In this episode of “Parenting Matters Now,” Dr. Roger Smith explores the essential ingredients for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of input from books, people, and various learning resources. He shares a personal story about nurturing his son’s leadership skills and highlights the need for consistent time, effort, and information to grow as a parent. Discover how your growth can positively impact your children’s journey to maturity.

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In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith explores the essential role of friendships in a parent’s life. Discover why parents need a diverse friend group, including those with older children, peers, and younger families. Learn how these relationships can provide support, advice, and enrichment on your parenting journey. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of being proactive in building these connections and highlights the mutual benefits of friendship. Tune in to understand how to cultivate meaningful relationships that can help you navigate the challenges of parenting.

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In this episode of Parenting Matters Now, Dr. Roger Smith emphasizes the significance of capturing family moments through photographs. He shares personal anecdotes and practical tips on how family photos serve as cherished memory makers, helping us recall both the joyful and challenging times in our lives. Dr. Smith encourages families to take regular photos, whether professionally or with a smartphone, and to involve children in the process to create lasting memories. Tune in to learn how to make the most of these precious keepsakes.

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Want to master a complex new subject? The best place to start might be the children’s section of the library. Dr. Roger Smith shares a surprising strategy for learning: start with the most basic, "dumbed-down" resources first to build a solid foundation before diving into technical details. In this episode, discover why children's books and pictorial encyclopedias are elite tools for adults, the "one hour a day" rule for becoming a world-class expert, and why jumping into the deep end of a new topic often leads to discouragement rather than mastery. Learn how to apply this "shallow-to-deep" approach to your own growth and how to guide your children as they tackle new challenges.

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If you feel like a broken record, you aren't alone—but there is a better way to manage the mental load. Dr. Roger Smith explains that because children are constantly learning, reminders are a necessary part of growth. In this episode, learn how to move beyond verbal nagging by using "visual anchors," like his wife’s symbolic baby shoe or placing an item on a car seat. Discover the power of "habit stacking"—linking a new task to an existing routine—and the vital principle of behavioral change: reward the start of a good habit, but use consequences to stop a bad one. Teach your children the life skill of setting their own reminders so they can transition from being managed by you to managing themselves.

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Is "good behavior" just about following rules, or is it a secret key to success? Dr. Roger Smith explains that social skills are the currency of human connection—the "little keys" that open the hearts of others. From making eye contact at a birthday party to understanding the unspoken codes of a funeral or a business meeting, children aren't born knowing how to navigate social settings. In this episode, learn why teaching manners like "please" and "thank you" is about building relationships, not just obedience. Discover why even business giants like John D. Rockefeller valued the ability to get along with people above all else, and how you can intentionally train your children to be confident in any environment.

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Is your instinct to rescue your child actually holding them back? Dr. Roger Smith tackles the unpopular but essential task of raising "tough" kids in a world that often favors comfort. From a baby reaching for a distant toy during tummy time to a teenager facing the fear of public speaking, strength is built through the struggle—not by avoiding it. In this episode, learn how to distinguish between real danger and perceived fear, why "rescuing" your child from every difficulty breeds weakness, and how to model the courage and integrity needed to stand for something. Discover how to transform frightening moments into opportunities for bravery and character-building.

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Is "fighting" always a failure of discipline, or is it a necessary life skill? Dr. Roger Smith explores the nuance between innate aggression and a value-based fighting spirit. While the rule of thumb is always to "use words," this episode dives into why children must also be equipped with the capacity to defend what matters most. From martial arts training to deep conversations about integrity, learn how to teach your child the balance between self-control and the courage to stand up for their values. Discover how to move beyond the fear of conflict and help your child decide what—and who—is truly worth fighting for.

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Are your attempts at deep conversation met with eye-rolls or silence? Dr. Roger Smith shares the secret to breaking through: meaningful connection rarely happens through "big talks" or eye-to-eye interrogations. Instead, he introduces the Four Rights—the right time, situation, length, and intention. Learn why "shoulder-to-shoulder" activities like fishing or driving are the best places for kids to open up, and why a 30-second affirmation can be more powerful than a 30-minute lecture. Discover how to move from manipulation to genuine giving by focusing on what you like about your child’s character rather than just their appearance or grades.

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Is discipline just another word for punishment? Dr. Roger Smith argues that true discipline is 90% coaching and only 10% correction. In this candid episode, he addresses the "touchy" topic of punishment, emphasizing that while pain can be a powerful instructor, it should never be used as retaliation or rejection. Learn why intervening early requires less force, why your emotional control is more important than your technique, and how to ensure your child knows you are on their side—even in moments of correction. Discover how to move toward a goal of self-control and relationship restoration rather than mere retribution.

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