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 

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 

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 

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.org

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 

Happy New Year!!  Today we get to kick off the New Year with an inspiring (and funny as always!) chat with Bob Goff. Bob is sharing the heart of his brand new book, Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility, and how it applies to all of us – no matter how normal and routine our lives may seem! 

Bob is a master story teller, yet manages to weave spiritual truths and wisdom nuggets into everything he does. If you’ve got some hurt, or need a fresh perspective on your circumstances, tune in and be encouraged.  Find show notes with links to an EXCERPT from Bob’s book as well as the chance to WIN A FREE COPY, over at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/bobgoff 

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 

Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas from Hawaii! Whether you catch this on Christmas day (I’m so honored!) or a bit later, in this episode you will find some fun facts regarding that strange week between Christmas and New Years, as well as THREE THINGS I suggest we all do before the New Year begins!

I’m keeping this short and sweet, but I think the tips in this episode will prepare you well for an intentional, faith-filled start to your new year. Find show notes with the three tips as well as the Scriptures I shared (and a few extras!) at:

http://www.monicaswanson.com/christmas 2024

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 

We are officially one week away from Christmas! This is a replay from a fun “date-night” style episode my husband Dave and I shared a few days before Christmas in 2023. Dave and I are passing along wisdom we have gleaned over 29 Christmases together, most with a house full of boys. You'll find some important “do’s” as well as a few “don’t”’s! Hopefully a few will be encouraging reminders and a few will make you laugh. 

We imagine some of you might listen together with your spouse while wrapping gifts, running last-minute errands, or in front of the fire for a stay-in date night. (Of course you can listen all on your own as well. These principles will be helpful to everyone!) 

Find show notes and any links mentioned at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/10-Christmas 

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 

If you’ve ever let the stress of the season steal the JOY of the season, you know what inspired this episode.  I’ve been there, and I don’t want to go back!  Today’s episode is all about facing the reality of the holiday season with intentionality, and ending it with no regrets!  

Today I share five very simple and do-able tips that will decrease our stress, and help us be more present, patient, and peaceful this season. Hoping you can catch this while running errands, wrapping presents, or folding laundry!  Find show notes and links over at:  

http://www.monicaswanson.com/less-stress-christmas 

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 

Did you know that you were created for delight? It’s true! Though, if you are not feeling the fullness of that right about now you are not alone. We live in a fallen world and life can feel complicated and hard. Sometimes even turning to the Bible can feel like another task on our to-do list. Most of us don’t like to admit these things, especially in the midst of what is supposed to be the happiest season of all. (right?)  

Today’s guest, Asheritah Ciuciu, is no stranger to this reality. After a season of feeling dried up and burned out, Asheritah discovered the secret to a life of enduring joy.  And the good news, it wasn’t dependent on doing better or working harder.  It was – and always is, all about Jesus!  

Listen in as Asheritah explains how we can drink from God’s river of delights and find in Him the desires of our heart! I think you’ll find lots of encouragement in this conversation, and I hope you’ll pass it along to your friends who could use a bit more joy in this season (and in the New Year!)  

Find all the notes and links at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/asheritah-joy 

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 officially kick of the holiday season here on the podcast with this incredibly practical and fun conversation! Krista Gilbert is an executive and personal life coach who helps people and companies “design a life they love” (how cool is that!?) She’s also a personal friend who I enjoy and respect so much! 

In this conversation Krista and I talk about the realities of the holidays: They are magical and wonderful but can also be tricky. Expectations sneak in, things don’t always go smoothly…kids grow up (and get married!?) Our own parents are aging (and may get sick or pass away.) And if we are not intentional about our mindset, Moms are sure to face a variety of emotional potential pitfalls over the holidays! 

Krista offers so much wisdom and so many practical tips you’ll want to hold on to: from learning how to “boss our brains” to the importance of “consenting to change”. I loved what she shares about “honoring everyone involved”, and I personally can’t wait to “hunt the good” this holiday season! Find all of this and so much more in this very packed episode. Listen before Thanksgiving if you can (she has some fun ideas for the day!) but be sure to catch this episode sometime this holiday season! 

Find all of the notes and links at: http://www.monicaswanson.com/krista-gilbert 

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