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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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  • 52 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 4 min
  • English
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  • Today · 4 min

    Do You Want Your Children to Be Bold and Adventurous? | Episode 592

    While our parental instinct is often to tell our children to "play it safe," raising kids who truly make a difference in the world requires encouraging calculated risk. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains how to nurture an adventurous spirit at any age—from letting a toddler stretch their physical abilities on a playground to planting seeds of bold possibility in older children through the words you speak. Discover how giving your child the freedom to tackle challenges today prepares them to confidently embrace their adult world tomorrow. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • Friday · 8 min

    How Do You Manage a Temper Tantrum? | Episode 591

    When a child has a full emotional meltdown, our first instinct is often to meet their emotion with our own. But as Dr. Roger Smith explains in this episode of Parenting Matters Now, going head-to-head with a tantruming child only teaches them that their emotion controls the environment. Learn how to manage your own emotions first, so you can help your child manage theirs. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • Wednesday · 4 min

    What Do You Do About Animal Bites? | Episode 590

    When a child suffers a domestic animal bite, knowing how to correctly respond can prevent a serious infection. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains why dog bites typically just require thorough cleaning with soap and running water, whereas deep cat punctures are urgent and require immediate medical attention and antibiotics. Tune in to learn the crucial first-aid steps you must take at home before heading to the doctor. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • November 2 · 6 min

    What Questions Get Teenagers Talking to You? | Episode 589

    If your teenager is only responding with one-word answers like "fine" or "nothing," it is time to evaluate your communication approach. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains that teenagers quickly shut down when they feel interrogated or constantly lectured. To foster genuine connection, parents must shift from teaching to active listening by asking open-ended questions with no right or wrong answers. Tune in to discover practical conversation starters—like asking what they daydream about or who makes them feel best about themselves—that give your teens a safe space to reveal what they value and who they are becoming. As Dr. Roger Smith notes: in the early years, parents do the talking, but in the teen years, parents must do the listening. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 30 · 5 min

    Are You Loving Your Children Equally? | Episode 588

    When it comes to parenting, equality is overrated—individuality is what truly matters. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith challenges the notion of loving all your children the "same way." Because every child has a unique personality, emotional sensitivity, and set of challenges, effective parenting requires tailoring your approach to fit each individual. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

  • October 28 · 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

  • October 26 · 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

  • October 23 · 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

Showing 1–20 of 52 episodes