• Home
  • About
    • New? Start Here.
    • Meet The Co-Hosts
    • Meet The Contributors
  • Sponsor
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

The Mom Hour

Happier motherhood starts here.

  • New? Start Here.
  • Podcast
    • Recent Episodes
    • Complete Archives
    • Search By Topic
  • Blog
  • Ages & Stages
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • Preschoolers
    • Big Kids
    • Tweens & Teens
  • Shop

in Blog on August 1, 2022 by Ashley Schafluetzel

Hometown Travel Guide: St. Louis With Kids

Welcome to the Gateway to the Midwest and my hometown – St. Louis! While I currently live about 40 miles west, I grew up much closer to downtown. I absolutely love all that St. Louis has to offer for families. There are so many fun things to do and see, and there is truly something for everyone. Here are my best tips for visiting St. Louis with kids and checking out our most popular tourist attractions, including some fun things to do (or eat!) as a family near each attraction.

St. Louis Arch

St. Louis is well known for its iconic Gateway Arch, so it’s fitting to start here. Riding up in the arch and looking out from the top is definitely bucket-list worthy. On a clear day the view from the top is unbeatable. Currently, you are only allotted 10 minutes at the top and you must have a reservation to go up (check the website for updates, of course). There is a newly renovated museum at the entrance to the Arch with lots of great artifacts and things to see. I have not been since the renovation, but I absolutely loved the museum as a kid, and I have heard this one is even better.

While you are down at the riverfront you can take a Riverboat Cruise down the Mississippi River. There are a variety of cruises to choose from, so you should be able to find one that meets your family’s needs. You can also stop at the Old Courthouse. At the time of this writing, the Old Courthouse is being rehabbed, but tours should be opening soon.

Busch Stadium & Ballpark Village

If you enjoy baseball or just want to have fun, check out a ballgame in St. Louis! I know people love to hate on my St. Louis Cardinals, but I will leave it at this – we have been named the best fans in baseball and have 11 world series rings. And trust me: our stadium’s energy is unmatched!

Ballpark Village is right outside of Busch Stadium. Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village are close to the Arch and Old Courthouse, so if you plan well, you can visit all of these places in one day. If you don’t want to purchase tickets to a game, you can still go and enjoy the energy! (There are TVs everywhere and many different sporting events will be on.) There is a small field with a softball setup, and a couple of bars / restaurants to visit. As the evening gets later, Ballpark Village becomes less family-friendly and gives off more of a night scene vibe, so plan accordingly for what’s best for your family.

My husband and daughter at Busch Stadium

Union Station

Union Station has been completely revamped in the past few years and my family loves it here. Two of our favorite things to do are the St. Louis Wheel and the Aquarium. The aquarium is small (we usually spend less than two hours there), but what they have there is worth a visit. There are areas to interact with animals, touch a sting ray, and talk with aquarium workers about various animals. If you chose to go to the aquarium, I recommend purchasing a multi-attraction ticket (also called a Combo Ticket). We like to combine an aquarium ticket with a ride on the St. Louis Wheel, and they also have mini golf and a carousel ride as options.

The Wheel is a fun, enclosed Ferris Wheel with great views of our city. The enclosure is temperature controlled and you will go around five times. My kids love seeing all they can see from the top of The Wheel.

While you are at Union Station I HIGHLY recommend having a meal or ice cream at Soda Fountain St. Louis. The ice cream is not only delicious, but there are many fun types! Our favorite is the “Unbirthday Shake.” There is typically a long wait and if you want to enjoy a meal here, I’d recommend making a reservation through Yelp as you go into the aquarium. We usually monitor what the wait looks like so we can spend our time doing the fun stuff, instead of waiting at the restaurant.

View from the St. Louis Wheel
An exhibit in the aquarium
Our Favorite Treat at the Soda Shop
Our Favorite Treat at the Soda Shop
The Entrance to the aquarium

Forest Park & The St. Louis Zoo

There are so many different things you can do in Forest Park: biking and walking paths, paddle boats, a golf course, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Missouri History Museum, and The Muny (an outdoor theater where summer musicals are a must-see).

But our family’s favorite thing to do in Forest Park is the St. Louis Zoo. Our zoo is amazing and it’s free. We often spend a whole day here. Our new monkey attraction allows you to climb up in a tree house and crawl through tunnels to get close to the monkeys. We have an area called River’s Edge and it’s as if you are walking through various habits while getting to see the animals in each one. You can purchase an adventure pass to be able to go to our dinosaur area and ride on the train, but it’s very possible to enjoy the zoo for free without purchasing the additional attractions.

Hippo exhibit at the zoo
Elephant exhibit at the zoo
The new dinosaur exhibit is quite exciting!

The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum

The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum is a must-do if you are in St. Louis with young kids. My kids (ages 5 and 9) love it, their imaginations get to run wild here. They have two sections that rotate their exhibits every few months, so if you have been before – you can come again and experience something new. The Children’s Village area is a make-believe town that my kids could spend all day in. There is a pond and river for fishing, an ice cream stand, grocery store, library, pizza shop, veterinarian, pediatrician’s office, car mechanic, and tree house. One one level there is a construction site that you can interact with and help dig or build. You can even sit in a room designed like the oval office (since sitting in the oval office my daughter is now planning her campaign for presidency). Another great exhibit is the Trash to Treasure art area, where you can paint, create and make whatever you want.

My son in the construction exhibit,
My daughter loved the mock Oval Office.
My son loves their outdoor play area.

Grant’s Farm

If you have a child who loves animals, Grant’s Farm is the place to go. It is a little bit south of St. Louis City, but worth the trip. You will want to purchase parking ahead of time to save time when you arrive, but besides parking, admission is free. After you park you car you can ride the tram to the actual farm, and while on the tram ride you’ll learn about various animals on the farm and about the different historical homes and buildings on the property as well.

Once off the tram, we like to purchase an adventure pass. It includes two different goat feeding experiences, a snow cone and a carousel ride. You will be able to bottle feed baby goats and you can also pet them or brush them. There is a separate area to feed the adult goats a cone full of dry feed. (Watch out, some of these goats are a little on feisty side!)

Grant’s Farm is owned by the Busch family, who own and brew Anheuser-Busch products. Once you get through the farm section, they have a beer garden area. You can purchase food and even get beer or seltzer samples. They are pretty generous samples and they allow two for each adult over 21. This is also the area that will take you back on the tram to the parking lot. If you love horses, I highly recommend stopping at the Clydesdales stable in the parking lot before you go. It’s easily missed but is worth the stop.

TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

Near Grant’s Farm and The Magic House is the National Museum of Transportation. My son loves when we stop here. All of the exhibits feature something within the transportation theme, and kids can take a train ride, drive a pedal car and look at or explore different train cars. They also have a play area.

My son in the play area at the Transportation Museum

Kid-Friendly Places To Eat Around St. Louis

Whenever we are near Grant’s Farm or The Magic House, we enjoy stopping at Fitz’s SoCo. There are two Fitz’s locally, but we have found this one to be easier to get in and out of, as well as less crowded. Pro Tip #1: check the wait times and join the waitlist on Yelp if you are able. Pro Tip #2: Their floats are huge – don’t make the same mistake we did and order a float for each member of your family. My family of four could have shared one! Also, Floats make a great dessert choice, so order accordingly; otherwise they will bring them as your beverage before the meal. Drink a Fitz soda with your meal, and save the float for dessert.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a favorite frozen treat for both locals and visitors. It’s within driving distance to many of the attractions previously listed. It gets super busy on summer nights and parking is limited, so be prepared. It is worth the stop for a yummy frozen treat.

Ted Drewe’s is one of the best treats to have on a hot day.

Main Street St. Charles

Main Street St. Charles is technically not in St. Louis, but it’s worth visiting at least once, especially if you are traveling with someone who loves history. Main Street has historic homes with little shops in them; I always feel like I am stepping back in time and I love it! Located just off of the Missouri River on the Katy Trail, it is a beautiful area to run, walk or bike. This is also the area where Lewis and Clark started their westward journey, so those who want to dig into history can tour the Lewis and Clark Boathouse & Museum on the river and check out the statues and plaques along Main Street.

There are several restaurants worth eating at around Main Street. Lewis and Clark’s and the Bike Stop Cafe are favorites of ours. And you can’t leave the area without grabbing a chocolate chip cookie from Grandma’s Cookies on Main.

Throughout the year there are events on Main Street worth checking out. They host Oktoberfest, The Festival of the Little Hills in August (a giant outdoor craft fair with vendors and food), and an Ice Festival in the wintertime. And if you visit any time in November or December, you absolutely must go to Main Street for their Holiday Traditions. You’ll see Jack Frost, Ebenezer Scrooge, young people roasting chestnuts, carolers, and many different Santa Clauses. A favorite local thing to do is to collect the trading cards from each character. You can also get plenty of gift shopping done in the Main Street shops, too.

Streets Of St. Charles

Near Main Street St. Charles is the newer development, Streets of St. Charles, where you’ll find amazing restaurants and bars to visit. Prasino is one of the best brunch spots around! Tucanos Brazilian Grill is delicious and a whole experience (they have servers walk around and serve different options and flavors of meat). Narwhal’s Crafted is a great place to hang out and sip on different frozen crafted adult drinks.

If you have younger kids and some time to burn, Playstreet Museum is a great place to go. In the little play area they have a firehouse, veterinarian, doctor’s office, home, ice cream store, pizza shop and market – all with matching themed toys. They also have a wonderful wooden toy and puppet section and weekly themes with crafts to match. Get there right when they open as they do often reach capacity quickly!

Photo by Chris Hardy on Unsplash

Related

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: travel

About Ashley Schafluetzel

Ashley and her husband live with their two kids, Ella and Jake, in Wentzville, Missouri. Both Ella and Jake were preemies (Jake was born three weeks early, and Ella was born three months early). Ella has Cerebral Palsy, along with some other conditions, and being her mom has taught Ashley so much. Ashley has been a kindergarten teacher for 11 years and it is her absolute favorite thing to do, even on the tough days. She loves the color pink, sparkles, her weekly sand volleyball games with friends, the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues and Mizzou!

deals from our partners


Shop Jane

When you click through these links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and we only partner with brands we’ve used and truly love!).

« Listener Questions (Vol. 41): Episode 375
College Plans & Family Culture (Hopes, Dreams, Memories & More): Episode 376 »

Comments

  1. Amber C. says

    September 2, 2022 at 5:19 pm

    These are all great places to visit! In addition, the Science Center is on the edge of Forest Park and is great for kiddos who are a bit older (starting at maybe 8-9). There’s some amazing hands on exhibits, an Omni Max theater, and even a planetarium!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Featured Sponsors

On Instagram

themomhour

Top 10 parenting podcast hosted by @meaganfrancis (MI) & @powersofmine (SoCal). 8 kids between us, little to grown. Happier motherhood starts here.

The Mom Hour
New episode! Big black trash bag energy is in ful New episode!

Big black trash bag energy is in full effect over here! In this episode Sarah is joined by contributor @cafedumartin for a conversation about how, why and what we are getting rid of this January. We talk strategic home resets, major junk-hauling, and tips for ongoing clutter maintenance. And while on the surface this episode is about physical stuff, we also acknowledge the emotional complexity that surrounds getting rid of stuff.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in t This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in the snow, well into our third year of dating, captures so much. 

But there's a lot it doesn't tell you, too. 

It doesn't tell you about the heartbreaking experience of watching my former marriage dissolve.

It doesn't tell you about the confusion and loneliness in the aftermath of my divorce six+ years ago.

It doesn't tell you about the time that, while driving home in the dark on a snowy evening, I reflected on the fact that nobody was expecting me to check in with them that night - that if I skidded into a ditch nobody would think to look for me for days.

It doesn't tell you about the twenty-five - yes, TWENTY-FIVE - first dates I went on prior to meeting Eric (the vast majority of those never turned into a second date.)

It doesn't tell you about the disappointments and doubts and tears leading up to finding my person.

And...

It also doesn't tell you about how much I (grudgingly) grew during that period of singleness. 

The strength and resourcefulness I discovered through having the space to run a household on my own and determine my own path in life. 

The peacefulness of a home run under my own steam, its rhythms based on my own values and priorities. 

The joy (and necessity) of getting back in touch with myself.

If you’re single and looking, I really do hope you find your person soon. I am so grateful for having found mine, and I know how hard it is to hear "your time will come, too" when you see no evidence of that on the horizon. (Especially going into February, right?)

But while you're waiting, there's another person (you) who deserves your attention...

and hard as it may be to see when you’re in the thick of doubt and disappointment…

that person is enough.
Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a gr Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a great deal? We love everything about @minted, from the high-quality paper and printing, to the ability to buy unique designs, freshly sourced from a community of independent artists. And right now, Minted has great deals on all things Valentine's Day!

(Pssst: they even have a Disney collection!)

Click this image at the link in our bio to get:
🎒 20% off Valentine photo cards, & classroom Valentines
🎁 20% off photo & stationery gifts on orders $250+
💕 15% off ALL orders with code BEMINE23.
🗓️ Sale ends Monday 1/30!

The Mom Hour is part of Minted's affiliate program, which means if you shop our links we'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes f Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes for February and March classroom projects! Valentine boxes and leprechaun traps are around the corner, and shoe boxes are so much harder to come by these days. Consider this a friendly head’s up from a mom who’s been there.

Want more help and tips, plus reassurance that you’re doing a great job? (You are.) Search for The Mom Hour in your favorite podcast app and hit subscribe!

#kindergarten #firstgrade #valentinebox #leprechauntrap #shoeboxcraft #roomparent #roommom #classroomvalentines #parenting #momlife #parentingtip #tipsformoms
Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for presch Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for preschoolers? Even for kids who want to GO GO GO all day long, having a built-in pause in the day can help develop independent play skills, encourage rest, and - of course - give caregivers a chance to reset as well.

Since this week's podcast episode is all about kids and alone time, we thought we'd revisit this resource on the blog by Sandy Hsu:

👉 How To Encourage Independence In Preschoolers With A “Quiet Time” Routine. 👈 

Sandy (@hopefulsmiles) give tips for implementing a successful quiet time routine AND rounds up products and activities that help make independent play more likely - even in young preschoolers. Check it out by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#quiettime #parentingtoddlers #parentingpreschoolers #momoflittles #stayathomemom #stayathomeparent #activitiesforpreschoolers #activitiesfortoddlers #threeyearolds #fouryearolds #fiveyearolds #momlife #sahm #sahmlife
New episode! Does solitude come naturally to your New episode!

Does solitude come naturally to your kids, or are moments of solo play far and few between? Meagan and Sarah read some research recently that challenged us to think about the importance of alone time, and whether our kids get enough. In this episode, we dive into our own childhood memories, how our children embrace (or run from) solitude, and how challenging it is to find that just-right balance. Join us! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! With all the day-to-day planning requ New episode! With all the day-to-day planning required to run a household, it's easy to put longterm planning on the back burner. Today Meagan and Sarah share lessons we've learned (or are still learning) that help us look ahead at a whole year, quarter, or month at a time. From knowing ourselves and our seasonal rhythms to figuring out where they keep next year's school calendar, we've picked up a few things over the years, and we're ready to dive in for 2023. Join us! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal y Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal you heard on our podcast? You're in luck because here's our sponsor roundup for January. Once a month, we use this space to thank our partners and remind you of their special offers. For our special promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight or search the brand name on our website. And when you do check out our sponsors + use our links and codes, it helps support our show! We also collect ALL our active promo codes in our email newsletter - which is full of our latest episodes and blog posts, personal updates, community news, and more. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to subscribe today.

Shoutout to our NEW sponsors:
🍳 @caraway_home (10% off gorgeous, non-toxic cookware!)
💪 @futurefitapp (risk-free trial of 1-on-1 personal training!)
🔪 @prepdish (2 weeks free of healthy, prep-ahead meal plans!)
🎨 @minted (design marketplace with art, bags, gifts & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (deals on the easiest photo books ever!)
😍 @fabletics (2 stylish workout bottoms for $24!)

And welcome back . . . 
⭐️ @stitchfix ($20 off your 1st purchase!)
⭐️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off full-season calendars!)
⭐️ @hiyahealth (50% off 1st order!)
⭐️ @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st mo!)
⭐️ @athleticgreens (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
⭐️ @vionicshoes (free shipping on cute, comfy shoes!)
Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, high school registration. As we discussed in this week's episode, we still get all the feels when older kids meet cultural or developmental milestones - even if they cringe when we celebrate and share.

Would love to hear what you're celebrating about your older kids! Everything from learning a new skill to blossoming independence - leave us a comment! 

PS - Listen to the episode in your favorite podcast app, or by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#parenting #parentingbigkids #parentingteens #parentingtweens #bigkidmilestone #teenagers #tweens #momoftweens #momofteens #momofteenagers
Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-d Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-digits, you find yourself staring a different milestone right in the (puffy) face:

It's been a decade since I was pregnant for the last time. 

This photo was taken the morning of my scheduled c-section, just a few hours before we'd meet our third and last babe. It's hard to remember, but I'm SURE I was ready to be done. Constant braxton-hicks, heartburn I hadn't experienced with the other two, food aversions that lasted the whole 39w5d, and physical exhaustion trying to keep up with a 2- and 4-year old: all part of an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, but still nobody's idea of easy.

I don't miss it - being pregnant. Grateful to have had the experience, absolutely. But I've never really pined for another go-around, at least not seriously. Still, a whole decade removed feels as significant a milestone to me as does the notion that that double-dimpled babe will blow out ten candles this weekend.

Time, like, whoa. 

-Sarah
If you're looking at school options for Fall 2023, If you're looking at school options for Fall 2023, you might be feeling overwhelmed by school tours, open houses, registration deadlines, or the all-too-common "red shirting question". That's why today we're revisiting an enormously detailed resource on our site: 

➡️ What Teachers & Educators Wish Parents Knew About Making School Decisions ⬅️

This piece is a collaboration between four educators on our team whose careers span preschool through middle school. They weigh in what what they wish parents knew about things like...

...choosing “the right school” 
...what it means to be “ready for kindergarten” 
...visiting a school for a tour or open house 
...learning to read 
...kids and friendships; playground politics
...making school decisions for a special needs student 
...becoming part of a classroom or school community 
 
Click this image at the link in our bio to get the guide. Bookmark it, send it to your co-parent or mom friends, and use it as a starting place as you wade through this tricky time of year! 

@lisaapayne4 @ashleydawn519 @thepaperdart @cafedumartin
C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e good times, come on! Today’s e C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e good times, come on! Today’s episode is number 400! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate hitting a big podcast milestone than talking about how we honor birthdays and milestone celebrations in our families – especially as kids get older. Join Meagan and Sarah as we offer insight into making birthdays special for big kids, tweens and teens; how kids getting older hits us differently as moms, too; and how honoring big kid milestones gets tricker, but still gives us all the feels. 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Load More... Follow on Instagram

As Seen On

Today Parents

Send us an email

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email hello@themomhour.com and we’re here to help!

looking for something?

New episode! Big black trash bag energy is in ful New episode!

Big black trash bag energy is in full effect over here! In this episode Sarah is joined by contributor @cafedumartin for a conversation about how, why and what we are getting rid of this January. We talk strategic home resets, major junk-hauling, and tips for ongoing clutter maintenance. And while on the surface this episode is about physical stuff, we also acknowledge the emotional complexity that surrounds getting rid of stuff.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in t This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in the snow, well into our third year of dating, captures so much. 

But there's a lot it doesn't tell you, too. 

It doesn't tell you about the heartbreaking experience of watching my former marriage dissolve.

It doesn't tell you about the confusion and loneliness in the aftermath of my divorce six+ years ago.

It doesn't tell you about the time that, while driving home in the dark on a snowy evening, I reflected on the fact that nobody was expecting me to check in with them that night - that if I skidded into a ditch nobody would think to look for me for days.

It doesn't tell you about the twenty-five - yes, TWENTY-FIVE - first dates I went on prior to meeting Eric (the vast majority of those never turned into a second date.)

It doesn't tell you about the disappointments and doubts and tears leading up to finding my person.

And...

It also doesn't tell you about how much I (grudgingly) grew during that period of singleness. 

The strength and resourcefulness I discovered through having the space to run a household on my own and determine my own path in life. 

The peacefulness of a home run under my own steam, its rhythms based on my own values and priorities. 

The joy (and necessity) of getting back in touch with myself.

If you’re single and looking, I really do hope you find your person soon. I am so grateful for having found mine, and I know how hard it is to hear "your time will come, too" when you see no evidence of that on the horizon. (Especially going into February, right?)

But while you're waiting, there's another person (you) who deserves your attention...

and hard as it may be to see when you’re in the thick of doubt and disappointment…

that person is enough.
Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a gr Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a great deal? We love everything about @minted, from the high-quality paper and printing, to the ability to buy unique designs, freshly sourced from a community of independent artists. And right now, Minted has great deals on all things Valentine's Day!

(Pssst: they even have a Disney collection!)

Click this image at the link in our bio to get:
🎒 20% off Valentine photo cards, & classroom Valentines
🎁 20% off photo & stationery gifts on orders $250+
💕 15% off ALL orders with code BEMINE23.
🗓️ Sale ends Monday 1/30!

The Mom Hour is part of Minted's affiliate program, which means if you shop our links we'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes f Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes for February and March classroom projects! Valentine boxes and leprechaun traps are around the corner, and shoe boxes are so much harder to come by these days. Consider this a friendly head’s up from a mom who’s been there.

Want more help and tips, plus reassurance that you’re doing a great job? (You are.) Search for The Mom Hour in your favorite podcast app and hit subscribe!

#kindergarten #firstgrade #valentinebox #leprechauntrap #shoeboxcraft #roomparent #roommom #classroomvalentines #parenting #momlife #parentingtip #tipsformoms
Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for presch Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for preschoolers? Even for kids who want to GO GO GO all day long, having a built-in pause in the day can help develop independent play skills, encourage rest, and - of course - give caregivers a chance to reset as well.

Since this week's podcast episode is all about kids and alone time, we thought we'd revisit this resource on the blog by Sandy Hsu:

👉 How To Encourage Independence In Preschoolers With A “Quiet Time” Routine. 👈 

Sandy (@hopefulsmiles) give tips for implementing a successful quiet time routine AND rounds up products and activities that help make independent play more likely - even in young preschoolers. Check it out by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#quiettime #parentingtoddlers #parentingpreschoolers #momoflittles #stayathomemom #stayathomeparent #activitiesforpreschoolers #activitiesfortoddlers #threeyearolds #fouryearolds #fiveyearolds #momlife #sahm #sahmlife
New episode! Does solitude come naturally to your New episode!

Does solitude come naturally to your kids, or are moments of solo play far and few between? Meagan and Sarah read some research recently that challenged us to think about the importance of alone time, and whether our kids get enough. In this episode, we dive into our own childhood memories, how our children embrace (or run from) solitude, and how challenging it is to find that just-right balance. Join us! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! With all the day-to-day planning requ New episode! With all the day-to-day planning required to run a household, it's easy to put longterm planning on the back burner. Today Meagan and Sarah share lessons we've learned (or are still learning) that help us look ahead at a whole year, quarter, or month at a time. From knowing ourselves and our seasonal rhythms to figuring out where they keep next year's school calendar, we've picked up a few things over the years, and we're ready to dive in for 2023. Join us! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal y Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal you heard on our podcast? You're in luck because here's our sponsor roundup for January. Once a month, we use this space to thank our partners and remind you of their special offers. For our special promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight or search the brand name on our website. And when you do check out our sponsors + use our links and codes, it helps support our show! We also collect ALL our active promo codes in our email newsletter - which is full of our latest episodes and blog posts, personal updates, community news, and more. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to subscribe today.

Shoutout to our NEW sponsors:
🍳 @caraway_home (10% off gorgeous, non-toxic cookware!)
💪 @futurefitapp (risk-free trial of 1-on-1 personal training!)
🔪 @prepdish (2 weeks free of healthy, prep-ahead meal plans!)
🎨 @minted (design marketplace with art, bags, gifts & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (deals on the easiest photo books ever!)
😍 @fabletics (2 stylish workout bottoms for $24!)

And welcome back . . . 
⭐️ @stitchfix ($20 off your 1st purchase!)
⭐️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off full-season calendars!)
⭐️ @hiyahealth (50% off 1st order!)
⭐️ @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st mo!)
⭐️ @athleticgreens (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
⭐️ @vionicshoes (free shipping on cute, comfy shoes!)
Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, high school registration. As we discussed in this week's episode, we still get all the feels when older kids meet cultural or developmental milestones - even if they cringe when we celebrate and share.

Would love to hear what you're celebrating about your older kids! Everything from learning a new skill to blossoming independence - leave us a comment! 

PS - Listen to the episode in your favorite podcast app, or by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#parenting #parentingbigkids #parentingteens #parentingtweens #bigkidmilestone #teenagers #tweens #momoftweens #momofteens #momofteenagers
Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-d Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-digits, you find yourself staring a different milestone right in the (puffy) face:

It's been a decade since I was pregnant for the last time. 

This photo was taken the morning of my scheduled c-section, just a few hours before we'd meet our third and last babe. It's hard to remember, but I'm SURE I was ready to be done. Constant braxton-hicks, heartburn I hadn't experienced with the other two, food aversions that lasted the whole 39w5d, and physical exhaustion trying to keep up with a 2- and 4-year old: all part of an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, but still nobody's idea of easy.

I don't miss it - being pregnant. Grateful to have had the experience, absolutely. But I've never really pined for another go-around, at least not seriously. Still, a whole decade removed feels as significant a milestone to me as does the notion that that double-dimpled babe will blow out ten candles this weekend.

Time, like, whoa. 

-Sarah

Copyright © 2023 · Life, Listened
Development by Cipher