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Monica Swanson
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Monica Swanson
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parenting+ marriage

I love to help you build strong families, beginning with a healthy marriage, and purposeful parenting.

faith

Every good thing comes from God and healthy families are built on a firm foundation of faith.

homeschool

After 15+ years of homeschooling, my family agrees it’s the best choice we have made!

healthy mind+body

With a background in sports medicine and fitness, I am passionate to encourage women to embrace a healthy mindset and lifestyle.

Latest bit of encouragement
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  • A Sacrifice of Praise
    Encouragement and faith

    A Sacrifice of Praise

    I’m happy to share an excerpt from Wendy Speake’s new book, A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out her invitation at…

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  • Fall Coffee Date, 2026
    Encouragement and faith | Home & Country | Miscellaneous | Parenting and Family

    Fall Coffee Date, 2026

    Hi Friend!  We are waaay past due… I hate to admit that it’s been more than a YEAR since my last Coffee Date post. 2026 has…

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  • When the Battle Overwhelms You
    Encouragement and faith | Miscellaneous | Parenting and Family

    When the Battle Overwhelms You

    This fall I have a few special book excerpts and giveaways to share with you. To kick things off, today I have an excerpt from…

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  • Jonah and Taylor’s Wedding!
    Encouragement and faith | Miscellaneous | Parenting and Family

    Jonah and Taylor’s Wedding!

    A heap of photos and some favorite memories from the very best day! 3/21/2026, Camarillo, California ❤️ Post-publish addition here! — We just got the…

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  • Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?
    Encouragement and faith | Home School | Parenting and Family

    Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?

    As we wrap up yet another school year, I wanted to share the opening chapter to my book: Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great…

    Read More Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?Continue

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12 years ago, in a moment of desperation-turned-in 12 years ago, in a moment of desperation-turned-inspiration, I initiated the first round of “Character Training”…in my home, with my son….

- The truth is, I had begun teaching my boys about character many years earlier, following the counsel of older wiser women in my life…

But then we hit the teenage years. 😬

And we were facing new issues…

Character issues. 🥺

I read all the books. And I prayed a lot. 
But some things were not changing. 🤔

And then one day I woke up to what felt like an inspired idea:  We would begin a season of “Character Training.” 

I quickly gathered some resources, handed my son a fresh journal, and gave him some simple instructions. 

And that began a process that I believe not only changed the trajectory of my son’s life, but also impacted our family dynamics in a profound way. 🥰 

I shared that story (and more about our “Character Training” experience) in my book, Boy Mom. 

And that led to a rush of messages from parents from all over the world asking me for more instructions on how they too might do some character training at home. 🤓🙏

And THAT is the story behind the Character Training Course, which I launched in 2020!  I typically open the doors to the course 3 times a year— for one week at a time. 

AND- Doors are currently open- but only until Monday, Nov 9! 

In the course my son Jonah shares his personal story of being the OG Character Training guinea pig. ☺️🙌🏼(But he’s not the only Swanson to go through this process. 😉) 

And wow I could not be more proud of the man he has become. A mechanical engineer. Newly married. Serving in his church. Such a gentleman!!

Besides handsome and smart and so many other ways someone could describe him, ☺️, I think “excellent character” may be at the top of the list. 

To any parent who might be frustrated, or even feeling a bit hopeless…I get you. 😌❤️ And I have so much hope for you! !! 

Some intentional character training might be the game changer your family needs. 🙏

As one of my course students said, “it’s the best parenting investment you could make!” 

Comment: Character and I will send you a link!
#6-8 are bonuses. 😂🤗 After raising four boys, the #6-8 are bonuses. 😂🤗

After raising four boys, there are a few things I believe more strongly than ever…

Our kids need our leadership. They need boundaries. They need intentional training. And they need parents who care more about their character than their comfort or accomplishments. They need to hear from us on the topics that matter most. And they need to know we don’t just love them, we like them. ❤️

But the key to all of these things is that they take time, and intentionality. 

Strong, character-rich kids grow out of relationship and experience, and with help from the Holy Spirit. 

If you’re wondering HOW to practically build character into your everyday family life, that’s exactly why I created my Character Training Course! 

In it I share the tools, strategies, and biblical encouragement and resources that helped us raise our boys with intention.

❤️ Comment CHARACTER and I’ll send you the details!
#4. Communicate well. - talk about your intentions #4. Communicate well. - talk about your intentions and everything else. “Clarity is kindness.”

#5. Stay connected to a healthy community. Spend time in groups and with family. Be accountable to people who will ask hard questions. 

🥹Ahhh, this is just five, but there is so much more! 

If you are not yet talking to your kids about relationships and dating, get started!  They want and need your input. 👍🏼 But make sure you’re giving them good input, haha!! 

The NEW module in my Character Training Course (open now! - for one week only! 👍🏼) will give you ALL the guidelines, both for BEFORE they start dating (so they are ready when it’s time!) AND for when they are ready to date. ❤️

(Note- thus far none of our boys chose to officially date until after high school.  But they were ready when it was time!) 

There is no doubt, Who your kids choose to marry is the 2nd biggest choice they will make. Don’t miss this important part of parenting! 

COMMENT: DATE and I’ll DM you a link to the course page and where you can learn more.
We’ve made mistakes and have not been 💯 consistent We’ve made mistakes and have not been 💯 consistent, but the intentional efforts in the things that matter most have paid off. Small (or big) sacrifices pay off for a lifetime. (and they’re usually good for us too!) 

Add to my list?  What inconvenient choices have you made as parents that are SO worth it? 🤓🤷‍♀️🙏

PS doors to my character training course are open this week only!! 🥳 —> See previous posts or stories for links to check it out. There’s not a much more important investment you can make!
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  • Start Here
    • About
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    • Homeschooling
    • Raising Kids of Character
    • Women’s Wellness
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    • Parenting and Family
    • Women’s Wellness
    • Encouragement and faith
    • Home School
    • Surf
  • Recipes
    • Breakfasts
    • Snacks and Smoothies
    • Lunches and Dinners
    • Desserts
    • Gluten Free
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    • Boy Mom
    • The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends
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