Honi asks how our friends are showing up for us these days. Laura wonders if we ever get recognized in public (and if it's our faces or our voices that give us away!). Aspiring writer Samm is looking for advice on getting started with writing, Lisa wants to know what we’ll miss most about The Mom Hour, and Erica prompts some reflection on what we’re most proud of as moms. And Ann? She’s eager for the scoop on what’s next—listen to find out!HELPFUL LINKS:The Evolution Of Friendships In Motherhood, Part One: Episode 474The Evolution Of Friendships In Motherhood, Part Two: Episode 478What’s Great (Lately!) About Our Eight: Episode 470Midlife Lady Leisure Pursuits: Episode 484Books Mentioned About Writing (affiliate links):Ann Patchett's memoir Truth & Beauty: A FriendshipStephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the CraftAnne Lamott’s Bird by BirdOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextVisit 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.
--------
55:08
Listener Questions & Our Advice: Episode 518
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 archivesHow Do You Know What’s Next?: Episode 503Our team members Katie Gouldner and Catie Parrish launched a new podcast Chasing The SparkA 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 NextVisit 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.
--------
1:02:51
Time-Saving, Time-Shifting, Time Surrendering
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 TroublesTime Management For The Season You’re InHow Do I Make Time For It All?The Life-Changing Magic of Opting OutWe both have this rice cookerOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextVisit 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.
--------
51:54
Are You A "Yes Mom" Or A "No Mom"? : Episode 517
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 310Nurturing Grandparent-Grandkid Relationships: Episode 390Giving Ourselves Credit & Compassion: Episode 506We Hate Fun: Episode 109OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextVisit 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.
--------
49:18
Writing "The Last Parenting Book You'll Ever Read": Episode 516
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 NextHELPFUL LINKS:meaganfrancis.substack.comMore on Meagan’s book-writing journey:The Kettle podcast episode Gretchen Rubin on her “open door” approach to parenting young adultsIs 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 #amwritingMeagan took a book proposal writing course from Beth KemptonEpisodes From The Archives On Writing:Life Of A Writer Mom: Episode 406Living A Writerly Life: Episode 454More Than Mom: Writing, Motherhood & Creative PracticeOTHER HELPFUL LINKS:Order Meagan’s book: The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go and Embrace What’s NextVisit 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.
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.
Ireland