The Mom Hour

What do we wish we’d worried about LESS in hindsight? What are we doing differently–and the same–than our parents’ generation did? And just what do we think about sending a seven-year-old to sleepaway camp? We’re taking on three more great listener questions in Episode 94, and offering our advice to moms Avery, Mandee, and Alicia. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Episode 93 (last week!)Our “Things We Shouldn’t Have Freaked Out About” series: New Mom Edition (Episode 19), Toddler Edition (Episode 24), Starting School Edition (Episode 62)How Does Birth Order Impact How We Parent? (Episode 40)Lisa & Lottie, by Erich Kastner (the book that inspired The Parent Trap movie)Our two-part series on free-range parenting: What Does ‘Free-Range Parenting’ Really Look Like? (Episode 12) and Raising Confident, Independent Kids–Safely (Episode 13)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.

Preschool boys interested in bad-guy play, fighting stereotypes while raising girls, and how to find the balance between self-acceptance and the desire to grow. These are BIG topics and we’ve got things to say in response to three fantastic listener questions in Episode 93. Join us!LINKS MENTIONED:Teacher Tom’s blog post about Gun PlayCommon Sense MediaThe very FIRST blog post Sarah ever wrote for Meagan’s blog in 2012: On Star Wars, and not having all the answersMelissa Atkins Wardy’s Facebook page Pigtail Pals, plus her book Redefining Girly: How Parents Can Fight the Stereotyping and Sexualizing of Girlhood, from Birth to Tween, and her blog Pigtail Pals & Ballcap BuddiesOne of Sarah’s all-time favorite books The Case for Make-Believe: Saving Play in a Commercialized World by Susan LinnThe best way to compliment little girls (Sarah’s article for On Parenting at The Washington Post)Podcasts on personal growth/happiness for women like Elizabeth Gilbert’s Magic Lessons or Gretchen Rubin’s HappierSouleMama.com (Amanda Blake Soule)Meagan’s interview with Rachel Macy Stafford in our Bonus Interview 10MORE 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.

Rachel Macy Stafford is the New York Times bestselling author of Hands Free Mama, Hands Free Life, and Only Love Today, and this week she joins Meagan in a special bonus interview episode of The Mom Hour. In this episode, Rachel and Meagan discuss Rachel’s journey from being a stressed-out, over-scheduled mom to scaling back See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is there anything sweeter than baby’s first social smile (you know, the one that definitely ISN’T gas) or a two-year-old’s adorable mispronunciations? In Episode 92 Meagan and Sarah revisit some of their favorite milestones from baby’s first three years – including a few that don’t get discussed very often. We also talk about keeping track of milestones and memories using everything from an old-fashioned baby book to the latest technology, and offer tips for recording those little moments you swear you’ll remember forever. (Spoiler alert: you won’t. Trust us.)LINKS MENTIONED:The WeeSchool App Life Among The Savages, by Shirley Jackson8 Milestones & When Our Kids Met Them – Episode 34, where we talk more about some more bigger-kid milestonesMORE 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.

Ever wondered what it takes to produce the show you listen to every week? In Episode 91 Meagan and Sarah take listeners behind the scenes on The Mom Hour, sharing everything from how we come up with show ideas, what goes on in each of our locations while we record, and what’s involved on the technical side in taking a podcast episode from concept to completion. Join us! Plus, listen to the end of the show for a special segment featuring Katie Addiss, our Content Strategy Assistant and resident new mom. Welcome to the show, Katie!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah loved the behind the scenes episode of The Girl Next Door podcast – thanks for the great idea, ladies!Speakpipe! (Our FAVORITE way to receive topic suggestions from listeners.)Sarah’s handheld vacuum: Dyson V6 Trigger Cordless Handheld Vacuum CleanerKatie’s handheld vacuum: BLACK + DECKER CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand VacMORE 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.

Which kids’ clothing brands look great, don’t cost a fortune, and wear well through the active years of childhood? That’s what listener Andrea wanted to know when she sent us this question via Facebook:Do you guys have any tips or go-to brands for quality children’s clothing (but affordable)? In six years, I’ve learned that GAP clothing sometimes shrinks, movie character shirts from Target stretch out easily, and I’m still looking for coat zippers that don’t break! Thanks! Love your show!Andrea’s question inspired Episode 90, where Meagan and Sarah talk all about kids’ clothes – where we shop, how we style our kids, and tips for storing and organizing all those clothes. It’s a fun conversation with a ton of tips – enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Brands Sarah likes: Hanna Andersson, Tea Collection, Mini Boden, Stride Rite, Carter’s, Native ShoesBrands Meagan likes: Lands’ End, Crazy8, Gymboree, Children’s PlaceZulily (Sarah shops their curated sales and has good luck – usually with marked-down brands she already knows/loves)@WhenChildrenDressThemselves – Blogger Kristen Howerton curates this Instagram account and it’s pricelessKid to Kid or Children’s Orchard (children’s consignment stores – see if there’s one near you!)thredUP (online consignment – check out their secondhand Mini Boden girls clothes!!)Nordstrom RackThese shoe size conversion charts on Zappos.com can help you go between kid and adult sizes to save money by shopping in the kids’ section, even for bigger feet!Meagan’s system for organizing handmedowns and seasonal clothing – here’s the original blog post, and here’s where we talked about it on the podcast (skip to 13:40 to get right to it)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.

Routines are crucial to a happy mom life, but what happens when the same-old-same-old needs some shaking up? In this episode, the latest in our “More Than Mom” Hour series, Meagan and Sarah talk about the importance of trying new things as a mom – whether it’s a new hairstyle, new recipes, or a new workout routine – and what to do if you have a hard time breaking out of old habits. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Sarah’s interview with Doña Bumgarner of Nurtured MamaMeagan’s interview with Erin Loechner of Chasing SlowHobbies & Passions Outside Motherhood (Episode 43)More about PechaKuchaOther More-Than-Mom Hour episodesThe one where we talk about home decorating and dining outThe one where we talk about books, podcasts, music, and summer styleSarah’s hot pink lip lacquer (Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Pink Amethyst, via Amazon)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.

By 2012, blogger and author Erin Loechner could boast a massively successful blog, an HGTV special, a beautiful home, and even a beautiful new baby. But amid all that success, Erin found herself feeling lost and unfulfilled. In this week’s bonus interview podcast episode, Erin describes her journey toward a slower way of life (and explains how even “slow” living can become competitive and frenzied). Listen to Meagan and Erin have a frank and honest conversation about slowing down, paying attention, and choosing what matters. Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path (Erin’s book)Design for Mankind (Erin’s blog)The Rebirth Of Slow Blogging (from Erin’s blog)@ErinLoechner on InstagramDesign for Mankind 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://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not sleeping? You’re not alone. In today’s podcast Meagan and Sarah offer helpful tips for making it through the day when your nights are long and, uh, eventful. Whether you have a new baby, a kid with bad dreams, or a struggle with insomnia yourself, we’re here to help. (If we could bring coffee, we’d do that too.)LINKS MENTIONED:Coping Tips for Sleep-Deprived Moms (Sarah’s article for The Happiest Home that contains the tips we discuss)Episode 33: (Totally Not Overwhelming) Health & Wellness AdviceEpisode 20: Routines For A Happy Mom LifeWhat our friend Kelsey from The Girl Next Door podcast learned from her sleep coach (rising*shining)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.

Not sleeping? You’re not alone. In today’s podcast Meagan and Sarah offer helpful tips for making it through the day when your nights are long and, uh, eventful. Whether you have a new baby, a kid with bad dreams, or a struggle with insomnia yourself, we’re here to help. (If we could bring coffee, we’d do that too.)LINKS MENTIONED:Coping Tips for Sleep-Deprived Moms (Sarah’s article for The Happiest Home that contains the tips we discuss)Episode 33: (Totally Not Overwhelming) Health & Wellness AdviceEpisode 20: Routines For A Happy Mom LifeWhat our friend Kelsey from The Girl Next Door podcast learned from her sleep coach (rising*shining)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.