The Monica Swanson Podcast - boy mom, build strong families, Biblical worldview, women's wellness – Details, episodes & analysis

We do a lot for our kids, but nothing is more powerful or effective as praying for them. Yet, many of us feel intimidated or inadequate in our prayer lives. Life is busy. We are tired. What is the best way to pray for our kids? 

Brooke McGlothlin is here to help! In today’s episode she shares her unexpected journey to becoming a praying mom, and steps that anyone can take to elevate their prayer lives. I love Brooke's focus on praying Scripture for our kids, and I’ll be including a few of the prayers from her book, Praying Mom, over in show notes. There is so much good stuff in this episode (including a closing prayer by Brooke for all of you and your families!) I hope you enjoy this encouraging conversation! 

Show notes: http://monicaswanson.com/brooke-mcglothlin 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new math or science homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for Bible-based, short-but-thorough lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2 prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice questions! Go to diveintomath to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

I thought we could all use a little “parenting pep talk” right about now…As we wrap up a busy summer and prep for the new school year, we need reminders of how important our role is as parents, the job description God has given us, and the difference we can make in our kids’ lives through our involvement, support, and prayers.  

In this episode I am chatting with Leslie Nunnery, author, podcaster, and host of the popular “Teach Them Diligently” homeschool conference. I love Leslie’s passion for parenting with strength and dignity, her commitment to God’s Word, and her sincere desire to support families! 

In show notes find the specific Bible verses Leslie mentions as well as links to her (new) book, “How to Create a Legacy Bible”, the “40 Day Thanksgiving Journal”, “Heart School” and more. 

Show notes: http://monicaswanson.com/leslie-nunnery 

General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for new math or science homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for Bible-based, short-but-thorough lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Shormann Algebra 1&2  prepares kids for everything on the Pre-SAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practie questions! Go to diveintomath to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

Whether you’re a natural at home decorating or, (like me) feel a little lost on the topic, Myquillyn Smith (aka “the nester”) is the friend you need. When I got my copy of “House Rules” with 100 simple, memorable tips for decorating any space, I knew this would be a fun topic for the podcast this summer! 

I think you’ll enjoy Myquillyn’s laid back (but clearly educated) approach to making your space minimal, yet cozy. We cover a lot in this chat! From the “trinity” of rugs, drapes, and lighting, to what to do with the sofa you hate. Myquillyn tells us what it means to “quiet (or “hush”) the house, encourages us to “pick the one that scares you”, and differentiates between “trendy” or “trending.” And so much more… 

I think you’ll get a lot out of this conversation, whether you have a space you’d like to improve, or if you’re tucking ideas away for a renovation or new home one day! Find show notes and links to Myquillyn’s beautiful new book at: www.monicaswanson.com/myquillyn-smith or go to the general podcast page:  

http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 

Looking for math or science homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! They believe it was the best preparation for their college studies in engineering and data analytics. Go to diveintomath to learn more! 

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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