A preschooler with a bit of a hoarding tendency, mom-guilt related to not providing the same school experience to all three of her kids, and sadness about a firstborn child heading off to college. Meagan and Sarah offer our advice to moms with these parenting questions, PLUS we unpack the “glad I did / wish I’d done” conceit, offering our thoughts to a mom who wants to know what we’d do differently if we knew then what we know now. Join us for Listener Questions in Episode 501!

Pre-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:

• Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Back To School
• Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Tech & Devices
• Glad I Did / Wish I’d Done: Summer Planning
• Regrets, We’ve Had A Few

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

Where would we go if time, money, and (ahem) kids were of little consequence? Where would YOU go? In our first episode in a three-part travel series, Meagan and Sarah talk about dream destinations and what kind of travel experiences we envision as we move out of the intensive ‘family travel planning’ years. We talk about how our personalities inform the way we think about travel, whether we aim for a ‘vibe’ vs. a specific location, and how we feel about traveling with our spouses. Join us!

HELPFUL LINKS:

Episodes From The Archives On Traveling

• Parenting Lessons From Travel Abroad: Episode 448
• Tips For Traveling With Teens (Meagan’s Florida Family Vacation)
• Tips For Traveling With Small Kids (Catie’s Florida Family Vacation)
• Family Travel Mishaps & Why We Go Anyway: Voices 76
• Real Moms Share Their Best Family Travel Advice: Episode 356
• House Rules For Travel And Vacation: Episode 319
• Disney Planning / Disney Parenting: Episode 410

Travel With Kids Blog Posts

• Hometown Travel Guide: Santa Barbara With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: St. Louis With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: Kansas City Metro With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: Glacier National Park With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: Los Angeles With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: Dallas-Fort Worth With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: Indianapolis With Kids
• Hometown Travel Guide: San Diego with Kids
• Visiting The Outer Banks Of North Carolina With Kids
• Disneyland With Littles: Where To Splurge, How To Save & How I Really Feel About Mouse Ears

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

Meagan and Sarah are back from a holiday hiatus and catching up on all the things in our 500th Tuesday episode! We’re chatting about the holiday season, the state of our homes, the latest antics from our pets, and what we’re looking forward to as parents this year. It’s been a minute, so come hang with us for some laughs, real talk, and all the fun as we dive into 2025 together!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Meagan shared some holiday thoughts on Substack throughout the month of December:
• Holiday Mothering From An Empty Nest
• Making Our Own Christmas Magic
• Christmas Baking and Cozy Holiday Books
• The Lasting Impact Of A Mother At Christmas 
• The Christmas I Learned To Relax
• Sarah mentioned the episode We're Back! Meagan and Sarah Chat Summer So Far
• Preorder Meagan's Book The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read! (affiliate link)

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

Ready to clear the clutter, both in your home and your mind? Catie and Katie are back and we’re diving into all things cleaning — from how a tidy space can lead to a clearer head, to creating cleaning schedules that actually work for your family. We’ll share creative tips on getting the kids involved, plus our favorite products, and how we make cleaning feel a little less like a chore. Whether you’re a cleaning pro or a self-proclaimed mess-maker, we’ve got something to make your space (and mind) feel a lot lighter. Join us!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this holiday break. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you mid-January!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• The Connection Between Cleanliness and Mental Health
• The One Decision That Helped Me Manage Overwhelming Paper Clutter is a helpful blog post that was mentioned
• Products We Mentioned In This Episode:
• Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Hand Vacuum
• Shark Navigator Vacuum
• Dyson Ball Animal Vacuum
• OXO Pop Top Containers for the pantry
• Cereal Containers for the pantry
• MORE episodes from Katie and Catie:
• Small Tweaks To Save Big Money: Episode 459
• Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460
• New Year Mom Mantras: Episode 499

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

For more peace and purpose in your mom life, consider a mantra! Today Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish dive into the enchanting world of mantras—what they are, how to create one that fits your current motherhood era, and how to weave it into your daily routine. We’ll share feel-good examples, simple tips, and ways to make your mantra an anchor throughout your day. Whether you’re stepping into a new season or just craving a little more balance, we’ll help you embrace the year ahead with calm, clarity, and confidence. Enjoy the journey!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this holiday break. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you mid-January!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish on Instagram
• More Episodes From Katie and Catie:
• Small Tweaks To Save Big Money: Episode 459
• Hacks For Slaying Busy Seasons: Episode 460
• Episodes From The Archives on Goal Setting and Beyond:
• More Than Mom: 2022 Goals & Intentions (What We Said, How It Went & Where Life Surprised Us)
• More Than Mom: 2022 Goals Check-In
• Our Favorite Resources For An Inspired January: Episode 399

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

In a world where influencers and professional photos shape our idea of the “perfect home,” it can be overwhelming to develop our own home style. But what if loving your home isn’t about achieving perfection? Today Joanna Martin sits down with special guest Kelsey Wharton from The Girl Next Door Podcast to discuss embracing the homes we have, letting go of unrealistic ideals, and focusing on creating spaces that reflect who we are—not what we see online. We cover simplifying home decor, finding inspiration without the pressure, and discovering the beauty in the everyday spaces we call home. Join us!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this holiday break. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you mid-January!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Follow Joanna Martin and Kelsey Wharton on Instagram
• The Girl Next Door Podcast
• Average house size article Joanna mentions
• Studio McGee
• Kelsey’s Matrimoney Podcast with her husband Chris
• Your Year to Shine is Kelsey’s 2025 goal-setting workshop
• Kelsey’s personal blog
• 9-square cube shelf hack to make backpack cubbies

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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 newslette

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holidays are full of fun traditions—holiday photos, baking cookies, and matching PJs—but what happens when reality doesn’t live up to our expectations? Jayme and Kia are here to talk about how to embrace the mess and the madness instead of stressing over it. We explore how to shift our mindset, let go of perfection, and find joy in the imperfect moments with our kids and families this season. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday expectations, this episode is for you! Enjoy!

Meagan and Sarah have passed the mic over to our team this holiday break. Enjoy the fantastic, all-new podcast episodes they’ve prepared for you, and we’ll talk to you mid-January!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Returning To Work After Staying Home With Kids: Episode 472 is an episode from the archives featuring both Jayme and Kia
• Jayme wrote the blog post Baking With Kids This Holiday Season: A Strategy For The Hesitant Mom
• Episodes From The Archives on Managing Expectations:
• BONUS: Pressure, Perfection, And Comparison During The Holidays [Classic Replay]
• Letting Go of Perfect-Holiday-Mom Pressure (For Real This Time): Episode 290
• Sane & Satisfying Holiday Entertaining: Episode 130

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

Today we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you’ll love: Let’s Begin with Jenna Arnold. If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of parenting while maintaining your own sense of self, we hope you’ll check out this show!

Hosted by activist, author, and mother, Jenna Arnold, in partnership with the early learning experts at Begin, each episode provides a fresh perspective on the parenting and child development topics keeping us up at night–– like parental mental health, fostering resilience, and ensuring our kids are capable, confident, and curious learners.

Hear from the creators of Sesame Street, actress Kristen Bell, licensed therapist Kier Gaines, and more as they provide reassurance and guidance–– unpacking their parenting insecurities along the way. And at the end of each episode you’ll hear expert insight from Dr. Jody LeVos, Begin’s Chief Learning Officer, to help reframe growth and achievement in the classroom and beyond.

Listen to Let’s Begin with Jenna Arnold on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have bright spots of joy to share today! From apparel to décor, books to beverages, and an extremely festive toilet, Meagan and Sarah share what’s making us happy this holiday season. We’re on break for the next four weeks while the team takes over the mic, so come ring out 2024 with us in silly, festive, more-than-mom fashion. Happy Holidays!

Want to see the reindeer toilet, the advent candles, the Christmas tree brooch, and the Santa ball cap? Head over to our website, where we've included visuals for much of what we talked about in this episode!

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Sarah’s Hanna Andersson Onesie
• Last week’s episode was mentioned in this one: Holding On & Letting Go For The Holidays: Episode 494
• Meagan’s podcast The Tea’s Made on December 15 is with a blogger Well Read Tart who does mashups of books and food.
• Meagan’s reading Christmas-specific-cozy-lit these days by Jenny Colgen.
• Cookbooks Sarah Mentioned (all are affiliate links):
• The Pioneer Woman A Year Of Holidays
• Baking For The Holidays
• The Holiday Cookie Book
• The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook
• Letters from Father Christmas is a classic Meagan recommends and Sarah likes The Gift of the Magi
• Sarah loves this Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar
• Check out our Playlist: Less Stressful, More Magical Holidays for more episodes on holidays and celebrations.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

From sentimental pieces we've lost to new styles we’re drawn to, today’s episode is all about our changing relationship with accessories. Meagan and Sarah explore everything from the family stories held by a Christmas tree brooch, to how we feel about statement pieces and right-hand rings. We wrap things up with a fun lightning round about our current jewelry mindsets. It’s a mix of reflection, reinvention, and a touch of glam— join us!

This is Part 3 of 3 in our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series this fall. Check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here. 

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Episodes From The Archives You May Enjoy:
• More Than Mom: Jewelry!
• Cozy Winter Style Inspiration: Episode 397
• BONUS: Six Strategies For A Fall Wardrobe Reboot
• What We’re Wearing Lately: Episode 450

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.

As our kids grow up, holiday traditions start to shift; as they enter adulthood and begin their own lives, the shifts get even bigger and they’re naturally accompanied by all kinds of feelings. Join Meagan and Sarah as we share honest thoughts on how we envision ‘holiday mom life’ evolving over the next few decades. We look back at our own young adult years, attempt to predict which of our kids might bail on Christmas first, and reflect on how we hope to balance family togetherness with acceptance and letting go.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Similar Episodes From The Archives:
• Do This Now; Enjoy The Holidays Later: Episode 437
• Home For The Holidays With Little Kids & Big Kids: Episode 341
• Acknowledging Holidays Present (Truth Talk About Where We Are This Season): Episode 292
• Remembering Holidays Past: Episode 291
• Inconsequential Holiday Gripes: Episode 442
• Don’t miss our ‘Treat Yo Self’ series:
• 8 Boring (But Powerful) Ways We’re Caring For Ourselves
• How To Take Yourself On A Date, And Why It Matters

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:

• 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.