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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

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Sleep: it's one of the most talked about (and stressed over) topics for new parents. In this episode, we break down the wide world of sleep training. Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, we'll offer you wisdom, humor, and grace to help you make informed, faith-filled choices for your family.

From Ferber to co-sleeping, historical context to biblical encouragement, this episode walks parents through a variety of methods while emphasizing unity, curiosity, and compassion in the journey. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or just wondering what works, this conversation should bring both clarity and comfort.

WEBSITES:
safetosleep.gov
healthychildren.org

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction
[00:05:00] Overview of popular sleep methods
[00:14:00] Safety considerations: SIDS, firm mattresses, and trusted resources
[00:18:00] Research review: What studies say—and don’t say—about sleep training success
[00:27:00] The power of a perspective shift: Reframing the fatigue with grace

3 Takeaways

1. There is no one “right” sleep training method. Each family must prayerfully and practically choose what aligns with their values, their child’s temperament, and their own needs.
2. Parental unity is key. When mom and dad agree on sleep routines, children thrive and so does the marriage.
3. The most effective bedtime routine is consistent, peaceful, and relational. Children benefit deeply from structure, connection, and loving presence at the end of the day.

Please send us your questions if you'd like to have them discussed on the podcast: themindofachildpodcast@gmail.com