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→ Prayer Calendar Are you carrying a weight you were never meant to carry alone? If you've ever wondered if you are doing enough, being enough, or getting it all right, this episode is a tender and timely word just for you. In this conversation, we sit with you in the middle of the mess of motherhood and gently point you back to the only place that can truly lift your head. With Psalm 42 as our guide, we remind you that lament is not weakness, it is the pathway back to hope, and that God has not forgotten you. Scriptures for this episode:Psalm 42Matthew 11:28Romans 15 Episode Highlights 00:00 The pressures of modern motherhood04:30 What does it mean to lament?07:05 Crying out to God (and community)11:00 Remembering God's past faithfulness14:30 Christian community is not optional17:00 Finding your way back to hope20:45 Closing encouragement 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 Calendar Have you ever been asked "What did you do all day?" and struggled to put it into words? Mama, you did everything. In this episode, we come alongside you with the warmth and wisdom of mothers who have been right where you are, reminding you that making a home is one of the most meaningful things you will ever do. Rooted in Titus 2 and Psalm 90, we walk through the everyday rhythms of a home built with love, from planning and decluttering to cooking, decorating, and supervising little ones, offering practical hacks and grace-filled encouragement every step of the way. Episode Highlights 00:00 What it means to be "busy at home" from Titus 2:4-504:30 Planning your home, writing your family pillars, and starting with the heart (1-2)11:30 Organizing, cleaning, and the Princess Bride method (3-5)18:00 Decorating your home and mealtimes (6-7)33:00 Communication, loose schedules, and supervising children (8-10) 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 Calendar Social media says the '90s mom had it all figured out, but what was she actually doing right? In this episode, we take a warm, honest look at what defined our generation of mothering and what today's young moms can carry forward. From supervised freedom and unstructured play to chores, limited technology, and keeping the heart at home, we ground this conversation in Titus 2 and the timeless truth that faithful motherhood begins with a heart oriented toward God, not fear, comparison, or the pressure to perform. Episode Highlights 00:00 What defined a 90s mom?09:00 Parenting without fear13:20 Social media and anxiety19:00 Putting down the phone and being present21:00 Bringing the heart home 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 Calendar What happens when parenting gets complicated by blended families, boundary-crossing relatives, or an unbelieving spouse? In this episode, we answer real listener questions about some of the most tender and complex relationships in a mother's life. With grace, honesty, and scripture as our guide, we walk through what it looks like to present a united parenting front, navigate family members who push against your values, and faithfully raise children when your spouse does not share your faith. Episode Highlights 00:00 Parenting on a united front03:40 Navigating blended families08:00 Setting boundaries when family members cross the line12:22 Parenting with an unbelieving spouse 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 Calendar → Our book recommendations Learning to read is one of the most pivotal milestones in a child’s life—and yet, it’s often clouded with pressure, comparison, and confusion. On this episode, we explore what it really means to be “reading ready” by drawing from research-backed methods, personal parenting experiences, and biblical principles. We'll help you understand how to foster early literacy in a way that honors both the child’s pace and God’s design.  With insights on vocabulary development, phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, and even the fourth-grade slump, this conversation equips parents with practical tools and the reassurance to trust the process—while never losing sight of the joy of reading and the power of God's Word. Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] – Introduction: Why reading matters and how it shapes lifelong success[00:06:00] – Proven strategies for reading readiness: Language-rich environments and daily life learning[00:13:00] – Breaking down the components of reading: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension[00:18:00] – Understanding the fourth-grade slump: How vocabulary impacts academic success[00:25:00] – Tips for reluctant readers: Observing interests and introducing engaging materials 3 Takeaways: Reading is a developmental process that unfolds naturally over time - Parents are encouraged to resist comparison and pressure, instead creating rich, contextual environments where children can grow at their own pace—supported by love, conversation, and daily experiences.Vocabulary is the single greatest predictor of long-term reading comprehension and academic success - From infancy through early elementary years, exposing children to diverse, rich language—through conversation, books, songs, poetry, and storytelling—is essential.Reading readiness is not just about decoding words. True literacy includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - These components are best developed through daily living, joyful interaction, and exposure to meaningful content, especially scripture and high-quality literature. Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [email protected]

→ Prayer Calendar 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 mentionedMatthew 13:3-9Matthew 13:18-33Ephesians 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: [email protected]

→ Prayer Calendar 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 down09:30 — Respecting rhythms and routines17:00 — Perspective shift on "menial" tasks 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 Calendar 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 feelings06:00 — What the Bible says about feelings14:00 — Nurturing wisdom with your feelings22:00 — Practical examples & 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 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 slope06:00 — The pressure and fear modern parenting creates12:00 — Parenting beyond behavior: focusing on the heart16:00 — Control, fear, and trusting God with your child Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: [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 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 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 child 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 Calendar As 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 #4 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 Calendar Bringing 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 home 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 Calendar Advent 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 children 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 Calendar Thanksgiving 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] Schedules 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 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 Thanksgiving 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.