Aloha! I’m so glad you stopped by!
I live on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (Oahu, Hawaii) but how fun that we can get to know each other here!
The internet is a busy place, and I’m so happy you found your way to my little spot!
I want you to feel at home here, so kick off your shoes and stick your toes in the (virtual) sand with me for a while. I’d love to get to know you and I hope that the things I share will encourage you and your family. Here’s a quick tour of this website…(I’ve put 12 years into it!)
I think we’ll make great friends!
If you are like most of my blog readers you are a busy parent who is already working hard to raise a great family and keep your head on straight while managing a whole lot of crazy. I imagine your plate is full and you are always striving to do things better. Most of my readers are looking for ways to make their family (and themselves) healthier — mentally, physically, and spiritually. This is the stuff I’m passionate about!
If you love family, but sometimes feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, I get you.
If you want to learn more about God and His Word, and how He can transform you and your family, I can’t wait to encourage you!
If you wish you had more time for community, I hope this place helps!
It is my goal to speak the truth in love, to share life as authentically as I can, and to keep a sense of humor along the way. ♥️
Now…If you’re brand new here I want to show you around a little — help you get oriented to my site.
To find out a little about me and my family, check out my About Page.
BOOKS
After years of blogging, my book, BOY MOM: What Your Son Needs Most from You, was published in 2019. It is so much of my heart, and I hope it encourages anyone raising (or grand parenting, or teaching, etc.) boys!
In February of 2023, RAISING AMAZING: Bringing up kids who Love God, Like their Family, and Do the Dishes without Being Asked, released. This is extra special because my husband wrote a “Word to the Dads” at the end of every chapter, and each of my boys have notes throughout the book as well. If you preorder it before it releases, you can get a pre-order bonus: 4 Interviews with my 4 Sons! (See this page to order and grab your bonus!): monicaswanson.com/raisingamazing.
PODCAST
I started the Boy Mom Podcast in 2019 and covered so many incredible topics related to parenting and specifically raising boys. In January of 2023 I rebranded the podcast to be the Monica Swanson Podcast. I will keep covering many of the same topics but this time we get to cover topics related to raising girls as well as boys. (also Dads: You’re welcome!)
Now for a few of the topics I write about most…
Parenting (with many, but not all) boy-related posts!
This page offers links to my most popular posts related to raising boys (and parenting in general.) Some of these have been read millions of times (the internet is a crazy place!) and though I don’t write blog posts as much as I used to, I truly love blogging! There’s plenty to keep you busy there!
Kids, Screens, and Technology
If you’re raising kids now, I imagine technology is on your mind. (if it isn’t, it probably should be. 😉) While there is a lot of good in technology (look at us here! :)) as parents we really need to stay up-to-date on what kids are doing online, and to have a plan to protect kids from the dangers of the internet and too much screen time. I have done a lot of work to try to simplify your job! I have gathered all of my posts, podcasts, and even a mini-course on parenting in this tech-saturated world on THIS PAGE.
Homeschooling
I have homeschooled my four sons since the oldest (now 23,) was in 2nd grade. Three have graduated from high school, one has graduated college, and two are in college! I love to talk about homeschooling and encourage homeschool families. Find any articles I have written and podcast episodes related to homeschooling on this page!
Healthy Mind and Body
I studied Sports medicine in college and have spent most of my life working in the health and fitness industry. Even more, finding freedom (and my ideal weight) has been a big part of my personal journey. Find anything I have written related to health and fitness, and my personal journey on THIS PAGE. I also self-published a little book sharing my journey to food freedom (and my ideal weight) called The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends, which has helped change the lives of thousands of people around the world! Read about it (and order it if you like!) HERE!
Other categories?
I’ve got years of blog posts saved up for you about things I’m most passionate about…Like marriage and family, faith, homeschooling, and food.
You’ll also find a whole library of recipes which have become favorites for a lot of families…My specialty is “mostly healthy” foods that families actually love. (I major in moderation. 😉 )
Hawaii Dreaming?
If you’re planning a Hawaiian vacation…(or maybe you dream of moving to the islands) I started a page with some links to our favorite places. (I haven’t kept it up well, thanks for grace!)
About our home and life in Hawaii?
Occasionally I write posts about what fruit is growing on our property, our new adventure raising chickens, or other things going on here in the country. You might have seen the skate bowl or some of the projects we’ve done over the years. Find things related to our life here in Hawaii in this Home and Country Category.
My family…
I lam so grateful for the family God has given me. My husband and I are a strong team, and we want to always keep growing in our relationship. I am convinced that when you put the work it in, marriage really does does grow sweeter with time.
Our Boys
I am crazy about my four sons, three who are now legal adults now! (how did that happen?!) I try to give family updates at least quarterly in my seasonal “Coffee Date” posts, and you’ll also see me gush share about them whenever possible on my Instagram feed.
My sons are: Josiah (23), Jonah (21), Luke (18), and Levi (12). The oldest two live in the Santa Barbara, California area
Josiah graduated from Westmont college in 2022 and has a real job in Santa Barbara. Jonah is still in college at Westmont.
Luke (18), surfs professionally and is taking some college classes online. We are thankful his home base is still with us on the North Shore of Oahu, though he travels much of the year.
I do have some older blog posts still in my Surf/Skate category. (you can also follow Luke on his Instagram account.)
I am so thankful to continue to homeschool our 12 year old, Levi, who is a passionate golfer! This is new to our family so we are all learning along with him!
Ok…Hopefully this is enough to get you started looking around my site. But the truth is, this website wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for people coming by and actually reading what I write. So please tell me how I can support or encourage YOU. Is there a topic you’d love me to cover? Got a question? A suggestion? A success story to share?
PLEASE take a minute to leave a comment, or shoot me an email at: [email protected].
With Aloha,
Monica