It's the annual "look back" episode, covering 2024 in review! Sarah and Laura share their 2024 highlights, lowlights, and do a detailed reviews of the goals they set one year ago (and shared on the show!). Find out how close they came to their stated goals (spoiler: nailed it in some areas, not so much in others), and stay tuned for next week when they share goals for 2025! Domains discussed included personal, work, relationships, and household.

In the Q&A, they answer a question about the role of house manager.

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Laura and Sarah open by discussing the top trips they've ever taken with kids, and whether they ever dreamed of living abroad. Then, Sarah interviews
Oneika Raymond! Known as Oneika the Traveller, she is an Emmy-award-winning journalist, speaker, and TV host with a passion for travel and sharing all about it! She has a 5-year old, and shares tips, best destinations, and what she has learned over the years of including her daughter in her adventures starting from a young age.

In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking for ideas to get through a long winter break sans childcare! (Episode referenced: https://lauravanderkam.com/2024/08/best-of-both-worlds-podcast-long-weekends-with-little-kids-survival-guide/ )

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In today's episode, Laura and Sarah record live together! They take turns alternating their favorite life hacks, from the philosophical (be okay repeating certain things, if you love them) to the mundane (keyboard shortcuts and apps)!

In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about activities for tweens and teens - what are some things this age group will be excited to do with the family?

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In today’s episode, Sarah chats with Shira Gill, author of LifeStyled, out this week about all things organizing. Shira shares all about her philosophy of “edit then elevate”, and discusses cataloguing all of her belongings, and her advice for getting started w a big intimidating organizing project!

In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah answer a listener question about management of tasks that need to happen “soonish”, but not necessarily on a defined date.

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In today's episode, Laura and Sarah discuss all things holiday planning, including the idea of going in to plan your holiday season with a 'blank slate' mindset - choosing things to do NOT just based on what you've done before, but because at least someone enjoys them! Laura notes that tradition itself does have value, so likely the things you've done over and over will carry more weight, but nothing necessarily needs to feel 'required'.

They discuss various ideas and their own decisions about this year's holiday season in categories: hosting, cooking fancy meals, cards, gifts, parties, decor, and more!

In terms of planning next year, Sarah shares two fun options if you'd like a guided planning experience:

Detailed 4 hr sessions (with workbook) in Best Laid Plans at Home: Planning 2025 (https://theshubox.com/courses) OR 1 hour visioning/planning 2025 session that will definitely get you started at the BOBW Patreon: (http://patreon.com/bestofbothworldspod)

In the Q&A, Sarah and Laura note which gifts they would choose for themselves :)

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Today's episode brings you lots of ideas for lightening your own mental load. Sarah and Laura share their own current 'mental load' challenges, and then Laura shares 7 tips that you might consider if you're looking to feel less overwhelmed by the cognitive and emotional effort it takes to manage life. Strategies discussed include writing things down (always!), batching, automation, embracing vertical ownership, encouraging kids to be independent, spending out when it will help your mental peace, and the all-time favorite: care less.

In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about what the best high-paying AND flexible jobs are. (Interesting question with no straightforward answer!)

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In today's episode, Laura and Sarah open with a discussion of what they wishes parents could be less stressed about (or fixated on, as the case may be!). Then, Sarah interviews Gabrielle Blair, longtime (18 yrs!) blogger at Design Mom and coauthor of The Kids Are All Right, along with her husband. Gabrielle feels strongly that current parents worry too much about some of the wrong things, and offers her valuable perspective as a mom of 6.

In the Q&A, a listener writes in about kids' activities - is it true that one has to develop soccer talents as a toddler to play in high school? Do the hosts wish they had pushed their kids more in younger childhood?

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Need a break from politics? In today's episode, Laura and Sarah provide a 'palate cleanser' of sorts in the form of 168 hours of food! It's always interesting to hear what "real people" do in the everyday, and so this episode captures the minute of 1 week of meals from each of them.

It's pumpkin season. . . does this popular fall flavor make an appearance? Listen to find out!

In the Q&A, Laura and Sarah share their favorite cookbooks.

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If you are trying to decide on a planner for 2025, you are in luck! Sarah provides guidelines for choosing a planner for 2025, and Laura shares her current planning systems as well. They discuss various choices/preferences that will dictate options available, some popular brands to consider, and more!

In the Q&A, a listener writes in wondering what the highest costs are in raising teens. Please note that most of the things discussed are absolutely optional, but they will give you an idea of what teens may ask for and what you may want to provide!

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Are you an "outdoorsy" family? Would you like to enjoy nature with kids more than you do right now? In this episode, Laura interviews Sarah McCarty, head of Run Wild My Child, to learn tactics for getting outside together, even if it isn't your family's natural inclination.

In the Q&A, a listener writes in asking about Halloween costumes -- how do you handle it when kids change their minds?

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