How to respond when your child treats you disrespectfully I receive some version of this email or message often... Dear Monica... My son is so rude to me... My daughter is disrespectful... My kids don't listen... My teenager hardly talks to me... Please help. If any of these complaints resonate with you, then you're not alone. It's a terrible feeling to be disrespected by the kids you love and -- let's face it -- lay your life down for, every single day. And it's
Parenting and Family
Swanson Family Homeschool Updates, Fall 2022
Heyyyyy Friends. Remember me? I used to write blog posts. A lot of them. And oh how I miss it. If I didn't need to do certain other things (like sleep) I would absolutely be blogging every day. I actually have so many blog post ideas (it's like a habit after soooo many years of blogging regularly!) I have recipe ideas, and parenting posts...I have random silly things (my favorite perhaps?) and spiritual encouragement... But alas. I've begun writing
Spring coffee Date, 2022 – with Giveaway. ❤️
Hi Friends! Wow, we have some catching up to do! Do you want to join me for a cup of coffee? Ok let's do this! First: Happy Spring! Isn't it fun to say that? Does it feel like spring where you live? Or does winter linger on...? I thought I'd start with some family updates, since we are in a big season of transition. Beginning with...TWO GRADUATIONS!! My firstborn is about to graduate from college! 😲 What the what...? Truly though, I
What Your Kids Need Most this Easter Weekend.
You may have read some of my blog posts on the topic of What your Kids Need Most (see the original, and one for elementary and middle school ages.) Well, after my son learned a most difficult lesson in a golf tournament last weekend, I saw how the experience pointed us to the heart of Easter, and what we all really need most. I thought I would share the story with you here, with hopes that it might inspire some good conversations with your own children this weekend. (I'm
My 2022 New Year, Blogiversary Post! Looking back and Looking Ahead!! 🥰
Hey Friends! I have always loved sharing a New Year's post here...For the past 11 years (!!) it's been a fun way for me to reflect on God's goodness over the past year and talk about some of the things I hope to share with you in the year ahead. Also...since I began blogging on January 1st 2011, it's extra special to celebrate this site's BLOGIVERSARY here! Some of you have been with me from nearly the very start, and that...well, that just blows my mind! While less people
Holiday Coffee Date 🎄 {with a Gift-away 🎁}
Photo updates, links + last-minute gift suggestions, and a gift-away for YOU this Christmas season! Hey Friends! There could not be a more special time to meet up for coffee than during the holidays! Crank up your favorite Christmas music and let's share something warm and caffeinated. ❤️ ☕️ 🎄 (Thor and I have The Chosen Christmas Special Playlist on Spotify going on here...) I love love love this time of the year, so I'm smiling even as I imagine catching
Books Your Kids Won’t Want to Put Down! {A Friend Post!}
Best books for kids, from teenage years down! I am so happy and excited to get to share this "Friend Post" with all of you. I have admired my friend Liz Yeboah, who lives in England, for a long time via Instagram! She inspires me in so many ways. (catch episode 105 on the my Podcast to hear her share family adventure inspiration!) I seriously want to plan a trip to England just to go on some family field trips with the Yeboahs! (and ok, eat some of her cake, too. 😉)
Summer Wrap-Up Coffee Date! 2021 edition (with a giveaway!)
A lot happens in a one summer! -- Let's have coffee and talk about it! Hey Friends! Well - wow, that June-July-August came and went, didn't it? 😮 I hope you had a good one... I'm grabbing something hot and pumpkin-y (obviously)...what will you be having? You might laugh, but I really do imagine we're having coffee as I write these, so hope you don't mind playing along! So, grab a comfy chair and let's catch up! First we have to just sit for a second
