The Mind of a Child

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Summer 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 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. This episode reminds parents that summer doesn’t need to be full of structure to be full of meaning.
Scripture mentioned
Matthew 13:3-9
Matthew 13:18-33
Ephesians 5:19-20
Episode 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, Irrigate
Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com

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Motherhood is full of noise, rushing, and never-ending to-do lists, but what if slowing down was the most important thing you could do for your child today? In this episode of The Mind of a Child, we offer warm, gospel-centered wisdom for young mothers navigating the sacred, sometimes exhausting rhythms of nap times and bedtimes.
From practical tips like writing things down, using a crockpot, and setting consistent routines, to deeper spiritual practices like prayer, scripture memorization, and worship music, this conversation reminds us that a peaceful mama makes a peaceful home. Stay consistent, extend yourself grace, and remember: raising children is some of the best work you will ever do.
Episode Highlights
00:00 — Why young parents should prioritize slowing down
09:30 — Respecting rhythms and routines
17:00 — Perspective shift on "menial" tasks
Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com

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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There are moments in motherhood when emotions feel louder than everything else. Your child is overwhelmed, you’re overwhelmed, and it can feel like the only thing to do is react to whatever is happening in the moment. But what if feelings were never meant to lead in the first place?
Instead of ignoring feelings or being controlled by them, we're inviting mothers to see them as something deeper: a window into your heart's need for God. This episode walks through how to help children process emotions in a way that leads to truth, not confusion. It’s not about behavior management, but heart transformation for both the child and the parent.
Episode Highlights
00:00 — The purpose of feelings
06:00 — What the Bible says about feelings
14:00 — Nurturing wisdom with your feelings
22:00 — Practical examples & takeaways
Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com

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 Calendar

It usually starts with a quick search. A tough parenting moment, a tired afternoon, or a question you just want answered fast. So you open your phone, type in a question, and suddenly you’re pulled into a world of parenting philosophies that all promise peace, connection, and better outcomes.
But what if some of those ideas are quietly pulling your heart in the wrong direction? In this conversation we gently but honestly explore the dangers of modern parenting trends, using “gentle parenting” as a lens. It’s a reminder that parenting isn’t about mastering a method, but about stewarding a heart: both yours and your child’s.
Episode Highlights
00:00 — Why parenting trends can be a slippery slope
06:00 — The pressure and fear modern parenting creates
12:00 — Parenting beyond behavior: focusing on the heart
16:00 — Control, fear, and trusting God with your child
Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com

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 Calendar

There’s a moment every young mom hits (usually sometime around 2 AM) where exhaustion meets confusion, and the question quietly surfaces: “Am I doing this right?”
Sleep training can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of early motherhood, especially when advice pulls you in opposite directions. In this episode, we slows things down and reframe everything through a grace-centered lens, reminding moms that the goal isn’t perfection, but peace, wisdom, and responsiveness to the child God has uniquely entrusted to them. 
Rather than offering a rigid formula, we'll gently walk you through a bigger picture: understanding your baby’s cues, embracing the natural rhythms of growth and change, and letting go of pressure to “get it right.”
Episode Highlights
00:00 — Life updates and why sleep training is worth revisiting
05:00 — What people really think about sleep training (and why it’s confusing)
15:00 — Learning your baby’s cues and building simple rhythms
20:00 — Why writing things down changes everything
30:00 — Handling disruptions: regressions, teething, and tough nights
40:00 — Encouragement, Scripture, and trusting God with your child
Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com

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.