Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith

The Power of Play: Connecting Through Games With Your Children | Episode 321

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 their secret hiding spots. These playful moments aren't just about fun; they're precious opportunities to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.Challenge yourself to set aside time each day for play. It doesn't need to be elaborate – make up silly games during car rides, turn everyday chores into treasure hunts, or create your own special games that become beloved family traditions. These moments of shared joy and laughter build connections that last a lifetime.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

The Art of Imitation: How Children Learn to Be Themselves | Episode 320

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 imitation, children build the foundation for their own unique identity. Just as artists often begin by copying masters before developing their own style, children use imitation as a springboard to understanding. Each repetition – whether it's copying your words, actions, or mannerisms – helps them grasp not just the 'what' but the 'why' behind human behavior.So the next time you see your little one mimicking you, remember: they're not just copying – they're learning how to become themselves.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Growing Through Parenthood: The Journey of Self-Improvement | Episode 319

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 knowledge we gain through reading. These influences shape our perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and help us evolve into better versions of ourselves. While our core essence remains, we can always refine and improve who we are.Remember: you're not trying to become a different person – you're working to become a better version of yourself. Every book that broadens your mind and every meaningful connection that touches your heart contributes to this gradual evolution.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

No Such Thing as Bad Weather | Episode 318

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 them build their very first snowman. These moments of embracing nature's wilder side create lasting memories that your children will cherish long into adulthood.Bad weather isn't a barrier to adventure – it's an invitation to experience the world differently. Bundle up in rain boots for puddle-jumping competitions, gather blankets for storm-watching sessions, or venture out to catch snowflakes on tongues. Every raindrop and snowflake holds the potential for joy and discovery.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

The Logic of Little Minds: Understanding How Children Think | Episode 317

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 than logical explanations. Think of it as providing a framework that guides their behavior until their brain develops the capacity for more sophisticated thinking. As they grow older, you'll notice their ability to understand cause-and-effect and make logical connections naturally emerging.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Just a Minute | Episode 316

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 intervals - maybe just 2-3 minutes for a quick cleanup task. As your child gets older, you can gradually increase these time periods. This hands-on approach helps them connect the abstract concept of time with their real-world experiences.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Guiding Children's Understanding: Making Sense of the World | Episode 315

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 out of the ordinary, take a moment to provide context. Help your children understand that what might initially appear weird or confusing often has a logical explanation or serves a particular function.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Creating Family Narratives: The Power of Shared Memories | Episode 314

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 children – you're helping them understand their family's unique narrative. Pull out old photographs, show them a treasured childhood toy, or describe a memorable family vacation. These tangible connections can spark their imagination and invite them to engage in storytelling themselves.Encourage your children to become storytellers too. Ask open-ended questions that prompt them to recall and articulate their own experiences.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Teaching Kids to Distinguish Fact from Fiction | Episode 313

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 between joking and serious conversation. When you make a playful joke, explain that you're not being serious. When discussing important matters, demonstrate how serious communication looks and sounds. This foundational lesson helps children recognize that context and tone matter when interpreting information.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Supporting Children Through Unexpected Changes | Episode 312

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 something unexpected occurs – whether it's a cancelled play date, a sudden move, or a change in family routine – acknowledge your child's feelings first. Their emotional response, whatever it may be, is valid and deserves recognition.While it's natural to want to fix everything for our children, sometimes changes are beyond our control. In these moments, help your children understand that while we can't always prevent changes, we can choose how we respond to them. Have honest conversations about what's happening, using age-appropriate language to explain why the change is occurring and what to expect moving forward.Remember that children take cues from their parents about how to react to unexpected situations. By maintaining calm and showing understanding while being honest about the reality of the situation, you help your children develop valuable coping skills that will serve them throughout their lives.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com