The Mind of a Child

→ Prayer CalendarThere’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 Highlights00:00 — Life updates and why sleep training is worth revisiting05:00 — What people really think about sleep training (and why it’s confusing)15:00 — Learning your baby’s cues and building simple rhythms20:00 — Why writing things down changes everything30:00 — Handling disruptions: regressions, teething, and tough nights40:00 — Encouragement, Scripture, and trusting God with your childPlease 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 CalendarAs a mom, you’re not just raising kids, you’re raising disciples. But what does that look like when your kids are still in diapers, asking why the sky is blue, or pushing back at bedtime? In this episode, we walk young Christian mothers through the sacred and practical work of discipling children in the everyday.From creating daily rhythms of prayer and Bible reading to explaining big theological truths like the Trinity and salvation, this episode offers gentle guidance, real-life stories, and spiritual clarity for moms who want to build a gospel-centered home. Whether you’re new to your faith or just longing for encouragement, you’ll leave this episode with both a plan and a deeper sense of purpose in your motherhood.Episode Highlights[00:00] Introduction[02:00] Question #1[08:00] Question #2[17:00] Question #3[21:00] Question #4Please 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 CalendarBringing a baby home is one of life’s most sacred transitions, and for young Christian mothers, it’s a season that comes with both tender anticipation and anxious questions. From installing car seats to preparing your heart for sleepless nights, the arrival of a new child mirrors the beauty of Advent: the waiting, the wondering, and the miraculous arrival of life and hope.In this episode, we explore how to practically prepare for the birth of a baby while also preparing spiritually for the birth of Christ. With a blend of light-hearted stories, honest reflections, and deep biblical encouragement, we guide young mothers through everything from nesting and deep cleaning to pondering the promises of God, offering peace for your mind and rest for your soul in the middle of new beginnings.Episode Highlights[00:00] The First Christmas[10:00] Mary's Response[15:00] Advent Pillars[19:00] Practical ways to prepare your homePlease 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 CalendarAdvent isn’t just a season, it’s an invitation. For young mothers navigating the emotional weight and expectations of Christmas, it can feel like a tug-of-war between culture and calling. But what if Advent was less about performing and more about pausing? Less about buying and more about beholding?In this episode, we offer a powerful reminder that Advent is for the overwhelmed mom, the tired heart, and the home that longs to center its rhythms on Christ. Through personal stories, biblical reflections, and practical ideas, we'll walk alongside you as mentors, inviting you to reclaim this sacred season as one filled with joy, hope, peace, love, and deep rest in Christ.Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Why we need Advent[00:06:00] The Advent wreath[00:15:00] How hope shapes the season[00:19:00] How to practically pass Advent truths to your childrenPlease 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 CalendarThanksgiving can be beautiful, but it can also be overstimulating, emotional, and flat-out exhausting for young moms trying to hold it all together. Between managing kids’ routines, preparing meals, and navigating extended family, it’s easy to lose sight of what the day is truly about: gratitude and remembrance. In this episode, we share biblical encouragement, family-tested traditions, and gentle reminders that can help re-center your heart during the holiday season. You’ll laugh, nod in recognition, and walk away with simple, grace-filled tools to make Thanksgiving meaningful for you and your children.Episode Highlights[00:00] Thanksgiving Trivia[07:00] Tradition Making[11:00] Meeting New People[21:00] SchedulesPlease 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 Calendar→ Read 'Valley of Vision'As a young mom, it can be easy to get swept up in the daily grind of changing diapers, managing meltdowns, cooking meals, and trying to stay spiritually anchored. But what if the secret to renewed strength, perspective, and peace is something as simple and profound as gratitude?In today's episode, we invite young Christian mothers to rediscover the joy and discipline of giving thanks. With Scripture, personal stories, and tips, we walk through practical ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude in your family in the mundane and messy moments of motherhood. From morning routines to dinnertime conversations, we hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged, seen, and spiritually nourished.Episode Highlights[00:00] Thanksgiving & Gratitude[06:00] Morning Routines[14:00] Biblical examples of ThanksgivingPlease 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 Calendar→ Read 'Emotionally Healthy Spirituality'Feelings (or emotions): the internet is full of recommendations and tips about them. Within all the noise, there are some dangerous lies that young mothers can slip into if we're not careful. In this episode, we tackle some 7 of the most common lies about feelings and what Scripture says in response.1. My feelings are right → Jeremiah 17:9, Ps. 139:23-242. My feelings are sinful → Ephesians 4:293. My feelings are my guide → Proverbs 3:5-6, Jonah4. My feelings are unique to me → Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-165. I can't help the way I feel → Isaiah 26:36. You must affirm my feelings → Proverbs 11:14, 15:227. I don't have the qualifications to counsel my child in their feelings → Isaiah 9:6Episode Highlights[00:00] Why "feelings" are such a hot topic in our culture[02:00] The 7 Lies[20:00] Practical Takeaways 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 CalendarMotherhood is a gift but it can also come with a fair bit of struggles. In this episode, we tackle some of the most common and challenging questions that come up: from building genuine friendships, to navigating busyness and overstimulation, to healing from mom anger and much much more.Whether you're a first time mom or a seasoned vet, this episode is full of encouragement for young mothers who want some support and encouragement.Episode Highlights[00:00] Introduction[09:30] Reason, Season, & Life Friends[17:00] Mom AngerPlease 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 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 CalendarFamily relationships are a gift but they can also be complicated. In this episode, we tackle some of the most common and challenging questions that come up in Christian family life: from parenting on a united front with your spouse to navigating blended families, in-laws, boundaries, and unbelieving partners, this episode offers wisdom rooted in Scripture and experience.Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction[00:04:30] The four parenting styles[00:12:00] Blended family dynamics[00:17:00] Setting boundaries with extended family[00:23:00] Parenting with an unbelieving spousePlease 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 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.

→ 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.