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Encouragement for “Solo-Parenting” Boys {Episode 55 with Jen McDonald}

Aloha Friends!   So, if you’re a military spouse…or a single parent…or have ever felt like you’re carrying the load of parenting on your own, (and haven’t we all at some point?) this episode is for you. 
 
I am so excited to share this encouraging chat with Jen McDonald in today’s episode.  Jen raised her four children while moving all over the world, oftentimes with her husband deployed or traveling.   She knows what it’s like to juggle kids without a spouse around to help or offer support.  She calls it “solo parenting”, and there is no denying it can be tough.
 
Jen has grown to be a mentor for other military spouses and has written a book on the topic (see notes below.)  Jen is funny, wise, and a breath of fresh air.  She offers the perspective we all need in the thick of it.  
 
Also Fun fact:  May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States!  This is a perfect time to share this episode with anyone you know who is in the military.  And please tell them THANK YOU from all of us here at The Boy Mom Podcast!
 
ALSO:  Jen is offering to give away two copies of her book to Boy Mom listeners!  See details below!   
 

SHOW NOTES:

 
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You can find the Boy Mom Podcast on all of the podcast platforms…here are just a few of them:

Spotify

Or you can listen right here! 🙂

 
Jen McDonald

Jen is a longtime writer and the author of the book You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse. In 2018, she began the Milspouse Matters podcast to provide practical support and encouragement to military spouses, and the show now has thousands of listeners worldwide! Her writing has been featured in several books as well as national publications like Redbook and Good Housekeeping. She works full time as the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, a company that helps families advertise or find homes near military bases. 

Jen was a military spouse for nearly 30 years and is the mom of four grown children (including one son currently in the military!). She homeschooled for over two decades, and one claim to fame is surviving all four of her kids being teenagers at the same time! One of her happiest roles these days is being a grandmother. She and her now retired Air Force husband were stationed all around the globe from Europe to the Pacific and won’t count how many houses they’ve lived in because that would be too depressing. Her passion is encouraging young military spouses and regularly sharing about topics like military life, parenting, homeschooling…and now grandparenting!

See more from Jen at her site, Jen McDonald and find her on social media with the handles @jenmcdonald88 or @milspousematters.
Facebook I Pinterest I Twitter & Instagram: @jenmcdonald88 @milspousematters

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF YOU ARE NOT ALONE:  ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE HEART OF A MILITARY SPOUSE.


**Just leave a comment at the very bottom of this post telling us how you are “solo-parenting” the best you can in this season — OR shout out a friend who you’re proud of… (This is not JUST for Military Spouses, but if you know one, this is your time to bless them!)

I’ll choose a winner on Monday Night (5/25) and contact winners on Monday!  

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Thanks for reading these show notes!  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please share it using social media links below! 

I’m grateful for my listeners and readers, and would love to connect. You can subscribe to my blog  for a weekly update on anything new I’ve published, say hi on Facebook , or find me on Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. 

My book, BOY MOM, was released in August of 2019 (Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers) and is full of practical advice and helpful resources for raising boys.  It’s a great study for small groups!

 

    Order it here:   Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You

**I am an Amazon Affiliate and some of the products I share will benefit me if you click through and purchase.  Thank you so much!! 

With Aloha, Monica

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7 Comments

  1. We said “see you later” to Dad a few weeks ago and are supported by a wonderful community in Japan of on-base families with one parent often deployed. I have two boys, 7 and 4, and a little girl, 2. Today, our neighbor brought over water guns to play with her daughter – huge win for the warm day we had today!
    I found your podcast a couple months ago and I enjoy listening to it while doing dishes when all is quiet after bedtime. Thank you for hosting a military spouse and recognizing the unique situation many of us boy moms are in.

    Reply

    1. oh bless you…How long will your husband be gone? So glad you have a strong community and truly grateful for all of you who serve as a family so that the rest of us can live securely! Sending hugs and aloha!
      PS Is there a US address that a book could be sent to if you win?

      Reply

      1. Aloha! Ideally 6 months. I feel for them that they won’t be able to step off the ship as long as coronavirus is a concern.
        Yes, we have a US Post office here.

        Reply

  2. Boy mom of 3: ages 5,4, and 1. Solo parenting often, because my husband is active duty. I related so much to your podcast! Especially the letting go of your independence when your husband returns. And I love “raising privileges with responsibilities.” I will keep this in mind as I am just approaching the balance with my 5 year old. Raising rough and tumble boys is not for the faint of heart. Thanks for the podcast! Would love to read your book!

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad you listened and found it helpful!! Blessings to you as you’re right in the thick of it. Blessings, Jen McD

      Reply
  3. Christina says:

    I come from a military family and now have many siblings in the military or military spouses…would love to bless them with this book!

    Reply