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

This is the ninth part of the 2022 monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 10 – Body Wise. This chapter covers some of the ways we can help our boys to grow up to be active, healthy, and motivated to take care of themselves for a lifetime.   When our kids are young they depend on us for all of their health choices, and that is no small responsibility. As they grow up, we can still teach and coach and guide them in their decisions. I share some of the ways Dave and I have done this with our boys and things I’ve learned from friends who have navigated: overweight kids, picky eaters, and all the rest! I hope this offers you some food for thought (haha, catch that?) and maybe springboards you into some good conversations with your family about health…now and in their future! Be sure to check show notes for all of the links I mention, and a free download with some “boy-approved” (healthy-ish) foods we try to keep on hand for our boys!   www.monicaswanson.com/episode-177 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week I am bringing back an episode from the past on a topic that is on a lot of parents' minds. I get asked about kids and video games, a lot, and have never felt qualified to give a comprehensive answer.  We are not much of a video game family, but I am not fully anti-video game, either.  So, I have always wanted to bring someone on who has an educated, balanced approach.  Boy did this conversation exceed my expectations!! Liz Busby, a researcher and writer for the Protect Young Minds website (now called, "Defend Young Minds",) a dedicated mom to four, and an enthusiastic gamer herself, 😯 joins us today to talk all about kids and video games! Liz shares the pros and cons of allowing our kids to use video games, precautions to take, resources to turn to, and so much more (including her top recommendations for games families can play together and how they might work in our favor(!)   While I have not changed my overall stance on video games for my own family (less is more - focus on outdoor activities, physical and academic challenges, etc. and use video games "occasionally") there is no doubt -- THIS was a surprising, fascinating, and really fun conversation. I also just might be trying some new games with my family soon! More good news: Liz is sharing all of her notes with Boy Mom listeners over in show notes. See link below! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-176 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I hear from a lot of parents who want to raise their kids to know and love God’s Word but are afraid of pushing too hard, or worried their kids might rebel against church and faith. My oldest son, Josiah (23) joins us today to share his faith journey, from his earliest years, through some years of doubt and questioning, and on to where he is today: A young man who loves God and cherishes the Word of God. Josiah answers questions sent in by listeners, including how he suggests responding to a teenager who doesn’t want to go to church, as well as a couple questions about choosing colleges. Find links to things Josiah and I mention over in show notes, and follow Josiah on his European travels on his Instagram feed! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-175 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

None of us want to imagine our kids carrying emotional baggage into adulthood, but…it happens. 😢 Wounds from people and experiences, from their own mistakes, (and sometimes even their own parents) grow into baggage that can impact the rest of our kids' lives… Chris Sasser (“Sass”) has been in family ministry for a long time, and through meetings with young adults, he recognized the problem of emotional baggage which so often impacts young marriages, jobs, and the future generations of families. Chris has identified 8 specific “bags” that we can help our kids be aware of, and he offers ways we might lighten those loads. I love this conversation so much, and I think you will get so much out of all that Chris has to share.  Find links to all that we talked about in show notes! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-174 The Artza Holy Land Subscription box is holding a flash sale this week! Head over to grab back-to-school themed items now! Use code BOYMOM25 for 25% off Artza Subscription boxes! (these make great gifts!) Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast   Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is #8 of the 2022 monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 9 – Inspiring Young Minds! This chapter is all about motivating boys to learn and helping them discover what will fuel their soul (and hopefully stick with them into adulthood!) We cover a lot in this episode – from creating a rich learning environment in the home, to small shifts that might help kids learn better (getting some fresh air, stand-up for math!? and more!) We also talk about the importance of introducing kids to a variety of sports and activities, and allowing them to discover their passions at their own pace… I love this topic and I hope you do, too! Be sure to check show notes for all of the links I mention, and a free download with conversation starters for fostering a growth mindset in your kids! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-173 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is part II of a listener-favorite conversation with David Thomas which first aired nearly two years ago! In these episodes we are drawing from a book that David co-authored: “Are Your Kids on Track: 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Kids Needs to Reach.” David’s insights and experience from counseling are relatable and encouraging! This week we are talking about 4 social milestones our sons need to reach, as well as the main stumbling blocks that get in the way. (If you missed it, be sure to go back to last week’s conversation about the 4 emotional milestones!) I think you’ll end this conversation with some new tools and inspiration to help make sure your son is on track socially! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-172 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week and next I am sharing listener favorite-conversations with David Thomas which first aired nearly two years ago. David is a counselor at Daystar Counseling Center in Nashville, TN., and the author of several books. In these episodes we are drawing from his book: “Are Your Kids on Track: 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Kids Needs to Reach.” David’s insights and experience from counseling are relatable and so helpful! This week we are talking about 4 emotional milestones our sons need to reach, as well as the main stumbling blocks that get in the way. Next week we’ll tackle 4 social milestones. I think you’ll end this conversation with some new tools and inspiration to help make sure your son is on track emotionally! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-171 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

My 2nd son Jonah, (21) joins us to chat about his first two years of college, and the years leading up to that. From being homeschooled, to taking a gap year, to navigating friend groups, spiritual questions and more – we cover a lot! This is a great episode for high school kids to listen to. Jonah offers encouragement for securing your identity before college, knowing what you believe, and making your college (or wherever you launch to) feel like “home”! I love what Jonah shares and I chime in as well to give a Mom’s perspective on many of the topics we cover. Please share this with friends who are nearing or in this season of life!  Thank you for listening.  Find links to things Jonah and I mention in show notes! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-170 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jordan Raynor has always been passionate about creativity and productivity, and he's written a number of best-selling books on these topics. In his new book, The Creator in You, Jordan's goal is to inspire our children to start young!  He helps kids to understand that work existed from the very beginning – even before sin entered the world...He reminds kids that God is a creative, working God, who invites them to create alongside Him! Jordan and I talk about work as a spiritual theme, how we as parents can inspire our kids to value work, and the role of chores and doing hard things. If you have little kids, this is a must listen. But for all of us, this conversation should inspire an appreciation for all the work we do (Motherhood counts!) and encourage us to raise our children to dream, create, and work hard, all to God’s glory. Links and my own list of books to inspire kids to work in show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-169 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast     Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the seventh part of the 2022 monthly feature on the podcast, covering the “12 Things Your Son Needs Most from You” from my book, Boy Mom. Today I am sharing some snippets from Chapter 8 – Navigating the Digital Age. There is a lot to cover, but I think this is one of the greatest parts of our job as parents in today's world! Be sure to check show notes to find two free downloads: A Technology Contract, and a list of helpful resources! (filters and accountability software.) I hope this episode encourages and equips you to raise your son to grow up with a healthy relationship with technology! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-168 Podcast page (for all episodes) www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy