If your pre-teen or young teenager is constantly complaining about being tired, they probably aren't just being lazy—their bodies are going through intense neurodevelopmental changes. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains the biological and emotional shifts happening in children between the ages of 10 and 14 that genuinely require more sleep and downtime.

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While the true value of doing hard things is that it forces us to grow, the more pressing question for parents is: How do you help your child do hard things? In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains that conquering life’s mountains begins entirely with mindset.

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Parents and children often find themselves in a tug-of-war over proper speech and grammar. Dr. Roger Smith addresses whether this is a battle truly worth fighting, noting that the necessity of perfect grammar largely depends on the situations and career paths your child will eventually navigate.

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Death and loss are inevitable, yet they remain some of the hardest topics to discuss with our kids. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explores how to navigate the difficult conversations surrounding death—whether it is the passing of a loved one, a family pet, or even the loss of a dream.

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When children push back, a parent's natural instinct is often to tighten the screws and enforce more rules—but this usually just fuels the fire. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains why this happens using a simple concept called "relationship math": Rules + Regulation - Relationship = Resentment and Rebellion.

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In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith tackles a vital life skill: learning to genuinely connect with others. While children often default to interacting strictly with their peers, the reality is that much of their lives will be spent communicating with adults and people outside their age group. The good news? Connection is a highly teachable skill.

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In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith asks an important question: What kind of tools do you use to train your children? The answer might be found in your local community. Youth development organizations—like 4-H, scouting, sports, or community theater—are not just ways to pass the time; they are powerful, practical tools for teaching communication, leadership, and life skills. In fact, Dr. Roger Smith suggests viewing them not as "extracurricular," but as essential "curricular" learning.

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In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith asks a question we all consider: Could your child be more thoughtful? Thoughtfulness—the practice of prioritizing the needs and feelings of others—is a highly desirable character trait, and fortunately, it is one that parents can actively cultivate. Dr. Roger Smith shares two simple, practical exercises to train your child to think outside themselves and build lifelong empathy.

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Most parenting advice is heavily focused on technique—rigid steps designed simply to get your child to do what you want. In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explains why this approach falls short and shares a foundational parenting truth: relationship always trumps technique.

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In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith asks a fundamental question: Are you training your children to make decisions? Decisiveness is not just an innate ability; it is a character trait that must be developed through practice. While it is tempting to make choices for our kids or rescue them when they make a poor one, letting them navigate options and endure natural consequences is how they truly learn.

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