Raising Kids of Character in a Culture of Chaos

Aloha friends,

I’m still soaking in the beauty of our recent conversation with Monica Swanson on our podcast, All Things Possible. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to raise children with intentionality, especially in today’s fast-paced, pressure-heavy culture—this episode is for you. I walked away inspired, challenged, and so encouraged. And I think you will too.

Rediscovering Our “Why”

When we first started talking with Monica, what struck me most was her unwavering “why” behind homeschooling and parenting. It wasn’t about performance. It wasn’t about being trendy. It was about character. About faith. About raising children who thrive—not just academically—but in heart, soul, and mind.

As Adam shared his own journey, I found myself nodding along. We both experienced homeschooling in unique ways—his in his youth, mine as a child growing up post-accident—and now we’re bringing that same passion to our own kids. But what makes this journey sustainable? Purpose. Vision. The deep knowing that what we’re doing is rooted in something greater than ourselves.

Monica reminded us of that timeless call from Deuteronomy 6—to teach our children diligently, to talk about God’s truth when we rise, walk, rest, and lie down. That kind of faith-filled parenting doesn't happen by accident. It happens with intention.

The Battle for Character

Something Monica said really hit home: “We don’t drift toward character.” Wow. How true is that? In a world that often rewards the loudest voice or the biggest following, we can forget that true strength is found in quiet integrity. In the kid who returns the toy without being asked. In the teen who owns their mistake instead of hiding it.

Monica shared stories of her boys—real, raw moments that many of us know all too well. The attitudes. The sibling fights. The pushback. But instead of shutting down, she leaned in. She saw those hard moments not as failures but as opportunities. Character was built not in perfection, but in the struggle.

One of my favorite takeaways? Her “character training” idea. Giving her son a list of inspiring podcasts, videos, and books to engage with daily—and journaling about what he learned. That transformed not only his behavior, but his heart. It reminded me that discipline and discipleship go hand-in-hand. We’re not just correcting bad behavior; we’re calling our kids up to something better.

Faith in the Everyday

Sometimes the most sacred moments don’t happen in a church pew—they happen over granola bars at the kitchen counter. Monica’s story of her son asking to be homeschooled was so honest and tender. It started small. It wasn’t planned. But it was the beginning of something beautiful.

As Adam said, we have to know our “why.” Parenting without a sense of purpose will wear us out. But when we stay rooted in faith, even the hard days have meaning.

And trust me, there are hard days. The tantrums, the sibling fights, the exhaustion. But Monica’s reminder brought so much hope: “Don’t grow weary in doing good, for in due time you will reap a harvest.” (Galatians 6:9)

Amen to that.

Practical Tools for Real Families

What I appreciated most was how real Monica was. She didn’t come at us with a perfect formula—because there isn’t one. But she gave us something even better: tools. Ideas. Wisdom that’s been tested through years of parenting four boys.

Whether it’s encouraging our kids in their sports, using those moments to teach diligence and perseverance, or just calling out the little wins—like a wiped counter or a sweet interaction with a sibling—these are the moments that build a life of character.

And when we mess up? When our own triggers rise and we lose our cool? God’s grace is still there. Monica reminded us that it’s okay to admit when we’re struggling. To ask for help. To apologize to our kids and model humility. That’s powerful parenting too.

Bringing It Back to Jesus

At the heart of all of this—homeschooling, character, parenting, all the mess and beauty of family life—is Jesus. He is our anchor. Our strength. Our source of wisdom. He doesn’t ask us to be perfect parents, but He does invite us to trust Him with our children’s lives. And He promises to be faithful in that.

So whether you’re rocking a crying toddler, navigating teen attitudes, or just trying to make it through dinner without tears—know this: you’re not alone. God is with you. And the seeds you’re planting today? They will grow.

Stay the course. Don’t give up. And always, always keep your eyes on Jesus.

With love and aloha,

Bethany