The Mom Hour

Back-to-school season usually means a refreshing change of schedule and, for many parents, fewer hours with kids in the house. This year, the way we use our homes for school, work, and leisure look very different–but that doesn’t mean we can’t harness some of that familiar fall energy and tackle clutter in a new way for a new reality. Join Sarah and longtime listener/community member Mandy Yang for a look at how the Konmari method of decluttering can serve us as we set up our homes for one of the stranger seasons in memory. We talk about repurposing items you already own, how to help kids part with their “treasures,” and why the Konmari method is so often misunderstood. Check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!@amongallofthis is Mandy’s Instagram – check out these specific posts:How To DeclutterHow To Pocket-Fold TowelsHow To Fold Fitted SheetsAmong All Of This on Etsy (Mandy’s shop for labels and organizing products)Visit Mandy’s website to read more about her or hire her as a consultant: amongallofthis.comVisit konmari.com to find a consultant in your areaWe also discussed Mandy’s Instagram post showing her entry closet, and how the labeled bins inspired Sarah to find a solution for the same Target Threshold Y-Weave Baskets (affiliate link): View this post on InstagramSarah’s labels and bins, inspired by Mandy’s Instagram post featuring the same Target Threshold y-weave basketshttp://goto.target.com/GzGXV (affiliate link)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 kicking back for a casual chat this week, taking time to update listeners on some of the behind-the-scenes events in both our lives lately. From the details of Sarah’s move to what’s coming up this fall on the podcast, from Meagan’s annual end-of-summer malaise to her anticipation of a revamped time-blocking system for fall 2020, these are the little (and big) conversational rabbit holes we don’t always have time for on the podcast. Join us!Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like a peek behind the scenes, check out some of our similar episode hereLooking for an episode to send to a friend? Head to our page for new listeners and browse episodes by category!Our Spotify playlists are another great way to share the show with a friend (especially if you know they get all their audio on Spotify already!)Sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Our September issue will go out on Monday, September 7 and will include information about our giveaway of Sudio earphones as well as a handy list of all our active promo codes!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.

An eight-year-old with a “can’t-do” attitude and a ten-year-old who struggles to bounce back after little setbacks (two more in an accidental series of questions that we’re affectionately calling “boys with bad attitudes”): Meagan and Sarah have thoughts–and personal experience–for the moms of these kids. Then Sarah weighs in on a question about how to use an “okay to wake” clock with a clever three-year-old, and Meagan validates a mom of a clingy preschooler with big feelings. Today’s episode brings you four more listener questions and our advice–check it out!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all of our Listener Questions EpisodesSign up for our monthly newsletter (next one goes out September 7!) to be first to hear how you could win a pair of Sudio Ett earphonesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)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 to make friends and cultivate community after a move; contemplating a third baby and wondering if the older two will ever play together nicely; answering questions about puberty and other growing-up topics; and dealing with a five-year-old who is never satisfied: Meagan and Sarah take four listener questions in this week’s episode of The Mom Hour. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Check out all of our Listener Questions EpisodesJoin our special Facebook Group for The Mom Hour Listeners (make sure to answer the questions to be approved!)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 we’ve learned anything since March, it’s that little things can make a big difference in our moods. In Episode 273 Meagan and Sarah revisit the idea of small comforts for unprecedented times, little pleasures that can’t solve a global pandemic but do offer a quick pick-me-up. From recent Etsy finds to a new fitness tracking gadget, pretty kitchen towels to a return to yoga, you’ll come away with ideas for bringing a little comfort into your days as we look ahead to fall. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:For more ideas, listen to Small Comforts (Part One) and Small Comforts (Part Two), our episodes from early May on the same topicSend us your small comforts suggestions! Join our Facebook group to see Meagan’s shady deck photosand join the discussion about Sarah’s search for a body pillow. Or you can always email us at hello@themomhour.comMeagan bought the Garmin Vivoactive 4s fitness tracker (affiliate link)Sarah has been shopping Etsy more, including purchasing a hanging planter, replacement drawer handles, and Woven Macrame BasketsYou can use bookshop.org to order from Indie bookstores if you don’t have one near you (Sarah’s local bookstore is Chaucer’s)Meagan’s double hammock (affiliate link)Meagan bought these lightweight trail running shoes (affiliate link)Sarah is loving the turkish hand towels from Riviera Towel CompanyCheck our our page just for new listenersYou can access all of our episodes at themomhour.com/archivesMORE 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.

With schools across the country increasingly moving in the direction of online-only attendance in the fall, many moms are asking: “How do we make this work?” While homeschool pods, cutting back hours at work and other creative solutions may be a temporary solution for some families, there are many others for whom these options are not on the table. And there’s no doubt that moms are unfairly shouldering the brunt of this crisis (as we are so often expected to do).In this month’s Voices interview, Meagan talks with Anne Halsall, co-founder and CPO of online child-care directory Winnie; listen as they dig into issues around work, parenting, and inequality that this pandemic has uncovered—and discuss some reassuring news about the safety and availability of licensed daycare to fill some of those gaps.LINKS MENTIONED:Winnie.com, the company Anne co-founded @annekate on TwitterAnne and Meagan recently did a webinar together – check back here for a link when the recording is available to watch!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 messes start even before the baby is born, and they don’t stop…they just change form as the years progress. In Episode 272 Meagan and Sarah look back at some of the most epic messes of our mothering years–from diaper blowouts to parking lot puke, glitter explosions to stinky wadded up socks, we’re getting gross today, all in the name of making you laugh and feel like you’re not alone (whatever mess you’re facing today!). Enjoy!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.

After listening to moms around the country share their feelings about schools re-opening (or not), Meagan and Sarah continue the discussion we started last week by looking at the challenges facing families this fall. We touch on the core drivers of school decision-making–academics, childcare, kids’ social-emotional health, and community health–and talk through the pros and cons of some of the likely learning scenarios on the table for kids. Just like last week, this is an inclusive conversation meant to bring encouragement and understanding, no matter where you are in your school decision for Fall 2020. Join us!We recommend listening to Episode 270 before diving into this one!This episode was recorded on July 17, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Be sure to check out last week’s episode School Decisions For Fall 2020 (Part 1)We mentioned Episode 261 from May: Judgment, Criticism & Mom-Shaming In The Time Of COVID-19Email us your feedback to hello@themomhour.comListeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)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.

Virtual, on campus, hybrid, or homeschool? For many families, it isn’t even a choice; it’s whatever the local district decides. For some families, opting out, changing schools, waiting an extra year, or enrolling in an independent study program are options that are still on the table. For everyone, it’s an extraordinarily confusing, stressful, and uncertain time to be looking ahead at Fall 2020.With inclusion, empathy, and nonjudgment leading the way, Meagan and Sarah kick off a two-part series unpacking the challenges of sending kids to school this fall. We talk from personal experience about our “plans” (ha!) for our own kids, and we also bring you the voices of more than a dozen listeners who share what things are like in their communities. Join us!This episode was recorded on July 17, 2020.A NOTE ON EPISODES RELEASED DURING COVID-19: Things change so quickly these days–including recommendations for health and safety, as well as our own thoughts and feelings–so you may hear things that feel a bit dated if you’re catching up on older episodes. Just know that we’re experiencing this in real time just like you, and that we’re working hard to follow the latest recommendations for the safety of our families and our communities. We’re also working hard to bring you timely, relevant podcast episodes in a world that’s changing very quickly.LINKS MENTIONED:Email us your feedback to hello@themomhour.com. We love hearing from you!Listeners are connecting in fun ways in our Facebook group – full of helpful moms (please answer the questions when you request to join!)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.

Remember makeup? And going places? We miss it. Join Meagan and Sarah for a light and fun more-than-mom-ish conversation about how our makeup style has changed from our teen and young adult years through today, which looks and trends from the past make us cringe, some products and techniques we’re playing with lately, whether and how staying at home has changed our daily makeup approach, and more. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:If you like this topic, check out our Spotify playlist filled with light and fluffy More Than Mom topics!A few products we mentioned… (Target links are affiliates!)Clinique Black Honey Almost LipstickNUDESTIX line at Sephora (Sarah specifically owns this blush/bronzer in Naughty & Spice and Bondi Bae, this concealer, this lip glace, this two-sided brush applicator, and this eyebrow pencil)L’Oreal Voluminous mascaraL’Oreal True Match pressed powderCoty Airspun Loose PowderPrescriptives *Magic Liquid PowderMORE 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.