Monica Swanson, author of Boy Mom and Raising Amazing , and blogger at monicaswanson.com, shares encouragement and inspiration for raising amazing kids and building strong families. Monica shares practical advice and biblical wisdom through honest conversations, interviews with experts, and light-hearted humor. The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.Chris ...
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How to make Biblical decisions, with Emily Jensen of Risen Motherhood
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We all know there is no formula for good motherhood (bummer!) Yet, the Bible does offer plenty of wisdom to help us navigate well. By understanding the gospel story and considering how God has made each of our families uniquely, Christian moms have access to the very best guide. Every day, moms must make decisions...so many decisions! The Bible has…
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Mommy overwhelm, anger, and guilt, with Natalie Hixson
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If you’ve been a mom for more than a minute, you have dealt with difficult emotions. Destructive mommy anger has been one of the hardest issues for me personally, and I am so grateful for God’s grace in offering me forgiveness, grace, and a new way to parent. Now I am passionate about helping other moms overcome the cycle of overwhelm, anger, and g…
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The Why and How of Disciplining Our Kids, with Dr. Dave
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As we near the end of this fall series on the most frequently-asked-parenting questions, today we come to the topic that I have probably been asked the very most about: DISCIPLINE! I am grateful to have my husband with me to cover this challenging and potentially divisive, but incredibly important topic! Dave and I begin this episode with the WHY o…
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Sibling Squabling, competition, and other FAQs, with Jessica Smartt
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I am so excited to get to share this honest Mom-chat with my friend Jessica Smartt. I have loved Jessica’s books (links to them over in my show notes) and getting to know her in real life a couple years ago, and I appreciate her wisdom, conviction, and humor. I think you'll enjoy getting to know her too! In today’s episode Jessica shares three help…
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Parenting Gold Nuggets from 7 Experts!
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I’m so excited to get to share a sneak peek, — some special clips from 7 of the interviews which are a part of the Character Training Course. And the fun news is: The Character Training Course is finally open (only until next Monday!) I hope you can go over to the COURSE PAGE to see what’s in there and join over a thousand families who are saying …
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Teach Character, Watch Kids Succeed, with Dennis Trittin
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We all want our kids to have good character, but we don’t always consider how crucial character is to our kids’ future success. In today’s interview, former multi-billion-dollar investment manager, Dennis Trittin, helps us connect the dots and find even more motivation for raising kids of character. After over 30 years managing investments and stud…
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Parenting without Panic in an LGBT+ Affirming World, with Rachel Gilson
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Welcome to week 2 of this fall series focused on “Most-asked-about” Parenting topics. Today we tackle a hot topic in our culture which I think is incredibly important for parents to tune into. My guest, Rachel Gilson, has an amazing testimony (I can’t wait or you to hear it!) From her background as an atheist and a lesbian, to being confronted with…
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Raising Mentally Unshakeable kids, with Lauren Gaines
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This week we kick off a month + of “most-requested” parenting topics. We’re going to cover some hard topics and some hot topics. Today we kick it all off with a topic important for every parent: Raising mentally strong kids! My guest, Lauren Gaines, has a background in school psychology and has taught at the University level. More recently Lauren b…
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A girlfriend/Doctor chat about Pelvic Floor Health, with Sierra Rehrer
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Welcome to part 4 of my September Women’s Wellness Series. Today we get to talk about the common, yet often-confusing topics related to pelvic floor health! My good friend, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Sierra Rehrer, is with us to help us understand the various women’s health issues related to the pelvic floor. She shares the most common pelvic floo…
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When it's More than just PMS, with Greta Eskridge
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Welcome to part 3 of my September Women’s Wellness Series. As we go through these topics, I am very aware that we are just scratching the surface, and I am already working on plans for more of these in the future! The topic of hormones alone could be a month-long series (if not more!) but I think this honest chat with my friend, Greta Eskridge, is …
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My personal journey overcoming struggles with food, exercise, and the scale.
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In this, my most vulnerable episode to date, I share my personal journey overcoming obsessions with food, exercise, and the scale. Beginning with my background as a competitive gymnast, to typical teenage insecurities, to dieting and obsessing as a lifestyle, to laying it all down in surrender to the Lord, and the amazing (though very practical) pa…
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Becoming Happy and Healthy, with Jeanine Amapola
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Jeanine Amapola is a popular influencer for Gen Z, but even more, she is wise beyond her years! After a long season of straddling the fence between sincere faith and hidden sin, Jeanine faced the truth: Only a true surrender to God would truly satisfy. Jeanine joins us to chat through some of the topics in her recent book, Becoming Happy and Health…
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Becoming the Prayer Warrior your Kids Need, with Brooke McGlothlin
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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 ste…
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A (back-to-school) Parenting Pep-Talk, with Leslie Nunnery
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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 …
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The 5 Building Blocks of a Well-Rounded Student
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We all have unique interests and strengths, and then other areas that, well, don’t come so naturally. (right?) That’s perfectly normal. Yet, being well-rounded is important for navigating every area of life. I think it is a good idea to zoom out occasionally and take inventory of how we and our kids are doing in the way of being well-rounded, and b…
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Creating the best preschool years, with Lindsey Mimnaugh of Treehouse Schoolhouse
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Lindsey Mimnaugh has grown a huge online following for her beautiful curriculums, nature studies, and always-inspiring social media posts (See: Treehouse Schoolhouse online) I love her book suggestions and all of her ideas for training little ones with good habits, life skills, and open-ended play! Beginning her homeschooling journey before she had…
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5 Family Things to Do Before Summer is Through!
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Summertime is so special, yet the days are fleeting (right?) And without some intentionality it’s easy to wrap up summer, wondering where the days have gone. Whether your kids are about to start back to school already (like here in Hawaii!) or you still have a few weeks, you’ll be glad to make the most of these days while summer is still in the air…
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Luke’s Surf Journey and Competitive Mindset, with my son, Luke
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This is part 3 of my summer mini-series on parenting and youth sports. Be sure to tune into the last two episodes if you have missed them! In today’s episode, my son Luke (20,) joins me talk about his experience pursuing a professional surf career. For context he explains a bit about how competitive surfing works, where he is now in the process, an…
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3 Faith Principles for Navigating Youth Sports, with Dr. Dave.
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Welcome to part II of our summer series on parenting and youth sports. Be sure to catch last week’s (packed!) episode if you missed it! Today my husband Dave is with us to consider 3 important FAITH PRINCIPLES that impact our kids’ athletic endeavors. Background: Dave played soccer through the collegiate and professional level, and we are both supe…
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Can we Make Youth Sports Fun Again? With John O’Sullivan
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Note: This is the first of a 3-part summer series on Youth Sports. (I'm so excited about this!) I hope you’ll spread the word and comment over in show notes to keep the conversation going. According to recent research, 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by the age of 13. Today’s guest, John O’Sullivan, suggests that this is because youth s…
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How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t, with Erin Loechner
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"We’ve all heard the mind-boggling statistics about technology and social media use. The numbers don’t lie; our obsession with smartphones and social media is slowly eroding the very essence of our homes and families. We see it. We feel it. We know it. So what do we do about it? "... - Erin Loechner, today's guest. Erin Loechner walked away from ov…
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How to Have a Better Relationship with Your Phone, with Joey Odom
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When Joey Odom missed his son’s first soccer goal because he was looking at his phone, he had a realization: his phone was getting in the way of his best intentions as a Dad and a husband. Since then, he has been on a journey to change his relationship with his phone so that he can change the most important relationships in his life. I heard about …
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Simple rules for decorating any space, with Myquillyn Smith
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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 (…
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The 3 Best Things I Did as a Dad, with Andrew Pudewa
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Happy Father’s Day week everyone! Today my friend Andrew Pudewa, is with us to offer some lessons and encouragement for all of the dads out there! (Ladies, you'll enjoy this too!) Andrew is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), father of seven, and grandpa to a whole bunch of kids! Andrew travels and speaks arou…
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Parent Differently, with Kathy Koch
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A child’s character reflects their convictions, establishes their reputation, and ultimately determines their destiny. In the world today it may seem like a big job to raise kids with biblical character, but today’s conversation should offer a lot of HOPE! Kathy Koch, child development specialist, author, and sought-after speaker, is here to help u…
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Why We are So Tired and What to do About it, with Jess Connolly
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Women are mostly all tired, aren’t we? For women today, fatigue has become the norm, and busyness is often worn as a badge of honor. Jess Connolly has lived in that bone-weary place, even to the point of developing chronic panic-attacks, battling anxiety and an autoimmune disease. But with wise practices and a new way of living, Jess discovered the…
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Being a Mission-Minded Family, with Ann Dunagan
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For Christian families in the thick of it, the thought of world missions can seem unrealistic and overwhelming. Many of us feel like we are in survival mode, just taking care of our families and trying to protect our kids from the crazy world. (and that’s all so important!) Yet, in light of the fact that 1/3 of our world has not yet heard the Gospe…
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The Juggle is Real, with Sarah Molitor of Modern Farmhouse Family
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When I come across a wildly popular influencer who is also raising (and homeschooling) 7 children, and keeping their home and marriage in (seemingly) great order, I can’t help but wonder: HOW DOES SHE DO IT ALL? Sarah Molitor is one of those people, and in this interview with Sarah, I dive right into my honest questions: When do you sleep? Do you h…
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Highs and Lows from 25 years of Motherhood (and celebrating a BOOK RELEASE!)
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My husband Dave is with me today for a special Mother’s Day/book release interview! Dave and I are reflecting on the last 25 years of my motherhood journey...highs and lows, what I have learned, and my advice for younger moms. I share about some of my biggest joys of motherhood, (the laughter and fun, and much more!) and some of my greatest challen…
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Parenting, Homeschooling, and Friendships with Grown Kids, with Sally Clarkson
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Sally Clarkson’s books and podcast have inspired me for years. Living between England and Colorado, Sally’s writing and voice is like a trusted mentor who puts everything in perspective. I have always hoped to meet Sally so this interview was really special. I got to ask Sally about her heart for parenting, what the rhythms in her home were as her …
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Raising Spiritual Champions with George Barna
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Renowned researcher and bestselling author, Dr. George Barna is with us to share some startling data, along with a passionate call-to-action for Christian parents. This may be the most important episode you could listen to, and I pray that what we talk about inspires you to a deeper level of commitment in your parenting. (Don’t run away – I promise…
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The Fruit of a Purposeful Family, with Melissa Brown
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When you come across a family with a bunch of young adults thriving in their faith, work, and passions, you can’t help but want to ask the parents: “Ok! What is the secret?” (Right?) And for good reason: Yes we can learn through mistakes and struggles, but I vote that it is even better to learn from those who have had successes! Melissa and Jonatha…
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Hard is Not the Same as Bad, with Abbie Halberstadt
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Our most trying moments as a parent can quickly spiral into discouragement, hopelessness, and sometimes even resentment toward God or your family—partly because our culture has conditioned us to believe that anything this hard can’t possibly be good for us. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why me, Lord?” today’s podcast guest will resonate wi…
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Raising Boys to Men, with Durenda Wilson
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This one is especially for the boy moms out there! I know you'll love hearing from Durenda Wilson -- Mom to 8 (five boys!) author, podcaster, and someone I consider a virtual mentor -- as she shares from her new book, Raising Boys to Men. Durenda has homeschooled all of her kids, and now with grown children (and a bunch of grandchildren) she has a …
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Setting the First Tracks: Talk to Your Kids about Everything
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Who do you want to set the first impressions on your kids on topics like: identity and self worth, sexuality and gender, politics, and other cultural hot topics? I vote YOU DO, Mom and Dad. I think most of us would say that we, the parents, are the best people to begin these conversations. Yet, it is easy to put these (sometimes awkward!) conversat…
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How to Experience REAL JOY in a world gone mad, with Brant Hansen
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Would you say that joy (a deep sense of well-being, regardless of circumstances) is something you live with daily? Brant Hansen joins us to tell us that this is not only possible, but promised to all who follow Jesus. In fact, through Christ, we can start to see the world in a more childlike, humble, and optimistic way. Brant and I are talking abou…
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Life is Messy, God is Good, with Cynthia Yanof
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Today’s guest, Cynthia Yanof is the friend we all need. She is honest, encouraging, and hilarious. She shoots straight and stays humble. I am so glad she poured all of these things into her new book: Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life. In today’s conversation Cynthia and I talk about parenting (she has college age dow…
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Practicing The Way, with John Mark Comer
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Best selling author, teacher and Pastor, John Mark Comer, is here to talk about his newest book: “Practicing the Way”, which explores the concept of being an apprentice of Jesus. John Mark explains that to practice the way of Jesus, we must: “Be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did” (the subtitle to the book.💥) In this conversation we talk…
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Screentime and Other Ways Kids Spend their Days
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If screentime is a challenge in your home (pretty sure that is most of us!) then this episode is for you! Today we’re talking about how we can be intentional about screens, sports, hobbies, and all the ways kids spend their days! - From Chapters 12 and 13 of my book: Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dish…
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No Regrets Parenting in Difficult Cultural Times, with Rhonda Stoppe
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Having a solid mentor in your life is a true gift; mentors offer us wisdom from their life experience and help us navigate all that we face. If you don’t have a mentor in your life, I encourage you to pray for, and seek one out. But I am also thankful that we live in a time when we can have “virtual mentors”, people we may not know in real life but…
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7 Attitudes that will Sabotage Your Marriage (and 7 to Replace them with) with Dave
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Happy Valentine’s Day! My husband Dave is with me as we celebrate our 28th Valentine’s Day together. ☺ In this episode we are talking through a blog post that has been very popular for many years now on my website: “7 Attitudes that Will Sabotage Your Marriage, and 7 to Replace them with.” Dave and I are sharing from our own experience -- as we’ve …
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Let’s Talk about Kids and Dating, with JP Pokluda
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Dating has never been simple (who remembers?!) but today it is more complicated than ever. The world offers all kinds of mixed messages to young adults and teenagers and our Christian culture isn’t giving a lot of alternatives. In such crazy times our kids need a voice of reason and a lot of Biblical wisdom to help them navigate. Pastor Jonathan “J…
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Helping Siblings Become Friends, with Luke and Jonah
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Since last March, at the end of each month I have been covering highlights from a chapter of my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked! Today we get to cover the topic of sibling relationships from Chapter 11, with the help of my two sons, Jonah (22) and Luke (19). I know sibli…
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The Sacredness of Secular Work, with Jordan Raynor
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Jordan Raynor is back with us (he’s been a favorite guest in the past!) with an encouraging message about the eternal value of our work. All of it! As Christians we often talk about how our workplace can be our mission field (and that is so true!) but Jordan suggests that is only part of the story. And he is passionate that we – and our kids, hear …
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What is Christian Deconstruction? (And how should we respond to it?) with Alisa Childers
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Alisa Childers is back with a conversation I want every Christian parent to hear! A movement called “spiritual deconstruction” is sweeping through our culture, our churches, and (maybe especially) our universities. It is confusing and complex. It is leading young people away from the church and dividing families. In today's interview, Alisa offers …
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Monica’s (work and life!) Updates for 2024
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Hey friends! Today I hope you can grab a cup of coffee (or your tennis shoes!) and join me for a more personal chat. I’m sharing updates from my podcasting and writing life, as well as personal reflections as I look at the year ahead. From my next book release (May 7!) to my fitness plans (💪🏼), from podcast topics, to skin-care in my 50’s (🤗) it’s …
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The Value of Just Showing Up, with Drew Dyck
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Happy New Year! Whether you are heading into 2024 with goals and resolutions, a word-of-the-year, and a whole lot of confidence, or you are just barely…plodding your way into it, this episode is for you! Drew Dyck, author of JUST SHOW UP, is with us to offer some encouragement and perspective. Drew reminds us that there is great value in every smal…
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3 Ways to naturally instill character into your kids every day
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With a little intentionality, we can develop character in our kids’ throughout the natural rhythms of our days. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, this episode will equip you with some great tools for practical character development! Today I am pulling from chapters 9 and 10 of my book, Raising Amazing: Bringing up Kids Who Love God, Like…
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10 Do’s and Don’ts for a Happy Family Christmas, with Dave and Monica
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Happy Christmas week everyone! 🎄Join my husband Dave and I for a fun and hopefully helpful “date-night” style conversation! Dave and I are sharing wisdom we have gleaned over 28 Christmases together, most with a house full of boys...Some important “do’s” as well as a few “don’t”’s! Hopefully a few will be encouraging reminders and a few will make y…
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6 Discipline Mistakes to Avoid During the Holidays
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One of the most important and challenging jobs we have as parents is that of disciplining our kids. Most of us wish it weren’t necessary (and a lot of parents today mostly ignore it!) but I have learned that good discipline is one of the greatest keys to raising amazing kids! Back when my oldest sons (now 24 and 22 years old) were very young, I rea…
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