The Well-Trained Child
I’m a Christian wife raising two boys. My strategies change. But Biblical principles don’t. So here's a picture of how children can be trained well. I tell stories from my home and cover topics like our routines, how I train my children, language I use (and avoid) and how motherhood is an opportunity to improve my character too.
Episodes
32 episodes
How Can I Make Him Listen?
How can I make him hear me? Four keys to a preschooler's attention — engagement, appreciation, touch, eye contact — then instructions that are short, clear, and agreed to, not spoken and hoped for. Plus teaching "stop" and "no" to work both way...
Decoding “He Won't Listen”: Can't, Won't, or Didn't Hear
Every parent has said it: "He won't listen!" But it's rarely one problem. This episode breaks down the three real reasons — can't, won't, didn't hear — and makes the case for assuming the best of your child, not the worst, before you decide how...
Worn Down, Not Provoked: Keeping Calm in the Daily Grind
Most parenting isn't tested in the big moments—it's tested by problem #102 before lunchtime. In this episode, I share how I stay calm through the ordinary grind: choosing words carefully, thinking through consequences, building consistency, and...
Borrowed Words: Shaping Your Child's Inner Voice
Children borrow our voice before they develop their own—and eventually, our voice becomes their inner voice. In this episode, I share practical ways to shape a preschooler's self-talk so it reflects the Holy Spirit: truthful, gracious, hopeful,...
"I'm Going to Kill You": De-Escalating Preschooler Aggression
This episode explores why young children make violent threats and how to respond with firm boundaries, love and wisdom. Learn practical strategies for de-escalation, restoring peace, and teaching children that anger is valid—but intimidation an...
Raising Siblings Who Actually Get Along (Jealousy, Conflict & Insecurity Explained)
Sibling rivalry is a normal part of childhood, but it also offers valuable opportunities for growth. In this episode of The Well-Trained Child, discover practical strategies for managing jealousy, teaching generosity, setting healthy boundaries...
How to Encourage a Child: Praise without Flattery
What's the difference between flattery and encouragement? In this episode of The Well-Trained Child, discover how sincere encouragement builds genuine confidence, emotional resilience, and character. Learn practical ways to encourage children w...
Why We Overpraise Our Children: Flattery, Child Anxiety & Self-Esteem
Can too much praise do more harm than good? This episode of The Well-Trained Child explores the difference between encouragement and flattery, why overpraise can fuel anxiety and approval-seeking, and how secure relationships help children deve...
A Dominating Preschooler
Sass, sibling rivalry and bossiness are the names we give to behaviour that seeks to dominate parents, siblings, friends.I coach my child to repair by changing their words, learning to say sorry and physical affection. Also included: com...
Teaching a Toddler to Play GENTLY with the New Baby
How can I encourage my toddler and baby to play gently together and enjoy their relationship?
Keeping Calm when Provoked | When My Preschooler is Annoying
How can I be a calm mum when my preschool-age child is annoying and offensive? How can I train their character to be polite if my character isn't trained to be calm under pressure? My preschoolers annoy me! They kick and scream when I politely ...
Preparing a Child to Start School
What social and academic skills are necessary to succeed at the beginning of primary school? How do you turn a frolicking toddler into a school kid?These were my goals.Social skills: compliance, obedience, sit for 30 mi...
Meeting Preschoolers is BIZARRE — for non-parents
Before I had my own kids, I never knew how to have a conversation with a preschooler. Maybe the kid isn't just 'shy'. Maybe this is a skill that you can learn!
Why TRAIN your Preschooler in Theology
How do I engage them? Isn't theology supposed to be really complicated? Aren't there lots of long words? The biggest encouragement to me was my preschooler preaching good theology at me.
When my 3yo was AFRAID of DEMONS
What are demons? How can a 3yo recognise them? Why do stories make demons look funny or helpful? And how can I stay safe from demons? And if you're here, you deserve to know that there are no magic words.
My 3yo is OBSESSED with IDOLS | Spiritual Warfare
Are idols watching me? If it's just a block of wood, why do people worship it? How should we relate to idolators?Can I just dodge his questions? Should I?
Responding to Bullying Part 2
Bullying is the repeated efforts of a strong person to make a weak person feel small or silly.Strategy 1: Appeal to an authorityStrategy 2: Protect othersStrategy 3: Stand firm in your integrity
Responding to Bullying Part 1
Some level of aggression is universal in young children. Mocking is a kind of aggression that turns into bullying when it happens regularly. What solutions can the Bible teach us? What strategies can a preschooler learn to cope with contempt an...
Sharing Part 5: When my Child is the Victim
What am I supposed to do when my preschooler is playing and another child walks by and yoinks a toy out of his hands? How is it different if I'm in the next room? And how can he resolve his own conflicts?
Sharing Part 4: When my child is the aggressor
The first time my toddler attacked a child to steal their toy, I was in denial. Where did he learn to bite people?! How do I respond when my child snatches from a playmate?
Sharing Part 3: When I'm intimidating
Can I intimidate a 2yo into giving their toy to my child? Should I? Sharing is not a moral imperative. How can I encourage affectionate play between children without intimidating them? And what can I actually follow through on?
Sharing Part 2: Generosity
How do I teach my child to be nice and share the toys he has hoarded in a pile in his lap?
Sharing Part 1: Contentment
What are the acceptable methods of negotiating who’s going to hold that toy?In this video: to ask, and then be content.Coming soon in this series on sharing:Part 2: Learning to be generous.Part 3: Should I make her share?...