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

Rhonda Stoppe is joining me in today's packed episode where we talk about helping our sons navigate relationships, dating, sex, and marriage. Rhonda has four grown children and a TON of wisdom and experience to share. She has written books on topics related to romance and marriage, as well as one just for moms raising sons. This episode is a bit longer than the others but I hope you can listen to the end because Rhonda's encouragement and wisdom go all the way to the end. :) Find show notes and links to everywhere you can find Rhonda at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Aloha Friday Episode I am encouraging families to gather around the dinner table to chat about the new school year. I cover the topic of MINDSET and the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. I love this topic and I hope you'll find it super practical and encouraging for your family! I also cover a Q and A about boys and reading. I share a helpful tip I learned to get boys to want to read more. Find show notes and links to anything I mentioned at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amber Lia joins me in this episode as we springboard off of Ch. 9 in my book, Boy Mom: "Inspiring Young Minds: Learning and Discovering Passions." Amber is a (homeschooling) mom to four boys, and was a teacher for many years before having children. She shares inspiration for inspiring young minds, stimulating curiosity, and pointing kids to God in all things. We also talk about motivating older kids to learn and ways we can work with an unmotivated teenager. I think you'll get a lot out of this conversation! Find show notes and links to all of the places you can follow Amber at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For our 2nd ALOHA FRIDAY Edition of the Boy Mom Podcast, my son Jonah joined me to chat about the character quality of PERSEVERANCE. Jonah has impressed me in the past year with his ability to persevere in work, studies, and life. I ask Jonah about his SAT studies and his job as a dish washer while he waited to be promoted to busser (for the past year! :)) Jonah shares his perspective on it all. I share some fun quotes on perseverance, and there will more quotes and Bible verses over at my show notes. At the end I do a quick Q&A in response to the (common!) question about what is a reasonable amount of time for boys to be on devices on a school day. Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast. Instagram: www.instagram.com/monicaswanson_ Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today's interview is packed with practical ideas from my friend and guest, Kristi Clover. Kristi is so much fun to talk to -- and she is a master at organization for families. You'll love her advice on how to "set kids up for success" in their chores, and her family's approach to earning and stewarding money. Kristi shares principles that every family can put into practice and I think you'll enjoy this conversation! Kristi's new book, M.O.M. (Master Organizer of Mayhem) releases early in September! As always, you'll find much more on the topic of Boys, Work, and Money Management in Chapter 13 of my book, Boy Mom. Show notes and links: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I'm so excited to introduce this new "Aloha Friday Edition" of the Boy Mom Podcast! I hope to keep these short and sweet, mostly solo (or with one of my guys!) and to focus each of these episodes on connecting with your family as you head into the weekend. Today I am also answering a frequently-asked question about how to handle it when you and your spouse are not on the same page with parenting issues. Hope you are encouraged. Podcast page: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast. Blog homepage: www.monicaswanson.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Christie Thomas joins me for today's episode as we talk about raising emotionally healthy sons. Christie is the mom to three boys and she has a background in children's ministry. She faced some personal trauma years ago that has given her a deeper understanding of anxiety, and she has helped her sons through childhood anxiety as well. Christie has written two beautiful children's books to help kids cope with topics like fear, loss, and anxiety; she approaches these topics with a balanced combination of Biblical principles and solid scientific research. In today's episode, Christie shares three steps to helping our kids deal with anxious feelings. (I think these are great for anyone dealign with anxiety at any age!) Be sure to check the show notes for 2 free downloads from Christie as well as her books, and links to all of the places you can find and follow her! Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast More on raising emotionally healthy sons: www.monicaswanson.com/boymombook. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Erin Mohring joins me in today's episode to talk about raising sons to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Like me, Erin is married to a physician, and in today's episode she is sharing her family's experience of transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. Erin and her husband became runners, cleaned up their diet, and now their three sons are following in their footsteps. Erin is the real deal, a ton of fun, and she shares practical and actionable steps towards raising a healthy family, even if you haven't started off so great yourself! Erin also shares some inspiring nuggets at the end of the interview as she answers my "Boy Mom questions" and gives a piece of advice she wished she had when her kids were younger. (You'll want to write it down!) Thanks for listening and for leaving a rating/review wherever you listen!! Find show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast. Erin's site: www.homewiththeboys.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're having a Boy Mom Book Launch party on the podcast. The Swanson boys (ages 9 up to 20) are hosting the podcast, and asking ME questions! We are all in the mood to celebrate the release of Boy Mom, and I think you'll enjoy the boys' interesting, fun, and silly questions. We are also offering a Boy Mom Book giveaway! Be sure to follow instructions, and we'll choose a winner on Friday, August 9th, 2019! Spread the word and please continue to leave your ratings and reviews. Link to Book Page: www.monicaswanson.com/boymombook. Link to Podcast Page: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am so excited to share this conversation with Ruth Chou Simons, mother of 6 boys (!!), best-selling author, and incredibly gifted artist. Ruth and I chat about raising boys in a digital world...trying to keep the focus on principles, rather than hard, fast rules. This is not an easy topic, but Ruth's wisdom is deep, and she encourages us to focus on the heart behind the issues. ("We become what we behold".) We talk about keeping the conversation open with our sons, and setting expectations as a family. We also talk about what to do when you realize you've already allowed certain things and you want to make changes. (You can do it!) I also wrap up by asking Ruth 3 fun *Boy Mom* questions which will help you get to know where better! I think you'll enjoy what Ruth shares and I pray this conversation is an encouragement to you! Find show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Find Ruth's website: https://gracelaced.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode, I am joined by Jeannie Cunnion: Mother of four sons, author, speaker, and a truly grace-filled friend. Jeannie and I have a great conversation about raising our sons with intentional influences. I am convinced that my two oldest sons are who they are today much because of the influences that have shaped them. We can do our best as parents, but we are also wise to surround our sons with positive outside influences, and ultimately help them learn to choose good influences for themselves! Jeannie is so good at reminding us that God is sovereign and the only One who can change our boys' hearts. However, as long as they are in our care, we can (and should!) point our boys to the best influences possible -- some in person, some as role models. Of course, we could only scratch the surface on this topic, so find much more in chapter 7 of my book, Boy Mom (releasing on August 6th!) Find show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I am sharing from Chapter 6 of Boy Mom, and this is a topic I am passionate about. (It's also a topic I'm spending a lot of time focusing on with my youngest son.) I am talking about the heart of character, and how we can focus on raising kids of character at all ages. When they are young we focus on manners (and the heart behind manners!) and as they grow up we can attach more meaning to they WHY behind the behaviors we are teaching. I share a story of something I did with one of my teens when his character was lacking, and I hope it inspires you. (it was a game changer for our family!) This is a packed podcast and I hope you enjoy it...and spread the word about it! Ratings and reviews are SO appreciated! (if you haven't left one yet, would you take a minute to do that now?) Find show notes at: https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/ And Boy Mom Book Page (with new Pre-order Incentives available!): https://monicaswanson.com/boymombook/ Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode, Gwen Smith joins me as we continue to cover the main topics in my book, Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most From You. (releasing on August 6, 2019!) Today we come to the topic of raising a son with a secure identity. This is a big, important topic! In a world that judges you and labels you based on performance, popularity, looks, wealth, likes, follows, and on and on...how can we raise a son who does not find his identity in ANY of those things? How do we cheer on our kids in the hobbies or sports they love (and we also love!?) without making that the most important thing? How do we stress the importance of being excellent in all that you do without making our kids think that is where their value comes from? This isn't easy stuff, but I think you'll enjoy Gwen and my honest conversation about all of it! Gwen's 3 kids are bright, accomplished college students-- and athletes, and she has a lot of wisdom and experience dealing with all of this! I hope you enjoy! As always look for show notes over at my podcast page! Thank you for spreading the word about this new podcast, and if you haven't already -- would you please leave a rating and review wherever you listen? Thank you so much! Podcast page with show notes: https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/ Gwen Smith's website: https://gwensmith.net Boy Mom Book page: https://monicaswanson.com/boymombook/ Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am so happy to share this conversation with my 17 year-old son, Jonah with all of you. Jonah shares about his experience growing up in a Christian home, when he made his faith his own, and how he has developed his faith over his teenage years. This may be a good episode to invite your son (and husband!) to listen in on. I also get to ask Jonah some fun questions at the end of the episode; listen in and find out what War and Peace, a rifle, and a surfboard have in common. :) ALSO: Don't miss a free download over at my podcast page! I'm sharing a downloadable template which can help you teach your son a simple acronym for praying and using a Bible Journal. Spread the word and don't forget to subscribe to the Boy Mom Podcast so you will get future episodes! Aloha! Podcast page: https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/ Boy Mom Book page: https://monicaswanson.com/boymombook/ Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wendy Speake joins me again as we discuss boys and discipline. Wendy and I talk about how discipline is (unfortunately) a big part of parenting, and how being prepared to discipline is actually a key to NOT losing your cool as a mom. We talk about the purpose of discipline and what it means to understand -- and use -- your sons' "currency." Wendy and I cover a whole lot, and I hope you enjoy this episode! Find show notes at Podcast page, and please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to this podcast, and leave a rating and/or a review! Thank you! Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I'm excited to have my good friend, Wendy Speake, as my first podcast guest. Wendy joins me as we chat about what boundaries and freedoms look like for each of our families...How sometimes we use a rule for one boy that is different from the other kids. How life isn't always "fair." (and much more!) We also talk about boys and their need for freedoms and adventure...how important it is to offer boys healthy freedoms as they grow up. There's a lot of great stuff in this conversation, so I hope you enjoy it and be sure to spread the word to your boy-mom friends! Podcast page: https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/ Boy Mom Book page: https://monicaswanson.com/boymombook/ Wendy's website: https://www.wendyspeake.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today I begin a series which will cover all of the main topics in my new book, Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You. In these first episodes we will be covering the 12 things your son most needs from you...These are areas moms can equip their sons so that they are ready to face the world once they leave the nest. In today's episode we are going over chapter two of the BOY MOM BOOK, and it's all about building a healthy relationship with our sons. We all want to feel connected to our sons in a relationship that will last a lifetime, yet this can get tricky as boys grow up, pull away, and go through various stages. We know they need to grow in independence, but we don't want to lose our relationship with them, either. In this episode I talk about what I consider the four building blocks of a healthy relationship with your son. This episode ought to be an encouragement to you, as well as a loving reminder that the relationship you have with your son today is building a foundation for how you will relate to one another for years to come. I'm sharing some of my own experiences and practical tips for moms of boys of all ages. I hope you enjoy! Find show notes at https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/ Follow Monica on Instagram at @monicaswanson_ And on Facebook -- as Monica Swanson-thegrommom. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aloha, and welcome to the first episode of the Boy Mom Podcast with Monica Swanson and Friends! In this first episode I will be telling you a little more about me and my family, my blog (and the viral post which you might be familiar with) AND my new book -- Boy Mom!! (releasing on August 6th, 2019!) I am sharing my hopes for this podcast, and what I have planned for future episodes, and asking you for your thoughts on what you'd like me to cover here as well. Subscribe to get future episodes covering all kinds of topics related to raising boys! LINKS: Monica's website: https://monicaswanson.com Viral Post: What a Teenage Boy Needs Most from His Mom Boy Mom Book page Podcast notes: https://monicaswanson.com/podcast/ Monica on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGrommom Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicaswanson_/ Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy