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Navigating parental authority can be challenging, especially when young children test boundaries through behaviors like hitting. Many parents struggle with being too permissive or too authoritarian, unsure of how to guide their child in a way that is both firm and loving. In this episode of The Mind of a Child, we dive into the heart of parental authority—what it means, how it is often misunderstood, and how we can align our approach with God’s authority. Through real-life examples, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies, this discussion will help you confidently lead your child while fostering respect, love, and spiritual growth.

3 Takeaways:

1. Parental authority is a God-given (or lent) responsibility, not a tool for control.
2. Effective discipline is rooted in calm, clear expectations.
3. God’s authority serves as a model for parental authority.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The challenge of parental authority and how it impacts child behavior
[00:02:00] – Examples of permissive and authoritarian parenting styles
[00:05:00] – Breaking down ineffective parenting approaches and their consequences
[00:07:00] – The middle-ground approach: Confidence, authority, and God's guidance
[00:12:00] – How to maintain calm authority: Practical steps for parenting with confidence
[00:16:00] – Biblical foundation: Ephesians 6 and the responsibility of parents
[00:19:00] – God’s authority: How recognizing His rule shapes our parenting
[00:22:00] – Authority as a protective grace: Teaching children obedience and security
[00:24:00] – Closing prayer and reflection

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.

→ 20% off Duncan and Stone's keepsake journals

→ Prayer Calendar

Does your toddler hit when frustrated, resisting the car seat, or struggling with big emotions? In this episode we break down this common toddler behavior, offering gentle yet firm discipline strategies, positive reinforcement techniques, and faith-based wisdom to guide your little one toward self-control and respect. From setting firm limits to recognizing foolishness in your child, this episode is packed with practical tools for parents who want to discipline their children with gentleness, love, and authority.

3 Takeaways:

1. Hitting is a natural toddler behavior, but firm, loving guidance helps them learn self-control.
2. Set clear limits and redirect behavior using simple, positive instructions (e.g., “Hands in your lap”).
3. Biblical discipline is about heart change, not just behavior correction—guide children toward wisdom and self-control through faith, patience, and consistency.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome & Listener Question

[05:20] The 4-Step Approach to Addressing Hitting

[12:45] Understanding Toddler Behavior & Root Causes

[18:30] Teaching Through Play & Gentle Correction

[24:10] The Biblical Perspective on Foolishness & Self-Control

[30:00] Encouragement for Parents: Disciplining with Faith

[35:15] Preview of Next Episode

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.

→ 20% off Duncan and Stone's keepsake journals

→ Prayer Calendar

Mealtime isn’t just about food—it’s about connection, conversation, and creating lifelong habits. In this episode, we explore how to make family meals a positive experience while encouraging healthy eating habits in children. From picky eating to power struggles, we’ll share practical strategies to transform mealtime into a joyful experience for you and your family.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Avoid labels like “picky eater” to prevent reinforcing negative food behaviors.
2. Offer foods multiple times—it can take 10-15 exposures before a child accepts a new food.
3. Make mealtime enjoyable with creative food presentations, fun names, and engaging conversations.
4. Encourage independence by letting kids serve themselves family-style.
5. Focus on connection, not just nutrition—mealtime should be a time of joy and togetherness.

Episode Highlights:

[00:30] – Why mealtime is a blessing and an opportunity for family bonding
[05:45] – Overcoming power struggles at the dinner table
[11:00] – Fun ways to make food more appealing for kids
[16:15] – The do’s and don’ts of raising healthy eaters
[20:40] – The role of patience when introducing new foods
[26:20] – How family-style meals encourage independence and better eating habits

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.