Changing the Conversation Around Stay-at-Home Parenting

We couldn't wrap up our first season without talking about one of the biggest lessons my mom instilled in her kids: taking responsibility for our actions. We all make mistakes, she'd tell us; that's just part of being human. What sets you apart is admitting your mistakes, sincerely apologizing, and doing better in the future. Today we're talking about why that's such an important lesson to teach children and how it will serve them throughout their lives. We're also touching on how to talk to your kids about complicated issues (warm, racism, privilege) in honest, but understandable ways. This conversation — like those hard talks we've had with our kids  — can be awkward at times, but they're also super important. Listen now and share with us how you handle the toughest stuff with your children. 

In honor of both co-host Kate Stahl’s birthday today and Mother’s Day right around the corner, we’re talking about our most-loved gifts for moms and grandmas and some of our all-time favorite products, perfect for gifting the moms in your life — or just buy them for yourself! From clean beauty brands that have transformed our admittedly aging skin and hair to the coziest robes, pajamas, and slippers around (believe us, we’re experts!), here are the products both big and small that no mother should have to live without. We’re discussing why we’re so loyal to all today  — and giving some hints to our families on what we really want this Mother’s Day. Listen now and visit our website www.mymomalwayssays.com for links to buy and a couple of awesome discount codes. 

We all want our children to eventually fly from the lovely nests we've created for them, but giving our children the independence they need to do so can sometimes be as hard on us as it is on them. We talk about the baby steps you can take to start teaching independence to kids of all ages (it can be as simple as a playdate!) and how fostering an independent mind is as important as giving them physical freedom. Then, we dive into the wonders of summer camp. We're big fans around here, and we'll tell you why we think every kid should experience it and how it changed the lives of two generations in our family.

The bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren are pretty darn special, but like any relationship, they take some serious work — not only between the oldest and youngest members of the family, but especially with the parents in between them. We outline the rules that every grandparent should follow. (Sneak peek: remember that mom and dad, not you, are in charge, embrace your changing family dynamics, lose the judgment about how your kids are doing things differently than you.) Listen and learn to get the most out of your grandparenting experience, because, as my mom says, "it's nothing but a joy, which is why they came up with that saying, 'If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first..'" Listen now and forward to the grandparents in your life.

Guys, this one is personal — and super complicated. Our hosts both consider themselves stay-at-home moms (though we prefer "lead parents") and women who value their careers. We both believe that women can "do it all" but also believe that trying to do it all at one time is often a losing proposition for everyone. We trust that every women can and should figure out what career/parenting dynamic works best for her and her family, and we believe that absolutely no decision she makes will be perfect or without struggles. Add in a global pandemic that forced millions of women out of the office and home with their kids, and ya, this topic is just a tad bit difficult to tackle. But we strongly believe that having the discussion is important — and that we should all be having these discussions in order to find a better system in our own lives and the greater country and world. So, no, we don't have all the answers on this one, but we think just starting the conversation is a step in the right direction. Join us — and if you have it figured out, please let the rest of us know!!