Note: This is the first of a 3-part summer series on Youth Sports. (I'm so excited about this!) I hope you’ll spread the word and comment over in show notes to keep the conversation going.

According to recent research, 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by the age of 13. Today’s guest, John O’Sullivan, suggests that this is because youth sports have become adult-centered, ultra-competitive, and crazy-expensive. I don’t think he’s wrong.

Since my husband and I have shared conversations about youth sports on social media this year, I’ve heard from a lot of families who wanted more on this topic. I recently read O’Sullivan’s book, Changing the Game, and knew that his voice would be a helpful addition to this conversation!

John played collegiate and professional soccer and has spent decades coaching and speaking to coaches and parents about the youth sports culture and how we might reverse some dangerous trends. He has a popular Ted Talk on the topic as well (link to that in show notes!) In today’s episode we talk about early specialization, when to give kids the “nudge” to be more committed to their sport, and how to help all of our kids grow up to love sports and lead an active lifestyle! I think this is a great conversation that will offer you some food for thought as you consider your kids’ athletic endeavors.

Find show notes, links to John’s books (including his new one coming out later this year!) and his Ted Talk at: www.monicaswanson.com/john-osullivan

All show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more!

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org

"We’ve all heard the mind-boggling statistics about technology and social media use. The numbers don’t lie; our obsession with smartphones and social media is slowly eroding the very essence of our homes and families. We see it. We feel it. We know it.

So what do we do about it? "... - Erin Loechner, today's guest.

Erin Loechner walked away from over a million online followers to choose a different way of life for her family. Since then, she has done a lot of research and discovered the possibility of borrowing from the playbook of the tech industry to engage your family in meaningful ways. Erin suggests that we, as parents, can actually be “more engaging than the algorithm”! Sound hard to believe? You’ve got to listen to this conversation!

Find notes from our conversation at: www.monicaswanson.com/erin-loechner

All show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more!

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org

When Joey Odom missed his son’s first soccer goal because he was looking at his phone, he had a realization: his phone was getting in the way of his best intentions as a Dad and a husband. Since then, he has been on a journey to change his relationship with his phone so that he can change the most important relationships in his life.

I heard about Joey from our mutual friend (and a favorite podcast guest,) Justin Whitmel Earley who recommended I share Joey’s message with my listeners. I am so glad I did! In this interview Joey is sharing data, insights, and encouragement for ways we can all move forward as parents who want to navigate these waters well. I think you’ll enjoy this conversation and leave it feeling empowered to take some steps to a happier, healthier family life ahead. Find notes from our conversation over on my website at:

www.monicaswanson.com/joey-odom

All show notes: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast

My TECH-SMART KIDS MINI-COURSE is NOW open for new students. (Only $25 and PACKED with helpful guidelines, lists of best tech-filters, articles, and other resources, and so much more!) Find out more, HERE!

Looking for new science or math homeschool curriculum? All my boys have used DIVE/Shormann Math for Bible-based, short-but-thorough science and math lessons, through AP level! Go to diveintomath.com to learn more!

The Monica Swanson Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org