It feels good to complain once in a while – especially during the holidays. Today Meagan and Sarah laugh our way through a “vent sesh,” sharing mostly inconsequential gripes about what’s bugging us this year. While we often appreciate a positive reframe, we also know the cathartic power of airing a petty vent (or six). Plus, we share what’s new this holiday season for each of us. Join us!Helpful Links:Here’s a post on Meagan’s instagram more about holiday decorating in her new home.If you are struggling to find a decent store-bought pumpkin pie like Sarah is this season, check out Meagan’s pie-from-scratch Substack article.Email Sarah if you have advice for managing mice habitants in your holiday stuff!Episodes you may enjoy from the archives:Honoring Cultural & Faith Traditions At The Holidays: Voices 82Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341A Charcuterie Of Holiday EmotionsWe both welcome your petty holiday gripes at any time. Promise we will read them!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-info.

The Mom Hour

Inconsequential Holiday Gripes: Episode 442

Who came before us, and what can we learn from them? We think there’s a reason that ancestry research, genealogy, and discovering family stories holds a special interest for midlife women, and we’re here to talk about it. Meagan shares her journey back through time (and up to the UP!) to better understand her family’s roots. She shares what resources she used, her process for uncovering the unknowns, and what she’s discovered so far. Sarah has less direct experience but lots of curiosity. Join us!Helpful LinksMeagan is utilizing 23andme and Ancestry for filling in some unknowns about her family.Megan mentioned the start of her ancestry journey over the summer in this episode.www.Newspapers.com is helpful to learn about homes, buildings, and other historical data.Sarah had her parents preserve meaningful stories and memories in a keepsake book for her children.Meagan wrote a few posts about her Genealogy Journey: I Found My Biological Grandfather. Now What? Family history, genealogy, and the complicated concept of “cycle-breaking”Other Helpful LinksVisit 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.

Genealogy & Family History: Episode 441

While we try not to kick ourselves when we’re down and generally avoid second-guessing our parenting choices, we are human. And sometimes that means we experience regret. Today Meagan and Sarah reflect on some big and small choices we’ve made (or not made) throughout our parenting journeys, and why we’d do things differently if given the chance. We also reflect on regret as an emotion, and why sharing regrets can bring about connection with others. Join us!(You may not want to listen to this episode with little ears close by as we touch on some magic making topics.)Helpful LinksThe Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Dan Pink (affiliate link.)Sarah listened to this Dan Pink episode of Armchair Expert and loved it.This article summarizes the book and some of the research we mentioned: What Is the Power of Regret? A Conversation with Daniel PinkOur Worst #MomFail Moments: Episode 157Other 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.

Regrets, We've Had A Few: Episode 440

Do you have to identify as a musical person to nurture a love of music in your family? We think not. Meagan and Sarah look back at parenting babies, small kids, big kids and teens, reflecting on the role music has played in everything from bedtime to playtime, nurturing kids’ passions and finding shared interests as a family. We talk about what it means to “be musical,” how we thought our kids’ music learning would happen vs. how it actually played out, and what we’ve learned from our kids as their tastes and appreciation develop. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah loved Music Together classes when her kids were babies through preschoolersMusical Episodes From The ArchivesMore Than Mom: Musical TheaterMore Than Mom: Movie MusicalsStepping Into Your True Self with Musician Sarah Sample: Voices 24OTHER 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.

Musical Kids, Musical Families (Hint: That's All Of Us!)

Kassidi wants to become a more confident home cook and asks us where to begin. Natalie needs strategies for easing the long wind-down at bedtime for her co-sleeping toddler. Joy is considering traveling with young kids on her own but wonders what age is best to go for it, what activities to partake in and what to avoid when you’re on a mom-only trip with kids. In Episode 439, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archivesThe Laundry Awards: Episode 398 was mentioned by listener KassidyCookbooks/Kitchen Books/ Podcasts mentioned (Bookshop.org links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase AND your purchases help support independent booksellers):The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (10th Anniversary Edition)Meagan and Sarah share foundational cookbooks they remember from growing up and young adulthood, which have pros and cons for the modern beginner: Joy Of Cooking and Better Homes & Gardens New Cook BookHalf Baked HarvestMelissa D’Arabian cookbookDidn’t I just Feed You (Podcast)The Lazy Genius KitchenNew York Times CookingMeagan mentioned Mom Meltdowns, Oh No! Episode 01, about traveling solo with young kids.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-info.

Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 439

Spending time with extended family can bring on parenting challenges that don’t come up as often in our day-to-day routines. If you’re anticipating some uncomfortable situations this holiday season, don’t fret! Meagan and Sarah have your back with this episode’s round-up of some of your best listener questions and our advice, focused on traveling for the holidays (or not), surviving group events with different parenting styles, handling criticism (and unwanted advice) and much more. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener question episodes from the archivesIf we shared your listener question today, we’d love to hear from you about how things turned out!Meagan mentioned this episode about handling judgement.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-info.

Tricky Family Dynamics: Episode 438

At what age are kids ready for team sports? How do kids respond when parents volunteer to coach? (And what about the other parents?) How much is too much and what’s the deal with travel teams? The Mom Hour contributors Jayme and Jennifer share their experience as one-time competitive athletes who now have sporty kids. Listen to find out what they love, what gives them pause, and what they look forward to in the realm of youth sports. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Follow Jayme Sherrod from The Mom Hour team on InstagramFollow Jennifer Carrol from The Mom Hour team on InstagramJennifer wrote the blog post Yes, YOU Can Coach Youth Sports! which inspired this episode.Listen to the Stuff, Junk & Things, an episode from the archives featuring Jayme and Jennifer in July 2023.Here are more episodes about Sports from the archives:Sports Fandom & Family Culture: Episode 225How To Be A Happier Sports Parent: Episode 117Let’s Discuss “Sports Parenting”: Episode 18Here is the Facebook Community post referenced in this episode about wanting to skip extracurriculars altogether.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-info.

Navigating Youth Sports

It’s that time–the run-up to winter holidays is officially HERE! While we’re still early in the season, Meagan and Sarah offer practical, do-able ideas for taking action now to relieve stress and pressure later in the year. We also share tips from The Mom Hour listener community on everything from making holiday meals easier to getting ahead on gift ideas for kids. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Our Facebook Community shared lots of great ideas for “Do This Now, Enjoy The Holidays Later” in this facebook postThe Mom Hour Holiday Headquarters is live for 2023! Check back often for updates and additions.Episodes similar to this one:Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part One): Episode 411Do This Now; Enjoy Summer Later (Part Two): Episode 412Sarah listened to the audiobook Calm Christmas And A Happy New Year by Beth Kempton that includes a pdf for reflecting on the past year. There’s also a Calm Christmas Podcast if you want to take a listen. Beth’s motivational style is very gentle and cozy.The Lazy Genius has a Holiday Docket is a workbook with 7 practical steps to help you enjoy the holidays and celebrate the season well – our community highly recommends!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-info.

Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437

From wool underwear to fussy ice cubes, make-up fails to planners that don’t stick: we’ve been #Influenced and we’re hear to talk about it. (Technically, we’re talking about it again – we chatted on this topic in 2021 but these are all-new revelations!) Join Meagan and Sarah to hear what we’ve been #influenced to buy, to do, to make, and to consume recently. Plus, we touch upon what the algorithm gets right about us, AND what it gets wrong (Instagram thinks Meagan is a witch and Sarah is 70+ years old!). Enjoy!LINKS MENTIONED:More Than Mom: #Influenced is an episode from the archives (2021)Sarah was influenced early on by bloggers who are still creating content like Kristen Howerton, Rebecca Woolf, and The Mom Edit.Meagan was influenced early on by bloggers who partnered with the socially-concious fashion brand ABLESarah’s loving Me Undies, thanks to podcast advertisingWe both love Olive & June (a sponsor!), and seeing everyone’s manis on Instagram influenced Sarah to consistently paint her nailsBeth Kempton inspired Meagan to write a book and start writing on SubstackMeagan loves her Hatch Clock (affiliate link)Sarah would be lost without Todoist (affiliate link)ThreadUp is Sarah’s favorite place to shopMeagan uses Bobbi Brown Miracle BalmMeagan is trying out Wool& dressesOTHER 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.

#Influenced: Episode 436

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Today Emily, Joanne and Lisa come together in conversation about their personal experiences with miscarriage in an effort to help moms in our community feel less alone. If this topic is heavy for you, our hearts are with you. Thank you to our team members for sharing their stories, and to each of your for listening.HELPFUL LINKS:Get to know Lisa, Joanne and Emily from our contributor team.Follow Lisa Payne on InstagramFollow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on InstagramFollow Emily Roark on InstagramClick Here to find a therapist in your area. There’s a search bar that makes it really easy to search by issue and location. Resources on Loss & Grief In Pregnancy and Postpartum by Postpartum Support International.Additional resources:Share Pregnancy And Infant Loss SupportSisters In LossReturn To ZeroEpisodes from the archives featuring more on this topic include:Loss, Hope & Healing: One Family’s Story Of Turning Grief Into AdvocacyBONUS: A Conversation About Pregnancy Loss With Leeann DearingOTHER 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.

A Conversation About Miscarriage

People tell me ‘oh, you’re in it’ or ‘don’t worry, it gets better,’ but as a mom of a two-year-old and a six-month-old, I’m like: ‘Okay, but…WHEN? When does that actually happen?”Good question. When DOES parenting start to get a little easier? Today Meagan and Sarah try our best to get specific with the above question, posed by Sarah Limberg from our contributor team. We chat about specific parenting milestones that felt like leveling-up when we were in the trenches, and offer hope and realism in equal measure to those of you in this season. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:The Mom Hour was featured in Real Simple‘s subscriber magazine Celebrate. If you subscribe to Real Simple, look for us, and check out the online version here (last page!).The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read is coming in 2025! Congratulations, Meagan!Meagan’s article about parenting teenagers was featured in The Washington Post.Sarah recommended following The Washington Post’s parenting section. Here’s a few episodes featuring The Washington Post parenting section experts:BONUS: Not Aunt Becky!? The College Scam & Parenting CultureParenting Outside The Lines: Voices 66 With Meghan LeahyHere’s a link to Meghan Leahy’s On Parenting Advice Column with The Washington Post.Sarah has a piece in her local paper about family photo shoots. Link coming soon!Relevant Episodes From The Archives About Having More Babies (Or Not):Are You “Done” Having Babies?: Episode 07Should I Get Pregnant Again? Episode 187What’s One More? The Practical Realities of 3+ Kid Families: Episode 230A member of our team Sarah Limberg–who inspired this episode– is taking over our instagram stories this week. Follow Along!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-info.

When Will This Get Easier?: Episode 435

Getting kids to do chores, pick up after themselves, and help around the house is not for the faint of heart. Meagan and Sarah are decades into parenting and can still settle in for a vent-session about dirty socks left on the floor. But we’ve acquired a little bit of wisdom along the way too, and today we’re here to smooth the path for moms who want to feel less frustrated when it comes to kids and chores. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Sarah mentioned hearing Wendy Mogel talk about high-achieving kids and chores in this episode of Armchair ExpertSarah also mentioned learning an approach mentioned in the chores chapter KJ Dell’Antonia’s book, How to Be a Happier Parent (affiliate link)Episodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:A Summertime Chores, Life Skills & Freedoms Reset: Episode 315Chores, Life Skills, & Household Contributions: Episode 191Chores & Delegation: Episode 15OTHER 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.

Chores & Household Responsibilities: Episode 434

Candy. Late bedtimes. Costumes. Halloween is a holiday that can easily throw kids’ schedules and moms’ sanity way off. Today’s episode is full of practical halloween parenting tips, including house rules for costume buying, trick-or-treating, candy consuming, and much more. Plus, Meagan and Sarah reminisce about 2021 Halloween v. today. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Check out all our episodes and blog posts about HalloweenMeagan’s essay “Yes, That Might Be My Teen At Your Door on Halloween”Most of the House Rules we collected for this episode were comments from 2021 on this post in our Facebook groupSarah’s family had fun in 2022 marbling pumpkins with nail polish.Did you enjoy this House Rules episode? Here are a few more from the archives:House Rules For Summer: Episode 422House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393House Rules For After School: Episode 380House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340House Rules For Kid Hygiene: Episode 332House Rules For Easier Mornings: Episode 328House Rules For Kid Birthdays: Episode 323OTHER 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.

House Rules For Halloween [Classic Replay]: Episode 433

As busy moms and business owners we’re often on the go – and, cliché as it is, almost always with a beverage in hand! In part two of our conversation about kitchen gadgets and gear, Meagan and Sarah go deep into all of the beverage products that keep our drinks hot, cold, room-temp, fizzy, cute, and spill-proof. We also get into kitchen-adjacent gear that helps us clean and organize the space where we feed our families. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Kitchen Gadgets & Gear Part 1: Episode 431Episodes that pair well with this one:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Our Fantasy KitchensSmall Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenCheck out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog post.Beverage products we mentionedBurr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAidThe Ember Mug (affiliate link)SparkelWe both love Hydro Flask; Sarah recently upgraded to the 32-oz All Around Travel Tumbler for water drinking, and we both love their coffee tumblers for traveling with hot beveragesBerkey Water FiltersOrganization and cleaning products we mentionedOXO Herb KeeperBristle Brush For Cleaning BottlesBeeswax Wrap (affiliate link)One of us knew what a Salt Pig is – and the other does now! (affiliate link)Sarah has this Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum and loves it (affiliate link)Last Call for the Reinvent Retreat (registration closes October 2)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-info.

Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 2: Episode 432

Kids are back in school and we’re back in our kitchens with a bit more pep in our steps – so let’s chat about gadets and gear! Join Meagan and Sarah today to hear about the Porch Microwave, the Mercedes-Benz of Coffee Grinders, how our partners’ personalities lead us to unwanted kitchen appliances, and more. We share our current favorite kitchen tools for food prep and cooking – with more to come next week, too. Join us!HELPFUL LINKS:Episodes that pair well with this one:Kitchen Storage & Organization: Episode 312More Than Mom: Our Fantasy KitchensSmall Steps Toward Sustainability In The KitchenCheck out more kitchen gadgets loved by our contributors in this blog postSarah reluctantly now loves her Burr Coffee Grinder from KitchenAidProducts we mentionedMixing Bowls with Airtight LidsGood Grips 5 LB. Food ScaleKitchenAid Pasta RollerMeater Digital ThermometerRice CookerCaraway Saute PanCaraway Baking SheetCuisinart Immersion BlenderSmall Silicone SpatulasOTHER 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.

Kitchen Gadgets & Gear, Part 1: Episode 431

Co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers have eight kids between them, little to grown. Weekly conversations offer practical tips and real-life encouragement for moms who want to enjoy motherhood more, and cut back on comparison, worry, and stress. We’re not experts, we’re moms who’ve been there. We’re not perfect, we’re real. Welcome to The Mom Hour. 

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The Mom Hour

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