Looking for some new recipes? or for a laugh at the end of the day?  There are so many Podcasts now available for Moms that can really help you relax and unwind.  There is something for everyone!

Why Do Moms Love Podcasts?

As a Mom we are constantly looking for new ways of doing things with our kids or tips to get through an important milestone in their life.  I used to go to books to find out everything that I needed to know, but isn’t it great that we can just turn up the volume and go about our day while getting that information over our computers or phones and most of them are Free.  It is a little more personalized too.  You can find a Podcast on almost any topic that you are looking for in the world of Parenting and even when you need a good laugh or two there are Podcasts just for that too!

Informational Podcasts for Mom

Tsh from the blog, Simple Mom, teaches and shows other moms and parents how to stay organized and live simply through her Simple Mom Podcast.  She talks with other Moms and discusses the best ways to get organized, plan parties and so much more that being a mom entails.

 

The Mom Podcast, started in 2010, hosted by Nancy an award winning author, Shelley a Southern Mom of twins and Stacy a Mom of Nine.  They each definitely have a unique perspective on parenting and they discuss a whole range of parenting topics bringing in experts at times.

 

Hosted by Cheryl, a mother of eight, The Mighty Mommy Podcast is a little different in that the podcast is done in only five minutes, but if you are a mom sometimes that is all you have time for!  However, that five minutes is chock full of information on many different parenting topics, that you will learn so much even in that small amount of time.

The Power of Moms Podcast really empowers you as a Mom, giving you relateable advice and giving you the confidence you need to get through even the more challenging parenting moments.  April hosts this podcast with a variety of different guest hosts.

 

Entertaining and Humorous

Heather and Kate can make any parenting topic entertainment worthy.  Naptime Radio will help you kick back and relax and as a Mom you are going to definitely relate to their informational but entertaining broadcasts.  You feel like your sitting around with your friends drinking coffee and talking about important topics that all of you are going through everyday.

Hosted by Cristen and Caroline and part of the How Stuff Works Network, The Stuff Mom Never Told You Podcast explores topics that we have all wondered about but never thought to ask about with a humorous twist.  Have you ever wondered who started Pinterest? or about hormones and the “friendzone”.  This podcast explores so many interesting topics that moms will definitely enjoy learning about.

Manic Mommies began in 2005 and is hosted by Kristin and Erin, two working Moms.  They have celebrity guest interviews and expert guests, as well, including a pediatrician and a parenting expert.  Even though the podcast focuses on two working Moms it can definitely be appreciated by all Moms, because that discuss topics that most moms will relate to.

Cooking and Crafts

Janice and Liz are Dietitians, Moms, and cookbook authors.  They get how it is to make sure everyone is happy at the dinner table and how there is just not enough time in the day.  Cooking with the Moms shares recipes and simple cooking tips that are sure to get your inner cook to come out and serve up some healthful, wonderful family meals.

Have fun cooking with your kids!  In the Two Kids Cooking Podcast, Sophia, Alex and their Mom share their cooking experiences with you.  This podcast is a little different in that most come with a video too.  Cooking is a great way to spend time with your children and this podcast shares great and healthful recipes that are fun to make with your kids.

Melista is teacher that has a background in Early Childhood Play.  Raising Playful Tots focuses on using play to educate our kids.  In her podcast, Melitsa and her guest hosts, share creative ideas and activities to do with your children and you also get a great background and insight into educating kids.

Parenting Information in the Digital Age

Can you believe how amazing it is that you can just listen to a Podcast and learn everything there is to know about any topic imaginable.  It is unbelievable how much technology has impacted even the parenting realm.  I love that I can listen at any time that I want, even if I am in the thick of changing a diaper and cleaning the kitchen.  Remember you do not need an Apple device to listen to Podcasts.  Most have a website that you can visit to find out a different way to listen.   They are just like a radio show that you can listen to whenever you get the chance!

Gone are the long, hot summer days filled with sleeping in late and enjoying late nights just being a family without worries of schedules and alarm clocks.  Now its school time, but getting ready for the school year and getting used to it is not any easy thing and it means an adjustment for the entire family.

Schedules, Schedules, Schedules

As a Mom how can we help our family adjust to these new schedules?  Some things that I have been implementing in my house are:

• Staying Organized:  I for one am learning that organization is key to keep everyone on schedule.  I lay out clothes and plan lunches the night before.  That way we aren’t running around stressed out early in the morning.
• Crockpot Meals:  The crockpot is quickly becoming my best friend.  Hot meals that taste good and can be made so easily.  Home cooking without effort!  What more can a girl want.
• Down Time:  My girls are still young but after school I give them some down time before we start doing anything else.  My little one still takes a nap, but my preschooler just relaxes for a little while.
• After School Snacks:  I try to have snacks of all types that are healthful to help my daughters get their energy back.  Especially great when you have an older child that is facing long hours filled with homework.
• Family Calendar:  I have a family calendar hanging in my kitchen so that my husband and I are on the same page when it comes to our schedules.  I am sure to write everything on this calendar.  We also use an online calendar that sends emails to both of us each week keeping us up to date with upcoming events.
• Routine:  I try to keep the routine going, even on the days my daughters are not in school.  Since my daughters are very young they only go to school three days a week.  Some may think that this is great, except it is difficult at the same time because the routine can easily get messed up on the off days.
• Family Time:  With everyone back in school I think it is important to schedule some family time each week and do something together.  It doesn’t have to be a big outing. It could just be as simple as playing a game or watching a movie together.

Separation Anxiety

Oh yes, this is a tough one, however, it is a common back to school issue.  I have a preschooler, so it has been especially difficult for her.  I think that it is important for our kids to spread their wings, but at the same time we cringe ourselves seeing them with tears running down their faces as they approach school.  Interestingly, many times it happens after all of the excitement is gone and the real work is beginning.  What can we do to combat those tears and help our children make that separation from us?

• Don’t Delay the Inevitable:  Give your child a quick hug and kiss and get out.  Don’t stick around, because I know from experience it just makes it worse.  Better yet if they can take the bus or be dropped off that is something you may want to look into.
• Books:  There are many children’s books that address separation anxiety.  I find, especially with my three year old that reading these books have helped her get adjusted to school.  Education.com did a great article on seven books that help ease separation anxiety.
• Lunchbox Notes:  Send a note in your child’s lunchbox, if they can read.  I have found some wonderful ideas for lunchbox notes on Pinterest.
• Send A Picture:  Put a picture of you or your child’s family in a special place in their backpack and let them know you are always with them.
• Let Them Lead You:  For me I found that letting my daughter do the talking has helped immensely.  I try not to harp on the subject, but remain positive.  She is figuring it out on her own.  Just the other day she asked her teacher if she would take care of her, and when her teacher replied she would, my daughter has stopped crying completely.  Who knew just a simple conversation with her teacher would help ease her fears.

Looking Ahead

I have been so excited for my children to begin their school years.  I know each year is going to come with their own adjustments and difficulties, but as a Mom I hope I can try to make those adjustments easier by being supportive and setting up a system in my house that helps ease the transitions.  Each family is different and has different needs and little by little we will learn what works and what doesn’t.

What are some things that help your family adjust to school?