Are all East Coast parents uptight traditionalists grooming their kids for the Ivy League? Are all West Coast moms drinking kale smoothies while practicing yoga on a paddleboard? Of course not, but in this special episode of The Mom Hour Sarah (of the West Coast) is joined by guest co-host Margaret Ables (a New Yorker) of the What Fresh Hell podcast to embrace the stereotypes for a bit and discuss regional parenting differences we’ve observed parenting kids on opposite coasts.
This episode is part of a host-swap The Mom Hour is doing with What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. Catch Meagan in a companion episode to this one on November 8, when she chats with WFH’s Amy Wilson about Big City vs. Small Town Parenting.
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Enjoyed your podcast! Interesting to hear both your viewpoints on the different regions of the United States. I am a full time working stay at home Mom and when you discussed your view of seeing the stay at home Mom trend changing I was a little disappointed. It’s not a trend it’s a choice to be a full time stay at home Mom a choice I am glad I made. Great podcasts and it was great learning more about you both!
Hi Kristy! I’m so sorry it came across that way–that’s not what I meant at ALL. I have made the choice to be a full-time SAHM so I know firsthand that it’s a choice and what comes with it. I meant to comment more on the cost of living and socioeconomic patterns that influence whether moms have the ability to make that choice. In my observation it’s a choice that is more easily or more often made in some areas than others. That’s all. As someone who has worked outside the home, worked part-time from home, and stayed home full-time, I have total respect and empathy for the territory that comes with all of it. Thanks so much for listening and taking the time to comment. -Sarah
Thanks for explaining! I totally get what your saying now and understand what you mean. I have to say that I tend to be pretty OVER sensitive sometimes to comments made on being a stay at home mom and I know that is something I need to watch for in myself. That might be an interesting podcasts topic one day! lol Anyway, You guys are awesome thanks for your podcasts!
Really enjoyed this episode! I grew up in a small town outside Chicago, went to college in an even smaller town in the middle of Illinois, moved to NYC, had my first child and lived to Westchester,NY for a few years, moved to Dallas/Ft. Worth area for 7 years and had two more kids and now live outside Washington DC for 6 years. Many of the things you said resonated with me! There are things I would love my kids to experience about growing up in the midwest, but do also love the the east coast. Don’t love the academic stress and expectations placed on kids, but do love the diversity and cultural opportunities. Texas – great place to have little ones and I loved the cost of living – but I agreed with what Margaret said about the path for most kids being staying in Texas – and going to a state school. (Also, could not deal with the weather!) Fall is also my heaven on earth! =)