The Monica Swanson Podcast - boy mom, build strong families, Biblical worldview, women’s wellness

028: Let’s Talk about Mom Guilt

Mom Guilt!  Ever experienced it?  :)  As this episode releases I'll be taking off for 3 weeks of travel with (1) of my sons for surf contests in Texas and Portugal.  (leaving two other sons at home.)  Today I'm talking about Mom guilt in all of its forms-- from trivial things to more serious...and how to decide when to listen to the guilt and when to brush it off.  I talk about the difference between condemnation (from the enemy) and conviction (from the Holy Spirit.)  I ALSO point to a free download over in the show notes which is a list of Scriptures to lead your child (or yourself! :)) into a relationship with God. Find the download and notes from today's episode over at: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-28 And all podcasts at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast See you back here in 2 weeks and meanwhile, follow my travels on Instagram: @monicaswanson_  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

027: The Why, What, and How of Praying for Boys (with Brooke McGlothlin)

In today's episode Brooke McGlothlin joins me to talk about the importance of praying for our sons.  Brooke shares the story of how she began to pray for her ("250% boy"-) boys and how it changed her parenting. Moms are busy and time is short, but with a little intention, we can add some life-changing, power-packed prayers to our days.  It is so worth it!  Hope you are encouraged by our conversation! Please spread the word, leave a rating and review, and find show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-27  ALL Podcast notes are at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

026: Practical Parenting Q & A with Wendy Speake (part II)

In today's episode Wendy Speake is back on with me as we tackle a few more important (and challenging) questions about raising boys.  We talk about siblings who do NOT get along, and offer some suggestions for handling that.  We also talk about how we can help our boys make better health choices.  And we dive into some practical thoughts on boys and technology.  This episode is packed and I hope you enjoy! FIND SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-26 and all podcast show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

025: What I Have Learned from my Sons. {Aloha Friday...}

This is the last Aloha Friday Episode of 2019!  in this episode I share about some exciting travels coming up for me with my son Luke (for surf contests in Texas and Portugal!)  I also talk about how God uses our kids to teach us so much -- to grow us, stretch us, and develop our character!  I'm linking to a brand new blog post and encouraging parents to slow down this weekend to ENJOY your kids and to learn about them and from them!   SHOW NOTES (With a BOY MOM BOOK GIVEAWAY!) over at SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-25 ALL PODCAST NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

024: Practical Parenting Q & A with Wendy Speake (part I)

My friend, Wendy Speake, is back with me (she was my first guest in episodes #3 and #4) as we respond to questions sent in by listeners.  This is part one of a two-part Q & A, and today Wendy and I answer questions related to:  14 year-old disobedience... 6 year olds with BIG FEELINGS, bedtime issues, argumentative kids, and all kinds of topics that springboard off of these!  I think you'll find this episode super practical and encouraging and I hope you hop over to the show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-24  All Podcast show notes at:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast. Thank you for leaving ratings and reviews wherever you listen!!  Aloha! ) Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

023: Books and Podcasts for Teenagers {Aloha Friday with my son, Jonah}

For this Aloha Friday episode my son Jonah (18) joins me to talk about some of his recent favorite books and podcasts.  I add a few of the books my fifteen year old son has been reading as well, and we link to all of them in the show notes.  Jonah loves to read and it's fun to hear him talk about all of these things!  I hope your tween or teen might get to listen and be inspired to read (the Bible and other books) and listen to some inspiring podcasts!   SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-22 all show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

022: Raising Boys with Sensory Processing Challenges with Heather MacFadyen

I am thrilled to have my friend,podcaster, and fellow (4-)boy mom, Heather MacFadyen on with me in today's episode.  Heather and I are talking about sensory processing issues in boys, and how we can best help our boys in this area.  Heather has a professional background which introduced her to this subject, but she also has had experience personally and with her sons to make her really understand and care about this topic.  Whether or not your son has sensory processing issues, I think you will get a lot out of this episode!  Find show notes with links to everything Heather mentions over at: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-22.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

021 Teaching boys Life Skills by age (with free download guide) and Q & A on sibling bullying

This Aloha Friday Episode springboards off of Episode 020 where my husband, Dave, and I talked about all of the things we can do NOW, to prepare for the day our children launch into independence one day.  Dave and I mentioned the importance of teaching our kids life skills, and in today's episode I offer a free download (LIFE SKILLS BY AGE) and encourage parents to teach their kids ONE new Life Skill this weekend!  I also tackle a Q & A about sibling bullying:  What to do when one of our kids is bullying (or generally mistreating) their sibling. I hope some of the principles I share encourage parents to navigate challenging sibling relationships and also to keep perspective in the midst of them.  :)  Find show notes:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-21 BOY MOM BOOK:  www.monicaswanson.com/boymombook  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

020: Raising Boys who will be Ready to Launch, with my Husband, Dave.

This is a special episode because we are covering the final chapter from my book, Boy Mom.  My husband Dave joins me for this conversation, as we go over the "7 Things parents can do now, so they are ready to launch their kids later."  This is really the heart of this Podcast and my Boy Mom book!  This episode is applicable to daughters as well, and I hope some of the men out there will listen as I think Dave has a lot of wisdom to share.  Dave is a family-practiced-trained physician, (who works in a hospital) and he is an amazing father to our boys.  I hope you enjoy, and thank you for leaving ratings and reviews wherever you listen! FIND SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

019: Wisdom in Choosing Friends: Aloha Friday with my Son, Luke.

My 15 year old son Luke joins me in today's episode as he shares a quote from George Washington which says:  "It's better to be alone than in bad company."  Luke shares his thoughts on this, as well as a couple Bible verses, and his own personal experience seeking good friendships.  This is a great episode to have your kids listen in on, and I hope it inspires some conversations this weekend about friendships, loneliness, and being wise while you wait.  SHOW NOTES:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcastPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy