Do children truly follow in their parents' footsteps? Join Dr. Rogers as he explores the popular sayings "like father, like son," "chip off the old block," and "apples don't fall far from the tree." While acknowledging that children can forge their own paths, Dr. Roger Smith emphasizes the powerful influence parents have on their kids' character – …

Ever strike up a conversation with a stranger and find unexpected inspiration? Join Dr. Roger Smith as he shares a chance encounter at an airport gate with a young woman on her way to Midland, Texas. Discover how a simple conversation about life, dreams of becoming a nurse, and a powerful Teddy Roosevelt quote led to a moment of connection and a re…

What's the real value of a friend? Dr. Roger Smith introduces a friend, a shrimping expert, and shares how unexpected friendships can enrich your life and broaden your understanding of the world. Discover the surprising things you can learn from those around you and why exposing your children to diverse individuals is a crucial part of their growth…

What does it truly mean to love your children? In this episode, Dr. Roger Smith explores whether your children truly feel your love through your actions. Drawing from the idea that love covers wrongdoings, he poses a crucial question: Are you more inclined to protect your child's mistakes with their sense of shame in mind, or do you tend to expose …

Does a dad really make a difference? Dr. Roger Smith speaks directly to fathers about their vital role in the home. While acknowledging single-parent households, this episode focuses on empowering dads to increase their influence on their children's development, self-confidence, and ability to handle life's stresses. Discover simple yet powerful wa…

Navigating the turbulent teenage years? Feeling frustrated by the shift in your parenting role? Dr. Roger Smith introduces the crucial concept of the "parental shift." Discover why the control you had with your newborn naturally diminishes as they grow, especially into their teens. Learn the key to a smoother family dynamic: transitioning from cont…

Want to boost your child's self-confidence? Join Dr. Roger Smith on Parenting Matters Now for a quick yet powerful insight. Discover the surprising secret to building genuine self-assurance in your kids: helping them focus on others. Learn how giving children opportunities to assist others, do favors, and volunteer not only benefits those they help…

Ever look at your child and feel like you're only seeing an unfinished picture? Join Dr. Roger Smith on Parenting Matters Now as he uses a surprising analogy – a reclaimed 3,000-gallon milk tank – to illustrate the ongoing process of raising children. Discover how to look beyond their current imperfections and focus on their potential. Learn the im…

Are you a thermostat parent or just a thermometer? Join Dr. Rogers Smith on Parenting Matters Now for quick, actionable parenting advice. Learn how to move beyond simply labeling your child's behavior and instead, like a thermostat, initiate positive changes to help them grow. Discover practical ways to respond to challenging situations and guide y…

Worried about bullies? What if the issue starts at home? Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now tackles the challenging topic of children who exhibit bullying tendencies. Learn to recognize the mindset of a bully and understand that parents have a vital role in training their children away from this behavior. Discover practical ways to cultivate …

What truly shapes your child's future success and resilience? It might not be what you think. Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now dives into the often-underestimated power of the "small things" in life. Learn why being "extraordinary at the ordinary" – those consistent, everyday interactions – has a monumental impact on a child's development, …

Want to unlock a simple yet powerful key to your children's future? Dr. Roger Smith from Parenting Matters Now reveals why mealtime is one of the most important times in your family. Forget just getting food on the table – this episode provides practical, easy-to-implement ideas to transform your dinner table into a hub of connection, conversation,…

Is it better to be a "rock" or "go with the flow" when parenting? Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now explores the delicate balance between firmness and flexibility in raising children. Learn how to navigate the shift from strict rules for young children, who need clear boundaries, to guiding teenagers with underlying values rather than rigid …

Join Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now as he tackles the heartbreaking challenge many parents face: helping a child who struggles to make friends. In this insightful episode, Dr. Smith offers a compassionate approach to understanding the root causes of friendship difficulties and provides practical strategies for parents. Learn how to respon…

Join Dr. Roger Smith of Parenting Matters Now as he explores the often overlooked parenting skill of truly listening to your child. In this insightful episode, Dr. Smith distinguishes between different types of listening situations and offers practical guidance on how to respond appropriately to each. Learn why eye contact can be more important tha…

If you or your child experiences anxiety, you might find relief through a simple yet powerful practice that connects you directly with the earth beneath you. The therapeutic technique of "grounding" or "earthing" involves direct physical contact with the earth's surface—walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. This connection with nature has been …

Every parent stands at a crossroads of influence—will your child grow up with a limited view of the world, or will they develop a rich understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences? One of the most powerful ways to expand your child's horizons happens right at your own table. When you welcome others into your home—people from dif…

In the rhythm of family life, few moments hold as much potential for connection as the simple act of sharing a meal together. These daily gatherings around your table offer far more than just physical nourishment—they create space for stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that weave your family's unique tapestry. Consider transforming yo…

When tension rises and your teenager's attitude seems unbearable, pause for a moment of honest reflection. Could their defensive posture be a response to something in your approach? The teenage years bring a natural push for independence alongside rapidly changing emotions and perspectives. In these challenging moments, the question worth asking is…

Every person who has changed our world—whether through science, art, leadership, or compassion—once sat at someone's dinner table, played in someone's backyard, and was tucked in at night by someone who loved them. The extraordinary journey begins in ordinary moments. When you introduce your child to heroes and their stories, you're planting seeds …

The arrival of your first child transforms your world completely—shifting priorities, reshaping routines, and opening your heart in ways you never imagined possible. As your family grows, so too does the rich tapestry of relationships, experiences, and learning opportunities within your home. Many parents discover unexpected benefits as their famil…

Not all cries for attention come with words. Some children demand center stage, while others retreat into silence—but both are ultimately seeking the same thing: to be truly heard and understood. Each child communicates differently. The loud, animated child might seem obvious in their desire for attention, but the quiet, withdrawn child often needs…

Here's a thoughtful rewrite: Navigating Disappointment: A Lifelong Learning Journey Disappointment is an unavoidable companion on life's path—for both parents and children. How we learn to process these moments can shape our resilience, emotional intelligence, and future success. Children experience disappointment differently at various development…

When your child tests boundaries or melts down, what they're truly seeking goes deeper than we often realize. Yes, they need clear guidance – what we call discipline – but this isn't synonymous with punishment. True discipline comes from the word "disciple" – it's about teaching, guiding, and mentoring. During challenging moments, your child needs …

Every person who has changed our world—whether through science, art, leadership, or compassion—once sat at someone's dinner table, played in someone's backyard, and was tucked in at night by someone who loved them. The extraordinary journey begins in ordinary moments. When you introduce your child to heroes and their stories, you're planting seeds …

Children truly are natural learners, approaching the world with wide-eyed wonder and boundless curiosity. Their developing minds aren't just passively absorbing information—they're actively seeking to understand everything around them. At the heart of this learning process lies the powerful tool of questioning. Those endless "why" questions that so…

When your child responds with disrespectful words or a challenging tone, remember what you're ultimately working toward—raising future adults who can communicate effectively in various relationships and settings. In the professional world, speaking disrespectfully to colleagues, supervisors, or clients has real consequences. The same applies to per…

We all encounter moments that make our hearts race and our confidence waver. For adults, these frightening situations may be occasional challenges, but for children, they're a near-daily experience. The world of a child is filled with first-time encounters – first day of school, first time swimming, first time speaking to a group – each potentially…

Are your roots growing deeper, or have you plateaued? Personal growth rarely happens in isolation—it requires fresh perspectives and new ideas that challenge and expand our thinking. Like plants turning toward sunlight, we naturally develop in response to external stimuli. Without these outside influences—whether from meaningful conversations, thou…

We invest countless hours helping our children navigate friendships—arranging playdates, mediating conflicts, and teaching social skills. But when was the last time you nurtured your own connections? Parent friendships aren't just nice to have—they're essential. These relationships provide the emotional support, practical advice, and genuine unders…

Have you paused to preserve your family's story this year? Family photographs are more than just images—they're time capsules that freeze precious moments that pass all too quickly. These visual memories help us recall specific chapters in our family journey—the year your daughter lost her front teeth, when your son was still shorter than you, or t…

When curiosity strikes, where do you turn? While YouTube offers endless tutorials, don't overlook the remarkable wisdom hidden in children's books! These deceptively simple resources distill complex concepts into clear, accessible explanations – perfect for beginning any learning journey. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a produ…

Let's face it – reminders are part of family life! Even adults need calendars, notifications, and sticky notes to keep track of commitments, so it's perfectly normal when children need memory support too. Young minds are still developing the executive function skills that help with remembering responsibilities and tasks. Instead of viewing constant…

Just like reading or riding a bike, social skills don't develop automatically—they're learned through guidance, practice, and real-world experience. Children need our help to navigate the complex world of human interaction. Watch how your child connects with others. Do they struggle with sharing, taking turns, or reading emotional cues? These obser…

The true measure of strength isn't physical prowess or fearlessness, but rather the inner resilience that helps children navigate life's challenges. As parents, we have the privilege of cultivating this inner fortitude in our children—not overnight, but through consistent, intentional guidance. Real strength comes from developing unwavering integri…

When children interact, disagreements naturally arise – over toys, attention, or space. While constant fighting isn't healthy, learning to stand up for oneself and one's beliefs is an essential life skill. The goal isn't to raise children who avoid all conflict, but rather to nurture individuals who know when and how to stand their ground. A health…

Connecting through conversation with your child isn't about forced heart-to-hearts or lengthy lectures. It's about finding those golden moments when hearts and minds are open to truly hearing each other. Think of meaningful conversations like catching butterflies – they rarely come when chased, but rather when the conditions are just right. Maybe i…

Think of discipline as 90% teaching and guiding, and 10% punishment. At its heart, effective discipline is about teaching and nurturing – imagine yourself as a coach rather than a referee. The vast majority of discipline should focus on encouragement, patient teaching, celebrating small wins, and helping your child practice good choices. Early, con…

Never doubt the profound influence you have on your child's life journey. Every bedtime story, every encouraging word, every moment of patience, and every lesson shared shapes who they will become. You're not just raising a child – you're nurturing the person they'll grow to be. Your daily choices and actions, both big and small, ripple into their …

Don't underestimate the magic of a simple game! Whether it's a traditional game of hide-and-seek or an imaginative adventure you create together, playing with your children opens doors to deeper connection and joy. Children are natural players – they delight in the thrill of discovering hidden treasures and giggle with excitement when found in thei…

Watching your child mimic others isn't just adorable – it's a crucial part of their development. Like apprentices learning a craft, children naturally observe and copy the world around them, especially their parents. Those little moments when they try to wear your shoes or copy your gestures are actually powerful learning opportunities. Through imi…

As parents, we often find ourselves in quiet moments of self-reflection, wrestling with frustrations about our reactions, habits, or parenting choices. That desire for change is natural and valuable – but transformation doesn't happen overnight. Real personal growth comes through two powerful channels: the people who touch our lives and the knowled…

Don't let stormy skies dampen your family's spirit! While many parents rush their children indoors when weather turns rough, these "imperfect" moments can become magical childhood experiences. Let your little ones splash in puddles and feel rain on their faces. Watch their wonder as lightning illuminates the sky (from a safe spot inside), or help t…

A child's ability to reason logically develops gradually as their brain matures. While adults might see their toddler's behavior as illogical, young children simply haven't yet developed the neural pathways necessary for complex reasoning and deduction. During the early years, children learn best through clear, consistent rules and routines rather …

Young children experience time differently than adults do - minutes can feel like hours to them! This is especially true for younger children, who haven't yet developed a strong sense of how time passes. To help your child build their understanding of time, try using timers during daily activities. For toddlers and preschoolers, start with brief in…

Children are naturally curious, constantly trying to make sense of the world around them. As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to help them understand that not everything is random – sometimes things exist or happen for specific reasons. Explain the purpose behind everyday experiences and unusual situations. When something seems strange or ou…

Memories are the invisible threads that weave families together, and storytelling is the loom that brings these threads to life. Children have an innate curiosity about their family history, especially stories involving themselves or their parents' childhood experiences. When you share personal stories, you're doing more than entertaining your chil…

In today's information-saturated world, helping children develop critical thinking skills is more important than ever. Learning to discern between what's real and what's fabricated is a crucial life skill that begins with simple lessons and grows more complex over time. Start with basic communication at home. Help children understand the difference…

When life throws unexpected changes at children, their reactions can range from mild uncertainty to significant distress. As parents, how we respond to their reactions shapes both their immediate coping abilities and their long-term resilience. The key to helping children navigate change lies in combining compassion with clear communication. When s…

Children's musical preferences offer a window into their developing personalities and tastes. Since music plays such a powerful role in shaping emotions, attitudes, and memories, it's valuable to thoughtfully guide your children's musical exploration. Expose your children to diverse musical styles and genres – from classical and jazz to folk and co…