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 embracing real accountability rooted in my Christian faith.

Also see Episode 3: Biblically-informed Consequences for Preschoolers

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, solution-focused, and rooted in their identity in Christ.

Linked videos
Sharing and contentment (ep 10)
Sharing and generosity (ep 11)

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 and violence are not.

00:00 Introduction

02:35 Why is he saying that?

04:45 De-escalation: a story

06:54 De-escalation: a cheat-sheet

09:24 De-escalation: things to avoid

12:56 How to teach when everyone’s calm again

16:33 What are the stakes if I do nothing?

18:33 Conclusions

Linked videos:

Consequences https://youtu.be/cF1UvijIyVk

Bullying https://youtu.be/f8oZkHtVpAU

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, and helping toddlers and preschoolers build secure, loving sibling relationships rooted in character and emotional maturity.

Associated Episodes:

Sharing Part 4: When My Child is the Aggressor

Sharing Part 2: Teaching Generosity

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 without fostering approval-seeking, helping them develop responsibility, perseverance, and a healthy, growth-oriented mindset.

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 develop genuine confidence, emotional resilience, and character without relying on constant external validation.

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: common mistakes parents make in this situation.

How can I encourage my toddler and baby to play gently together and enjoy their relationship?

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 ask them to hop in the car. There are lots of different reasons I might be offended by my child. How do I respond in the moment?

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 minutes at a time

Academic skills: trace letters and numbers, write his name, name shapes, count to 20, read CVC words