The Monica Swanson Podcast Christian Parenting

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 around the world, addressing issues related to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. He's so much fun to listen to!
And today, Andrew shares what he considers the “3 best things” he did as a dad. I love this conversation and I think men and women alike will find inspiration and encouragement in it! 
NOTE!! -- My Character Training Course is currently OPEN *only until Monday, June 17th! (find out more about the course at: www.monicaswanson.com/character-course)  
Find show notes for today’s episode at: www.monicaswanson.com/andrew-pudewa 
General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 
The IEW WEBSITE here. 
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 


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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 us understand how to guide children to develop biblical character.  We talk about the connection between character and obedience, the essential foundational beliefs for good character, and strategies for teaching and improving character in our kids.  
I love this conversation so much, and the timing couldn’t be better because next week, (Monday, June 10th!) I will be opening the doors to my Character Training Course! (find out more about the course at: www.monicaswanson.com/character-course)  
Find show notes for today’s episode at: www.monicaswanson.com/kathy-koch 
General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 
Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math 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 


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MONICA for a great deal: happymammoth.com
* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/monicaapps


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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 path to a realistic rest that is available to every Christ follower. 
Jess is sharing practical wisdom to guide women into a lifestyle of sustainable rest. In today’s conversation Jess and I talk about the different sources of fatigue, the lies that prevent women from practicing rest, and the difference between being “busy” and having a “full life.” I loved what Jess had to say about (my pet peeve) “busy shaming” and how we each need to discover our unique sources of rest. 
I think this is a relatable topic for all women and I pray you finish this episode feeling refreshed and hopeful! 
 
Show notes with links to anything we talked about: http://www.monicaswanson.com/jess-connolly  
General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 
Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math 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 
 


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MONICA for a great deal: happymammoth.com
* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/monicaapps


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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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 Gospel, Jesus’ words in the Great Commission are still relevant: We are to make disciples of all nations. What do busy families do with that? 
 
Ann Dunagan is with us today to share her story of being a missionary family with seven children! But even more, Ann shares a lot of practical ways we can ALL be “mission-minded” right in the midst of our real lives at home. I think this is such an important conversation, whether mission work has been on your mind, or not (yet)!  
Hopefully Ann’s words (and most certainly her enthusiasm) will inspire you to consider how you might raise kids who love God’s Word and His people, and who are ready to say YES to His call, whatever that might look like! 
 
Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/ann-dunagan  
General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 
Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math 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 
 


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MONICA for a great deal: happymammoth.com
* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/monicaapps


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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 have time for devotions? How about exercise? And really: Do you have help?   
Sarah is the author of Well Said (as well as 2 darling children’s books) and she also wrote the foreword to Becoming Homeschoolers. I had so much fun chatting with her in this episode, and her answers inspired me and made me laugh. I hope this very real girlfriend chat blesses you, too. 
 
Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/sarah-molitor-2 
General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 
Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math 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 


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MONICA for a great deal: happymammoth.com
* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/monicaapps


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 challenges (overwhelm, anger, and loneliness.) 
  
We also get to talk about my book that released yesterday (May 7th!) - Becoming Homeschoolers. I share a bit of our homeschool story, how I ended up writing this book, and what readers can expect! Then Dave says a sweet Mother’s Day prayer for all the moms listening! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 
Note: My publisher has offered to extend my preorder bonuses until the end of the week, so be sure to visit the preorder page if you want to get some really cool bonuses. 
  
BOOK PAGE HERE for bonuses: https://monicaswanson.com/becominghomeschoolers/bonuses/   
  
Show notes with links to anything we talked about: www.monicaswanson.com/mothers-day 
General podcast page: http://www.monicaswanson.com/podcast 
Looking for new math homeschool curriculum? All of my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math 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 
 


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MONICA for a great deal: happymammoth.com
* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/monicaapps


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy