Gretchen and Paige talk with State Farm agent Eric Hamilton about how parents can protect their families by planning for the future. Eric recommends a multi step plan that includes flexible, liquid savings and insurance to protect that savings. Watch the show to learn more about how smart moms manage their money in these tough economic times.

Developing verbal expression, toilet training, separation anxiety…got a toddler? No problem. Paige and Gretchen get excellent counsel from Caroline Clauss-Ehlers, PhD from the Pampers Parenting Network on how to help toddlers channel their determination and independence without either one of you going crazy.

Gretchen had the pleasure of interviewing Billy Ray Cyrus about his support for the Best Foods Sandwich Swap and Share to benefit Feeding America. Now Paige gets to introduce three music videos from his new album Back to Tennessee. Enjoy some great country music with Real Gone, Thrill Billy, and the title track Back to Tennessee! The album is available on itunes here.

September is National Life Insurance month and as part of our State Farm sponsored series, New Beginnings: Being There for Your New Family, the Mommies spoke with State Farm agent, Eric Hamilton about making plans to protect our families, in case the worst happens.

Paige and Gretchen both have friends who have died young and unexpectedly, and they wanted to learn what steps parents can and should take to “plan for the worst.” Follow along as Eric walks them through the first steps to setting up a will and a trust, and explains the two types of life insurance and the benefits of each. No one likes to think about dying, but making plans for our children now is the right thing to do and brings a lot of peace of mind.

In our busy society we often feel like we need to “push through” when we’re sick. That’s not the case when you’re dealing with H1N1, commonly known as Swine Flu. Gretchen and Paige spoke with Nicole Lurie, MD and Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services to get the facts about H1N1 symptoms, treatment, and vaccinations. They learned that one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of Swine Flu is to keep our children at home until they are fever free for 24 hours. That can mean at least 5 to 7 days at home before your child can return to school. Talk about stir crazy! For more information, visit www.flu.gov.