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