The Mom Hour

Mom Hour Media

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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Our Editor's Take

The Mom Hour serves mothers everywhere who are eager for support and community. Who better to offer these than two moms who know what that feels like? Hosts Meagan and Sarah talk about the quirks of mothering and provide tips for the savvy working mom. Podcast listeners may learn about the best parenting hacks out there today.

Sarah and Meagan are relatable moms. From the first episode of The Mom Hour podcast, they share their failures and successes. The duo knows what it's like when a toddler melts down in public. The hosts have also had meltdowns in front of their kids. Meagan and Sarah share how they regulate their emotions during challenging moments. Teenagers have their moments, too. In one episode, psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour discusses helping teens manage enormous feelings. In another, Sarah Hart-Unger talks about her life as a full-time doctor and mom of three little ones. Her tips for time management may help many busy mothers.

Other show subjects include snacking rules for preschoolers, birthdays, and parenting in the era of social media. The plethora of mom advice online can overwhelm parents. But why not use social media for fun? Sarah and Meagan talk about how much they enjoy being social online. It's a beautiful way to connect with parents of all kinds from all over the globe.

The hosts also know that sometimes one needs a break. In an episode on weddings, they remind each other that being a parent is only one aspect of who they are. While gushing over Meagan's wedding photos, Sarah reveals her favorite part of witnessing a marriage.

Some Mom Hour episodes have the hosts answering listener questions. Parents can hear their advice on getting back to school after the summer. They can also learn how Meagan and Sarah would decline a party invitation for a child who doesn't want to attend. Kid politics can be tricky, too.

On this delightful parenting podcast, moms-and dads—can find helpful advice and a good laugh. New podcast episodes of The Mom Hour come out several days a week.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 461
Apr 16 2024
Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 461
Rebekah struggles with a culture of “husband bashing” and negativity in her local mom circles. Ainsley wonders how she and her husband will handle being outnumbered once their third child arrives. Candice wants to feel seen in all she does for her family – prompting Meagan and Sarah to explore different kinds of invisible labor and unpack the work we sometimes assign ourselves. And Amanda asks us to give an update on our current food values. In Episode 461, Meagan and Sarah take these questions from our community and offer tips and validation. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Listener Question episodes from the archivesDo you relate to Rebekah’s mom friend question? Here’s more on friendships in motherhood from the archives: Friendships in Motherhood, Part One (Redefining “Ride Or Die”): Episode 307 and Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two (Deepening & Widening Your Circle): Episode 308.Episodes from the archives on Mental Load and Invisible LaborEmotional Labor, Burnout & Completing The Stress Cycle: Episode 285Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290Episodes from the archives on FoodFamily Food Values & What’s Working For Us: Episode 244 and Defining Your Family’s Food Values: Episode 113 references Meagan and Sarah’s food values from the pastOTHER 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.
Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460
Apr 9 2024
Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460
Baseball, Scouts, soccer, basketball….you name it, our kids are doing it! In this episode, Catie and Katie are back to discuss all the stuff, processes, and mindsets that help get our families through a busy season. Join us for some of our favorite products, meal strategies, plus where and how we delegate responsibilities out to family members. Plus, it’ll be summer before we know it, and have some thoughts on how to tackle that, too. Enjoy!Meagan and Sarah are off for the first two weeks of April. Enjoy the Katie+Catie takeover, and we’ll be back soon!HELPFUL LINKS:Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on Instagram.Katie mentioned the BONUS: Navigating Youth Sports episode with contributors Jayme and Jennifer.Katie loves her lululemon clippable card pouch she can easily throw into whatever bag is needed for extracurriculars and attaches it to a bracelet to wear around her wrist.Catie uses these post-it dry erase whiteboard stickers.Our favorite water bottles include Yeti, Owala, and Gatorade water bottles for sports.Katie keeps her Vera Bradley Large Tote in the trunk to throw all the stuff in when going to sporting events.Catie and Katie both utilize Bentgo boxes and Easy Lunchboxes for dinners-on-the-go.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.
Small Tweaks To Save Big Money: Episode 459
Apr 2 2024
Small Tweaks To Save Big Money: Episode 459
With the cost of EVERYTHING at near record highs, many families want to be mindful about where all their hard-earned dollars go. In this episode, Catie Parrish and Katie Gouldner share some of their best tips and tricks for stretching those dollars (and even saving in the process!). While groceries and eating out are easy targets for slashing your monthly spending, you might be surprised at a few other tips for saving big – plus, Katie shares how her recent no-spend month went, and how much her family saved!Meagan and Sarah are off for the first two weeks of April. Enjoy the Katie+Catie takeover, and we’ll be back soon!HELPFUL LINKS:Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on InstagramKatie mentioned an episode of The Frugal Friends podcast, No Spend January, that spurred her mindful spending monthEpisodes From The Archives That Pair Well With This One:Saving Money On Food And Groceries: Episode 3517 Ways We’re Saving Money This Fall: Episode 277Saving Money on Groceries & Household Supplies: Episode 55Katie mentioned the family amusement park Hersheypark which is located in Central, PennsylvaniaCatie mentioned this Arboretum outside of ChicagoKatie chatted with Sarah about planning her 2023 Disney World Vacation in Disney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410Catie joined Meagan in the episodes Tips For Traveling With Small Kids (Catie’s Florida Family Vacation) and Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)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.
Sanity Savers For Stuck-At-Home Days: Episode 457
Mar 19 2024
Sanity Savers For Stuck-At-Home Days: Episode 457
Whether it’s a sick day, a snow day, or something else entirely, being stuck at home with kids is a natural opportunity to bend or flex your house rules to keep the kids entertained (and retain your sanity). In today’s episode, Meagan and Sarah share our community’s genius ideas for getting through long days spent at home. Join us for smart hacks for sick kids (and moms!), easy activities that help full long hours, and ways to make being stuck inside a little less awful. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Our Mother’s Gratitude Journal is out! (affiliate link)Meagan and Sarah mentioned longtime show sponsor Kiwi Crate as a great option for packaged crafts and experiments for various ages. Get 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code THEMOMHOUR.These ideas came from our Facebook Community – answer the membership questions and request to join for more practical tips for making stuck-at-home days with kids less stressful and more fun!Episodes from the archives that pair nicely with this one:House Rules For Sibling Harmony: Episode 314OMG We’re Sick AGAIN?!: Episode 389Uggghhh…Sick Days: Episode 75Stuck At Home? Us Too. Here Are Some Ideas: Episode 252Check out the blog post, 8 Activities To Make Spring Break At Home With Little Kids Bearable (And Fun!)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.
Is Your Family Ready For A Dog?
Feb 16 2024
Is Your Family Ready For A Dog?
Whether you have puppy fever or are overwhelmed by the idea of getting a dog, this episode will meet you where you are. Join regular contributors Joanna and Joanne as they check in about recent adventures adding furry family members to their homes. They offer advice for things to consider before getting a dog, chat about how a dog can impact your lifestyle, your budget, and your mental load, and offer tips for introducing a dog to a new baby and getting kids involved in pet care. Enjoy!HELPFUL LINKS:Follow Joanna Martin on InstagramFollow Joanne Ruelos Diaz on InstagramJoanna trained her new dog at The Dog WizardHere is a helpful article, Should I Get A Dog from the American Kennel ClubJoanne’s custom dog bookmark from EtsyJoanne rescued her dog from Heavenly Angel’s Animal RescueJoanna received this custom, search-and-find your dog bookJoanna mentioned this rescue organization in Dallas, TexasEpisodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:More Than Mom: Pets!All About Family Pets: Episode 71Pandemic Puppies, Foster Kittens & A Small Animal Pet Debate: Episode 286Lessons In Motherhood From Chickens & Kittens: Episode 379OTHER 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 Do I Make Time For It All? [Classic Replay]
Jan 19 2024
How Do I Make Time For It All? [Classic Replay]
Overwhelmed? Tired of people suggesting you “just relax!” or “go easy on yourself!”? Wondering if you should be playing with your kids more? This episode is for you. In this classic replay from 2016, Meagan and Sarah answer a question from Sheena (mom to a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and an infant!) about how to make time for things that need to be done around the house AND still connect with her kids. We normalize feeling overwhelmed, offer concrete tips for staying reasonably caught up, and share our experience balancing expectations, reality, and good-enough productivity. Join us!“Hi Sarah and Meagan, this is Sheena from Oregon, and I have two questions that both relate to time management. I have a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old and I’m finding that I’m always behind, and I’m wondering if you have any tips for how to get ahead? Also, how do you find time in the day to play? I find that I’m always just trying to get the kids busy so I can get on to my next task, and I never have time to just sit down and play. Thanks for your advice!”HELPFUL LINKS:Do you listen to The Mom Hour on the Apple Podcasts app? Apple had an update and unsubscribed people (argh!), so please make sure to click the (+) sign follow and subscribeDo you have an idea for an episode topic? Email Meagan and Sarah directly! We love to hear from you.We referenced Episode 10: We Hate Fun!Sarah still loves The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey (this is an affiliate link)Other articles and episodes about time management and productivityOTHER 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.