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

• How to Survive the “February Slump”

  Last year I finally discovered a name for the very real experience I've had, well, pretty much every year since I can remember. It hits when the holidays are over, and summer break seems like an eternity away...When life feels one part exhausting and one part super boring. It’s often rainy and cold, (at least where I grew up, and sometimes even in Hawaii!) the house tends to be a bit extra cluttered (spring cleaning hasn’t happened yet.) I typically want to quit homeschooling, New Years resolutions have gone by the wayside, and I can’t think of a thing to cook for dinner.  (Wait, you too!?) Well, thanks to the internet, last year I learned that this is called the “February Slump.” It’s a legit thing and if this is new to you, I hope you feel at least a little better giving it a name. Since we both just learned about this annual phenomenon last year, my friend Leanne and I thought it would be the right thing to discuss it on the podcast. (BTW, Leanne also works with me so this is a fun chance to get to know her!) In this conversation we acknowledge "the slump", share from our experience (we each have 4 kids, in two very different seasons,) and offer some practical advice on how to navigate well. (There is hope!) I hope you enjoy this fun and honest “girlfriend/Mom” chat.   Find links and notes to anything we mentioned over at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/february-slump  Find all show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast  Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through the AP level! Your kids will love Dr. Shormann’s short, well-put-together lessons, and Shormann’s Algebra 1 and 2 classes will equip your kids for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT with over 200 practice qustions! Go to diveintomath.com 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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/swanson50offPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  --------  

  28:47
• Practical Help for Picky Eaters and the Importance of Nutrition for our Kids, with Katie Kimball

  How has it taken me so long to get to a topic that I am SO passionate about?  I am beyond excited to open up the conversation of kids’ health with my friend, Katie Kimball (of Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food.) Katie is an author, podcaster, and Ted Talk Speaker. She loves to encourage parents to introduce their kids to a wide variety of foods, teach kids about nutrition, and get kids in the kitchen to cook real food!  In today’s conversation, Katie shares some eye-opening statistics about the state of health for average American kids, (spoiler alert: It’s not good) but she does not stop there. Katie offers practical advice for how we can turn the tide, fix some bad habits, and raise kids who value nutrition and know how to be a good guest at others’ homes, even if what they’re serving is “not their favorite.” 😉 Katie answers a bunch of questions sent in from my Instagram stories as well.  Prepare for a really helpful and practical episode!  Find show notes at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/katie-kimball General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and 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.com 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  Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/swanson50offPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  --------  

  46:57
• 8 Reasonable Habits that will Make a Big Difference this Year

  Hey Friends! We’re still working our way into this new year (that’s ok, right?) and today I am sharing straight from my honest life about 8 things I’m currently working on to make 2025 the very best year possible. I’m keeping this super real and raw, and hoping you feel like we’re chatting over coffee (or in beach chairs, if you come to my neck of the woods!) The first four our indeed health related (it is New Years after all!) but I also touch on parenting topics (fresh chore charts anyone?) as well as marriage and work habits.  I have a feeling everyone can find something in today’s chat to relate to! Find lots of links over in show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/8-things General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and 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.com 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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/swanson50offPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  --------  

  27:13
• Trailer

  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.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/swanson50offPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  --------  

  2:37
• Growing closer to God in 2025, with Jeannie Cunnion

  We are still chatting New Years around here, and this podcast episode is one I don’t want you to miss! My friend, Jeannie Cunnion, is with us to talk about how we can pursue God’s personal presence this year…and the good news is: It’s not about OUR performance, because He is already pursuing us!Jeannie and I chat about her recent trip to Hawaii, her journey to being an author, and how God helped her overcome a works-based mindset to discover His amazing love and grace! Jeannie has such a humble and authentic heart, I think you will be encouraged by this conversation. Find show notes and links to all we mention at: http://monicaswanson.com/jeannie-cunnion General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? The DIVE/Shormann Math and science is an amazing choice for short-but-thorough lessons through the AP level! My sons used DIVE throughout their high school years and 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.com 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 Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/swanson50offPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  --------  

  43:12

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

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