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Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith

Dr. Roger Smith

3-minute parenting tips and ideas to help families be more successful. No technical jargon, just common-sense, practical advice you can apply today.

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  • 47 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 4 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Today · 3 min

    How Big Are Things in Your Child's Mind? | Episode 587

    What looks like a tiny mound of dirt to an adult can feel like a massive mountain to a child—and the exact same principle applies to their emotions. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains why children often react intensely to seemingly insignificant losses or disappointments. By remembering that a minor issue to you might be the biggest problem your child is currently facing, you can shift your perspective and respond to their meltdowns with genuine compassion rather than frustration. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • Monday · 4 min

    Are You a Parent That Has to Travel? | Episode 586

    When work trips or family emergencies pull you away from home, your children are often left wondering if they are still a priority. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith shares practical ways for traveling parents to ensure their kids feel valued and remembered from afar. Learn how simple, intentional gestures—like calling to ask about specific daily events or sending a handwritten postcard in the mail—can powerfully communicate your love and keep you connected to your child's heart, no matter the distance. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • Friday · 3 min

    Is Your Child Facing Bullies? | Episode 585

    When a child is bullied, a parent's first instinct is often to try and stop the aggressor—but true empowerment comes from teaching the victim emotional resilience. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith shares insights from resilience expert Brooks Gibbs on how to effectively disarm bullies by removing their power. Discover how to teach your child to respond without retaliation or emotional surrender, cutting off the bully's fuel and making them an unappealing target. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 21 · 4 min

    Is Your Family Dealing with Bullies? | Episode 584

    While parents often worry about their children facing bullies, it is equally important to recognize when you might actually be raising one. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains the early warning signs of a bully mindset—such as a constant need for control and a disregard for others' feelings. Discover how to proactively counter these aggressive tendencies by intentionally training and rewarding kindness, teaching your children from a young age to value others just as much as themselves. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 19 · 4 min

    Has Your Child's Imagination Ever Gotten You Into Trouble? | Episode 583

    Young children do not grasp the concept of impossibility; in their minds, everything from instant travel to cartoon physics is entirely plausible. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains how this boundless imagination can create communication hurdles when parents try to use adult logic. Discover how to effectively talk to young children by translating abstract concepts, like time and distance, into tangible, everyday routines they can actually understand. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 16 · 6 min

    Do You Know That Joking is Just a Funny Way of Being Serious? | Episode 582

    Inside jokes can do more than make your family laugh; they serve as powerful tools for de-escalation and communication. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith illustrates how shared family punchlines can gracefully defuse tense disagreements and get everyone back on the same page. Beyond conflict resolution, teaching your children how to properly deliver a joke helps them practice vital narrative and storytelling skills. Discover how to effectively leverage humor in your home, along with the golden rule: never use a joke to attack or degrade another person. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 14 · 4 min

    How Important Are the Small Things in Life? | Episode 581

    It is easy to get caught up in planning grand vacations or chasing social-media-worthy milestones, but the true essence of your child's development lies in the mundane. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains why being "extraordinary at the ordinary" is the secret to building lifelong resilience and emotional intelligence. Discover why everyday routines—from changing diapers to comforting a scraped knee—have a far greater impact on your child's future success than any once-in-a-lifetime trip. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 12 · 5 min

    Do You Need to Teach Your Children Vocabulary? | Episode 580

    Children are natural sponges for language, meaning you do not need to formally teach them vocabulary rules or flashcards. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains how simply reading high-quality books aloud passively and powerfully expands your child's vocabulary. Tune in for expert book-list recommendations—including Honey for a Child's Heart and The Read Aloud Family—to help you effortlessly find engaging stories and build language-rich reading routines for every age group. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 9 · 6 min

    What is One of the Two Most Important Times in Your Family? | Episode 579

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith highlights the incredible value of family mealtime. Far more than just eating, the dinner table is a pivotal space for connection, empathy, and growth. Dr. Smith shares practical ideas to enrich your meals, from making them tech-free zones to incorporating games, jokes, and conversation cards. Learn how to transform your family table into a safe, pleasant haven that positively impacts your children's future. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 7 · 4 min

    Are You Teaching Your Children How to Express Their Emotions? | Episode 578

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith discusses the importance of helping children expand their emotional vocabulary. By using tools like the "Soul Words" list from HowWeLove.com, parents can help their children accurately identify and describe their feelings. Learn how giving your children the right words can help them move from being controlled by their emotions to being in control of them, fostering greater empathy and healthier relationships. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 5 · 5 min

    Are You Seeking to Raise a Renaissance Man or Woman? (Part 2) | Episode 577

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith continues his series on raising a modern Renaissance person by emphasizing the importance of practical life skills. Inspired by Popular Mechanics' "100 Skills Every Man Should Know," Dr. Smith challenges parents to create a personalized list of competencies for their children. From changing a tire and basic plumbing to dancing and backing up a trailer, learn how early exposure to diverse skills can help your children grow into confident, capable adults. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 2 · 4 min

    Are You Seeking to Raise a Renaissance Man or Woman? | Episode 576

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explores how to nurture a wide array of skills in your children by teaching them to master the to-do list. Using the Pareto Principle, Dr. Smith explains how focusing on the top 20% of your tasks can yield 80% of your productivity. Learn how to help your children prioritize their time, manage their commitments, and develop the diverse skill sets of a modern Renaissance person. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 30 · 4 min

    Do You Want Your Children to Have a Small World or a Huge World? | Episode 575

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith discusses how practicing hospitality can expand your children's worldview. By inviting diverse people into your home—whether for a full meal or just a slice of watermelon—you expose your children to different cultures, races, and life experiences. Learn how simple acts of connection can help your children grow intellectually, emotionally, and philosophically. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 28 · 3 min

    Do You or Your Child Suffer with Anxiety? | Episode 574

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explores the therapeutic benefits of "grounding"—the simple act of physically touching the earth. Discover why encouraging your children to walk barefoot, roll down hills, and feel different textures in nature can help heal their souls and combat sensory deficits. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 25 · 4 min

    Title: Is Your Child Maturing as Fast as You Would Like? | Episode 573

    Do you ever find yourself wishing your child would mature a little faster? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains that maturity doesn't just happen by chance—it requires your active participation. Instead of complaining about a lack of maturity, parents can proactively foster their child's growth using two powerful, practical strategies. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 23 · 4 min

    Are You Teaching Your Children to Take Risks or to Play It Safe? | Episode 572

    Many parents naturally default to telling their children to "be careful" and "play it safe." But what if this well-intentioned advice is actually short-circuiting their growth? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith challenges parents to raise dreamers, innovators, and problem-solvers by encouraging calculated risks. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 21 · 1 min

    Do You Ever Have Conflict With Your Children? | Episode 571

    Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship, but it also presents a prime opportunity for parental guidance. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains how to turn household arguments into valuable "conflict training" (or as his own kids affectionately called it, "family court"). Rather than simply breaking up a fight, parents can use these moments to teach children how to actively listen, share their side of the story without accusations, and work together to uncover the truth. Tune in to learn how coaching your kids through daily disagreements equips them with essential communication and resolution skills they will rely on for the rest of their lives. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 18 · 3 min

    What's in a Name? | Episode 570

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explores the hidden significance behind the names we encounter every day—from cities like Palm Springs and historical street signs to car logos like the Chevy Impala. Children often pass by these names without realizing the history or literal meanings attached to them. By taking a moment to explain these daily connections, parents can provide their kids with valuable "mental hooks" that help them better understand and engage with the world. Most importantly, Dr. Smith emphasizes the power of sharing the story and meaning behind your child's own name to instill a deep sense of value and identity. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 16 · 2 min

    Do You Ever Have Your Family Get in a Hot Tub? | Episode 569

    In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith answers a common question for families on vacation or relaxing at home: Do you ever have your family get in a hot tub? While jacuzzis look like a fun, safe place to unwind with their steps and handrails, those posted age warnings exist for a vital medical reason. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • September 14 · 3 min

    Are You Having Problems with Grandparents? | Episode 568

    Navigating boundaries with well-meaning grandparents and in-laws can often feel like walking through a relational minefield. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith shares practical strategies to resolve family conflicts while preserving these vital intergenerational connections. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Showing 1–20 of 47 episodes