The Mom Hour

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 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.

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 same, or something similar!The Case For Make Believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World (book by Susan Linn)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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 audiobook lists5 Simple Tech Tips for Travel With Kids (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 newsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 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.

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 (or click here to see the Facebook conversation, and here for the one on Instagram)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.

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 Mom Picks)Call Me Elmo (referenced in Coffee + Crumbs) – iPhone app / Android appHow to enable Guided Access (iPhone)Settings >> General >> Accessibility >>Guided Access (slide so “On” appears)Once you launch an app, enable Guided Access by triple clicking home screen button, and pushing “Start”End with fingerprint recognition or pass code entry on home screen buttonHow to enable Screen Pinning (Android)How to play your “Memories” movies in iOS PhotosOpen Photos appClick Memories on the bottom row of optionsClick on any titled event to playMORE 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 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://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.