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PODCAST

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.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

4:09

Does Your Child Have a Perception of Time? Teaching...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/04/01

To a child, "just a minute" can feel like an eternity. Dr. Roger Smith explains the biological reality that the younger the child, the slower time seems to move. Drawing inspiration from a classic Mr. Rogers experiment, this episode explores how to bridge the gap between a parent’s fast-paced schedule and a child’s elongated sense of time. Learn practical ways to use analog clocks and kitchen timers to give your children a tangible "mental hook" for duration. By helping your kids understand what

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2:57

Is It Weird or Is It for a Purpose? Teaching Kids to...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/30

Behind every "weird" design or unusual object is a purpose waiting to be discovered. Dr. Roger Smith uses a unique wall installation to show parents how to turn curiosity into a lesson on function and beauty. Whether it’s sound-absorbing fabric panels or structural engineering, your unique vantage point—as an artist, an engineer, or a hobbyist—is a goldmine for your child’s learning. In this episode, learn how to open your "knowledge bank" to your children, helping them understand that the world

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4:18

Are Things Real or Fake? Developing Your Child’s...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/25

In a world of deepfakes, filtered lives, and imaginative play, how do children learn to tell fact from fiction? Dr. Roger Smith explores the essential skill of deciphering the real from the "pretend." Whether it’s an alligator statue in an airport, a sibling’s dramatic playtime tears, or a movie that feels a little too scary, children need guidance to navigate their perceptions and emotions. This episode dives into how parents can model authenticity, help children interpret media, and offer tender

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3:28

How Do You Handle Unexpected Changes? Turning...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/23

What happens when the party is rained out or the flight is delayed? Dr. Roger Smith, speaking from a 12-hour airport delay, shares how to help your children navigate life’s inevitable disruptions. The key lies in a two-step approach: lead with compassion to validate their frustration, then move to clear communication once emotions have cooled. This episode explores how to teach children the difference between what they can control and what they must accept, avoiding the trap of emotional

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6:00

Who Is the Most Important Person in the Home?...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/18

It might sound like a trick question, but the answer is vital for a healthy household: the most important relationship in your home is your marriage. Dr. Roger Smith explains that while children require the majority of your time and energy, the marriage is the foundation that holds everything together. In this episode, learn how to identify if your focus has shifted too far toward the kids, why your spouse should be your primary teammate rather than a source of conflict, and how to create "protected

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3:15

Do You Let Your Children Play in the Mud? Why Getting...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/13

Should you let your kids trade their "Uber clean" environment for a muddy ditch? Dr. Roger Smith explains why letting children explore the dirt, rain, and puddles is more than just messy fun—it’s a vital part of healthy development. In this episode, discover how outdoor play sparks imagination and can even reveal hidden talents, like the Smith son who discovered his passion for art while sculpting in the mud. Learn to trust your child's natural protection (their skin!) and find the courage to step

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4:50

Do You Like Surprises? Celebrating the Hidden Growth...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/11

Like a spider lily bulb waiting beneath the soil, your child’s character and skills are often growing in ways you can’t see. Dr. Roger Smith explores the "surprises" of parenting—those unexpected moments when your child suddenly draws on years of hidden training to show courage, kindness, or wisdom. In this episode, learn how to recognize when your child’s "bulb" is finally blossoming and why it is crucial to pause and celebrate these milestones. Discover how marking these moments of maturity not

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3:53

Live on Stage: Expanding Your Child’s World Through...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/09

Is your child’s entertainment limited to a screen? Dr. Roger Smith highlights the unique magic of live performance and why every family should visit a community theater. Unlike movies, live plays show children the raw beauty of human effort—including the moments when actors forget lines and gracefully recover. This episode explores how attending local productions enriches a child’s imagination, provides a shared family story to discuss, and might even spark a hidden talent for the stage. Discover

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4:36

Hands-On Learning: Raising Problem Solvers Through...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/06

Do you feel unqualified to teach your child about engines? Dr. Roger Smith argues that you don’t need to be a mechanic to raise a resourceful child. Using tractors, lawnmowers, and even hairdryers as examples, he explains how exploring the "basic functions" of motors builds critical thinking and self-reliance. This episode offers creative, low-cost ways to spark curiosity—from utilizing free 4-H resources to picking up a broken small engine from a repair shop just to take it apart. Learn how to turn

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5:50

The Anatomy of Healing: Why It Hurts to Get Better |...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/04

Can pain actually be a sign of progress? Dr. Roger Smith blends biology with psychology to explain the concept of inflammation as a necessary part of the healing process. Just as a physical wound becomes red and sensitive as the body sends resources to repair it, emotional wounds often feel "angrier" or more sensitive before they truly heal. This episode explores why sensitivity to comments or memories isn't a sign of failure, but a productive part of emotional recovery. Learn how to navigate the

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5:18

Better Together: Matching Strengths with Weaknesses |...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/03/02

Can a "good deed" like organizing your spouse’s closet actually lead to a conflict? Dr. Roger Smith discusses the delicate balance of helping one another without overstepping boundaries. By identifying where your strengths meet your partner’s weaknesses, you can become a more effective parenting team—but only if you prioritize clear communication and trust. This episode explores how to move from antagonism to tandem work, ensuring your efforts to help are seen as acts of service rather than

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5:37

When Parenting Feels Heavy: Finding Hope in Hard...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/25

Have you ever had a day where you honestly hated being a parent? Dr. Roger Smith tackles this taboo topic with raw honesty, reminding mothers and fathers that feeling overwhelmed doesn't disqualify you from your role—it makes you human. From the shock of a newborn disrupting your perfectly managed life to the stress of missed developmental milestones, parenting is full of seasons that test our endurance. This episode explores how to navigate self-doubt and postpartum struggles by finding a community

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3:59

Extraordinary at the Ordinary: The Power of Small...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/23

Are you waiting for the "big" moments to define your parenting? Dr. Roger Smith introduces a powerful new family mantra: Be extraordinary at the ordinary. While social media often highlights grand vacations and major milestones, research shows that a child's success and emotional intelligence are rooted in the small, mundane interactions that happen before age two. From changing diapers and wiping noses to comforting a scraped knee, these daily acts of service build a foundation of security and

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3:07

What’s in a Name? Building a Child’s Mental Map |...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/20

Why do we call things what we do? From the desert oasis of Palm Springs to the streets we drive on, names are more than just labels—they are "mental hooks" for information. Dr. Roger Smith explores how explaining the significance behind names helps children understand history, nature, and the world around them. Learn why connecting a car logo to an animal or a street name to a civil rights leader sparks curiosity, and discover the powerful impact of sharing the story behind your child's own name. By

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3:54

Navigating the Grandparent Minefield: Boundaries &...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/18

Are your well-intended in-laws becoming a "royal pain in the neck"? Dr. Roger Smith tackles the delicate dynamics of grandparent relationships and the common "landmines" that trigger parenting conflicts. From sugar-filled treats to holiday traditions, this episode explores how to distinguish between minor infractions and major boundary crossings. Learn why open, honest communication is the key to moving from frustration to partnership, and discover how to protect your parenting values without

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3:05

The Anxiety Feed: Protecting Your Child’s Peace of...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/16

Is your home’s atmosphere inadvertently fueling your child’s fears? Dr. Roger Smith discusses the impact of constant news cycles and negative media on a child’s sense of safety. Because children often struggle to distance themselves from global tragedies, a steady stream of "bad news" can make the world feel like an inherently dangerous place. This episode offers practical advice on how to curate the information entering your home, the importance of providing context for rare events, and how to

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2:52

Pit Stop Parenting: Training for Independence |...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/13

What if a trip to the gas station was actually a masterclass in responsibility? Dr. Roger Smith shares his wife’s "pit stop" routine, where every child had a specific job—from checking the oil to scrubbing the windshield. Drawing on a famous principle from Zig Ziglar, Dr. Smith explains that failing to train our children only makes them more dependent on us in the long run. This episode explores how to turn everyday chores into "training modules" that build confidence and competence. Learn why

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2:50

Grace for the Rule-Breaker: Looking Beyond the...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/11

Even parents almost break their own rules—like putting muddy boots on the kitchen table! Dr. Roger Smith explores why children violate family standards and challenges parents to differentiate between rebellion and simple carelessness or distraction. This episode encourages a shift from "iron fist" discipline to a mindset of curiosity and grace. Learn how to ask what’s happening inside your child before reacting to what’s happening on the outside, and discover the power of extending the same grace to

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2:48

"I’m Tired": Navigating the Pre-Teen Sleep Slump |...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/09

If your 10-to-14-year-old is constantly complaining of exhaustion, they aren't just being difficult—they’re growing. Dr. Roger Smith explains the neurodevelopmental shifts that happen as children enter puberty, causing both physical fatigue and a surge in emotional processing. In this episode, learn why your pre-teen’s brain and body actually require more rest during this transition, and why "I'm tired" is often a legitimate physiological cry for help. Discover how to parent with compassion during

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3:14

The Rhythm of Relationship: Why You Should Sing with...

Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith ·

2026/02/06

Music is a powerful tool for connection, comfort, and character building. Dr. Roger Smith explores how singing together—regardless of your vocal talent—can soothe the soul and create lasting family bonds. From hymns and pop songs to simple nursery rhymes, the combination of meticulously chosen words and melodic rhythm has a unique way of "sticking" in a child's mind. Discover how to use music to calm high emotions, provide hope, and enrich your family’s shared experience. Whether you’re singing in

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223 results

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