Develop Strong Families
Hey friends!
If you’re a parent, you probably already know that raising children is one of the most beautiful, humbling, and at times, stretching journeys you'll ever take. Whether you're knee-deep in toddler tantrums or navigating the unpredictable teen years, the heart behind parenting often remains the same: We want to raise kids who thrive—not just in academics or sports, but in character, integrity, and faith.
Recently, Adam and I sat down with Monica Swanson, a fellow homeschool mom, surfer mama of four, and all-around encourager. She shared with us the heartbeat behind her parenting journey, including how she’s woven character training into the fabric of her family’s daily life.
And let me just say—it was deeply inspiring.
Starting With the Why
Monica didn’t grow up dreaming of homeschooling, and honestly, neither did I. But she shared that her journey began when her oldest son simply asked if he could be homeschooled. That one question led to a decision that’s shaped their whole family’s rhythm and values. Like Adam and me, Monica and her husband felt convicted to build a home where faith wasn’t just for Sundays—it was lived out daily.
When Deuteronomy 6:6–7 tells us to teach God's Word “when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise,” that’s not a Sunday morning mandate—that’s an everyday calling. Homeschooling, for Monica and so many others, has become a tool to live out that calling with intentionality.
“Homeschooling isn’t about mimicking a classroom at home. It’s about creating a life that aligns with your family’s values,” Monica said.
Raising Kids of Character in a Selfie Culture
We live in a world that praises achievement, independence, and the curated highlight reel. But where is the applause for kindness? Where is the encouragement for self-control, humility, diligence, and compassion?
Monica put it beautifully: "Character is doing the right thing when no one is watching." And raising kids with that kind of integrity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes consistency, grace, and a whole lot of showing up.
I love that she and her husband once created a “character training” plan for their teenage son—not because he was in major trouble, but because they saw he needed a little heart-tune-up. It involved daily journaling, listening to talks, reading books, and reflecting on what he learned. And guess what? It worked. Over time, they saw real transformation in his attitude, his mindset, and his actions.
How encouraging is that? Sometimes, all our kids need is a little extra intention from us to help them grow into who they’re meant to be.
Embracing the Hard Moments With Grace
Let’s be real: not every parenting moment is Pinterest-perfect. We lose our cool. Our kids push boundaries. And there are days when we wonder if we’re doing anything right at all.
But as Monica reminded us, grace isn’t just for our kids—it’s for us too. God meets us in those messy moments and offers fresh mercy, every single day. And as parents, we have the honor of modeling what it looks like to confess, to ask for forgiveness, and to start again.
One of my favorite verses that came up during our conversation was Galatians 6:9 (ESV):
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Yes and amen. You might not see the fruit right away, but when we plant seeds of faith, love, and character, we can trust that God is working—even in the small, unseen moments.
Family Over Frenzy
Adam and Monica also talked about how easy it is for sports or extracurricular activities to take over a family’s life. And as a professional athlete myself, I get it. Sports are awesome. They teach discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. But when they become the center of our family culture, we risk losing the heart of what truly matters: connection, faith, and time together.
The Swanson family has navigated this well by constantly re-evaluating their priorities. They’re not afraid to pull back or say “no” when needed to protect family time and stay grounded.
It’s a reminder that the best thing we can offer our kids isn’t just opportunity—it’s presence.
Truths to Carry With You
1. Character Takes Intention, Not Perfection.
Kids don’t stumble into good character. It’s built one small decision, conversation, and example at a time. Start where you are. Use everyday moments—Legos, chores, sports—to highlight and celebrate the values you want to instill.
2. Don’t Grow Weary—Your Work Matters.
You might not see instant results, but God promises that in due time, you will reap a harvest. So keep showing up. Keep loving, correcting, praying, and trying. You’re not alone—and it’s all worth it.
Check out the full podcast here!
And I’ll leave you with this final encouragement from Proverbs 22:6 (ESV):
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
You’ve got this, parents. One character-building day at a time.
With love and Aloha,
Bethany
