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

7 years ago I wrote a blog post that was read by nearly 2 million people in 2 weeks. (that was a huge surprise!!)  That blog post led to many opportunities, including the chance for me to publish my book, Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You, and...launch the BOY MOM PODCAST!! This week the Boy Mom Book turns two, and I’m full of thankfulness and a bit of nostalgia. ❤️ On the podcast today I reflect on all of the steps that led to the book, and for the first time ever, I read the blog post that started it all.  (Pause to wipe tears.) Thank you for sharing in this special day and be sure to visit show notes for a little party, complete with giveaways and confetti. Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-117 Podcast homepage:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Research suggests that at least 60% of kids who grow up in a Christian home walk away from Christianity by their early twenties, largely in response to the intellectual challenges to their faith. 😮  In light of the specific challenges kids will encounter in today's world (especially in college, I can tell you from my boys' experience) it has never been more important for our kids to know what they believe and why they believe it.  The good news is, parents are uniquely positioned to equip their kids to understand and defend their faith. Today's guest, Natasha Crain, has written a number of books to help parents raise their kids with an understanding of how to make a case for and defend their faith in an increasingly secular world. Natasha offers a roadmap for meaningful dialogue about Jesus in light of the most relevant topics to kids today.  In today's episode, Natasha is sharing some eye-opening statistics as well as practical advice for parents who want to help their kids navigate well! I think you will end this episode feeling inspired and encouraged! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-116 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Emily Lex – watercolor artist and popular blogger, joins me today for a candid conversation about her journey from insecurity and anxiety, to quiet confidence and peace.  Facing many of the emotions and struggles common to all of us, Emily found the reward in a renewed sense of identity and strength.  This conversation inspired me so much, and I think you’ll find so many golden nuggets that will bless you, wherever you are in your faith and personal journey!   Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-115 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brooke McGlothlin has become one of our favorite resources for all things praying for your kids.  Her interviews in episodes 27 and 42 were some of the most listened to here on the Boy Mom Podcast, and she is back with more inspiration today.  Brooke’s brand new book, Praying Mom: Making Prayer Your First and Best Response to Parenting, is about to come out and we get a sneak peek into some of the awesome content in the book.  Brooke has such a friendly, encouraging tone, I know you’re going to end this episode feeling built up and inspired! www.monicaswanson.com/episode-114   This episode is sponsored by the new, cutting edge internet filter, Canopy!  Go to canopy.us/boymom to try get 30 days of Canopy for free!    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Friends this is such an important podcast episode!  As we are wrapping up my summer mini-series on Boys and Technology, today we dive into the most concerning issue related to boys and devices: Pornography.  Josh Glaser and Daniel Weiss, authors of Treading Boldly through a Pornographic World, join me to talk about how we can help our kids navigate in this hypersexualized, porn-friendly world we are raising them in. We talk about how parents can protect their kids, as well as how to handle it if we find out they’ve already accessed porn. You’ll find so much empathy and grace as well as practical help and encouragement in this episode.  Please, please spread the word to your friends because hearing this episode could make the difference in a child’s future. Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-113 Podcast homepage:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast This episode is sponsored by the new, cutting edge internet filter, Canopy!  Go to canopy.us/boymom to try get 30 days of Canopy for free! Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am beyond thrilled to finally have some answers for everyone who asks me about kids and video games! Liz Busby, a researcher and writer for the Protect Young Minds website, dedicated mom to four, and enthusiastic gamer, 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!)  As someone who has mostly kept my own kids off of video games (and encourages other parents to do the same) this was a surprising, fascinating, and fun conversation.   More good news:  Liz is sharing all of her notes with Boy Mom listeners over in show notes!  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-112 This episode is sponsored by the new, cutting edge internet filter, Canopy!  Go to canopy.us/boymom to try get 30 days of Canopy for free!    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If your kids are on devices of any kind, then this is one episode you do not want to miss!  We continue our summer mini-series, “Boys and Technology”, with a chat that had me on the edge of my seat. Sean Clifford shares some eye-opening statistics, and also helps us understand what most internet filters do…as well as what they do NOT do (hold on, this might surprise you!)  He also shares a new type of filter that uses cutting edge technology (artificial intelligence!) to prevent porn (or sexting) from ever reaching our kids’ devices!  This interview is packed with helpful information and some sweet encouragement, too! Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-111 Go to canopy.us/boymom to try get 30 days of Canopy for free!    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode kicks of my summer series talking about boys and technology. I want to come at this topic from many angles, and today’s conversation is foundational. Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures (check out episode 44) is back to talk about equipping our kids with what they need to make good choices online. The new Brain Defense Digital Safety Curriculum is an entertaining, video-based curriculum for students which covers everything from cyber-bullying, to pornography, to internet addiction. Our goal is to arm kids with safe technology habits to protect their growing minds. This episode will inspire you to have important conversations and give your kids what they need to thrive online. Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-110 Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It is so much fun to have my son, Jonah, home from college and here to co-host this all Q & A episode! I've been saving questions for some time now, and I've still only scratched the surface.  In today's chat Jonah and I cover everything from how to decide if your family is a good fit for homeschooling, to whether or not Dr. Dave recommends we (and our kids) should get the vaccine, to a list of parenting questions about everything -- from toddlers to teenagers, from purity to influences, to father son struggles.  Grab your earbuds and join in.  Find links to anything we mention in show notes: Podcast notes:  www.monicawanson.com/podcast Today's episode; www.monicaswanson.com/episode-109 Thank you to thegoodbook.com for sponsoring this episode.  I HIGHLY recommend "The Big Questions" book series which address the tough questions every tween wrestles with (How do I Know Christianity is Real?" "What Happens when We Die?" and more!)  Visit thegoodbook.com to check them out today!  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we celebrate two years of the Boy Mom Podcast! Even more, this week the doors to the Character Training Course are open – for a (first-ever!) SUMMER SALE! In today’s episode I read a blog post from the archives -- sharing a story…of a regular Wednesday night in my home.  This is a little glimpse into what I believe is the heart of character training.  I hope you enjoy, and I hope it reminds you that your work matters…Every moment of pressing in, pressing on, holding high standards and holding your tongue. Your job is important, and one day you’ll look back and see the beauty in all you do each day. My Character Training Course offers so much support and encouragement for the work you do, so I hope to see you in there this week! Find out more: www.monicaswanson.com/character-course Show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/episode-108 Podcast homepage:  www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy