The Mind of a Child

→ Prayer CalendarIf you've ever felt completely alone as a young mother, you are not imagining it, and you are not the only one. We are in a loneliness epidemic. In this episode, we have an open and honest conversation about this problem facing young mothers today. Backed by real statistics and rooted in scripture, we'll name what so many moms are quietly carrying and gently remind you that your longing for connection is not weakness. It is actually pointing you to God and to others.Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction and listener responses on loneliness03:00 The loneliness epidemic statistics07:00 Loneliness vs. social isolation09:15 Technology and individualism12:30 How Satan uses loneliness15:45 R.A.C.E.19:00 Closing prayerPlease send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected]

→ Prayer CalendarBringing home a new baby is a beautiful, sacred moment. But for young mothers, it can also come with questions, guilt, and unexpected emotions, especially when there’s already a toddler or preschooler at home. In this episode, we offer wisdom for moms navigating the transition from one child to two (or more). We share practical ways to prepare your older child, introduce the baby, manage regressions, balance new demands, and maintain connection in this holy and hard season.Whether you're weeks away from delivery or in the thick of newborn life, this episode is full of encouragement for mothers who want to parent with love, wisdom, and peace.Episode Highlights[00:00] Introduction: Preparing[10:30] Meal Trains & Visitors[15:00] Aggression & Regression[20:00] Grocery "retreats"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.

→ Prayer CalendarThe newborn season is sacred, tender, and overwhelming all at once. If you’re a new or expectant mom, you might be flooded with advice, milestones, and social media perfection. But what you really need is encouragement rooted in truth and grace. In this episode, we reflect on our own seasons of young motherhood and share some deeply personal wisdom for the earliest weeks of parenting. From physical recovery and feeding decisions to postpartum emotions and sleep deprivation, this episode is for young moms who are seeking peace and perspective in the midst of it all.Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction[00:03:30] There is no "perfect mom"[00:08:30] Meal train secrets[00:11:30] Milestone pressure from Instagram[00:16:30] Postpartum depression[00:19:00] Breastfeeding vs. bottle-feedingPlease 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.

→ 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.

→ 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] 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.