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Potty 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 Takeaways

1. Potty 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.
2. 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.
3. 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: 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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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 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 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

3 Takeaways

1. Summer 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.
2. 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.
3. 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: 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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Is 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 conversations

3 Takeaways

1. Sibling friendships don’t happen by chance, they are nurtured.
2. Conflict is an opportunity for growth, not division.
3. 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: 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.