A Decade Of MomHourisms: Episode 509 The Mom Hour podcast

1:02:51

Jennifer wants to hear all our old podcast intros one more time (what a fun trip down memory lane!). Contributor Sarah wonders how Meagan and Sarah’s perspectives on parenting have evolved since episode one. Tricia wonders how to get a kindergartener to open up about hard stuff, while listeners Mel and Lisa each ask how to figure out what’s next in motherhood—and life. Kim wants to know how much she really needs to play with her child—and how to balance being present while modeling healthy phone habits. Plus, we share a quick update on what's next for our amazing contributor team members. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Listener Question episodes from the archives How Do You Know What’s Next?: Episode 503 Our team members Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish launched a new podcast Chasing The Spark A list of podcast recs from The Mom Hour Listener Community on Facebook. OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Time-Saving, Time-Shifting, Time Surrendering 51:54

6 days ago51:54

51:54

Modern society loves the concept of ‘saving time’ – but at what cost? There’s nothing wrong with streamlining and efficiency, but today Meagan and Sarah push back against the notion that time-saving strategies – and products – unilaterally bring more calm to our days. Instead we look at ways to think about shifting time to our advantage, batching tasks and opting out to free up schedule space, simplifying rather than optimizing, and finding our own peace with our relationship to time. This is Part 2 of a three-part series about Time running this spring. Check out Part 1: On Balance & Busy-ness and come back next month for Part 3 . HELPFUL LINKS: Episodes From The Archives Similar To This Topic: The Lazy Genius Helps Fix Our Time Management Troubles Time Management For The Season You’re In How Do I Make Time For It All? The Life-Changing Magic of Opting Out We both have this rice cooker OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Are You A "Yes Mom" Or A "No Mom"? : Episode 517 49:18

9 days ago49:18

49:18

Some days we’re the “Sure, why not?” mom, and other days we’re the “Because I said so” mom - and often we lean more into one side than the other. Meagan and Sarah unpack what the Yes Mom / No Mom binary really means, the why behind our wiring, how it affects our kids, and how it’s not always so black and white. We look at the balance between freedom and structure, and remind you there are many ways to be yourself and be a great mom at the same time. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy: Meagan Schools Sarah on Parenting Teens: Episode 310 Nurturing Grandparent-Grandkid Relationships: Episode 390 Giving Ourselves Credit & Compassion: Episode 506 We Hate Fun: Episode 109 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Writing "The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read": Episode 516 57:27

16 days ago57:27

57:27

Meagan wrote a book—and Sarah has lots of questions. In this episode, we dive into Meagan’s journey from concept to publication. From the initial spark of an idea to the challenges of writing, editing, and getting it out into the world, join us for an inside look at the process behind bringing her book to life. Whether you’re a writer, a non-writer who likes to learn how the sausage gets made, or simply want to offer Meagan your support during launch week, we hope you’ll listen! Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next HELPFUL LINKS: meaganfrancis.substack.com More on Meagan’s book-writing journey: The Kettle podcast episode Gretchen Rubin on her “open door” approach to parenting young adults Is it possible to plan a “slow” book launch? Meagan shares thoughts about gearing up for book promotion season in One month until my new book publishes! Sarah mentioned the podcast #amwriting Meagan took a book proposal writing course from Beth Kempton Episodes From The Archives On Writing: Life Of A Writer Mom: Episode 406 Living A Writerly Life: Episode 454 More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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5 Things That Surprised Meagan About Parenting Young Adults: Episode 515 59:13

23 days ago59:13

59:13

What does it mean to “launch” a kid into adulthood? How does parenting change when you’re still mom, but they’re no longer children? With Meagan’s new book just a week from launch, we’re diving into five things she’s learned about parenting young adults. Sarah asks the questions, Meagan shares the wisdom—and we both reflect on how the parenting journey keeps evolving. Enjoy! GET THE BOOK: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read – Available For Pre-Order NOW! HELPFUL LINKS: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read – Available For Pre-Order NOW! If you preordered Meagan’s book, email your receipt to meagan@meaganfrancis.com and you will get a signed bookplate later in May. Join Meagan on Substack for her book launch Find Sarah on Substack We mentioned this recent episode when talking about time opening up for us as moms: On Balance & Busy-Ness OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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What Does It Mean To Raise Creative Kids? 56:57

27 days ago56:57

56:57

Raising creative kids isn’t just about paintbrushes and piano lessons—it’s also about noticing how they think, solve problems, and dream up deas. Both Meagan and Sarah come from creative backgrounds and hope to raise creative kids, but we’ve learned that creativity shows up in unexpected places—from storytelling and party planning to building weird contraptions out of couch cushions. We share what’s worked in our own families, where we’ve had to shift our thinking, and some of the misconceptions we’ve had about what being “creative” really means. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy: More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative Practice Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits: Episode 484 More Than Mom: Creative Hobbies (Now … Soonish … Maybe Someday OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Motherhood Nostalgia & Why It Matters: Episode 514 55:53

4 weeks ago55:53

55:53

We’ve heard from so many listeners who say that The Mom Hour helped you through your early years of parenting. Your notes of gratitude got us thinking (and feeling all the feels) about what a uniquely intense and tender season “active mothering” really is—and why it inspires a certain nostalgia when viewed later from a distance. Join us as we share some of your own words as well as memories of our own, reflecting on the pop-cultural, sensory, emotional, and unexpectedly specific things that instantly transport us back. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Episodes Mentioned In This One: The Muscle Memory Of Motherhood: Episode 363 Giving Ourselves Credit & Compassion: Episode 506 Magical Night Visitors (Elves, Bunnies, Fairies & Jolly Fat Dudes): Episode 96 Last Firsts & First Lasts (Milestones We Notice, And A Bunch We Miss): Episode 166 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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On Balance & Busy-Ness 53:34

5 weeks ago53:34

53:34

This week, we’re talking about busy-ness —that always-running hamster wheel we either can’t get off… or can’t seem to climb onto. Meagan and Sarah each look back on times in our lives when our relationship with productivity felt off —whether we were drowning in to-dos or floating in a weird limbo of not-enough-to-dos. Where are we at now on the busy scale? How do our personalities lend themselves to being busy – or not? And is there even such a thing as the perfect balance? Join us! This is Part 1 of a three-part series about Time running this spring. Check back next month for Part 2! HELPFUL LINKS: The Fall Sarah Quit Everything: Episode 233 Episodes From The Archives On Time Management: The Lazy Genius Helps Fix Our Time Management Troubles: Episode 485 Time Management For The Season You’re In: Episode 483 Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee Hawthorne Productivity & Time Management Tips For Moms: Episode 169 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Home Management Then Vs. Now: Episode 513 50:41

5 weeks ago50:41

50:41

From sandbox maintenance and the endless cycle of outgrown kids’ clothes to the rise of sourdough starters and evolving gardening ambitions, today's episode is about how our home management tasks have shifted as our kids have grown. We each share a few “then vs. now” snapshots, offering little insights into what domestic work looks like during different seasons of family life. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: Meagan wrote the blog post Organizing Kids' Clothes: Seasonal And Hand-Me-Down Storage Made Simple back in 2014 about the storage and swap-out of seasonal clothes and handmedowns that she used for her four boys for a decade. Meagan mentioned the book The Domestic Revolution by Ruth Goodman (affiliate link) Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy On Home/Life/Time Management . OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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What & How We're Reading This Spring: Episode 512 1:10:01

6 weeks ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Hey, book lovers! This week, Meagan and Sarah catch up on our latest reading adventures. We share some books we’ve been loving lately, our TBR lists and check in on our library habits. We also discuss how reading habits change when we’re on vacation or just shaking up our routines. Oh, and with Meagan’s book launch on the horizon, we’re giving you a peek into how she’s keeping up with all the new releases and buzz in the book world. So grab a cup of your fav beverage and let’s dive into this bookish catch-up! HELPFUL LINKS: Episodes From The Archives On Reading & Libraries: 7 Habits Of Moms Who Make Time For Reading: Episode 492 More Than Mom: For The Love Of Libraries Meagan and Sarah both use the Libby App to borrow books from the local library. Sarah subscribed to The New Yorker Meagan’s Books (book links are affiliate links) The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series The Domestic Revolution: How the Introduction of Coal into Victorian Homes Changed Everything by Ruth Goodman A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell is on Meagan’s TBR list The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies is on Meagan’s TBR List Sarah’s Books(book links are affiliate links) Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes by Jessica Pan Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Jedidiah Jenkins , author of Mother Nature , was featured on Armchair Expert . Meagan wrote about her current relationship with the library in a new Substack post. Meagan interviews Gretchen Rubin on her podcast The Kettle on April 15 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Jokes, Humor, Pranks & Funny Stuff: Episode 511 1:05:17

7 weeks ago1:05:17

1:05:17

No April Foolery from us today, but we ARE talking about family culture around jokes and funny stuff. We touch on Sarah’s very strong feelings about pranks and jump scares, the joy of watching our kids’ unique senses of humor evolve as they grow, whether teasing and ribbing fit in our our families’ culture, comedy styles in pop culture that catch on with our teens, and more. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Speaking Our Kids’ Love Languages (And Knowing Our Own): Episode 296 Staying Connected With Tweens, Teens & Beyond: Episode 482 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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House Rules For Neighbor Play: Episode 510 44:15

8 weeks ago44:15

44:15

Living near other families with kids is a blessing and, occasionally, a challenge. In today’s episode of House Rules, Meagan and Sarah share tips from The Mom Hour community—consider this your go-to guide for making those impromptu playdates a little smoother! From setting boundaries, providing snacks, staying safe, and keeping the peace, we've got you covered. Enjoy! HELPFUL LINKS: House Rules For Neighbor Play ideas from our Facebook Community. Did you enjoy this House Rules episode? Here are a few more from the archives: House Rules For Messy Fun: Episode 468 House Rules For Easier Bedtimes: Episode 443 House Rules For Tidying Up: Episode 413 House Rules For Gifting & Giving: Episode 393 House Rules For After School: Episode 380 House Rules for Playdates: Episode 340 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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A Decade Of MomHourisms: Episode 509 1:01:37

9 weeks ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Today we celebrate a decade of The Mom Hour! We asked listeners to tell us the phrases we say all the time – MomHour-isms, if you will – and wow, did you deliver. We own up to our quirks and vocal tics, give backstory to oft-repeated phrases we utter, and share behind-the-scenes details about making and editing the podcast. Join us! HELPFUL LINKS: Did you miss our news about the future of The Mom Hour? Listen to How Do You Know What’s Next?: Episode 503 Episodes from the archives mentioned in this episode: Mom Milestones (By Popular Request!): Episode 257 We Hate Fun: Episode 109 We Hate Fun! (Okay, Not ALL Fun): Episode 10 The Muscle Memory Of Motherhood: Episode 363 OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Knowing Ourselves As Travelers 58:47

10 weeks ago58:47

58:47

Let’s talk travel habits! How do you settle into a rental property? Do you unpack in a hotel room? Are you a fan of rental cars, or do you rely on ride-sharing apps? These are just a few of the things Meagan and Sarah discuss in today’s episode on traveling without kids and the unique habits that come with it. Join us as we share our personal quirks (and strong feelings) on things like rental cars, tech use while on vacation, our use (or non-use) of navigation apps, and how we make accommodations feel more like home. Enjoy! This is Part 3 of a three-part travel series running this winter! You can listen to Part 1 here , and listen to Part 2 here . HELPFUL LINKS: Check out our Family Travel Hub for episodes and blog posts to help with all your traveling-with-kids needs! Traveling As Business Besties (Meagan & Sarah From Dallas Together!) We mentioned this episode, where we deep-dive on our airport personalities: Getting There Is Half The Fun (Especially When You’re Flying Solo) OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: Pre-Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s Next Visit our website Check out deals from our partners Follow us on Instagram Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!) Sign up for our newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Morning Routines Lately: Episode 508 57:39

10 weeks ago57:39