Parenting Matters Now with Dr. Roger Smith

Finding Calm Through Grounding: A Natural Approach to Anxiety | Episode 345

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 shown to help reduce stress hormones and promote a sense of calm and stability for many people.For children especially, the sensory experience of feeling different natural textures underfoot can redirect their focus away from anxious thoughts and back to present-moment awareness. This physical connection provides both a literal and metaphorical grounding effect during moments of emotional turbulence.While not a replacement for professional treatment when anxiety is severe, these grounding practices can be a helpful addition to your wellness toolkit, offering a moment of pause and reconnection when anxiety begins to rise.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Expanding Horizons: How Hospitality Opens Your Child's World | Episode 344

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 different backgrounds, generations, or life experiences—you're creating living lessons in empathy and connection that no textbook can match.Through hospitality, your child witnesses meaningful conversations, hears diverse viewpoints, and learns that differences enrich rather than threaten. These moments teach them to move beyond comfort zones, ask curious questions, and see the humanity in everyone they meet.The simple act of sharing your space and breaking bread with others can transform your child's understanding of the world—not through abstract lessons, but through authentic human connections that gradually expand the boundaries of their worldview.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Gathering at the Table: Creating Meaningful Family Mealtimes | Episode 343

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 your mealtimes from routine necessities into meaningful rituals. Create an atmosphere that invites presence—perhaps with a special playlist softly playing, phones tucked away, or candles occasionally lit. The goal isn't picture-perfect dining but rather an environment where everyone feels welcome to bring their whole selves to the table.These shared meals become anchors in your family's collective memory—the place where inside jokes are born, where challenges are processed together, and where your children learn they belong to something larger than themselves.
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This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com 

Mirror Moments: When Teen Attitudes Reflect Our Own | Episode 342

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 isn't just "Why won't they listen?" but "Am I truly hearing what they're trying to say?"Communication breakdowns often occur when teenagers feel their thoughts and feelings are dismissed before being understood. By stepping back and genuinely seeking to understand their perspective—without immediate judgment or correction—you create space for authentic connection.This doesn't mean accepting disrespect, but rather recognizing that meaningful dialogue requires both parties to feel valued. Sometimes, the most powerful parenting tool isn't asserting authority but demonstrating the humility to listen first.
Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/
This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com 

Nurturing Greatness: From Ordinary Childhood to Extraordinary Impact | Episode 341

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 of possibility. These aren't just tales of fame; they're blueprints for character, perseverance, and purpose. By sharing these stories, you help your child see beyond current limitations toward their own potential for impact.The greatest gift isn't preparing your child for celebrity, but nurturing the qualities that create meaningful lives: courage, creativity, compassion, and conviction. Whether or not their name becomes widely known, these qualities will ensure their life brings significance—to their community, their loved ones, and to a world waiting for their unique contribution.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

The Joy of Growing Families: Embracing the Adventure | Episode 340

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 family expands. Older children often develop nurturing qualities and responsibility as they help with younger siblings. The home becomes filled with diverse personalities, creating a dynamic environment where children learn vital social skills naturally through daily interactions.While larger families certainly come with financial considerations and logistical challenges, many parents find the rewards—the bonds between siblings, the shared memories, the love multiplied—bring immeasurable richness to family life that transcends material calculations.The decision to grow your family is deeply personal, shaped by your unique circumstances, values, and vision for your life together.
Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/
This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com 

The Art of Listening: Understanding Your Child's Unspoken Needs | Episode 339

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 listening just as deeply. Their signals might be subtler—a lingering glance, a hesitant approach, or a sudden change in behavior—but they're no less powerful.Being a vigilant listener means looking beyond the surface. It's about creating space where your child feels safe sharing their inner world, whether that's through direct conversation or by carefully observing the nuanced ways they attempt to connect.Your attentiveness sends a profound message: "Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences matter to me." In a world that often rushes past children, this simple act of genuine listening can be the most powerful form of love.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Navigating Disappointment: A Lifelong Learning Journey | Episode 338

Here's a thoughtful rewrite:Navigating Disappointment: A Lifelong Learning JourneyDisappointment 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 developmental stages. A toddler's crushed cookie might feel like the end of the world, while a teenager's missed opportunity carries more complex emotional weight. Understanding disappointment requires addressing both the cognitive and emotional landscapes of the experience.The cognitive side involves helping children understand the situation rationally: Why didn't things go as expected? What can be learned? The emotional side requires validation, empathy, and gentle guidance through the very real feelings of sadness, frustration, or anger.Your role isn't to eliminate disappointment but to teach children how to move through it. By modeling healthy responses, providing emotional support, and helping them develop perspective, you're equipping them with a crucial life skill that extends far beyond the immediate moment of letdown.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

The Heart of Discipline: What Children Need When Behaviors Challenge | Episode 337

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 to feel your steady presence as both their boundary-setter and their advocate. They need to know that even when their behavior isn't acceptable, your commitment to them remains unshakable.This balanced approach sends a powerful message: "I care enough about you to stop behaviors that won't serve you well, and I'm right here helping you learn better ways." This communicates that you're not working against them but rather standing firmly on their team – sometimes as coach, sometimes as cheerleader, but always as their most devoted supporter.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com

Nurturing Greatness: From Ordinary Childhood to Extraordinary Impact | Episode 336

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 of possibility. These aren't just tales of fame; they're blueprints for character, perseverance, and purpose. By sharing these stories, you help your child see beyond current limitations toward their own potential for impact.The greatest gift isn't preparing your child for celebrity, but nurturing the qualities that create meaningful lives: courage, creativity, compassion, and conviction. Whether or not their name becomes widely known, these qualities will ensure their life brings significance—to their community, their loved ones, and to a world waiting for their unique contribution.Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com