The Mom Hour

A mom of two littles is overwhelmed and yelling more than she wants to be; young adults at a family gathering forget that little ears are listening. Helping kids become more independent in the kitchen doesn’t always go smoothly; a preschool perfectionist is a head-scratcher for mom; and a mom of all boys wonders if they’ll all grow up and live far from home one day. Today’s episode takes on these questions from our listener community, and Meagan and Sarah offer a mix of validation, encouragement, and advice. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned this NYTimes article on parenting perfectionist kidsSarah also loves Meghan Leahy’s parenting advice, and found this post on perfectionist “quitters” and another article from The Washington PostCheck out our other Listener Questions episodesYou can access all of our episodes in our archivesEmail us or send a voicemail with a question for future Listener Questions episodes.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.

The real question is: are we still entertained by squirrels as much as we were last spring? You’ll have to listen to find out! In today’s More Than Mom episode Meagan and Sarah take a deep dive into diversions, 2021-style. We’re not as cooped up as last March, but things aren’t back to normal yet either. From this in-between place we talk about a little of everything: board games for adults, TV and books, home improvement and gardening, fitness, beauty, and more. (And squirrels, obvs.) Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked about our episode More Than Mom: COVID Made Us Do It (Weird Ways We’ve Changed Since March)Board Games mentioned:RummikubFarkleQuiddlerSkyJoSettlers of CatanBogglePictionary AirTV mentioned:Sarah mentioned: The Queen’s Gambit, All Creatures Great & Small, The Office, Survivor, Framing Britney Spears, and Mad MenMovies mentioned:Sarah watched The Dig and Irresistible recentlyBooks mentioned:Sarah read The Dutch House last fallSarah finished All Creatures Great & Small recently and is now reading UntamedLike books? You should listen to Kidliterate, which has a whole segment on what Sarah and her kids are reading at the end of every episode!Sarah has been loving the podcast Renegades: Born in the USASarah’s liquid eyeliner is L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Liquid Eyeliner Pen in BlackSarah bought this adorable IKEA Vattenkrasse Watering Can to make her growing plant collection even more funIf you didn’t catch our recent Voices Episode with Kendra Adachi, check out Finding & Embracing What Matters To YOU: Voices 58MORE 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.

Kendra Adachi is The Lazy Genius. Either you know and love her already, or you’re about to. Kendra’s principles for finding YOUR best middle ground between perfectionism and giving up are helping moms everywhere decide what matters, ditch what doesn’t, and get stuff done. In this month’s Voices interview Kendra joins Sarah to talk about how Lazy Genius principles got put to the test during the early months of the pandemic, how moms in the trenches can be gentler on themselves and still feel fulfilled, and why acknowledging the season you’re in just might be the key to enjoying it. PLUS, Kendra helps Sarah solve a frustrating home management issue using The Lazy Genius method in real time. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Connect with Kendra on Instagram, and check out her podcast The Lazy Genius wherever you listen to podcastsLearn more about Kendra on her website, The Lazy Genius CollectiveKendra has a new book out, The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff DoneMORE 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 schools in your area are open in-person, on a hybrid model, or fully remote, chances are that March is looking different than September did. And believe it or not, we’re already looking toward the end of the year. In Episode 302 Meagan and Sarah share how our own kids are doing at this point in the year, what’s changed and how school has evolved in our respective communities. We also offer validation for those who worry about kids’ academic progress this year, and our hopes for finishing out the year on a positive trajectory. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We talked about our two recent episodes Advocating For Your Kids During A Crisis: Episode 297, and School Decisions Feel Like a LOT (Here’s What To Keep In Mind): Episode 298Our friend Christine Koh wrote this article, Parents Can Care About Education and Still Be Ok Writing This School Year OffPlease 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.

Whether it’s for a weekend, a season, or a decade, parenting on your own introduces challenges and complications at every turn. Expanding on the conversation we began last week, today’s episode–part two in our This Is Solo Parenthood series–dives into practical tips from seasoned moms on how to survive solo parenting’s tougher moments. From bedtimes to me-time, routine changes to feelings of loneliness, Meagan and Sarah share some been-there-done-that tips from our own seasons of parenting solo, as well as tap into the wisdom of The Mom Hour community. LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to last week’s episode, part one in the This Is Solo Parenthood series hereCheck out our special landing page for the This Is Solo Parenthood series at themomhour.com/soloVisit the #ThisIsParenthood community page for more authentic and honest representations of the parenting experience, including this incredible videoMORE 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.

One of us co-slept throughout the baby and toddler stage, and let naps happen whenever and wherever. The other sleep trained and held tight to nap schedules even through the preschool years. While our differences in the realm of sleep are worth digging into, just as interesting are the shared feelings we experienced, even at opposite ends of the spectrum. We both felt judged at times; we both made choices around our social lives because of how our babies slept (or didn’t sleep). Among our combined eight kids we experienced good sleepers, terrible sleepers, and several in the middle–plus a host of “sleep surprises” that cropped up later on. Join Meagan and Sarah for Episode 301, a look at infant, toddler, and kid sleep through the comforting lens of hindsight with a healthy dose of “It’s all gonna be OK.” Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:We did a listener episode question on baby and toddler sleep, Listener Questions (Vol. 21): Episode 224(listen around the 30 minute mark)Meagan liked The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley, and Sarah liked Good Night, Sleep Tight: Gentle Proven Solutions to Help Your Child Sleep Without Leaving Them to Cry it Out by Kim West (both links are Amazon affiliates), but we BOTH offer the huge caveat that it wasn’t about any one individual book for us; it was about finding what worked for our familiesMORE 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 is wearing children’s sweatpants and leaving the house in her slippers. Meagan has cracked the code on being Zoom-face-ready AND workout-available with a single outfit. It may not look like the mom-style we aspired to you a few years ago, but it’s working for February 2021. Today’s More Than Mom episode is a (very) honest, semi-pantsless look at the state of our style situation right now. We share what we’re wearing, what’s working well, items we’re in search of, and where we need serious help as we look ahead to spring. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:We mentioned Meagan’s Voices interview with Dacy How To Create A Mindful Closet (And Discover Clothes You Truly Love): Voices 53Sarah loves shopping Jane for inexpensive basics and has had some great luck, including (all links are affiliates):soft, everyday leggings 3/4-sleeve doman tops cute stud earringsextra-long layering camisSarah mentioned these basic briefs from Amazon (affiliate link)Sarah’s favorite lululemon joggersMeagan likes her Beta Brand dress pant yoga pantsBoth Meagan and Sarah still love their base bra from Harper WildeSarah mentioned liking these Girl’s Cozy Jogger Pants from the Target kids’ section (affiliate link)The Vionic boots that Meagan has are the Brynn, Bethany, and LoisThe Vionic shoes Sarah is loving are the Malibu slip on shoesSarah’s new favorite robe from a local shop Riviera TowelWe talked about this sweater blazer from J Crew factory that our friend Christine Koh recommendedMeagan wears low impact sports bras from FableticsOne of Meagan’s Amazon dress finds is this Zesica Sweater Dress (amazon affiliate)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 it’s for a weekend, a season, or a decade, parenting on your own introduces challenges and complications at every turn. Expanding on the conversation we began last week, today’s episode–part two in our This Is Solo Parenthood series–dives into practical tips from seasoned moms on how to survive solo parenting’s tougher moments. From bedtimes to me-time, routine changes to feelings of loneliness, Meagan and Sarah share some been-there-done-that tips from our own seasons of parenting solo, as well as tap into the wisdom of The Mom Hour community. LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to last week’s episode, part one in the This Is Solo Parenthood series hereCheck out our special landing page for the This Is Solo Parenthood series at themomhour.com/soloVisit the #ThisIsParenthood community page for more authentic and honest representations of the parenting experience, including this incredible videoMORE 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.

Today’s episode is a party and YOU’re invited! Yes you, whether you’re a brand-new listener or have been with us from the very beginning. Ever the planner, Sarah surprises Meagan with a some fun facts and a pop quiz; ever the fun one, Meagan shows up ready for anything. We share some memories, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and reflections on the community that has grown around this podcast over the last 300 Tuesdays. Come on in, and enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Join our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners, where we have twice as many Sarahs as Meagans (make sure to answer the questions to be approved)!Our most popular episode by downloads is What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230Other episodes we mentioned in this episode:Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01We Hate Fun: Episode 109Mom Myths & Mom Truths: Episode 23410 Things We Love About Toddlers: Episode 243Home Management Systems That Work (For Now): Episode 220Self-Care As Self-Preservation: Episode 104The Life-Changing Magic of Opting Out: Episode 161Are You “Done” Having Babies? Episode 07Staying Organized & Motivated As A Full-Time Working Mom: Voices 44Home & Life Products We’re Loving: Episode 246More Than Mom: The Search For The Perfect ThingMORE 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.

Early in the pandemic, takeout from local restaurants, pantry cleanouts, and epic baking marathons made a lot of sense for the crazy new world we were living in. An entire year in, however, and the lingering habits and longterm effects of feeding our families in survival-mode are more clear. Today Meagan and Sarah look at what’s changed about the way we snack, cook, shop, and serve in the last year – for better and for worse. We share the parts of feeding our families that are working well right now and also the parts where we need some help. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Listen to more of our episodes on feeding a familyIf you haven’t listened to our recent Voices interview, check it out! The State Of Kids And Food In 2021MORE 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.