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 guilt.  

Today’s guest, Natalie Hixson shares my passion, and has dedicated the past 8 years to coaching moms who struggle with anger. In today’s episode Natalie shares some of her story, as well as practical tools for overcoming overwhelm. I appreciate her wise perspective on mommy guilt, and her “SIT and Pray” acronym is a helpful tool for any mom who even occasionally gets angry (um, I think that’s all of us!? 😉)  

Be sure to see show notes for links to Natalie’s free download, coaching services, and anything specific mentioned in this episode. Please spread the word about this show as it is such an important and little-talked about topic! 

Find notes for today’s conversation at: http://monicaswanson.com/anger-natalie 

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

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for short-but-thorough lessons through the 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.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 

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 of discipline. We share Scripture and common sense reasons for disciplining our kids, ideally starting at a very young age. We spend the second part of the episode sharing some of the “how” of discipline…from our experience as well as the research we have done. We cover the biblical concept of “the rod”, as well as using our kids’ “currency” to offer natural and logical consequences. Be sure to visit my website show-notes for a free printable with helpful guidelines for discipline! 

Find notes for today’s conversation at: http://monicaswanson.com/discipline 

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

Looking for a Bible-based math or science homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math and science for short-but-thorough lessons through the 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.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 

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 helpful parenting “goals” for sibling relationships, and then we go on to cover questions I have received from Instagram messages and emails. We cover a lot! -- From what to do about a mean sibling, to how to handle competition…When parents should get involved vs. when to let kids sort things out on their own, and more! I think you’ll find this practical and helpful. (And I think we’re going to need a part 2! -- Let us know if you agree over in show notes!) 

Find notes for today’s conversation at: http://monicaswanson.com/siblings-jessicasmartt 

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

Looking for new math or science homeschool curriculum? All 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’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 YES to raising kids of character!  

Whether or not you are a part of the course, today’s guests will inspire you in the areas of: 

• Raising kids with a strong work ethic 
• Helping kids learn to COPE with difficult seasons and developing a vocab for big emotions. 
• Managing our own emotions in parenting and avoiding angry responses. 
• Encouragement for Father and daughter relationships.  
• Nurturing gratitude and fighting entitlement in our kids. 
• Helping girls navigate friendships. 
• Words from my son (the original Character Training Student!) reflecting on his experience going through character training at home! 

Find show notes and links to listen at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/character-clips 

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 

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 studying successful leaders all over the world, 

Dennis shifted his focus to sharing what he had learned with the next generation. Writing books 

and speaking to students, parents, and educators, Dennis is passionate about inspiring the next 

generation to embrace the kind of character that will help them get jobs, (and not get fired from 

them!) nurture healthy relationships, and live happy, fulfilling lives. Today we draw from his 

book, What I Wish I Knew at 18: Life Lessons for the Road Ahead.

Show notes: http://www.monicaswanson.com/characterandsuccess

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

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 the reality of Jesus’ love for her (at Yale, no-less!) Rachel’s story is powerful. Now as a wife, Mom, and Christ-follower, Rachel is in a unique position to communicate Truth and love to this generation.  

I hope you can listen and consider sharing this episode with people in your lie. Find links to Rachel’s book and anything else we talk about in show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/rachel-gilson 

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 

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 began wearing the title of “homeschool Mom”.

In today’s interview Lauren tells us about the cognitive triangle, how to help kids “take captive their thoughts” and the power of metacognition (thinking about what you’re thinking about.) With relatable examples and ideas you can try at home, today (!) I think you’ll find a ton of practical help in this conversation! 

Find all of the links and show notes at: www.monicaswanson.com/lauren-gaines 

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 

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 floor problems, what we can do at home to strengthen the pelvic floor, and when it is time to see a doctor or physical therapist. 

Sierra has a strong background in women’s health and a heart to educate and support women in every season. She has many resources available to help you with pelvic floor weakness, urge incontinence, and more. Sierra also has a son with Spina Bifida, and a heart to support families navigating life with disabilities. 

Find LOTS of links to resources and helpful content that Sierra is sharing at: www.monicaswanson.com/pelvic-floor 

All episode 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 

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 a great start. Greta has had a long and challenging journey with hormones, from PMS to perimenopause. While her story may not offer a solution or specific remedies for everyone’s struggles, I believe that this girlfriend-style chat will open the door to more conversations ahead. Maybe even conversations between you and people in your life.  

If you resonate with Greta’s story of painful emotions, extreme moods, or other hormonal symptoms that seem to be more than “just PMS” I encourage you to see a medical professional, talk to your spouse or a trusted friend, and ask God to help you find solutions. Find show notes to today’s conversation at: www.monicaswanson.com/greta-hormones

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 

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) path He led me to when everything changed!  (Including landing at my ideal weight without following any plan!)

Perhaps most importantly, I am convinced that what I share from my journey will be applicable to almost any hangup you might face. The lessons I learned and the freedom I found is available to anyone seeking. I pray it helps you (and please consider sharing this episode with people you care about!) 

This episode draws from my book, The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends. Find out more by reading that book and sign up for my Women’s Wellness email list to receive encouragement, freebies, and updates! 

Show notes for this episode can be found at: www.monicaswanson.com/my-journey 

Get my tiny little book here. 

Join my Women’s Wellness email list HERE! (Note: A new freebie with: “5 Things I Did to Become Happy, Healthy, and Free” will be sent to you when you sign up!) 

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 AP level! 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 

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 Healthy. We cover friends (good ones and the toxic type,) adventure, career, and the power of habits. Jeanine opens up about secret sins and the importance of someone willing to tell you the truth. Jeanine's testimony is powerful and I love her heart to point women (young and old) to the gospel. 

My favorite part of this interview is towards the end when Jeanine speaks directly to the young women listening. it is a powerful word! I hope you can listen in, then invite your daughters to join you as well. 

Show notes: http://monicaswanson.com/jeanine-amapola

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! 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