The Mind of a Child

• Crafting a Parenting Plan Infused with Peace, Purpose, and Flexibility [Greatest Hits]

  → Prayer CalendarCreating a parenting plan can feel overwhelming especially in the early years when days are unpredictable and your energy is low. But what if a plan wasn’t about rigid control, but about peace, purpose, and flexibility?In this episode, we explore how simple rhythms, clear communication, and God-centered intention can help you build a plan that actually serves your family. Whether you're a type-A planner or someone who struggles to keep a calendar, this episode gives grace-filled strategies for designing a routine that supports your mental health, aligns with your values, and helps your kids feel secure and loved.Framework questions for developing a plan1) What am I trying to accomplish each day but am unable to?2) What are some things that I must get done each day for my family?3) What are some things that I must get done each day for me, so that I can be fully present with my family?Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Why parenting plans can feel heavy[00:02:00] Three questions to guide your plan[00:08:30] Why kids crave structure[00:16:30] Prepping for routine changes: Why kids need advance noticePlease send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected] The Mind of a Child is an early child development podcast that exists to encourage and equip parents to raise their kids to love God and love others. If you're looking for Biblical principles, practical parenting solutions, and science-backed research, our discussions are specifically tailored for you. Our hosts are Leslie Dudley Corbell and Diane Doucet Matthews, who each have a combined 50+ years of experience in the early child parenting space.

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• Potty Training 101: How to Avoid Power Struggles, Practical First Steps, and Nighttime Preferences [Greatest Hits]

  → Prayer CalendarPotty training is one of the most common parenting milestones and often, one of the most stressful. In this episod, we offer a refreshing grace-filled perspective that rather than chasing quick fixes or rigid timelines, invites parents to slow down, follow their child’s cues, and see this developmental stage as an opportunity to walk with their child.Blending research, practical steps, and biblical encouragement, this episode reframes potty training as a joy-filled process of growth (as much as it can be), independence, and discipleship.Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction: Why potty training feels stressful for so many parents[00:04:30] When to begin: Signs of readiness, developmental timing, and early interest[00:08:00] First steps: Preparing your environment and changing your expectations[00:13:30] Nighttime training strategies: Sheets, plastic covers, and grace[00:19:00] Language tips: Avoiding phrases like “Do it for Mommy”3 TakeawaysPotty training is your child’s developmental work not a performance to manage or a schedule to control. When you treat it as a learning process rather than a task to complete, you reduce pressure and increase joy.Encouragement beats rewards. Positive reinforcement rooted in celebration, praise, and connection is more effective than material rewards or punishments. Visuals, routines, and sibling examples help build independence.God invites us to walk with our children in every milestone including potty training. With patience, presence, and prayer, we can guide them through this stage as a form of loving discipleship.Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected] The Mind of a Child is an early child development podcast that exists to encourage and equip parents to raise their kids to love God and love others. If you're looking for Biblical principles, practical parenting solutions, and science-backed research, our discussions are specifically tailored for you. Our hosts are Leslie Dudley Corbell and Diane Doucet Matthews, who each have a combined 50+ years of experience in the early child parenting space.

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• Reclaiming Summer: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Rest, Connection, and Unstructured Play [Garden Analogy]

  → Prayer CalendarSummer offers a unique opportunity to slow down, connect, and refocus on what really matters. But for many parents, it quickly becomes a season of hustle, pressure, and endless activity. In this episode, we explore how to reclaim the summer months with purpose, peace, and joy. We share practical, faith-centered ideas for engaging your children from backyard discovery and theme days to pointing your kids to God through nature and Scripture. With encouragement rooted in biblical wisdom and real-life examples, this episode reminds us that summer doesn’t need to be full of structure to be full of meaning.Scripture mentionedMatthew 13:3-9Matthew 13:18-33Ephesians 5:19-20Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction[00:03:30] 3 Strategies for Laying a Foundation this Summer[00:15:30] Four-part Garden framework: Prepare, Weed, Tend, Irrigate3 TakeawaysSummer is a valuable time for preparing the soil of your child’s heart. By slowing down and creating space for unstructured play, natural discovery, and quiet reflection, you nurture their imagination, curiosity, and spiritual awareness.You don’t need an elaborate itinerary to have a meaningful summer. Simple theme days, outdoor play, and intentional moments of connection can offer more joy and growth than packed calendars and over-programmed weeks.Pointing your children to God doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether through conversations about nature, stories of Jesus as the living water, or planting seeds in a garden, every summer moment can be a discipleship opportunity.Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected] The Mind of a Child is an early child development podcast that exists to encourage and equip parents to raise their kids to love God and love others. If you're looking for Biblical principles, practical parenting solutions, and science-backed research, our discussions are specifically tailored for you. Our hosts are Leslie Dudley Corbell and Diane Doucet Matthews, who each have a combined 50+ years of experience in the early child parenting space.

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• Nurturing Lifelong Sibling Friendships: Acts of Service, Conflict Resolution, and Mealtime Questions [Greatest Hits]

  → Our Children's Bible recommendations→ Prayer CalendarIs it possible for siblings to grow up not just as family, but as lifelong friends? In this episode, we dive into one of the most frequently asked parenting questions: how do you nurture strong, lasting friendships between your children? Drawing wisdom from listener questions, childhood memories, and voices across multiple generations, they explore the habits, values, and family rhythms that create deep, enduring sibling bonds.From conflict resolution strategies to mealtime conversation starters, this episode is full of practical tools for Christian families who want their children to grow up close to each other.Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction: Listener question on sibling friendship that lasts into adulthood[00:07:00] Practical framework for resolving sibling conflict: Connect, teach, restore[00:12:00] The power of parental vision and legacy: “This family is meant to last”[00:14:00] Dinner table questions: Highs and lows, one-word reflections, and prayer-focused conversations3 TakeawaysSibling friendships don’t happen by chance, they are nurtured. Conflict is an opportunity for growth, not division.Mealtime can be the heartbeat of your family culture.Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected]

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• Infant Sleep Training: Practical Strategies Rooted in Wisdom and Grace [Greatest Hits]

  → Prayer CalendarSleep: it's one of the most talked about (and stressed over) topics for new parents. In this episode, we break down the wide world of sleep training. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, we'll offer you wisdom, humor, and grace to help you make informed, faith-filled choices for your family. From Ferber to co-sleeping, historical context to biblical encouragement, this episode walks parents through a variety of methods while emphasizing unity, curiosity, and compassion in the journey. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or just wondering what works, this conversation should bring both clarity and comfort.WEBSITES:safetosleep.govhealthychildren.orgEpisode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction[00:05:00] Overview of popular sleep methods[00:14:00] Safety considerations: SIDS, firm mattresses, and trusted resources[00:18:00] Research review: What studies say—and don’t say—about sleep training success[00:27:00] The power of a perspective shift: Reframing the fatigue with grace3 TakeawaysThere is no one “right” sleep training method. Each family must prayerfully and practically choose what aligns with their values, their child’s temperament, and their own needs.Parental unity is key. When mom and dad agree on sleep routines, children thrive and so does the marriage.The most effective bedtime routine is consistent, peaceful, and relational. Children benefit deeply from structure, connection, and loving presence at the end of the day.Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected]

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