Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith

Want your kids to have a "huge world" instead of a "small world"? Dr. Roger Smith on Parenting Matters Now reveals how practicing hospitality—inviting diverse people into your home—can profoundly broaden your children's intellectual, emotional, and philosophical horizons. Discover how simple connections can open their minds and foster understanding.

Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/

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Are you or your child struggling with anxiety? Dr. Roger Smith introduces an often-overlooked practice: grounding. In a world where we're rarely in direct contact with the earth, discover the potential therapeutic benefits of simply touching the ground. Learn why encouraging your child to go barefoot, play in the dirt, and connect with nature might be a powerful, yet simple, way to promote well-being and alleviate sensory deficits.

Is your child maturing at the pace you hoped for? Join Dr. Roger Smith on Parenting Matters Now as he shares actionable strategies to foster your child's growth. Discover the powerful impact of involving five non-parental adults in their lives and the art of asking open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and deeper connection. Learn how broadening their experiences with diverse individuals can unlock their full potentia...

Are you teaching your children to play it safe, or empowering them to take calculated risks and innovate? Dr. Roger Smith challenges common parenting advice, arguing that fostering a risk-taking mindset is crucial for children to become problem-solvers, dreamers, and leaders. Discover how overprotection, premature rescuing, and excessive praise can hinder their development, and learn practical ways to encourage adventure and resili...

Do you ever find yourself in a tug-of-war with your kids? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith tackles the inevitability of conflict in families. Discover how you can transform disagreements into valuable learning experiences, teaching your children essential skills like active listening and clear communication without accusations. Learn why fostering conflict resolution in childhood is one of the most impactfu...

Ever considered the stories behind the names all around us? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith shares a unique perspective from Palm Springs, California. He explains why understanding the significance of names—from streets to cars to even your child's own name—can be a powerful tool to help kids connect with and understand the world around them. Discover how explaining these simple connections can create "men...

Ever wondered if it's safe for your kids to join you in the hot tub? In this concise episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith breaks down the potential dangers of hot tubs for small children and offers crucial advice for parents. Learn why children's bodies react differently to temperature and what to watch out for to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/

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Are you struggling to set boundaries with well-meaning but sometimes overbearing grandparents? Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now delves into the common "landmines" that can arise with in-laws and grandparents. Learn how to foster open communication, manage expectations around rules, gifts, and traditions, and maintain that crucial grandparent-grandchild bond without undermining your role as a parent.

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Is your child experiencing anxiety, fear, or worry? Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now explores how common household habits, like constant news consumption, can unknowingly contribute to your child's anxieties. Learn how to create a more calming home environment and help your children put stressful events into perspective, fostering a sense of safety and well-being. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a pro...

Does the thought of your kids pumping gas or checking the oil sound like a distant dream? Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now shares how everyday tasks, like car maintenance, can be powerful training grounds for teaching children responsibility, independence, and a "take care of things" mindset. Discover how to empower your kids from a young age, ensuring they're well-equipped for adulthood, just like Zig Ziglar's philosophy o...

Do you ever break your own rules? Dr. Roger Smith opens this episode of Parenting Matters Now with a relatable moment of almost setting muddy boots on the dinner table, highlighting how easily we can slip up. This leads to a crucial discussion: how do we react when our children break rules? Dr. Smith encourages parents to look beyond the behavior itself. Sometimes, rule-breaking isn't rebellion, but a result of carelessness, distra...

Is your child constantly saying "I'm tired"? If they're between 10 and 14, Dr. Roger Smith explains why it's likely more than just a complaint! In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, discover the neurodevelopmental shifts happening during pre-pubescence and puberty that genuinely increase a child's need for sleep. Learn how their developing emotional brain influences their expression of fatigue, and why compassion and providing ...

This episode of Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith tackles a crucial question: How do we help our children embrace challenges and grow through them? While the value of doing hard things is undeniable—it's where true growth happens—Dr. Smith focuses on the "how." He emphasizes the profound impact of mindset, referencing the timeless wisdom: "He who wins is he who thinks he can." Discover why instilling hope and confidence in...

Do you find yourself battling your child over grammar? Dr. Roger Smith dives into a surprising question: how much does grammar truly matter in the grand scheme of parenting? Using a humorous anecdote, he illustrates when perfect grammar is essential and when it might be secondary to bigger goals. Discover why preserving your relationship with your child should always take precedence over a grammar tussle.

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Death is an uncomfortable but unavoidable part of life. In this episode Dr. Roger Smith tackles the difficult topic of discussing death and grief with your children. Learn how to address questions, foster healthy grieving, and support your kids through loss, whether it's a beloved pet, a family member, or even the "death of a dream." Discover how open conversations can help children cope and move forward.

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Do your children truly feel blessed by your words? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith goes beyond simple praise to explore the profound impact of intentional blessings. Discover how specific, heartfelt words can be a springboard for your child's life, inspiring them with a sense of adoration and purpose. Learn practical ways to craft meaningful affirmations, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Visit me ...

Habits often get a bad rap, but what if they're the key to smoother parenting? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith reveals how to proactively shape your children's positive habits, from tidiness to kindness. Learn effective, repetitive strategies that build "muscle memory" for good behavior, saving you from constant nagging and fostering independent, responsible kids. Tune in for practical, few-minute parentin...

Ever wonder what happens when your or your child's mistakes create a mess for others? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith shares a real-life observation that highlights the ripple effect of our actions. Learn practical ways to help your kids own their missteps, understand the impact of their choices, and take responsibility for making things right – all without anger or condemnation. Tune in for quick, actiona...