The Well-Trained Child

Eliza Southwell
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting

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.

  1. Oct 7

    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 ways, handling pushback, and when Moses told God ‘no’. Related Content: Episode 30 Keeping Calm in the Daily Grind Episode 12 Sharing Part 3: When I'm intimidating

  2. Sep 27

    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 to respond. Related Content: Episode 3 Consequences for Preschoolers Episode 24 A Dominating Preschooler

  3. Sep 2

    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 embracing real accountability rooted in my Christian faith. Also see Episode 3: Biblically-informed Consequences for Preschoolers

  4. Aug 19

    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, solution-focused, and rooted in their identity in Christ. Linked videos Sharing and contentment (ep 10) Sharing and generosity (ep 11)

  5. Aug 18

    "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 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

  6. Aug 17

    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, 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

  7. Aug 17

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

  8. Aug 16

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

See All (32)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Eliza Southwell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Well-Trained Child
  • Show Website
    The Well-Trained Child