Ever wonder what it's really like to parent kids with big age differences? In Episode 26 of Just 4 Moms, we’re diving into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments that come with sibling age gaps — from 18 months to 8+ years apart. Whether you’ve got a toddler and a teenager, or are starting over after thinking you were done, we’ve been there.

Your hosts Caitlin, Kallie, Charlotte, and Megan share personal stories about their own childhood sibling dynamics and how they’re managing different stages of motherhood under one roof. We talk about how age gaps affect everything from parenting style to family logistics, and what no one prepares you for — including guilt, shifting identities, and surprise blessings.

Mind the Gap: Real Talk on Sibling Age Differences in Motherhood

This week on Just 4 Moms, we’re diving headfirst into the sweet chaos of summer with our favorite no-prep arts and crafts, simple entertainment ideas, and must-have beach hacks for moms who just want their kids occupied without spending hours setting things up.

Host Charlotte kicks us off with summer survival talk and tips for beach days—think collapsible wagons, wine Yetis, sand anchors, and more. We each share our go-to activities for crafting with kids of all ages, including everything from rock painting and pom-pom art to Q-tip masterpieces and giant coloring posters.

Plus, we’re joined by special guest Cassie Stevens, a retired elementary art teacher, who shares brilliant tips for getting even the most reluctant kids into crafting. Whether your kids love stickers, nature art, or homemade playdough, there’s something for every mom in this episode.

And don’t miss our Mom Fails and Pits and Peaks of the Week — because if you’re not laughing, you might be crying into your tie-dye kit.

Easy Summer Crafts to Keep Kids Entertained

Is parenting getting more expensive—or is it just us? (Spoiler: it’s not just us.) In this episode, the moms get candid about the rising costs of groceries, childcare, and kids’ activities, and the creative (sometimes desperate!) ways we’re staying afloat.

We talk about meal planning, buying generic butter, saying no to date nights, and why thrifting, budgeting, and second-hand steals are our love language. Plus, we’re joined by budgeting expert and founder of Debt Free Millennials, Justine Nelson, who shares how she paid off $35K in student loans on a $37K salary—and how parents today can take control of their finances, even in this economy.

And of course, don’t miss our Mom Fails (including a tutu disaster and missed recorder concert) and Pits & Peaks of the Week.

Getting Thrifty: Real Talk on the Cost of Parenting and Creative Ways to Save

This week, the Just 4 Moms crew dives into a real and relatable conversation about self-care for moms. Host Megan Schinella leads the chat as the moms swap stories about the struggles—and successes—of making time for themselves. From Caitlin’s backyard possum problem to Kallie’s stroller mishap and Charlotte’s quest for balance, this episode blends humor with heartfelt advice.

Special guest Dr. Katie Takayasu, integrative medicine doctor, shares practical tips for nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Learn how pairing small mindful habits, creating stillness, and focusing on the four pillars of well-being (nutrition, exercise, sleep, spirituality) can make self-care achievable—even in the busiest times of life.

Don’t miss our signature Pits & Peaks—featuring everything from Easter baskets still out in June to the joys of pressure washing!

Self-Care and Well-Being

It’s that magical (and chaotic) time of year when school’s out, the sunscreen is everywhere, and moms everywhere are chasing that elusive “perfect summer.” In this honest and hilarious episode, the hosts share the toys they regret buying, their latest “mom fails,” and how summer break can sometimes feel more stressful than restful. Caitlin opens up about her own experience resisting the urge to overplan, while Charlotte, Kallie, and Megan reflect on how childhood memories are made in the smallest, most spontaneous moments.

Later, they’re joined by special guest Michelle Grosser, certified trauma-informed life coach and host of the Alive and Well Podcast. Michelle shares practical tips for managing summer burnout and how to embrace a mindset shift—from pressure and perfectionism to presence and peace.

From nostalgic summer stories to real talk about parenting guilt, this is the reminder all moms need: your kids don’t need a “Pinterest-perfect” summer… they just need you.

The Pressure to Have the Perfect Summer 

From lobster races and campfires to balloon arches and party favors, today we’re diving into the real story behind modern kids’ parties. In this episode of Just 4 Moms, Charlotte leads a heartfelt (and hilarious) chat with Caitlin, Kallie, and Megan about childhood summer memories, mom fails, and the growing pressure to throw Pinterest-perfect celebrations.

We reflect on our own family traditions, why some of us are scaling back, and how social media has shaped our views on birthdays and milestones. Plus, we’re joined by party planning queen Beth Kingston (HSN Craft Expert) who shares her genius tips for throwing personal, fun gatherings that don’t break the bank.

Whether taco bars and DIY decorations or birthday philosophies and sibling drama—we cover it all. Whether you’re a minimalist or a Pinterest mom (or a mix of both), this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.

Pinterest Parties, Budget Birthdays & Mom Guilt: How We Really Celebrate Our Kids

This week on Just 4 Moms, we’re breaking down a topic every mom can relate to: when “convenience” backfires. From confusing school apps and broken Diaper Genies to multitasking tech that drains our energy, the moms share what’s really causing their daily stress.

Kallie introduces the idea of the “Convenience Illusion,” inspired by Stolen Focus by Johann Hari, and how tools that promise productivity often create mental clutter. The group chats about the toll of digital overload and how these “time savers” actually steal our attention and peace of mind.

Plus, special guest Dr. Emma Seppälä (author of The Happiness Track and Sovereign) joins us to explore how the constant chase for efficiency may be costing us our well-being—and what we can do to reclaim it.

Also in this episode:

 * Favorite beauty products (hello, overnight lip masks and glowing skin)
 * Real-life mom fails (Amazon mishaps, neglected furniture, and more)
 * Our weekly Peaks & Pits (from Brimfield trips to dance recitals)

If you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone out the window after trying to book a beauty appointment or figure out a school app, this one’s for you.

The Convenience Illusion: How “Easy” Tech Is Making Mom Life Harder

On this episode of Just 4 Moms, we’re diving deep into something every woman faces but few talk about honestly: aging. From creaky knees and random chin hairs to Botox, dry eyes, and perimenopause, we’re opening up about what it really feels like to grow older in a world obsessed with looking young.

We may still feel 20 on the inside—but one look at our hands, knees, or under-eye circles can tell another story. Charlotte shares what it’s like to turn 50 while still feeling like she’s figuring it out. Caitlin reflects on the moment she stopped hearing “you look so young,” and started wondering if she looked “her age.” Kallie wonders why we’re made to choose between embracing aging or fighting it with every filter and filler. And Megan? She’s learned to love life post-40—Botox, laser treatments, laughter-induced bladder leaks and all.

You’ll hear our Mom Fails (rock painting day drama, a communion suit mishap, and a birthday phone call that never happened), plus some inspiring thoughts from plastic surgeon Dr. Flora Levin on aging with confidence—not fear.

We’re not here to fight aging—we’re here to figure it out together. Because while our skin may change, our sense of humor, our spirit, and our love for each other? That stays the same.

Is This Aging Gracefully? Getting Candid About Looking & Feeling Older

In Episode 18 of Just 4 Moms, Caitlin and the crew are back with laughs, honesty, and a deep dive into a topic that impacts countless mothers—maternal mental health. They kick things off with a hilarious discussion about the lies we tell our kids (yes, stores do close at naptime), and a round of fresh “Mom Fails” that will have you nodding along in solidarity.

Then, in honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, the conversation takes a heartfelt turn as the hosts share their personal journeys through postpartum challenges—from anxiety and baby blues to the gaps in postpartum care. They’re joined by special guest Katie Crenshaw—author, speaker, and mental health advocate—who brings powerful insight into her own experience and her work with The Blue Dot Project. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt the weight of new motherhood and wondered if they were alone. Spoiler: you're not.

Breaking the Silence on Maternal Mental Health

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of Just 4 Moms, Charlotte celebrates a milestone birthday and dreams of a girls trip, while the hosts share their latest "mom fails"—from forgotten snacks to Easter candy sabotage. But the heart of the episode dives deep into a listener's question: How do we talk to our kids about feminism?

Charlotte offers a quick history of feminism, and the moms discuss how their parenting approaches reflect their values—from dismantling gender stereotypes in chores and play to raising sensitive sons and confident daughters. Special guest Chrissy Khachane, an educational consultant and former head of school, joins the conversation with her take on how fairness, dignity, and opportunity are key to raising the next generation.

With warmth, humor, and honesty, the hosts explore how motherhood itself can be a feminist act—and how we’re all figuring it out in real time.

Feminism and How We Address It With Our Kids

This is a podcast about women, friendship, motherhood and more. Join Kallie Branciforte, Caitlin Houston, Megan Schinella and Charlotte Smith as they discuss everything from navigating careers to parenting challenges to the science experiment that is aging as a woman. With humor, honesty and authenticity, Just 4 Moms is the conversation you have with your girlfriends around the kitchen counter.

Just 4 Moms

This is a podcast about women, friendship, motherhood and more.  

Kallie Branciforte, Megan Schinella, Caitlin Houston, Charlotte Smith

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