shares more about her travels with teens to the Space Coast of Florida and St. Augustine/Florida’s Historic Coast, thanks to our sponsor VISIT FLORIDA. And while the activities may look a little bit different with teens vs. big kids and toddlers, find out why Meagan’s best tips and take-aways for traveling with teens aren’t actually that different from when they were toddlers. Enjoy!About Our SponsorThank you to VISIT FLORIDA for sponsoring this episode and making Meagan’s and Catie’s trips possible.Choosing where to go on a family vacation is easier than you think. Florida is filled with experiences you and your family will never forget. From 825 miles of beaches and 700 freshwater springs to over 1,300 trails with breathing room to run and play, there are so many

With warming weather, meals, snacks and cravings shift too. Today Meagan and Sarah unpack what it means to us to feed ourselves well as moms, from taking time to assemble a sandwich to paying attention to the way food makes us feel – both physically and emotionally. We share some of our personal favorite feel-good foods, and also acknowledge the often inherent conflict in feeding ourselves well AND keeping our families fed. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Target links are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!Take our listener survey!Meagan’s special oatmeal recipeSarah loves Maldon Sea Salt FlakesSarah’s family doesn’t love sourdough but DOES love Trader Joe’s Stone Hearth Baked French Loaf for crispy toastWe both like Dave Killer’s BreadSarah likes the Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burger patties from Trader Joe’sSarah hydrates with Nuun tablets in her water and likes a Dark C